What is the difference between NFPA 2112 and NFPA 70E?

NFPA 2112 is the certification standard for flame-resistant clothing that protects against short-duration flash fires; garments are third-party certified to meet it. NFPA 70E is the workplace electrical safety standard that governs arc-flash protection and defines the arc-flash PPE categories (CAT 1 to CAT 4). In short, NFPA 2112 certifies the garment for flash fire, while NFPA 70E guides arc-flash PPE selection. Bulwark FR garments are built to NFPA 2112 and arc-rated to support NFPA 70E programs.

What is the difference between flash-fire and arc-flash protection?

A flash fire is a short burst of flame, typically under five seconds, that occurs when flammable vapors, gases, or combustible dust ignite. It is addressed by NFPA 2112 and its companion NFPA 2113. An arc flash is an electrical event that releases intense thermal energy and is addressed by NFPA 70E. Flash-fire protection is measured by NFPA 2112 certification; arc-flash protection is measured by a garment's arc rating (ATPV) in cal/cm2. Many Bulwark FR garments protect against both.

What arc rating (cal/cm2) do I need for each NFPA 70E category?

NFPA 70E defines four arc-flash PPE categories by minimum arc rating: CAT 1 is 4.0 to 7.9 cal/cm2, CAT 2 is 8.0 to 24.9 cal/cm2, CAT 3 is 25 to 39.9 cal/cm2, and CAT 4 is 40 cal/cm2 or higher. The required category for a task comes from your arc-flash risk assessment. Bulwark FR offers arc ratings from 4.4 to 59 cal/cm2, covering CAT 1 through CAT 4.

Is Bulwark FR clothing inherently flame-resistant or chemically treated?

Bulwark FR garments in this collection use inherent flame-resistant fibers, including Nomex, Westex G2, and Ten Cate Evolv, where flame resistance is an intrinsic property of the fiber rather than a topical chemical treatment. No additional treatment is needed for the fabric to be flame-resistant.

Does Bulwark FR clothing stay flame-resistant after washing?

Yes. Because the flame resistance is inherent to the fiber, it does not wash out. Bulwark guarantees the flame-resistant properties for the life of the garment when the care, laundering, and maintenance instructions on the garment label are followed. NFPA 2112 fabrics are tested for flame resistance after 100 wash-and-dry cycles.

Which industries use Bulwark FR clothing?

Bulwark FR is worn by crews in oil and gas, electric utility, petrochemical, welding, and manufacturing and maintenance, anywhere a hazard assessment identifies a risk of flash fire or electric arc flash. Garment selection should always match the specific hazard as part of a complete, employer-documented PPE program.

Authorized Bulwark FR Distributor

Bulwark FR Flame Resistant Clothing

NFPA 2112
NFPA 70E
ATPV 4.4–59 cal/cm²
CAT 1–4

Bulwark FR is a trusted name in flame resistant workwear, protecting oil and gas pipeline crews, electric utility linemen, welders, and maintenance electricians. Built to NFPA 2112 for flash-fire protection and aligned with NFPA 70E for arc flash safety, the line carries arc ratings from 4.4 to 59 cal/cm², spanning arc-flash categories CAT 1 through CAT 4. Inherent fabric technologies including Nomex®, Westex G2™, and Ten Cate Evolv™ build flame resistance into the fiber for daily wear.