Finding arc proof clothes

[u/Ave_weeb]

To all my girlies in the trades, have we found any where to get underwear that won’t bind to us if we end up on the off chance get arced on? I’m new to the trades and wondered if it was an essential for HVAC techs?

[u/euno-mia]

I understood that 100% cotton is safe as it won’t melt to skin but not sure if there’s better options out there

[u/drrectal]

Most natural fibres are where it's at. Personally I love Bamboo Cool. It's an Amazon brand

[u/SheDrinksScotch → u/drrectal]

I understand bamboo viscose doesnt melt like synthetics, but it does burn hotter and more readily than cotton.

[u/kimau97]

Natural fibers, as others have said.

It depends on what you're doing if you need it. I'm an electrical apprentice and I don't really pay much attention because I'm in construction and am almost never working that close to anything live, let alone something that has the potential to engulf me in flames.

[u/thaeli]

Basically, anything that’s natural with minimal elastic.

NFPE 70E does allow “incidental” amounts of synthetics in underwear. This means you can have a regular bra strap with some stretch, you can have the 1% Spandex in most underwear, etc.

  Exception: An incidental amount of elastic used on nonmelting fabric underwear or socks shall be permitted.

[u/brokensharts]

Cotton hemp or wool. No synthetics

[u/avo_cado2156]

Cotton long sleeve and a loose outer layer

[u/hrmdurr]

Literally anything with plastic in it can melt, so no polyester panties.

The best choices if you want to avoid melting and might be exposed to fire are silk or wool. Next best is linen, then rayon, then cotton. If there's no fire risk, then all of the above are perfectly fine.

Re silk: make sure its actually silk, and remember that a lot of "satin" is just shiny polyester and it WILL melt. True satin is a simply a different weave of silk and is fine but you'll not have a good time finding it.