Electrical Gloves

Electrical gloves are protective gloves specifically designed to
reduce the risk of electrical current passing through the hands.

They are commonly used where there is a risk of contact with
energised electrical systems, helping reduce the likelihood of
electric shock or injury.

The gloves must be selected according to the voltage level and the
electrical task being performed.

Electrical insulated gloves are typically manufactured from
high-quality dielectric rubber designed to resist the passage of
electrical current.

The rubber construction is designed to remain flexible and durable
while maintaining its electrical insulating properties in
demanding environments.

Class 0 insulated gloves are rated for working voltages up to
1,000V AC and may be used for low-voltage work such as
switchboards, metering, EV maintenance and applicable Level 2 ASP
tasks.

Electrical safety gloves are important because the hands are often
the closest part of the body to electrical conductors, terminals
and live components.

Even brief contact with an energised component can result in
serious injury.

Correctly selected and maintained insulated gloves provide an
additional protective barrier and support safer electrical working
practices.

Choosing the right gloves for electrical work depends on the
maximum working voltage, task, electrical environment and
applicable safety requirements.

The glove class must be suitable for the voltage present:

Class 00:
Maximum working voltage up to 500V.

Class 0:
Maximum working voltage up to 1,000V.

Class 1:
Maximum working voltage up to 7,500V.

Class 2:
Maximum working voltage up to 17,000V.

Class 3:
Maximum working voltage up to 26,500V.

Class 4:
Maximum working voltage up to 36,000V.

Leather or arc-rated overgloves may also be required to protect the
insulated rubber gloves from mechanical damage.

Insulated rubber gloves may be required where an electrical risk
assessment, workplace procedure or applicable safety requirement
identifies the need for insulated hand protection.

Employers must ensure workers are provided with suitable protection
when working on or near electrical systems, particularly where live
testing or other energised work is involved.

Gloves should be correctly rated, inspected, tested and used
together with other required electrical PPE.

Electrical gloves should be visually inspected before every use to
identify cuts, punctures, cracking, contamination, ageing or other
signs of damage.

They should also be electrically tested at the intervals required
by the applicable standard, workplace procedure, manufacturer
guidance and local electrical safety requirements.

Gloves that are damaged, out of test or suspected of being unsafe
should be removed from service immediately.

Proper storage in a protective glove bag can help prevent folding,
contamination, sunlight exposure and mechanical damage between
uses.