Survive Arc Clothing Fabric Quality

Ultra soft cotton/nylon blend

The fabric used in all of the Survive Arc-rated clothing range is the ultra soft cotton/nylon blend. This is a premium fabric with many advantages over the synthetic / nomex modacrylics blends that other manufacturers use.

Survive Arc Clothing

Whilst both types of fabrics are flame resistant, there are many reasons why the ultra soft cotton/ nylon blend are superior to the synthetic/nomex modacrylics blends. The ultra soft cotton/nylon blend is the lowest weight on the market that meets the 8 cal/cm2 threshold as a single layer. It can reach ATPV 24.3 cal/cm2 as a single layer. The synthetic/nomex modacrylics blends have poor characteristics such as poor insulation/heat retention, thermal shrinkage/body burns, skin irritation and poor breathability. These are outlined in the table below. You should also check out our guide on how to wash personal protective equipment

APPLICATION ULTRASOFT – COTTON/ NYLON BLENDS SYNTHETIC / NOMEX MODACRYLICS BLENDS
Wear resistance Excellent Good
Washability 200 washes 130 washes
Comfort Excellent cotton next to skin Not skin friendly
Resistance to electric arc flash Excellent HTN fibre/cotton form a “break open barrier” and the HTN increases ATPV of the fabric It works
Length of life cycle Longer life cycle Shorter life cycle
Weight v protection 200 gm2 = 8.3 cal/cm2 (single layer) Heavier
Cool to wear Double Synthetic blends, moisture wicked away No
Heat Attenuation Factor High – heat blocked out by the fabric Poor
Insulator Cotton – good in winter Poor
Shrunk Fabric is double pre-shrunk n/a

It’s also a good idea to read up on arc flash PPE requirements.