Frequently asked questions

ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value) is the incident energy, in cal/cm², at which there is a 50% probability that heat transfer through the fabric would cause a second-degree burn. ELIM (Incident Energy Limit) is a more conservative value reported from the same open arc test, EN 61482-1-1. Where ELIM is lower than ATPV, it is the safer figure to compare against. Your risk assessment or site standard sets which one your specification needs. See the glossary for more terms.

APC stands for Arc Protection Class. In the box test (EN 61482-1-2) a garment is exposed to a constrained arc of 4 kA for APC 1 or 7 kA for APC 2, and the result is pass or fail. Your arc flash risk assessment sets which class applies. Read about EN 61482-1-2.

Start with your arc flash risk assessment, which gives the incident energy in cal/cm² for each task. Choose garments with an arc rating at or above that figure. If you already have the number, shop by protection level. If you do not have an assessment yet, complete one first or ask our team.

Arc flash is an electrical event. Flash fire is a sudden, short-duration fire caused by the ignition of a flammable gas, vapour or dust cloud. They are different hazards with different tests, although both can be present on one site. Check that a garment is tested for the hazards your assessment identifies.

Only if it is arc rated. A synthetic base layer can melt and bond to the skin under arc flash incident energy and undo the protection of the outer garment, so base layers in arc hazard areas should be arc rated. Some standards accept non-melting natural fibres as a minimum; follow your own risk assessment. Read the base layer guide.

No. Arc ratings are not added together. A combined rating only exists where that exact combination has been tested as a system. Use the protection builder to put a kit together layer by layer.

Each garment's product page and label list the standards it is tested to. Arc rated garments carry results from EN 61482-1-1 (open arc test), EN 61482-1-2 (box test), or both. Many also carry EN ISO 11612 (heat and flame), EN 1149 (anti-static) or EN ISO 20471 (high visibility). Always check the product page for the exact standards and ratings of the garment you are specifying. See what each standard covers.

You can request the signed Declaration of Conformity or the technical datasheet for any garment from the Documentation section of our homepage, or by emailing sales@vailos.co.uk with the product name.

EN ISO 20471 sets three classes of high-visibility clothing, from Class 1 to Class 3, with Class 3 the highest. The class depends on the area of fluorescent and retroreflective material, not just the presence of tape. Check the label for the class.

EN ISO 20471 is the primary standard for high-visibility workwear. EN 17353 covers enhanced visibility for medium-risk or low-light situations, where full EN ISO 20471 certification may not be required. A garment with reflective tape but no standard on its label is not confirmed as compliant with either. Read the low-visibility guide.

Follow the care label. Wash separately from regular clothing, avoid bleach, and tumble dry on low if the label allows. Proper care maintains protective performance. Anti-static properties can also degrade with washing and wear, so follow the care and inspection routine for your site.

It depends on how the protection is built. Inherent protection is built into the fibre itself and cannot wash out. Treated fabric has a finish applied to the surface, which can degrade over repeated laundering. Ask us for the datasheet to see how a particular garment achieves its rating.

UK standard delivery is £4.99 and is free on orders of £50 or more. UK express delivery is £6.99. We also deliver to Europe: the cost for your address is shown at checkout. For delivery anywhere else, email sales@vailos.co.uk and we will confirm the options and cost.

We accept credit and debit cards at checkout, and bank transfer for business accounts. For any payment or transaction query, email finance@vailos.co.uk.

Yes. For business credit applications, email sales@vailos.co.uk or finance@vailos.co.uk. Our team will guide you through the process and the documents needed.

You can choose logo positions and sizes for each garment in the protection builder. For larger orders or special artwork, request a quote and we will confirm artwork, pricing and lead times.

Yes. The range includes women's-fit trousers, coveralls, polos and sweatshirts. In the shop, choose Fit, then Women's, or go straight to the women's range.

Arc flash clothing is worn wherever workers could be exposed to an electrical arc, including utilities and power generation, energy transmission and distribution, oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical processing, manufacturing and heavy industry, mining, and infrastructure and construction. The rating you need depends on your risk assessment, not your industry.

Contact our team within 14 days of receiving your order. Items must be unused, in their original packaging, and accompanied by proof of purchase. Once your return is approved we will send instructions for returning the item. Read the full refund and returns policy.

Yes, exchanges are possible for stock products of equal value. If the replacement item costs more, the price difference is charged. Exchanges depend on stock availability.

Custom-made or personalised products, and items damaged through misuse, are not eligible for returns or exchanges.

If the return is due to an error on our part, such as the wrong item or a defect, Vailos covers the shipping cost. Otherwise the customer is responsible for return shipping.

Refunds are processed within 7–10 business days after the returned item has been inspected.