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2026-01-14
Blog
EN 469:2020 Level 1 vs. Level 2 Applications
Level 1: Exterior & Support Operations (X1, Y1, Z1)
Best For: Level 1 gear is the "lightweight" tier of structural PPE. It is specifically designed for activities where the risk of direct flame engulfment or intense interior heat is low.
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Wildland/Forest Fires: Ideal for long shifts where mobility and breathability are vital.
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Road Traffic Collisions: Used for vehicle extrication where a minor fire risk exists.
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Support Roles: Perfect for crews managing water supplies or decontamination outside the danger zone.
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Safety Warning: Level 1 gear is strictly prohibited for interior attack. It does not provide the "escape time" required to survive a flashover event inside a building.
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Tactical Focus: Mobility and comfort. Because Level 1 gear often lacks a thick moisture membrane (Y1), it is significantly lighter and more breathable (Z1), making it ideal for long-duration exterior shifts where heat stroke is a higher risk than burns.
Level 2: Structural & Interior Attack (X2, Y2, Z2)
Best For: Level 2 is the gold standard for interior structural firefighting. It is built with a multi-layer composite structure designed to provide life-saving seconds in the most extreme conditions..
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Primary Application: Interior fire attack, search and rescue in burning structures, and marine firefighting in enclosed ship compartments.
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Search & Rescue: Provides critical seconds of protection during victim extraction in high-heat zones.
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Marine Firefighting: Required for enclosed ship compartments where steel hulls trap extreme heat.
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Tactical Focus: Maximum thermal protection. Under the 2020 revision, Level 2 gear must pass a Contact Heat test, ensuring protection for at least 10 seconds if a firefighter leans against a 250°C surface.
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EV Battery Fires: The Y2 (Waterproof) rating protects against high-pressure steam and chemical spray.
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Environmental Barrier: Level 2 suits feature a high-performance moisture barrier (Y2) that prevents hot water and steam from penetrating the suit—a critical feature when fighting fires with high-pressure hose lines in confined spaces.
