Electrical gloves, also known as dielectric gloves, are a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that insulates the wearer’s hands from electrical shock. They are made of a non-conductive material, such as rubber, silicone, or a combination of the two.
Electrical safety gloves must be durable, flexible, and have high dielectric qualities. This means they must be able to withstand the rigors of electrical work and protect the wearer from even the highest voltages.
A variety of electrical safety glove designs are available to meet the needs of different jobs and workplaces. Electricians and technicians should choose the gloves that are right for the specific task at hand.
- Rubber insulation gloves (classified based on level of protection and voltage)
- Leather protector gloves (worn on top of rubber insulation gloves to prevent cuts, scratches, and punctures)
- Liner gloves (lowers the rubber insulation glove discomfort; also absorbs sweat during the warm seasons and provide warmth in the cold seasons.)
Electrical safety gloves are categorized by voltage protection level and their resistance to ozone. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) gives specific requirements for glove design, in-service care, and usage in a standard known as the Electrical Protective Equipment Standard.
This electrical safety standard also provides requirements for not only gloves, but also matting, insulation blankets, sleeves, line hoses, and covers.
Class Number: 00
- Maximum Voltage Use: 500 volts
- A/C-proof Tested: 5,000 AC volts
Class Number: 1
- Maximum Voltage Use: 7,500 volts
- A/C-proof Tested: 10,000 AC volts
Class Number: 2
- Maximum Voltage Use: 17,000 volts
- A/C-proof Tested: 20,000 AC volts
Class Number: 3
- Maximum Voltage Use: 26,500 volts
- A/C-proof Tested: 30,000 AC volts
Class Number: 4
- Maximum Voltage Use: 36,000 volts
- A/C-proof Tested: 40,000 AC volts
Electrical safety gloves are also classified in “type” categories for ozone resistance. Type 1 electrical safety gloves are non-ozone resistant and Type II electrical safety gloves are ozone-resistant.
Safety gloves are among the most important articles of personal protection for electrical workers. To be effective, electrical safety gloves must incorporate high dielectric and physical strength, along with flexibility and durability.
For superior performance they should meet and/or exceed the requirements of current American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D120 specifications. Gloves should also be electrically tested following ASTM D120/IEC903 specifications.
- Rubber Insulating Gloves — Classified by the level of voltage and protection they provide.
- Liner Gloves — These are used to reduce the discomfort of wearing rubber insulating gloves in all seasons, for year-round use. Liners provide warmth in cold weather, while they absorb perspiration in the warm months. These can have a straight cuff or knit wrist.
- Leather Protector Gloves — These should always be worn over rubber-insulating gloves to provide the mechanical protection needed against cuts, abrasions, and punctures. Look for those that are steam-pressed on curved hand forms to ensure proper fit over rubber gloves.
Employees who work in close proximity to live electrical current may require a variety of electrically insulating protective equipment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines this in their Electrical Protective Equipment Standard (29 CFR 1910.137) which provides the design requirements and in-service care and use requirements for electrical-insulating gloves and sleeves as well as insulating blankets, matting, covers, and line hoses.
Electrical safety gloves are categorized by the level of voltage protection they provide and whether or not they’re resistant to ozone. Voltage protection is broken down into the following classes:
For electrical gloves, ozone resistance is covered by the “Type” designation. A Type I glove is not ozone-resistant, while a Type II is ozone-resistant.
Once the electrical safety gloves have been issued, OSHA requires that “protective equipment shall be maintained in a safe, reliable condition”. This requires that gloves be inspected for any damage before each day’s use.
Electrical safety gloves must also be inspected immediately following any incident that may have caused damage.
OSHA requires that insulating gloves be given an air test along with the inspection.
In order to maintain the highest level of insulating protection and ensure long life, it is essential that electrical safety gloves (and sleeves) are properly cared for and stored.
Before each use, electrical safety gloves and sleeves should be inspected for holes, rips, or tears, ozone cutting, UV checking, and signs of chemical deterioration.
Electrical safety gloves and Sleeves should also be examined to determine if they show any damage as a result of chemical contamination, particularly from petroleum products. The first sign of exposure is swelling in the area of contamination.
Should any rubber equipment be exposed to chemical contaminants or be suspected of any other physical damage, it should be turned in for inspection, cleaning, and electrical testing.
Since sleeves cannot be inflated, they are inspected along the edge as they are rolled. Rolling will stretch the sleeve along the edge, making cuts, tears, and ozone cutting more visible. After the outside of the sleeve is inspected, the procedure should also be repeated with the sleeve turned inside out.
Conclusion
In conclusion, electrical safety gloves are a vital component of personal protective equipment (PPE) for electricians and technicians. These gloves serve as a critical barrier against electrical shock and burns, safeguarding the well-being of those working with electricity. To be effective, electrical safety gloves must exhibit qualities such as durability, flexibility, and high dielectric properties, ensuring they can endure the demands of electrical work and protect the wearer even in high-voltage situations.
It’s important for electricians and technicians to be aware of the variety of electrical safety glove designs available on Ladwa.com, as different jobs and workplaces may require specific features and equipment for safety purpose.
