How much thermal protection do you need?
C40? C100? Is more Thinsulate™ better? We’ve met extensively with 3M™ to come up with standards around what Thinsulate™ levels to use in what temperatures, but too many variables create complexity that makes a definitive answer impossible. The answers are as complex as the operations being performed.
While there are no official or technical absolutes, our experience of outfitting companies around the world with thermal gloves does give us some insight. You don’t want to underestimate the level of protection, but remember that having too much protection can also have negative results.
When using Thinsulate™, here are some guidelines:
- C40 Thinsulate™ - C40 offers an exceptional level of protection against the cold elements for the majority of the United States, except in the most extreme conditions.
- C100 Thinsulate™ - C100 is rapidly becoming the liner of choice for harsher conditions, such as those found in parts of Canada, North Dakota, and Alaska. The added protection can add a little bulk and reduce dexterity, so testing the glove is imperative to make sure you need that much thermal protection.
When considering Thinsulate™ levels, that if a glove manufacturer compresses the Thinsulate™ to reduce bulk, it also reduces the thermal qualities.
Make sure you're using a glove company you trust and ask a lot of questions!
Not sure what you need? HexArmor® can help
HexArmor® always encourages testing of PPE prior to adoption, and we have the cold weather glove lineup to help. Learn more about our cold weather technology here.
To make sure you have the right amount of thermal protection needed for your environment and application, our Solution Specialists are ready to work with you. Call 1-877-MY ARMOR or send us a message.
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