Standard Test Method for Determining Arc Thermal Performance (Value) of Textile Materials for Clothing by Electric Arc and Related Thermal Hazards (Formerly Provisional Standard-58)

This is the test method used to calculate quantitative results for fabrics relating to how they perform in an electric arc environment. 

• The purpose of this test method is to determine how much heat a certain fabric (or system of fabrics) will block from an electric arc before the onset of second degree burns for the wearer. 
• The amount of energy blocked by the fabric is reported as Arc Thermal Performance Value (commonly abbreviated as ATPV).  The value is reported as Breakopen Threshold Energy (E_bt) if the fabric breaks open before the onset of second degree burns is reached. 
• Heat Attenuation Factor (the percentage of total heat blocked by the fabric from reaching the sensor) is also determined. 
• Test results from ASTM F1959 must be reported for all garments that meet ASTM F1506 or ASTM F1891.

Additionally, ASTM F1959 is used to determine a pass/fail criteria for ASTM F1891.  The standard can be purchased and downloaded from the ASTM website at http://www.astm.org/Standards/F1959.htm.