PIP Q&A

The PYRAD products:

The GORE-TEX PYRAD® fabric, which PIP® incorporates in a line of its electrical safety products, is self-extinguishing. What does that mean and why is it important? It means, after the fabric is exposed to an arc flash it will not continue to burn. Obviously, to minimize the chance of burns to the skin.

How do the flame-retardant properties of the fabric block fire from reaching the skin? The fabric technology blocks heat flow during arc exposure and stops flame propagation by forming a carbonaceous char with the textile. Thus, reducing the heat transfer to skin. Also, air pockets form and expand, proving an additional protective mechanism (air-insulation) to reduce heat transfer to the skin.

What other protection do the PIP GORE-TEX PYRAD® products offer? Other than being flame retardant, the fabric is arc rated at 40 cal/cm² and completely windproof.

Don’t all of those benefits make something like the AR/FR Jacket heavy and bulky? Normally, yes. For example, there are PPE Category 4 jackets made with multiple layers of fabric with a total weight of 22oz. That’s a fairly heavy and bulky jacket. Imagine the constraints of working in a garment like that while trying to perform tasks. With the GORE-TEX PYRAD® fabric being only 9.5oz., it makes the garment very light and allows for an unparalleled level of freedom of movement.

GORE-TEX PYRAD® garments are ideal for what industries? Utilities, specifically sub-station maintenance workers. It’s ideal for workers that face potential arc flash hazards.

The PIP AR/FR Lift Front Hood blocks arc flash hazards, but how well can the wearer see and communicate while wearing it? The convex surface of the shield reduces visual distortion and the air vents allow for communication.

What makes the AR/FR Bib Overall made of GORE-TEX PYRAD® superior to comparable garments that are available? No different than the jacket, it’s the lightweight feel, breathability and ease of motion that makes the garment stand out from the rest.

The kit:

What is in the GORE-TEX PYRAD® Arc Flash Kit? It’s a full package of products that includes the jacket, bib overalls, lift front hood, hard hat, safety glasses and carry bag.

What is the value in providing all of these products together, in a kit? There isn’t a monetary savings when you order the kit versus ala carte. The value comes in a way of ease of ordering and knowing that the kit has all the components needed for 40 cal/cm²

The products in PIP’s Arc Flash Kit have an arc rating of 40 cal/cm². What does that mean and why is it important? It’s the arc rating, the number of calories that the garment is expected to absorb when exposed to an arc flash event. It signifies the maximum heat energy the garment can withstand before potentially causing a second-degree burn to the wearer.

Can companies specify the sizes of jacket and bib overalls that will come in the kits they order? No, they cannot mix sizes of the jacket and bib overalls. If they want to order different sizes of each, they will need to order the components individually.

What kind of reaction is PIP getting to these kits? The kits are quite popular. Like I mentioned before, customers find value in the ease of ordering the full kit versus ordering each component individually.

https://www.pipusa.com/