This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles
for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1506 − 22
Standard Performance Specification for
Flame Resistant and Electric Arc Rated Protective Clothing
Worn by Workers Exposed to Flames and Electric Arcs1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1506; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This performance specification identifies minimum per-
formance requirements to determine the (a) arc rating of
fabrics, (b) flame resistance of fabrics and subassemblies, (c)
mechanical durability of the fabrics and subassemblies, (d) the
minimum garment construction and performance requirements,
and (e) the garment labeling requirements for the completed
protective clothing worn by workers exposed to flames and
electric arcs.
1.1.1 The minimum requirements for garment labeling are
intended to provide end users with adequate information to
select garments with the appropriate arc rating.
1.1.2 End users are required to perform an assessment to
determine the level of hazard and the required arc rating of the
protective clothing for their individual hazards.
1.1.2.1 The end user risk assessments are outside the scope
of this standard.
1.2 This performance specification does not address coated
or laminated protective clothing commonly used for rainwear
applications in an arc hazard environment. Performance re-
quirements related to this category of protective clothing are
detailed in Specification F1891.
1.3 This performance specification does not address hand
protection. Performance and test requirements related to hand
protection are detailed in OSHA 1910.138, Specification D120,
and Test Method F2675/F2675M.
1.4 The care and maintenance requirements for laundering
electric arc flash protective clothing are outside the scope of
this standard. Refer to Guides F1449 or F2757 related to
industrial or home laundering.
1.5 This standard should be used to evaluate and describe
the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response
to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions. It
1
This performance specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee
F18 on Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers and is the direct responsibility
of Subcommittee F18.65 on Wearing Apparel.
Current edition approved March 1, 2022. Published April 2022. Originally
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as F1506–20a. DOI:
10.1520/F1506-22.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
should not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or
fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire
conditions.
1.5.1 The results of this evaluation may be used as elements
of a fire-risk assessment that takes into account all of the
factors that are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of
a particular end use.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only.
1.7 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
test methods portion, Section 7, of this performance specifica-
tion: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety,
health, and environmental practices and determine the appli-
cability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
D120 Specification for Rubber Insulating Gloves
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
D1424 Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by
Falling-Pendulum (Elmendorf-Type) Apparatus
D1776/D1776M Practice for Conditioning and Testing Tex-
tiles
D2261 Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the
Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-
Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
D2724 Test Method for Bond Strength of Bonded, Fused,
and Laminated Apparel Fabrics
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
 F1506 − 22
D3776/D3776M Test Methods for Mass Per Unit Area
(Weight) of Fabric
D3786 Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textile
Fabrics—Diaphragm Bursting Strength Tester Method
D5034 Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of
Textile Fabrics (Grab Test)
D6413 Test Method for Flame Resistance of Textiles (Ver-
tical Test)
D7138 Test Method to Determine Melting Temperature of
Synthetic Fibers
F1449 Guide for Industrial Laundering Care and Mainte-
nance of Flame Resistant or Arc Rated Clothing
F1891 Specification for Arc and Flame Resistant Rainwear
F1959/F1959M Test Method for Determining the Arc Rating
of Materials for Clothing
F2178 Specification for Arc Rated Eye or Face Protective
Products
F2675/F2675M Test Method for Determining Arc Ratings of
Hand Protective Products Developed and Used for Elec-
trical Arc Flash Protection
F2757 Guide for Home Laundering Care and Maintenance
of Flame Resistant or Arc Rated Clothing
F2894 Test Method for Evaluation of Materials, Protective
Clothing, and Equipment for Heat Resistance Using a Hot
Air Circulating Oven
2.2 AATCC Test Methods:3
Method 61 Colorfastness to Washing, Domestic and
Laundering, Commercial: Accelerated
Method 132 Colorfastness to Dry-Cleaning
Method 135 Dimensional Changes Automatic Home Laun-
dering of Woven and Knitted Fabrics
Method 158 Dimensional Changes on Drycleaning in Per-
chloroethylene: Machine Method
2.3 ANSI/ISEA Standards:4
107-2015 American National Standard for High-Visibility
Safety Apparel and Accessories
125-2014 American National Standard for Conformity As-
sessment of Safety and Personal Protective Equipment
2.4 CSA Standard:5
CSA Z96 High-Visibility Safety Apparel
2.5 Federal Standards:
29 CFR 1910.138 Hand Protection6
2.6 ISO Standards:7
ISO 9001 Quality management systems — Requirements
ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of
testing and calibration laboratories
3
AATCC Technical Manual, available from American Association of Textile
Chemists and Colorists, PO Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2215.
4
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org and International Safety
Equipment Association (ISEA), 1901 North Moore Street Suite #808 Arlington, VA
22209-1762, USA, https://www.safetyequipment.org.
5 8
Available from Canadian Standards Association (CSA), 178 Rexdale Blvd.,
Toronto, ON M9W 1R3, Canada, http://www.csagroup.org.
6 9
Available from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 200
Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210, http://www.osha.gov.
7
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier,
Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
2
ISO/IEC 17065 Conformity assessment — Requirements for
bodies certifying products, processes and services
ISO 20471 High visibility clothing — Test methods and
requirements
2.7 NFPA Standard:8
NFPA 2112 Standard on Flame-Resistant Clothing for Pro-
tection of Industrial Personnel Against Short-Duration
Thermal Exposures from Fire
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of textile terms used in this
performance specification, refer to Terminology D123.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 afterflame, n—persistent flaming of a material after the
ignition source has been removed.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—In arc testing, a visible flaming on or
near a test specimen which persists after the arc exposure has
ended. The afterflame ceases when flaming is no longer visible.
3.2.2 afterflame time, n—the length of time for which a
material continues to flame after the ignition source has been
removed.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—In arc testing, the length of time for
which a specimen continues to exhibit visible flaming as
determined by a time display video recording of the specimen
during arc testing.
3.2.3 arc rating, n—value attributed to materials that de-
scribes their performance to exposure to an electrical arc
discharge.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—The arc rating is expressed in cal/cm2
and is derived from the determined value of ATPV or EBT
(should a material system exhibit a breakopen response below
the ATPV value).
3.2.4 arc thermal performance value (ATPV), n—in arc
testing, the incident energy on a material or a multilayer system
of materials that results in a 50 % probability that sufficient
heat transfer through the tested specimen is predicted to cause
the onset of a second-degree skin burn injury based on the
Stoll9 curve, kW/m2(cal/cm2).
3.2.5 bibs and straps, n—as related to electric arc rated
protective clothing, a work garment for lower torso coverage
that blends trouser functionality with a more open waist. This
garment is supported by shoulder straps (straps) with front
and/or rear fabric panels (bibs) versus belts on traditional
trousers.
3.2.6 breakopen threshold energy (EBT), n—the incident
energy on a material or material system that results in a 50 %
probability of breakopen.
3.2.6.1 Discussion—This is the value in J/cm2 (cal/cm2)
determined by use of logistic regression analysis representing
the energy at which breakopen of the layer occurred.
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Derived from: Stoll, A. M., and Chianta, M. A., “Method and Rating System for
Evaluations of Thermal Protection,” Aerospace Medicine, Vol 40, 1969, pp.
1232-1238 and Stoll, A. M., and Chianta, M. A., “Heat Transfer through Fabrics as
Related to Thermal Injury,” Transactions—New York Academy of Sciences, Vol 33,
7, Nov. 1971, pp. 649-670.
 F1506 − 22
3.2.7 conformance, n—a determination based on test data
that a product meets the requirements of a performance
specification.
3.2.8 critical components, n—items used in the manufacture
of flame resistant and electric arc rated protective clothing
including but not limited to fabric, zippers, thread, visibility
enhancements, repair patches.
3.2.8.1 Discussion—Any component with design require-
ments or testing requirements stated in this standard is consid-
ered a critical component.
3.2.9 design test, n—for arc and flame resistant textile
materials, one made on a sample treated as representative of an
industrial product; these tests will not generally be repeated in
quantity production.
3.2.9.1 Discussion—Perform the design test only when a
new or modified textile material, that is, fabric, is used to
manufacture apparel. A modification in the fabric could be, but
is not limited to, any of the following: the supplier,
composition, weave type, weight, or dyeing and finishing
process.
3.2.10 fabric identifier, n—for electric arc protective
clothing, a unique indicator used to directly associate a specific
flame resistant fabric and its manufacturing and performance
information.
3.2.10.1 Discussion—As related to electric arc protective
clothing, fabric manufacturing information includes, but is not
limited to the materials of construction (for example, fibers and
the chemical treatment system if used), fabric design (for
example, weave, knit, or nonwoven structure information,
nominal basis weight and thickness, dyeing information if
required, and flame resistant chemical treatment specifics if
required), and Fabric Producer information. Fabric perfor-
mance information includes, but is not limited to the fabric
performance testing results for the performance specification
requirements noted within this standard.
3.2.11 fabric producer, n—for electric arc protective
clothing, the manufacturer(s) who produce and/or are respon-
sible for the quality assurance testing and electric arc rating of
a finished fabric used in garment construction.
3.2.11.1 Discussion—As related to electric arc protective
clothing, an arc protective finished fabric is comprised of any
or all of the following: (1) a planar woven, knit, or nonwoven
structure produced from fibers and/or yarns, (2) is colored
(dyed, pigmented, or otherwise meeting a garment manufac-
turer specification), and (3) is treated with flame retardant
chemicals where required to meet the flame resistance require-
ments identified in this standard.
3.2.12 fabric weight, actual, n—the measured value of a
sample of fabric mass per unit area expressed in grams per
square meter (ounces per square yard), from a lot of fabric as
produced by the fabric manufacturer. This measurement is
done in accordance with Test Methods D3776/D3776M before
washing and after conditioning in accordance with Test
Method D1776/D1776M.
3.2.13 fabric weight, arc test, n—The measured value of a
specific sample of the fabric mass per unit area expressed in
3
grams per square meter (ounces per square yard), that is used
to generate the fabric’s arc rating according to Test Method
F1959/F1959M.
3.2.13.1 Discussion—This weight is sometimes referred to
as "AAD" or "Average Areal Density" on arc test reports.
Before recording this weight, fabric is prepared in accordance
with the preparation instructions of Test Method F1959/
F1959M without conditioning in accordance with Practice
D1776/D1776M. Weight of the prepared fabric is required to
be recorded prior to arc testing.
3.2.14 fabric weight, nominal, n—The target mass per unit
area expressed in grams per square meter (ounces per square
yard), for all production fabrics.
3.2.14.1 Discussion—This is the official published weight
and should not change once established for each unique fabric
identifier. Manufacturers may have different acceptable vari-
ances to the published weights.
3.2.15 findings—miscellaneous fabrics in garments such as
zipper tapes, linings, pockets, waistbands, and facings.
3.2.16 flame-resistant cloth face covering (FRCFC), n—a
flame-resistant fabric-based garment, primarily covering the
nose and mouth, designed to reduce community spread of
biological hazards.
3.2.16.1 Discussion—FR Cloth Face Coverings are not
designed to provide arc protection for the face, head, or neck.
3.2.17 garment tracking and identification code, n—for
electric arc protective clothing, a unique identifier or code used
to directly associate a specific flame resistant garment of single
or multilayer construction and its manufacturing and perfor-
mance information.
3.2.17.1 Discussion—As related to electric arc protective
clothing, garment manufacturing information includes, but is
not limited to the materials of construction (sewing thread,
fabrics, fasteners, closures, and associated hardware), fabric
information utilized in garment design (for example, single and
multilayer Fabric Producer information and fabric lot
information), garment design information (for example, fabric
layering information for multi-layer systems), and garment
design information (for example, garment assembly facility
identifier and identification number, lot number, or serial
number). Garment performance information includes, but is
not limited to the overall fabric system performance testing
results for the performance specification requirements noted
within this standard (for single or multilayer garment systems).
3.2.18 momentary electric arc—a discharge of electricity
through a gaseous media, normally characterized by a voltage
drop in the immediate vicinity of the electrodes, approximately
equal to the ionization potential of the gaseous media.
3.2.19 protective clothing, n—as related to electric arc
rated garments, an item of clothing that is specifically designed
and constructed for the intended purpose of covering all, or
parts of the body, to reduce the severity of injury when exposed
to flames and electric arcs.
3.2.19.1 Discussion—Protective clothing can include a va-
riety of items designed, constructed, and intended to be worn
on the body.
 F1506 − 22
3.2.20 radiant heat—heat communicated by energy propa-
gated through space and transmitted by electromagnetic waves.
3.2.21 thermal hazard—the heat energy sufficient to cause
burn injury to human tissue subjected to a momentary electric
arc.
3.2.22 trims and findings, n—in garment manufacturing, the
generic term used to identify various component
subassemblies, any of which can be used individually, or in
combination, for the manufacturing of garments or other textile
structures, excluding primary fabric.
3.2.22.1 Discussion—These component subassemblies
include, but are not limited to, slide fasteners (zippers), hook
and loop (touch fasteners), patches, emblems, visibility
enhancements, insignias, linings, pockets, waistbands, and
facings.
3.2.23 user—the employer or entity purchasing the equip-
ment to be utilized by workers for their protection; in the
absence of such an employer or entity, the individual purchas-
ing and utilizing the protective equipment.
3.2.24 visibility enhancements—as related to electric arc
rated protective clothing, retroreflective and fluorescent subas-
semblies that are attached to the protective clothing to improve
wearer conspicuity in different light conditions.
3.2.24.1 Discussion—Visibility enhancements can be at-
tached to electric arc rated protective clothing by either of two
means: stitching or thermal heat fusing. Conspicuity require-
ments are outside the scope of this standard. Examples of
conspicuity standards include but are not limited to ANSI/
ISEA 107, ISO 20471, CSA Z96.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This specification provides performance properties for
electric arc rated protective clothing using objective data that
report the measurable results from recognized test methods.
These measurable results provide information that the user can
reference when selecting flame resistant and electric arc rated
protective clothing.
4.1.1 This specification identifies the criteria for evaluating
the performance of fabrics used to make electric arc rated
protective clothing.
4.1.2 This specification identifies the criteria for evaluating
the performance of trims and findings and visibility enhance-
ments used for the manufacture of electric arc rated protective
clothing.
4.1.3 This specification identifies the criteria for evaluating
the structural integrity of the assembly used to construct the
electric arc rated protective clothing.
4.1.4 The users can incorporate the information in this
specification for purchase contracts to ensure that the quality
controls used for the manufacturing of the protective clothing
meet the performance requirements identified in the standard.
4.1.5 This specification provides guidelines for acceptable
repairs.
4.2 The selection and use of any flame resistant and electric
arc rated protective clothing requires a vigilant and ongoing
assessment by the worker and the supervisory personnel to any
other high energy hazards in the surrounding area. This
4
ongoing risk assessment by workers and supervisors helps to
confirm that the location and distance from their position, to
any hazard having an incident energy, is not greater than the arc
rating (ATPV or Ebt) of the protective clothing being worn.
4.3 Because work practices can vary due to many factors,
the user purchasing this protective clothing is responsible to
prepare complete and detailed instructions and policies regard-
ing the use of this protective clothing. This allows for risk
assessment of hazards, work practices, and other concerns to be
addressed.
5. Fabric Requirements
5.1 Material tests shall be performed on textile materials as
they are delivered to the clothing manufacturer.
5.1.1 Material tests may be performed on samples taken
from finished garments.
5.2 Fabric shall be lot tested as follows:
5.2.1 Perform flammability per 7.6 before laundering on
every lot.
5.2.2 Perform 7.1, 7.2 (or 7.3 for knits), 7.5, 7.6 after
laundering, and 7.8 on every 50 000 yds of manufactured fabric
or the manufactured yardage, or every 12 months, whichever
comes first, or the frequency can be determined by a docu-
mented statistically based sampling plan as defined in the
manufacturer’s quality program.
5.3 Design tests shall be run on the original and when
changes are made to flame resistant textile materials, for
example, fiber type, yarn type, weaving style, fabric weight,
dyeing, or finishing procedure.
6. Garment Requirements
6.1 Thread, trims and findings, and fasteners or closures
used in garment construction shall not contribute to the severity
of injuries to the wearer in the event of a momentary electric
arc and related thermal exposure.
6.1.1 Sewing thread utilized in the construction of garments
shall be made of an inherently flame-resistant fiber and shall
not melt below a temperature of 260 °C (500 °F) when tested
in accordance with Test Method D7138. Only three specimens
are required to be tested.
6.1.2 Fasteners or Closures
6.1.2.1 All slide fastener tape utilized in the construction of
flame-resistant garments shall be made of inherently flame-
resistant materials.
6.1.2.2 Metal fasteners or closures shall be covered with a
layer of material between the fastener or closure and the skin.
The material used for this purpose shall meet the requirements
of this performance specification.
NOTE 1—When metal fasteners or closures, for example, zippers, snaps,
or buttons, or a combination thereof, are used in a manner in which they
are in contact with the skin, they can increase heat transfer and burn injury
due to heat conduction or melting onto the skin.
6.1.2.3 Specimens of hardware used in the construction of
flame-resistant garments, including but not limited to buttons,
fasteners, and closures, when visible on the outside of the
garment, shall be tested for heat resistance according to Test
Method F2894. The oven temperature shall be 260 +8/-0 °C
 F1506 − 22
(500 +14/-0 °F) and the oven exposure time shall be 5 min +
15/-0 s. Specimens shall not melt and drip, separate, or ignite
and shall remain sufficiently functional to allow the garment to
be removed.
6.1.3 Visibility enhancements, which are designed to be
attached to electric arc rated garments shall be tested and
certified to NFPA2112 by the visibility enhancement
manufacturer, or shall be tested in IAW 6.1.3.1 or 6.1.3.2. Tests
specified in 6.1.3.1 or 6.1.3.2 shall be repeated when changes
are made to the design of the materials used in the visibility
enhancement or at least bi-annually, that is, once every 6
months.
NOTE 2—This testing is intended to be on newly received product, not
existing, previously tested material that has been in inventory.
6.1.3.1 Visibility enhancements, which are designed to be
attached to electric arc rated garments by means of stitching,
shall be tested independent of the fabric if available in
sufficient sample width, and shall not melt and drip and shall
demonstrate no more than a 2-s after-flame time when tested
using Test Method D6413. When visibility enhancement is not
available in sufficient sample width, the width of the sample
shall be increased by attaching representative fabrics to the
sides of the sample and shall not melt and drip and shall
demonstrate no more than a 2-s after-flame time when tested
using Test Method D6413. In both cases, char length and
afterglow time shall not be measured.
6.1.3.2 Visibility enhancements which are designed to be
attached to an electric arc rated garment by means of thermal
fusing, are tested after first being attached to the arc rated
fabric used in the garment and shall not melt and drip and shall
demonstrate not more than a 2-s after-flame time when tested
using Test Method D6413. Char length and afterglow time
shall not be measured.
6.2 The properties of materials for basic protection level
wearing apparel shall conform to the specifications in Table 1,
Table 2 and Table 3 when evaluated in accordance with Section
7.
NOTE 3—Physical characteristic tests and values in Section 7 and 1 and
Table 2 are based on experience from woven and knit fabrics currently in
use and may not be applicable to other fabric types.
NOTE 4—Characteristics (for example, clothing ensembles, design, and
laundry maintenance) of protective garments for basic protection level
wearing apparel should be guided by the information contained in
Appendix X1.
6.3 All repairs and alterations to arc and flame-resistant
garments shall be performed compliant to the requirements in
this specification. Repairs to critical seams shall be made with
flame-resistant thread that meets the requirements of 6.1.1.
6.3.1 Patches added to the clothing to repair any rip smaller
than 1⁄2 in.2 shall be made with FR fabric and FR thread (if
sewn).
6.3.2 Patches added to the clothing to repair any rip larger
than 1⁄2 in.2 shall be made with FR fabric that has an arc rating
equal to or greater than that of the garment and FR thread (if
sewn).
NOTE 5—For extensive alterations, the manufacturer should be con-
sulted for guidance.
6.4 Garments shall be labeled with the following informa-
tion:
6.4.1 Meets requirements of Performance Specification
F1506,
6.4.2 Manufacturer’s name,
6.4.3 Fabric identifier,
6.4.3.1 The fabric identifier shall provide the Fabric Produc-
er’s name, and the Fabric Producer’s style number or fabric
name which complies with this performance specification. This

TABLE 1 Requirements, Woven Fabrics

Fabric Weight Ranges, oz/yd 2 Section
3.0–5.9 6.0–8.4 8.5 and higher Reference
Characteristic:
Breaking load, min, N (lbf) 134 (30) 179 (40) 223 (50) 7.1
Tear resistance, min, N (lbf) 11 (2.5) 18 (4.0) 22 (5.0) 7.2
Colorfastness:
Laundering shade change Report measured values and laundering method 7.4.1
Dry-cleaning shade change Report measured values 7.4.2

Dimensional Change: Report wash method and specified max along with results 7.5
OR: ±5 % ±5 % ±5 % 7.5.1
Flammability Before Laundering: A
Char length, max, mm (in.) 152 (6.0) 152 (6.0) 152 (6.0) 7.6
Afterflame time, max, s 2 2 2 7.6
Flammability After Laundering:
Char length, max, mm (in.) 152 (6.0) 152 (6.0) 152 (6.0) 7.6
Afterflame time, max, s 2 2 2 7.6
Arc Test Results:
Arc rating (cal/cm2) Report measured valuesB 7.7
Arc test fabric weight Report measured values 7.7
Afterflame time, max, s (for single layer arc test specimens) 5 5 5 7.7.1
Actual/Nominal Fabric Weight: Report measured/declared values 7.8
A
No melting and dripping of the test material is permitted.
B
When the arc rating represents the ATPV, it shall be designated as arc rating (ATPV). When arc rating represents the EBT, it shall be designated as arc rating (EBT). Arc
rating is determined and reported for a fabric that meets all the requirements of this performance specification to provide guidance on the performance of the fabric in arc
exposure testing. There is no minimum required value for arc rating. For additional information on ATPV and EBT, see Test Method F1959/F1959M.

5
 F1506 − 22
TABLE 2 Requirements, Knit Fabrics
Fabric Weight Ranges, g/m2(oz/yd 2) Section
20–100 (0.6–2.9) 101–275 (3.0–8.1) >276 (>8.1) Reference
Characteristic:
Bursting strength, min, kPa (psi) report only 275 (40) 345 (50) 7.3
Colorfastness:
Laundering shade change Report measured values and laundering method 7.4.1
Dry-cleaning shade change Report measured values 7.4.2

Dimensional Change Report wash method and specified max along with results 7.5
Flammability Before Laundering A
Char length, max, mm (in.) 152 (6.0) 152 (6.0) 152 (6.0) 7.6
Afterflame time, max, s 2 2 2 7.6
Flammability After Laundering 7.6
Char length, max, mm (in.) 152 (6.0) 152 (6.0) 152 (6.0) 7.6
Afterflame time, max, s 2 2 2 7.6
Arc Test Results:
Arc rating (cal/cm2) Report measured valuesB 7.7
Arc test fabric weight Report measured values 7.7
Afterflame time, max, s (for single layer arc test specimens) 5 5 5 7.7.1
Actual/Nominal Fabric Weight: Report measured/declared values 7.8
A
No melting and dripping of the test material is permitted.
B
When the arc rating represents the ATPV, it shall be designated as arc rating (ATPV). When arc rating represents the EBT, it shall be designated as arc rating (EBT). Arc
rating is determined and reported for a fabric that meets all the requirements of this performance specification to provide guidance on the performance of the fabric in arc
exposure testing. There is no minimum required value for arc rating. For additional information on ATPV and EBT, see Test Method F1959/F1959M.

TABLE 3 Non-woven Limited Use and Disposable Products 6.4.4.1 For garments designed to be separated, each sepa-
Characteristic Requirements Section Reference(s) rable layer shall have a garment tracking and identification
Bursting strength, min, kPa (psi) report only 7.3 code.
Dimensional change report only 7.5
Flammability before laundering:A NOTE 6—An example of a separable garment would be a jacket with a
Char length, max, mm (in.) 152 (6.0) 7.6 removable liner.
Afterflame time, max, s 2 7.6
Flammability after launderingA (for
6.4.5 Size and other associated standard labeling,
limited use products): 6.4.6 Care instructions and fiber content, and
Char length, max, mm (in.) 152 (6.0) 7.6
Afterflame time, max, s 2 7.6
6.4.7 A single arc rating, either arc rating (ATPV) or arc
Arc Test Results: rating (EBT) representative of the materials of construction.
Afterflame time, max, s (for single 5 7.7.1 6.4.7.1 If garments are constructed with single layers of
layer arc test specimens)
Arc rating,B cal/cm2 report measured 7.7
different fabrics, the arc rating of the fabric with the lowest
valuesB rating shall be assigned to the entire garment.
Arc test fabric weight report measured 7.7 6.4.7.2 If garments are constructed with multiple layers of
values
Actual/Nominal Fabric Weight: report measured 7.8
fabrics, either establish an arc rating for the layered system or
values the arc rating of the outermost layer can be assigned to that
A
No melting and dripping of the test material is permitted. layered system. The arc rating of the portion of the garment
B
When the arc rating represents the ATPV, it shall be designated as arc rating with the lowest rating shall be assigned to the entire garment.
(ATPV). When arc rating represents the EBT, it shall be designated as arc rating 6.4.7.3 Pockets, reinforcement patches, cuffs, collars, trims
(EBT). Arc rating is determined and reported for a fabric that meets all the
requirements of this performance specification to provide guidance on the perfor- and findings, visibility enhancements, closures, seams, labels,
mance of the fabric in arc exposure testing. There is no minimum required value suspenders, bibs and straps, and heraldry shall not be consid-
for arc rating. For additional information on ATPV and EBT, see Test Method
F1959/F1959M.
ered as extra layers when they are not intended to increase the
arc rating.
6.5 FR Cloth Face Coverings (FRCFC) used to lower the
information is permitted to be incorporated in an alphanumeric risk of community spread biological hazards, such as COVID-
or similar distinguishing nomenclature (unique identifier) that 19, shall meet ALL applicable requirements of this specifica-
is distinct to the Fabric Producer and the fabric. tion but are exempt from the labeling requirements of 6.4.
6.4.3.2 Layered fabric garment components, such as jacket NOTE 7—FRCFCs large enough to include labeling fully compliant to
liners, constructed and tested as a bonded or quilted unit or 6.4 are permitted, as long as the label does not add to the severity of the
system, shall be permitted to be noted on the label by a single injury per 6.1.
nomenclature or single unique identifier (as referenced in 6.5.1 FR Cloth Face Coverings do not provide ANY
6.4.4.1). If any fabric layer of a bonded or quilted unit is required level of arc flash protection to the head, face and neck.
changed, the name or unique identifier shall also be changed. If head, face, and neck protection is required for arc flash
Reflective trim, pockets, reinforcement patches, cuffs, collars, hazards refer to Specification F2178.
yokes, closures, seams, labels, and heraldry shall not be 6.5.2 In lieu of the labeling requirements of 6.4, FR cloth
considered as extra layers. face coverings shall be marked or labeled with the following
6.4.4 Garment Tracking and Identification Code: information, at a minimum:

6
 F1506 − 22
6.5.2.1 “FRCFC ASTM F1506 - Not arc flash face
protection”,
6.5.2.2 The tracking identification code.
7. Fabric Test Methods
7.1 Breaking Load—Determine the breaking load of woven
fabrics in accordance with Test Methods D5034 (Grab test G:
CRT or CRE). Woven fabrics must meet the requirements of
Table 1.
7.2 Tear Resistance—Determine the tear resistance of wo-
ven fabrics in accordance with Test Method D1424. Woven
fabrics must meet the requirements of Table 1.
7.2.1 As an option for selected materials, Test Method
D2261 may be employed. This option may be exercised upon
agreement between the buyer and the seller. Woven fabrics
must meet the requirements of Table 1.
7.3 Bursting Strength—Determine the bursting strength of
knit and non-woven fabrics in accordance with Test Method
D3786. Knit fabric must meet requirements of Table 2. For
non-woven fabrics report measured values.
7.4 Colorfastness:
7.4.1 Laundering—Determine the colorfastness to launder-
ing for fabrics that are launderable. Launder as directed by the
garment manufacturer. Report measured values and laundering
method.
7.4.1.1 If no laundering method is supplied by the garment
manufacturer, launder in accordance with AATCC Method 61,
2A.
7.4.2 Dry Cleaning—For fabrics labeled “Dry Clean Only,”
determine the colorfastness to dry cleaning in accordance with
AATCC Method 132. Report measured values.
7.5 Dimensional Change—For laundry shrinkage, deter-
mine dimensional change as directed by the garment manufac-
turer. Report the wash method and the required maximum
shrinkage values specified by garment manufacturer along with
the test results.
7.5.1 If no criteria are supplied by the garment
manufacturer, dimensional change of woven fabrics shall not
exceed 65 %. For all other fabrics, report measured values.
Use AATCC Method 135, using Conditions for Machine Cycle
3, Wash Cycle IV, Drying Procedure A iii, five washes or for
dry-cleanable shrinkage, use AATCC Test Method 158.
NOTE 8—AATCC Method 135 should not be employed for fabrics
marked “Do Not Wash.”
7.6 Flammability—The flammability of the material shall be
tested in accordance with Test Method D6413 for samples both
before and after laundering; wash as specified in 7.6.1 or dry
clean as specified in 7.6.2. No melting and dripping of the test
material is permitted. Char length shall not exceed 152 mm
(6.0 in.) and afterflame time shall not exceed 2 s.
7.6.1 Fabrics suitable for washing shall be washed at least
25 times using one of the following methods. Method and
number of washes shall be reported:
(a.) NFPA 2112
(b.) AATCC Method 135 (3, IV, A iii).
7
7.6.1.1 For non-woven fabrics to be used in disposable
garments with care instructions indicating the garment is not to
be cleaned, test the fabric sample only as received. (See Table
3.)
7.6.1.2 For non-woven fabrics to be used in limited use
garments with care instructions indicating the garment can only
be cleaned a limited number of times, test the fabric sample as
received and after the limited number of launderings specified
using AATC Method 135 (3, IV, A iii). (See Table 3.)
7.6.2 Fabrics labeled “Dry Clean Only” shall be dry-cleaned
at least 25 times using the procedure in Test Methods D2724,
Section 6.1. Number of dry-cleanings shall be reported.
7.7 Arc Rating—If the material meets the flammability
requirements in 7.6 and Tables 1-3, determine the arc rating of
the material in accordance with Test Method F1959/F1959M.
Arc Test Report shall include the Arc Test Fabric Weight along
with the arc rating of the fabric. Test Method F1959/F1959M
is used as a design test.
NOTE 9—Arc rating values below 10 cal/cm2 shall be reported to the
nearest 0.1 cal/cm2, and arc rating values above 10 cal/cm2 shall be
reported to the nearest 1 cal/cm2.
7.7.1 When arc testing in accordance with Test Method
F1959/F1959M, for single layer systems only, afterflame time
shall be determined by calculating the average afterflame time
of at least three arc test specimens for which the incident
energy is equal to or greater than the ATPV or EBT (which ever
is applicable). All arc test specimen exposures for which the
incident energy is equal to or greater than the ATPV or EBT
shall be reported and used in the determination of afterflame
time. Afterflame time shall not be more than 5 s.
7.8 Actual Fabric Weight—Determine the actual fabric
weight in accordance with Test Methods D3776/D3776M
before washing and after conditioning according to Test
Method D1776/D1776M. Report nominal fabric weight and
actual fabric weight on lot test reports.
8. Report
8.1 Report the following information:
8.1.1 Results of testing as required in Sections 5, 6, and 7,
8.1.2 Lot number,
8.1.3 Size of lot,
8.1.4 Sample identification, and
8.1.5 Number of samples tested in accordance with 6.2.
8.2 For each sample fabric that meets the requirements of
this performance specification, a report similar to the format
shown in Table 1 for woven fabrics, Table 2 for knit fabrics or
Table 3 for limited use and disposable fabrics, shall be used to
report the results of testing that is required in Sections 5, 6, and
7. In addition, a description of the fabric composition, weight,
color, and weave or knit construction shall be included. This
report shall be made available to the purchaser of garments
meeting this performance specification by the garment manu-
facturer.
 F1506 − 22
9. Product Conformance
9.1 Garments that are declared to be compliant to ASTM
F1506 shall meet all the requirements of this standard. Con-
forming garments should be labeled with the following decla-
ration: “This garment meets all the requirements of ASTM
F1506”. When this declaration is included in the label of the
garment, the garment must meet the requirements of the edition
of the standard in effect at the time the garment was manufac-
tured. When a new edition of ASTM is published, manufac-
turers will have 12 months from the date of issue to meet any
new requirements listed in the standard.
NOTE 10—This declaration is equivalent to ANSI/ISEA 125-2014
Section 5 level one requirements.
9.2 Protective clothing manufacturers are responsible for
the following:
9.2.1 Protective clothing manufacturers shall develop,
follow, and update as-necessary a documented quality manage-
ment system, that includes at a minimum, the following:
routine (at least annual) audits of their quality management
system, documented inspection and testing instructions, docu-
mented inspections, with clearly stated criteria used for accep-
tance or rejection of incoming materials; and a documented
product recall system.
9.2.2 Protective clothing manufacturers are responsible for
the selection of critical components used in the manufacturing
of the garments. This requires that the protective clothing
manufacturer only use critical components acquired from a
supplier that has a documented quality management system
and that the critical components meet all of the applicable
requirements of ASTM F1506.
9.2.2.1 Protective clothing manufacturer shall review the
quality management system annual audit results provided by
critical component producers to verify that they continue to
meet the requirements of the F1506 standard.
APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. GUIDELINES FOR PROTECTIVE WEARING APPAREL
X1.1 Although this performance specification for basic
protection level wearing apparel for electrical workers is
written for single-layer work clothing, it is recognized that
optimum protective performance to severe exposure (for
example, high currents, closeness to the arc, long time periods)
involves the use of an appropriate system.
X1.1.1 Garments worn as underlayers (underwear) that
neither ignite nor melt and drip in the course of an exposure to
the electric arc and related thermal hazard may provide
additional thermal insulation.
X1.1.2 Garments that meet this performance specification
may be used for a layered system for added protection. A
typical layering system may include an undershirt, a shirt,
trousers, and a flash jacket or may include a shirt and trouser
8
(1) In lieu of reviewing the audit results of critical
component producers, the protective clothing manufacturer can
submit documentation to the purchaser showing that the critical
component suppliers have one of the following:
(a) ISO 9001 certified quality management system with
test results from an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.
(b) Certification to this standard from an ISO 17065
accredited organization.
(c) NFPA 2112 certification or component recognition.
9.3 Critical component producers are responsible for the
performance of their products and must have a documented
quality management system, which includes as a minimum:
(1) Routine (at least annual) audits of their quality man-
agement systems or NFPA 2112 component recognition,
(2) Documented inspection and testing instructions,
(3) Documented inspections with clearly stated criteria
used for acceptance or rejection of both incoming and outgoing
materials,
(4) Tracability programs that allow tracking of finished
products and critical components,
(5) Calibration programs, and
(6) Maintenance of testing records. For example: fabric
producers must have lot test data per the requirements of
Section 5 for every lot; and be able to provide a copy of the
annual audit results (or NFPA 2112 component recognition) to
all purchasers, upon request.
9.3.1 Critical component producers must supply component
test reports, upon request by the purchaser.
10. Keywords
10.1 conformance; critical components; quality manage-
ment system
and coverall. Specific tasks that may involve high-energy
levels, for example switching, grounding, and jumpering, may
require specialized clothing.
X1.1.3 Additional factors that may contribute to injury are
under consideration and may result in the need to consider
other specifications for protective systems.
X1.2 Design Considerations—The following are some of
the principles that should be considered in the design and use
of wearing apparel for protection from momentary electric arc
and related thermal hazards:
X1.2.1 Clothing should cover potentially exposed areas as
completely as practicable. This should include proper interfac-
ing of related items.
 F1506 − 22
X1.2.2 Garment design should permit easy and rapid re-
moval. Closure design should be appropriate for easy removal
of the garment.
X1.2.3 Garment design should be such that the garment
interferes the least with work function but still provides the
necessary protection.
X1.2.4 The fit of all garments is important to acceptance and
function. A sizing document for protective wearing apparel is
under consideration by Subcommittee F18.40.
X1.2.5 Logos, name tags, and other heraldry, such as brand
names, flag patches and company award insignias, are used to
identify the organization and individual. If these items are not
made from flame resistant materials and are attached to the
outside of an arc rated garment, their overall area should
individually occupy no more than 16 in.2 and in total occupy
no more than 40 in.2.
X2. REVISION HISTORY AND TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR ASTM F1506
X2.1 ASTM F1506 has undergone many changes since it
was first approved. Descriptions and significance of substan-
tive changes are outlined in Table X2.1. For a detailed
comparison, ASTM Compass allows users to view a version
9
X1.3 Laundering:
X1.3.1 The garment manufacturer in conjunction with the
fiber and fabric supplier should provide instructions for the
care and maintenance of protective wearing apparel. See Guide
F1449 concerning care and maintenance of protective gar-
ments.
X1.3.2 Because of the variety of different types of knitted
fabrics that might be used in different configurations of
protective wearing apparel, it is not possible to provide a
meaningful value for shrinkage in Table 2. Values of 10 to
12 % shrinkage are not uncommon. It is suggested that knitted
garments expected to shrink significantly be purchased appro-
priately oversized and that they be washed one time by the
wearer in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer
prior to use to thus reach a more stable configuration.
comparison between any two editions of this standard.
X2.2 See Table X2.2 for a list of information contained in
F1506-22.
 F1506 − 22
TABLE X2.1 Revision History of ASTM F1506
Revision ASTM F1506-xx Description of Substantive Changes
-98 Original Issue – For textiles requiring only vertical
flame; no arc rating required
-00 Revised Title – ‘Flame-Resistant Textiles’; added
requirements to test to F1959/F1959M and have an
arc rating
-01 Editorial changes
-01a Added definitions for ATPV and Ebt
02a Added thread test requirements, enhanced defini-
tions afterflame, enhanced logo limits in Appendix
-02aε1 Editorial changes
-08 Added column to Table 2 for knits >8.1 osy
-10 Added Table 3 for disposable fabrics
-10a Added “arc-rated” in the title
-15 Added new terms Fabric Identifier and Fabric Pro-
ducer; added requirement to have Unique Fabric
Identifier in the label
-17 Added instructions for acceptable repairs; removed
“basic protection level”
-17a Changed title, scope and significance and use to
cover all protective clothing (not just textiles)
-17b Removed Seam Slippage from Section 7 testing
requirements; updated tear strength and bursting
strength language in Section 7; changed the thread
testing requirement to be ASTM standard instead of
Federal Test
-17bε1 Changed incorrect reference in Table 1, 2, and 3 for
arc rating. Created a new Section 9.
-18 Added: dimensional and colorfastness tests may be
tested by manufacturer specs or default to listed
AATCC tests and also default to ±5 % dimension
change, NFPA 2112 wash cycles permitted for
flammability, clarification test methods are for fab-
rics. Removed: optional testing per D2262.
10
Significant Impact of Changes
Mandates only vertical flame tests on fabric used in flame-
resistant garments
6.7 added to say fabrics must have arc rating and it must be so
indicated on garment label 6.4.7
No major impacts
ATPV defined as arc rating for fabrics that block that amount of
energy before onset of 2nd degree burns and Ebt defined as the
amount of energy before fabric breaks open; also 6.4.7 modified
to show that indicator in label
6.1.1 added to use inherent flame resistant thread and added the
test requirement for thread; afterflame and afterflame time de-
fined and reporting these measurements when tested per ASTM
F1959/F1959M and ASTM D6413. Tables 1 and 2 were modified
to include the afterflame requirements.
No significant impact
Changed Table 2 and put burst strength requirements for knitted
fabric that weighs more than 8 oz per square yard
Table 3 created to the physical properties of disposable fabric
(limited use garments that are one time). Revised the laundering
requirements of vertical flammability added section 7.6.1.1.
Title revised
Created the requirement for manufacturers to establish a unique
identifier for each fabric used in F1506 garments and put this
unique fabric identifier in the garment label. This allowed users to
readily identify the fabric being used in the garment and provides
a direct method to correlate the garment to ASTM F1959/
F1959M arc test report.
Created 6.3.2 that clearly defines how to repair an arc rated gar-
ment in a way that does significantly impact the arc rating of the
garment
Significantly changed the scope and title to include protective
clothing requirements and not just textile (fabric) requirements
The Seam Slippage Test Method D434 was withdrawn in 2004.
The committee decided that seam slippage was not critical to the
arc flash protection properties. Modified 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 to indicate
that the fabric must meet the requirements listed in Tables 1, 2,
and 3.
Editorial changes to Tables 1-3
Determined colorfastness was not a critical to the arc flash pro-
tection properties. Therefore, in 7.4 the acceptance criteria for
colorfastness was modified to report measured values and the
method of testing. (Measured values are the ratings given to
washed specimens after accelerated wash tests. This change
was made to allow garment manufactures to determine what
amount of colorfastness they require and by what test method.
Most garment manufacturers also make garments that are not
FR or AR and therefore have their own established colorfastness
requirements.) Dimensional change was not found to be critical
to arc flash protection properties. The historical requirement dic-
tated that fabrics be tested by a single wash procedure that may
not have been appropriate for all fabrics. The change to the stan-
dard allowed the garment manufacturer to determine the method
and level of fabric dimensional stability (laundry shrinkage) they
require. In absence of instructions from garment producer, 7.5.1
was added to use AATCC wash method with a ±5 % acceptance
criteria. In 7.6, wash criteria was modified to allow use of NFPA
2112 wash method for flammability testing. In 7.1, was modified
to remove the obsolete reference to ASTM D2262 for alternate
tear strength.
 F1506 − 22
TABLE X2.1 Continued
Revision ASTM F1506-xx Description of Substantive Changes Significant Impact of Changes

-19 Added in Appendix specific criteria to define use of
non-FR logos and heraldry, optional Test Method
D2261 for Tear Resistance
Determined that the guidance for allowing non-FR patches and
logos was too vague. Language was modified in Appendix
X.1.2.5 modified to create specific size maximums (16 sq in. indi-
vidually and 40 sq in. in total) and to harmonize the requirements
as stated in NFPA 2112.

-19a Added: zipper requirements, test requirements for
visibility enhancements and hardware, area density
measurements, requirement to report arc test weight
on arc test and lot test report
Determined that guidance for zippers, visibility enhancements,
and fasteners, was too vague. Specific performance require-
ments for these were created and listed in sections 6.1.2 and
6.1.3. Decided that defining fabric weight was important for us-
ers. New terms for actual weight, nominal weight, and arc test
weight we added. Section 7.8 was added to require measuring
and report actual and nominal weights on lot test reports. Section
7.7 was modified to mandate reporting of arc test weight on the
arc test report.

-20 Added Section 9 for conformance requirements Determined that conformance requirements that list acceptable
quality management for users to determine compliant garments
from non-compliant garments. Without this, manufacturers are
allowed to pick and choose which requirements the garment will
meet and which ones they will not. Section 9 was created to give
guidance to users for determining acceptable garments from non-
acceptable garments.

-20a Added definition for flame-resistant cloth face cover- Added FR requirements for cloth face coverings for biological
ing (FRCFC) and 6.5, FR Cloth Face Coverings and hazards
following Note and subsections.

-22 Added Appendix X2 Revision Log included to identify changes and Table of Contents
in an appendix
Revised subsection 6.4.7 Arc rating in the label Changed requirement so that ONLY one arc rating should be in
the label with description of how to choose that arc rating
Revised subsections 5.2 and 5.3 for Lot testing re- Clearly defined which tests are required on fabrics for lot testing
quirements on fabric and frequency for each

11
 F1506 − 22
TABLE X2.2 Table of Contents for ASTM F1506
Section/Sub- Title of Section/Sub-section Page
section
1 Scope 1
2 Referenced Documents 1
3 Terminology 2
4 Significance and Use 4
5 Fabric Requirements 4
6 Garment Requirements 4
6.1 Thread, trims and findings, and 4
fasteners and closure (general
requirements)
6.1.1 Thread (specific requirements) 4
6.1.2 Fasteners or Closures (specific 4
requirements)
6.1.3 Visibility Enhancements (specific 5
requirements)
6.2 Properties of Materials (fabric specific 5
requirements)
6.3 Repairs and Alterations 5
6.4 Label Requirements 5
7 Fabric Test Methods 7
7.1 Breaking Load 7
7.2 Tear Resistance 7
7.3 Bursting Strength 7
7.4 Colorfastness 7
7.5 Dimensional Change 7
7.6 Flammability 7
7.7 Fabric Weight 7
8 Report 7
9 Product Conformance 8
10 Keywords 8
Table 1 Requirements for Woven Fabrics 5
Table 2 Requirements for Knits Fabrics 6
Table 3 Requirements for Disposable Fabrics 6
Appendix X1 GUIDELINES FOR PROTECTIVE 8
WEARING APPAREL
Appendix X2 REVISION HISTORY AND TABLE OF 9
CONTENTS FOR ASTM F1506

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