Flame-Resistant Clothing for High-Performance Driving Days (HPDE)
As I prepare for high-performance driving days, safety is paramount.
I've had a Manthey roll bar installed, Sabelt racing seats, Schroth seatbelts, completed an oil change, installed new brake fluid, and conducted a full suspension review. Of course, my helmet is up to current safety standards, but I’m not ready to invest in a full racing suit. That said, I do want to protect myself as much as possible, and I’ve been looking into performance clothing that can keep me safe during a thermal event (fancy word for fire).This led me down the path of searching for flame-resistant apparel, specifically pants, shirts, and shoes. My goal was to find clothing that not only meets industry standards for fire protection but also performs well in other areas such as comfort, breathability, and sweat-wicking—ideal for staying cool during warm weather track events. Here's what I learned, and I hope it helps.
Conclusion
- Carhartt Flame-Resistant Clothing (NFPA 70E, UL classified to NFPA 2112) provides superior protection for high-performance driving events (HPDE) compared to Bocomal Clothing (NFPA 70E, ASTM F1506, CAT2). Carhartt offers higher flash fire protection, which is particularly important in motorsports, in addition to solid arc flash protection.
- Carhartt Pants and Shirts: With UL classification to NFPA 2112, these garments are specifically designed to handle flash fires, which are more relevant for HPDE than arc flash protection.
- Bocomal Pants and Shirts: While suitable for industrial and electrical work, they do not offer the flash fire protection that Carhartt provides. The NFPA 70E and ASTM F1506 standards are better suited for electrical environments than motorsports.
- For footwear, the Sabelt Laser TB-3 Shoes (FIA 8856-2018 compliant) are the best choice for HPDE, offering superior fire resistance and track-specific performance.
Flame-Resistant Certifications and Classifications
Before diving into the clothing comparison, it’s important to understand the different flame-resistant certifications and classifications. These are critical to knowing how each garment performs in various risk scenarios:1. NFPA 70E (Arc Flash Protection)
- Purpose: Designed for electrical safety, NFPA 70E protects against arc flash hazards—essentially explosions of electrical energy.
- Key Points:
- Arc Flash: A high-energy electrical explosion that causes extremely high temperatures, often exceeding 30,000°F (16,649°C).
- Use Case: Primarily for electricians, utility workers, and those working with high-voltage electrical equipment.
- Note: This is not designed for flash fires caused by flammable substances, making it less relevant for motorsports.
2. NFPA 2112 (Flash Fire Protection)
- Purpose: Specifically for protection against flash fires, which are quick, intense fires fueled by flammable gases or liquids.
- Key Points:
- Flash Fire: A rapid-fire event that occurs in seconds, posing a significant risk in industries dealing with flammable liquids or gases.
- Use Case: Common in oil and gas, chemical industries, and motorsports where flash fires could result from fuel leaks or accidents.
- Testing: Clothing under this certification must be able to self-extinguish and not continue burning after the heat source is removed.
3. ASTM F1506 (Flame-Resistant Clothing for Industrial Use)
- Purpose: Covers flame-resistant clothing used in industrial settings, often in environments where flame hazards are present.
- Key Points:
- Arc Flash Protection: Ensures workers are protected from arc flash, but it lacks the advanced flash fire protection that NFPA 2112 offers.
- Use Case: Common for workers in industrial plants and similar settings, but not for situations where flash fire is the primary risk.
4. CAT1 and CAT2 (Arc Flash Protection Categories)
- Purpose: Defines levels of arc flash protection based on the energy (cal/cm²) that clothing can withstand.
- Key Points:
- CAT1: Offers 4 cal/cm² protection.
- CAT2: Offers 8 cal/cm² protection, suitable for environments where higher energy levels are a concern.
- Use Case: These classifications are designed for electrical safety, not for flash fires.
Clothing Comparison: Carhartt vs. Bocomal for HPDE
Now that we understand the certifications, let's compare Carhartt clothing (NFPA 70E, UL classified to NFPA 2112) with Bocomal clothing (NFPA 70E, ASTM F1506, CAT2), focusing on pants, shirts, and shoes. Here are the exact products I reviewed:- Carhartt Flame-Resistant Pants: Carhartt Force Relaxed Fit Ripstop Utility Work Pant - $149.99
- Carhartt Flame-Resistant Shirt: Carhartt Force Cotton Short Sleeve T-Shirt - $69.99
- Bocomal Pants: 4.5oz Buttonless Pullover Short Sleeve T-Shirt - $54.99
- Bocomal Pants: 6oz Lightweight Ripstop Cargo Pants (9 Pockets) - $54.99
- Sabelt Laser TB-3 Shoes: FIA 8856-2018 Compliant - $375.00
Carhartt Pants (NFPA 70E, UL Classified to NFPA 2112)
- Key Features:
- Flash Fire Protection: UL classified to NFPA 2112 for flash fire safety.
- Arc Flash Protection: Meets NFPA 70E for arc flash protection.
- Durability and Comfort: High-quality, durable fabric designed for extended wear.
- Protection Level:
- High flash fire protection (via NFPA 2112).
- Standard arc flash protection (via NFPA 70E).
Bocomal Pants (NFPA 70E, ASTM F1506, CAT2)
- Key Features:
- Arc Flash Protection: Meets NFPA 70E and ASTM F1506, with CAT2 rating (8 cal/cm²).
- Flash Fire Protection: Does not have the NFPA 2112 classification for flash fire protection.
- Fit: Comfortable for industrial wear, but not as optimized for motorsport events.
- Protection Level:
- Arc flash protection (via NFPA 70E, CAT2).
- No flash fire protection (lacks NFPA 2112).
Carhartt Shirt (NFPA 70E, UL Classified to NFPA 2112)
- Key Features:
- Flash Fire Protection: UL classified to NFPA 2112 for flash fire protection.
- Arc Flash Protection: Meets NFPA 70E.
- Breathable and Comfortable: Ideal for extended wear during track events.
- Protection Level:
- High flash fire protection.
- Standard arc flash protection.
Bocomal Shirt (HRC1, NFPA 70E, ASTM F1509, CAT1)
- Key Features:
- Arc Flash Protection: Meets NFPA 70E, HRC1, and CAT1 (4 cal/cm²).
- Flash Fire Protection: Lacks NFPA 2112 certification.
- Lightweight Fit: Ideal for industrial use, but less suited for high-performance driving.
- Protection Level:
- Arc flash protection (via NFPA 70E, HRC1, CAT1).
- No flash fire protection (lacks NFPA 2112).
Sabelt Laser TB-3 Shoes (FIA 8856-2018 Compliant)
- FIA 8856-2018 Compliant: Meets FIA standards for fire resistance in motorsports.
- Fire Resistance: Resists high temperatures and flames, offering track-specific protection.
- Comfort: Designed for both protection and performance, ideal for track days.
