EN ISO 11611 – Protective clothing for welding and allied processes
In short: EN ISO 11611 governs clothing for welding and allied processes. It protects against welding spatter – small splashes of molten metal –, short contact with flame and the radiant heat of an electric arc. There are two classes – and which one you need is decided by the welding process and the working situation.
- The marking
- The clothing is marked with this pictogram. The pictogram is accompanied by the designation of the international standard, the class – class 1 or class 2 – and the flame spread test that was applied: A1 or A1+A2.
Class 1 or class 2 – process and situation decide
| Class | Risk | Typical processes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lower risk, less spatter and radiation | TIG welding, MIG welding at low current, manual metal arc welding with rutile-covered electrode, brazing, operation of plasma cutting machines |
| 2 | Higher risk, more spatter and stronger radiation | Manual metal arc welding with basic or cellulose-covered electrode, MAG welding (CO2 or mixed gases), MIG welding at high current, flux-cored arc welding, manual plasma cutting, oxygen cutting, gouging, overhead work, confined spaces |
Compared with class 1, class 2 requires a higher number of molten metal drops in the test and better resistance to radiant heat. The classification follows the risk assessment: overhead welding and work in confined spaces fall under class 2 even if the process itself seems harmless – because spatter hits the clothing differently there.
Reading the marking
This is what the markings look like in our collections:
| Marking | Meaning | In our range |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1-A1 | Welding protection class 1, surface ignition | KÜBLER PROTECTIQ Klassik |
| Class 1-A1+A2 | Class 1, edge ignition additionally tested | KÜBLER SAFETY X COMPACT |
| Class 2-A1 | Welding protection class 2, surface ignition | KÜBLER PROTECTIQ HIGH VIS |
| Class 2, A1+A2 | Highest level in the range | KÜBLER PROTECTIQ WELDING |
What matters in practice
The transitions are the weak point
Sparks and spatter find every opening. The typical entry points are always the same: the collar, the cuff, the transition between jacket and trousers, open pockets. That is why welding protective clothing has covered fastenings and no open patch pockets in the spatter zone – a spark that falls into a chest pocket stays there and burns its way through.
Trousers go over the boot
A simple detail with a big effect: if the trouser leg is tucked into the boot, it creates a funnel that channels spatter straight into the boot. The trousers go over the boot shaft.
Overhead changes everything
In overhead welding, spatter falls vertically onto shoulders, collar and sleeves – in other words onto areas that are hardly stressed when welding in the normal position. That is the reason why overhead work falls into class 2 regardless of the process.
Repairs only done professionally
A hole in welding protective clothing is not a cosmetic matter. If it is repaired with ordinary sewing thread or a non-flame-retardant patch, a weak point is created precisely at the repaired spot. With category III PPE, alterations are in any case reserved for the manufacturer.
What appears together with EN ISO 11611
Welding protection rarely comes alone. Our articles regularly combine it with:
- EN ISO 11612 – Heat and flame: covers types of heat that go beyond the welding process, such as molten metal splash under codes D and E.
- EN 1149-5 – Electrostatics: important where flammable substances are present alongside welding.
- IEC 61482-2 – Arc flash: for welding work on or near electrical installations.
- EN ISO 20471 – High visibility: for assembly work in traffic areas.
Collections for welding work
38 styles from our collections are certified to EN ISO 11611 – jackets, trousers and bib and brace trousers in both classes. Another good starting point is our overview for welders and foundry workers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need class 1 or class 2?
That depends on the process and the working situation. TIG welding, MIG at low current, manual metal arc welding with rutile-covered electrode and brazing generally fall under class 1. Manual metal arc welding with basic or cellulose electrode, MAG, flux-cored and overhead welding, manual plasma cutting and work in confined spaces require class 2.
What do A1 and A2 mean – are those the classes?
No. The welding protection classes are called 1 and 2. A1 and A2 denote the flame application procedure: A1 stands for surface ignition, A2 for edge ignition. “Class 2-A1+A2” therefore means welding protection class 2, tested with both procedures.
Does welding protective clothing also protect against electric shock?
It offers limited protection against short-term, accidental contact with live parts at direct voltages up to around 100 V. It does not replace insulating protective equipment. For work on electrical installations, IEC 61482-2 applies.
Why no open chest pockets?
Because a spark that falls in stays there and burns its way through. That is why welding protective clothing has covered fastenings and no open patch pockets in the spatter zone.
May I patch damaged welding clothing myself?
Not with ordinary thread or non-flame-retardant material – that creates a weak point precisely at the repaired spot. With category III PPE, alterations are in any case reserved for the manufacturer.
Advice on welding protection
Class 1 or class 2 –
the process decides.
We tell you which class your welding process requires and which combination of jacket, trousers and accessories closes the transitions without gaps.
Last updated: July 2026