What type of protective clothing must be worn when repairing or maintaining energized circuits?

The requirement for wearing Arc Flash rated coat overalls while repairing or maintaining energized circuits is essential for safety due to the risks associated with electrical work. When working on energized equipment, there is a significant hazard of arc flashes, which are electrical explosions that occur when a fault creates a high-temperature arc. This can result in severe burns and other injuries.

Arc Flash rated clothing is designed to withstand the intense heat and energy released during such incidents. These garments are tested and rated based on their ability to protect the wearer from thermal energy and are made from materials that do not ignite easily or sustain combustion. Wearing Arc Flash rated coat overalls ensures that workers have a protective barrier against these potentially lethal hazards, enhancing their safety while performing repairs or maintenance on energized circuits.

In contrast, while flame-resistant wear also provides some protection, it may not meet the specific standards required for the extreme conditions presented by arc flashes. Waterproof clothing and high-visibility jackets serve different purposes and do not provide adequate protection against thermal events caused by electrical faults. Therefore, when dealing with energized circuits, the highest level of protection is paramount, making Arc Flash rated garments the appropriate choice.