FR Clothing for Linemen: Arc Ratings, Standards, and What to Wear

By Alan Cristoffer, Lead Lineman · Updated 2026-10-13

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Disclaimer: Your employer’s hazard assessment sets the arc rating you need. This guide explains the terms so you can buy the right thing.

Key terms

• Arc rating: how much incident energy (in cal/cm²) a fabric can block. It’s reported as ATPV or EBT, whichever applies to the fabric.
• ASTM F1506: the performance specification for flame-resistant and arc-rated textiles worn by electrical workers. Look for it on the label.
• ASTM F1959: the test method used to determine the arc rating.
• FR vs AR: all arc-rated clothing is flame resistant, but not all FR clothing is arc rated. For line work you need arc-rated clothing.

Which rules apply to linemen?

Utility line work falls under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 (and 1926 Subpart V for construction). Under 1910.269(l)(8), the employer must assess the hazards, estimate the incident energy, and make sure your outer clothing has an arc rating at least equal to that estimate. NFPA 70E is widely used in industrial settings, but it generally excludes utility generation, transmission and distribution work. That’s why your utility’s own program and the NESC drive your requirements.

Buying tips

• Match or exceed the arc rating your employer specifies
• Avoid melting fibers in underlayers

Lineman’s tip (owner-verified): 100% cotton is acceptable under your FR clothing, but it has to be 100% cotton, with no synthetic blends. That includes logos: any logo on an underlayer or an FR garment, whether embroidered or silk-screened, must also be 100% cotton or FR material.

• Layering can change the system rating. Use tested system ratings, not added-up numbers.
• Make sure the fit leaves room to climb
• Rain gear and cold-weather layers must also be arc rated if they’re your outer layer

Brands linemen wear