Fire Proof Suit: field notes, specs, and what actually matters
I’ve worn, tested, and—more often—watched crews wear the Fire Proof Suit in angry heat and boring drills alike. To be honest, boring is what you want from PPE: predictable protection. This orange-red, 100% aramid set comes from No.118 Youyi Street, Xinhua Dist., Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, China, and it’s built around inherent FR fibers—so the fire resistance doesn’t wash out.
Industry snapshot
Three trends keep popping up: lighter aramid weaves to cut heat stress, stricter multi-standard compliance (EN ISO 11612 + ISO 15025 as a baseline), and faster customization cycles. Actually, procurement teams now ask for test data up front—TPP, vertical flame outcomes, even manikin results where available. Sustainability? It’s creeping in via longer service life and repairability rather than flashy marketing.
Core specs (field-friendly)
| Parameter | Spec (≈ values; real-world use may vary) |
|---|---|
| Shell fabric | 100% aramid, twill weave, 260±10 g/m², inherent FR |
| Color / visibility | Orange-red, optional 50 mm FR reflective trim |
| Stitching | Meta-aramid thread, 3-needle stress seams (≈7–9 SPI) |
| Closures | FR zipper + hook & loop storm flap |
| Vertical flame | Afterflame ≤2 s; afterglow ≤2 s; char length ≤100 mm (ASTM D6413 / ISO 15025 A&B) |
| Heat resistance | Fabric dimensional change <3% at 260°C/5 min |
| TPP (reference) | ≈35 cal/cm² (configuration-dependent) |
| Sizes / weight | S–4XL; set weight ≈2.2 kg (size-dependent) |
| Service life | ≈3–5 years or 100–150 launderings with proper care |
| Standards alignment | EN ISO 11612; ISO 15025; GB 8965.1; optional testing to ISO 9151/6942 |
How it’s made (and verified)
- Materials: 100% aramid yarns (inherent FR) → tightly controlled dyeing for color fastness.
- Cut & sew: ergonomic panels, reinforced knees/elbows, stress-bar tacks, clean-bound seams.
- Options: FR reflective tape, radio loops, cargo pockets, company ID embroidery.
- Testing: ASTM D6413/ISO 15025 vertical flame; ISO 9151 convective heat; ISO 6942 radiant; ISO 6530 repellency; seam strength ISO 13935-2.
- QA: dimensional checks, heat exposure at 260°C, wash-down durability (AATCC 135 routing).
Where crews actually use it
Hot work permits in refineries, foundry standby, shipyard maintenance, power grid switchyards, airport ground ops, firefighting drills, and—surprisingly—some welding bays that previously relied on FR cotton. Many customers say the Fire Proof Suit breathes better than bulkier laminated sets while holding its line against flash and brief flame contact.
Vendor comparison (quick take)
| Vendor | Material | Key Standards | MOQ | Lead Time | Unit Price | Customization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FFW Fire Safety (China) | 100% aramid ≈260 g/m² | GB 8965.1; EN ISO 11612; ISO 15025 | ≈50 sets | 15–25 days | US$85–130 ex-works | Logos, trim, pockets, sizing |
| Global Brand (Premium) | Aramid blend + antistat | EN 469/NFPA 1971 options | ≈10 | 30–45 days | US$250–500 | Modular add-ons |
| Local OEM | FR cotton or aramid mix | EN ISO 11612 (basic) | ≈200 | 20–30 days | US$45–90 | High flexibility |
Customization and logistics
It seems that most buyers want badge embroidery, extra cargo pockets, and reflective placement tweaks. Origin is straightforward: Shijiazhuang, Hebei (handy for Tianjin port). Typical cartons include care labels and test lot IDs for traceability—useful when auditors come around.
A quick case
A petrochemical maintenance team swapped older FR cotton for the Fire Proof Suit. Over six months, garment changeouts dropped ≈40%, and post-wash flame tests (D6413) held afterflame <2 s after 100 cycles. Workers reported better mobility; supervisors noted fewer tape delamination issues than last year’s batch.
Note: Certifications (CE Cat III, etc.) are typically available upon request; always match your risk assessment with proper standards and local regulations.
Authoritative references
- EN ISO 11612:2015 Protective clothing—Clothing to protect against heat and flame. https://www.iso.org/standard/65188.html
- ISO 15025:2016 Protective clothing—Limited flame spread. https://www.iso.org/standard/64835.html
- ASTM D6413/D6413M-21 Standard Test Method for Flame Resistance of Textiles. https://www.astm.org/d6413_d6413m-21.html
- NFPA 1971:2018 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting. https://www.nfpa.org/1971
- GB 8965.1-2009 Protective clothing—Flame-retardant. (CN National Standard)
- ISO 9151 & ISO 6942 heat transfer tests. https://www.iso.org