The Lightning X bunker suit consists of a tunic and trousers. Its outer shell material (60% Kevlar®/39% Nomex®/1% anti-static) has been tested to EN 469:2020 for ageing, dimensional change, washing, heat protection, tensile strength and tear strength (Test Report 3811212/E dated 03/04/2019; see the datasheet). EN 469:2020 supersedes EN 469:2005.
Design
- Each garment is a composite of an outer shell, moisture barrier and thermal barrier
- Available in 8 sizes: X Small, Small, Medium, Large, XLarge, 2 XLarge, 3 XLarge, 4 XLarge
- No metal clips or rivets
Outer shell
- 240 gsm Nomex rip-stop, fibre composition 60% Kevlar/39% Nomex/1% carbon; meets BS EN 469:2005/2020 and EN 533:1997 Level 3
- Ricotest report 3811212/E available on request
- Black
- Withstands at least 3000 cycles at 200N x 200N on the Taber abrasion machine without holing (90% of material weight retained)
- Only yarns guaranteed by the manufacturer to 360 °C and SABS are used, in the same colour as the outer material
- All raw edges and seams are overlocked with at least five strands of yarn
Moisture barrier
Flame Rite inherent FR fabric laminated to an FR/PTFE/hydrophilic membrane that goes beyond EN 469 requirements for moisture barriers (Porelle P9FR/PTFE1).
- Thermally stable: tested at 180 °C
- Fire resistance: limited flame spread (FR options)
- Dimensionally stable after washing
- Waterproof: meets level 2 requirements
- Breathable: meets level 2 requirements for water-vapour resistance (Ret)
Thermal barrier
50% MA / 41% CO / 7% PA / 2% AT. The fabric is flame resistant, heat resistant, thermal resistant, and strength and tear resistant.
Sizing chart
| Size | Jacket label size | Chest | Sleeve | Trouser label size | Hip waist | Waist (narrowest) | Inner leg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X Small | 87 | 107 | 50 | 80 | 95 | 90 | 71 |
| Small | 97 | 117 | 52 | 90 | 105 | 100 | 73 |
| Medium | 108 | 128 | 55 | 100 | 115 | 110 | 75 |
| Large | 118 | 138 | 57 | 110 | 125 | 120 | 77 |
| XLarge | 128 | 148 | 59 | 120 | 135 | 130 | 80 |
| 2 XLarge | 139 | 158 | 60 | 130 | 145 | 140 | 80 |
| 3 XLarge | 149 | 168 | 60 | 140 | 155 | 150 | 80 |
Wash and care
- Fabrics made from 100% Nomex fibre can be washed at up to 95 °C, but 60 °C is adequate. Higher temperatures bring no benefit, and extended agitation can cause fabric shrinkage.
- The garment manufacturer may recommend washing at 40 to 60 °C because of accessories such as reflective stripes and moisture membranes.
- The wash cycle need not exceed 1 hour. Always include a rinse cycle that removes residual soaps.
- At the end of the wash cycle, neutralise the alkaline pH by adding a dilute acid such as acetic acid.
- Dry in a tumble drier or a tunnel. Do not over-dry: remove garments while still slightly damp (up to 10% humidity by weight), as excessive agitation can cause abrasion and, in extreme cases, shrinkage.
- Tunnel finishing: set air temperature at 155 °C. The load is dry when the garment surface temperature reaches 135 to 140 °C.
- Nomex fibre resists all but the strongest acids and bases. High pH agents (pH 10 to 12) may affect garment colour depending on temperature and exposure time.
- Never use strong oxidising agents such as peroxides, hypochlorites or other chlorine-based bleaches; they can reduce the strength of Nomex garments.
- Each laundry should run a small-scale test before starting to wash Nomex garments. This guidance reflects ISO FDIS 15797 for industrial laundering.
Detergents used with Nomex (others may be equally suitable): industrial: Fabri-Care 2000 and Fabri-Care 3000 (Diversey), Derval Rent (Kreussler), Usona liquid (Henkel-Ecolab), Citrosqueeze (Albag); domestic: Ariel colour liquid, Vizir colour liquid (Procter & Gamble), Mir colour liquid; destainers: Fabri-Care liquid (Diversey), E840 Citrus Gel and A217 Ultrapac renovate (Prochem), Derval PRE (Kreussler); fluorocarbon retreatment: Saprit protect (Henkel-Ecolab), Hydrob FC (Kreussler).
