Compare before you specify.
Four side-by-side tables that answer the questions buyers ask most: which class, which scheme, which standard, and which garment construction.
- ANSI Class 2 vs Class 3
- ANSI vs EN ISO vs CSA
- NFPA 2112 vs NFPA 70E
- Coveralls vs bibs
ANSI Class 2 vs Class 3
The two classes most US and Canadian buyers specify. Area figures are the minimums in ANSI/ISEA 107.
| Requirement | Class 2 | Class 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Background area | 775 in² (0.50 m²) | 1,240 in² (0.80 m²) |
| Retroreflective area | 201 in² (0.13 m²) | 310 in² (0.20 m²) |
| Minimum tape width | 50 mm (2 in) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Typical use | General site work, warehouse yards, deliveries, event staff | Night work, high-speed roads, flaggers, emergency response |
| Our range | ANSI Class 2 vests, shirts, hoodies | ANSI Class 3 vests, jackets, coveralls |
ANSI/ISEA 107 vs EN ISO 20471 vs CSA Z96
Same idea, three rulebooks. A garment certified for one market is not automatically accepted in another.
| Requirement | ANSI/ISEA 107 | EN ISO 20471 | CSA Z96 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market | United States | European Union / UK | Canada |
| Standard | ANSI/ISEA 107 | EN ISO 20471 | CSA Z96 |
| Classes | Class 1, 2, 3 + Class E trousers | Class 1, 2, 3 | Class 1, 2, 3 |
| Label on garment | Class mark and standard | Class mark, standard and CE marking | Class mark and standard |
| Interchangeable? | No — tested and labelled per scheme | No — tested and labelled per scheme | No — tested and labelled per scheme |
Class numbers look similar across schemes but the area, colour and test requirements differ. Tell us the destination market and we build the label set for that market.
NFPA 2112 vs NFPA 70E
One is about flash fire, the other about electrical arc. Some garments meet both, but the ratings are not the same number.
| Requirement | NFPA 2112 | NFPA 70E |
|---|---|---|
| Protects against | Flash fire (industrial heat and flame) | Arc flash (electrical) |
| Core test | Garment flame test to NFPA 2112 | Arc rating (ATPV or EBT) to ASTM F1959 |
| Rating shown | Pass / fail against the standard | cal/cm² on the label |
| Categories | No categories | CAT 1 (4), CAT 2 (8), CAT 3 (25), CAT 4 (40 cal/cm²) |
| Typical buyers | Oil and gas, utilities, welding support | Electrical contractors, line workers, substations |
Coveralls vs bib overalls vs two-piece
Construction decides how a crew layers, how sizes are ordered and how the garment is replaced.
| Consideration | Coverall | Bib overall | Two-piece |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Full body, one garment | Torso and legs, arms free | Jacket and trousers |
| Best for | Dirty, wet or chemical work | Cold weather and active work | Layering and mixed sizes |
| Sizing decisions | Chest, waist, inseam combined | Waist and inseam | Two size decisions per worker |
| Layering | Limited — base layer only | Jacket worn over the top | Shell over mid over base |
| Typical MOQ | 100 pcs per style | 100 pcs per style | 100 pcs per style, per piece |
Sizes, colours and standards for a specific style are confirmed on the quotation. Download the buyer spec sheet (PDF) for the packaging and MOQ defaults, or send us the standard you need.
Still deciding between two classes or two standards?
Send the site plan, destination market and the standard you are being asked to meet. We will confirm the class, fabric and labelling route before you order.