What does the Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) relate to?

The Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) is a measure of the amount of energy that a fabric can absorb before it fails to provide a degree of protection against electric arc exposure. Specifically, it reflects the incident energy on a fabric or material, which is crucial in determining its effectiveness in safeguarding individuals from the potential thermal hazards posed by electrical arcs. The higher the ATPV rating, the greater the fabric's resistance to arc flashes, indicating that it can withstand more energy before allowing dangerous levels of heat to pass through to the wearer's skin. This concept is essential in the selection of personal protective equipment for workers in environments where they may be exposed to arc flash incidents.