Skytec E Pro 3 Electrically Insulating Arc Flash Helmet - Integrated Visor

Who is this for

This helmet is designed for electrical engineers, maintenance electricians, and utilities operatives who carry out live low-voltage electrical work in environments where arc flash risk has been formally assessed under current UK guidance. Its primary users are substation maintenance teams, switchgear operatives, cable jointers, and electrical maintenance technicians working in utilities, oil and gas, chemicals, manufacturing, and industrial facilities management. The integrated arc flash visor and Class 2 electrically insulating certification make it particularly suited to organisations where site safety rules require combined head and face protection in a single independently assessed system, and where PPE procurement documents specify compliance with the latest standard revisions.

Typical applications

• Carrying out switching operations on live low-voltage switchgear in electrical substations and utility distribution networks.

• Performing fault diagnosis and live testing on low-voltage electrical panels in industrial manufacturing facilities where de-energisation is not reasonably practicable.

• Cable termination and jointing work on live or recently de-energised low-voltage distribution systems in utilities and construction environments.

• Inspection, testing, and maintenance of transformer equipment and associated low-voltage switchgear within the EN 50365 voltage scope.

• Planned maintenance and inspection routines on live electrical equipment in oil and gas processing plants where arc flash risk has been assessed and documented.

• Working on live low-voltage electrical systems in chemical processing facilities where arc flash risk assessments require CE CAT III head and face protection.

• Electrical commissioning work requiring head and face protection during energisation sequences on new or re-commissioned low-voltage installations.

• Emergency fault rectification on live low-voltage electrical infrastructure in utilities networks and industrial facilities at temperatures down to -30°C.

How to use

Step 1: Inspect the shell for cracks, impact marks, and discolouration before each use. Inspect the visor for surface scratches penetrating the coating, crazing, or any discolouration indicating thermal exposure from a previous arc flash event. Remove the helmet from service if any damage is found.

Step 2: Adjust the wheel ratchet until the headband sits firmly without pressure points. Do not force the ratchet; it should lock at the correct size without excessive tightening.

Step 3: Secure all four points of the chinstrap. Adjust so the strap sits flat under the chin with no slack. This step is not optional for live electrical work; the chinstrap prevents the helmet being displaced by the pressure wave accompanying an arc flash incident.

Step 4: Before beginning live electrical work, pull the visor fully down until it clicks into the deployed locking position. Confirm the visor forms a consistent seal with no gaps at the sides or chin. Do not begin work until the locking click is felt and the seal confirmed.

Step 5: After use, wipe the shell and visor with a damp cloth and a mild non-solvent cleaning agent. Air dry before storage. Store away from direct sunlight, chemical vapours, and extreme temperatures.

Step 6: Record the date of each use in any arc flash incident. Replace the helmet immediately following any arc flash event, regardless of apparent visual condition. Internal structural degradation is not detectable by visual inspection.

Common mistakes

• Not deploying the visor before beginning live work: the visor must be locked in the deployed position before any live electrical task begins. A retracted visor provides no face or eye protection against arc flash.

• Continuing to use a helmet after an arc flash incident: thermal and mechanical loading from an arc flash event causes internal degradation that cannot be assessed visually. Any helmet involved in an arc flash event must be replaced immediately.

• Using this helmet on installations above 1,000V AC or 1,500V DC: EN 50365:2023 covers low-voltage only. Work on higher-voltage systems requires voltage-class-specific insulating PPE that falls entirely outside the scope of this product.

• Cleaning with solvent-based products: acetone, paint thinners, and petroleum-based cleaners degrade the polycarbonate visor and ABS shell. Use only mild non-solvent cleaning agents.

• Treating EN 50365:2002-certified helmets as equivalent: the 2002 standard did not include the Clause 4.3 proof withstand test. A helmet certified to EN 50365:2002 has not been tested to the 17,000V withstand requirement and is not equivalent to an EN 50365:2023-certified product.

Safety

This helmet is certified to EN 50365:2023 Clause 4.3 Class 2 for electrically insulating protection on low-voltage installations up to 1,000V AC and 1,500V DC. It is not rated for work on installations above these voltage limits. Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, suitable PPE must be selected and used for all live electrical work where de-energisation is not reasonably practicable. The product must be assessed against the incident energy values produced by a formal arc flash risk assessment: if the assessed incident energy at the working location exceeds 28 Cal/cm², this helmet is not sufficient. The 4-point chinstrap must be secured and the visor locked in the deployed position before commencing any live electrical work. CE CAT III marking confirms independent notified body assessment against hazards that may cause serious or irreversible injury.

Maintenance

Wipe the shell and visor after each use with a damp cloth and a mild non-solvent cleaner. Do not use acetone, paint thinners, or petroleum-based products. Air dry before storage. Store away from UV exposure, chemical vapours, and extreme temperatures. Inspect the visor locking mechanism before every use and confirm it engages correctly in both positions. Replace the sweatband when it shows visible wear or loss of shape. The manufacture date is marked inside the shell. Replace the helmet in accordance with your site PPE inspection schedule, after any arc flash incident regardless of visible condition, or if any structural damage is identified during inspection.