CATU AFG-2300 Series CAT'ARC Multi-Risk Switching Jacket, Arc Flash 12 CAL/CM²

Product Overview

The CATU AFG-2300 Series (AFG-2300-...) CAT'ARC Multi-Risk Switching Jacket is a specialized, professional-grade electrical safety coat engineered for rapid deployment during short-duration, high-risk live electrical operations. Designed and manufactured by CATU Electrical (a subsidiary of the SICAME Group), this long-form switching jacket provides essential thermal and blast protection against the devastating effects of an electrical arc flash without requiring the operator to change into a full two-piece safety suit.

Certified to deliver an Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) of 12 cal/cm² (ASTM F1959 / NFPA 70E) and Arc Protection Class 1 (APC 1 according to IEC 61482-1-2), the jacket is purpose-built to be worn directly over standard everyday workwear. To ensure comprehensive coverage during quick switching tasks, it features an extended 121 cm (47.6-inch) back length that shields the operator's torso, hips, and upper legs down to the knees, making it an indispensable life-saving garment for substation technicians and high-voltage engineers.

Key Features

• Rapid-Deployment Overcoat Design: Purpose-built with a generous cut to be donned quickly over standard daily work clothing for short-duration, high-hazard tasks like power-breaking operations or live battery maintenance.

• Extended 121 cm Body Coverage: Features an extra-long 121 cm back length designed to extend thermal shield protection down to the operator's knees, bridging the gap between a standard jacket and a full two-piece suit.

• Integrated Adjustable Hood: Includes an ergonomically designed hood that adjusts to comfortably fit over an insulated electrician's safety helmet and arc flash face shield, providing critical neck and side-of-head protection.

• Full-Length Velcro® Fastening: Equipped with a heavy-duty central Velcro® closure running the entire length of the coat, allowing for effortless opening, rapid donning, and snag-free emergency removal.

• Certified Multi-Risk Protection: Engineered from advanced textiles to defend against multiple occupational hazards simultaneously, including electric arc thermal blasts, radiant/convective heat, accidental flame spread, and static electricity accumulation.

• High-Visibility Compliance Marking: All normative safety standards, ATPV ratings, and APC classes are prominently displayed via large pictograms on the left sleeve for immediate field verification and safety audit compliance.

Technical Specifications

Ideal Use Cases & Applications

• High-Voltage Breaker Switching: Essential safety equipment for technicians performing routine or emergency power-breaking operations, racking circuit breakers in or out, and operating disconnect switches in industrial substations.

• Live Battery & UPS Maintenance: Perfect for short-duration live working environments, such as servicing industrial backup battery banks, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, or high-voltage electric vehicle (HEV/EV) battery disconnects.

• Emergency Substation Intervention: Serves as the primary quick-donning protective coat stored in electrical switchroom emergency wall kits or rapid-response utility vehicles.

• Industrial Facility Maintenance: Provides an immediate, compliant thermal shield against arc blast burns, shockwaves, and molten metal splatter for plant engineers inspecting live motor control centers (MCCs).

Common Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why should I use a switching jacket instead of a full two-piece arc flash suit?
A: A switching jacket is specifically engineered for short-duration, localized tasks (such as throwing a switch, operating a breaker, or pulling a fuse) where taking the time to strip down and put on a full two-piece suit and bib overalls is impractical. Because the AFG-2300 features an extended 121 cm back length, it provides critical thermal protection down to your knees directly over your daily workwear, ensuring compliance and safety without delaying urgent operations.

Q: Can I wear this switching jacket without a helmet or face shield?
A: No. While the jacket features an integrated, adjustable hood designed to cover the back of the neck and sides of the head, it must be worn in conjunction with an approved electrically insulated safety helmet and a rated arc flash face shield/visor (such as the CATU MO-185 or MO-286 series) to ensure complete 360-degree head, face, and neck protection.

Q: Why does this coat use a full-length Velcro® closure instead of a zipper?
A: A full-length central Velcro® closure allows the operator to seal the garment securely from chin to hem in seconds prior to stepping into an arc flash boundary. Crucially, in the event of an electrical accident or thermal exposure, Velcro® allows for rapid, snag-free emergency removal of the garment without the risk of jammed metal zipper teeth or melted buttons.

Q: What is the difference between the ATPV 12 cal/cm² and APC 1 ratings?
A: These represent two different testing standards for arc flash safety:

• ATPV 12 cal/cm² is the Open Arc test metric (used in ASTM F1959 and NFPA 70E standards), indicating the maximum amount of incident thermal energy the fabric can absorb before the wearer would experience a second-degree burn.

• APC 1 (Arc Protection Class 1) refers to the European Box Test standard (IEC 61482-1-2), which certifies that the garment successfully protects the wearer against a directed, constrained electrical arc fault of 4 kA.

Q: How should I choose the right size for the AFG-2300 switching jacket?
A: Because the AFG-2300 series is expressly intended to be worn over your standard daily work clothing, CATU manufactures these jackets with a generous, oversized fit. Sizes are grouped to span multiple standard measurements (e.g., Size S fits XS to Small; Size L fits Medium to Large; Size 2XL fits XL to 2XL). If you intend to wear heavy winter coats underneath, consider stepping up one size group.

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