Trystan Casey
Electrical sparks and shocks can cause serious damage to the human body, so it's important to wear the correct protective gloves when working with electricity. Electricians and other workers who handle electrical equipment are advised to wear gloves made from non-conductive materials such as rubber or leather. Rubber gloves are preferred for their excellent insulation properties, but leather gloves can be worn over the top for additional protection and to protect against cuts and punctures. Gloves should be properly sized, inspected for damage, and have a voltage rating suitable for the level of electrical work.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Glove type | Electrically-insulated, rubber, leather, nitrile, weld, arc flash-rated, Class 00, Class 0, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, Class 4, Magid gloves |
| Glove composition | Non-conductive material, dielectric natural rubber latex |
| Glove system | Insulating glove, protective leather glove, optional glove liner |
| Glove purpose | Protection from electrical sparks, cuts, punctures, abrasions, arc flash, flame, electric shock, heat-related injuries, scrapes, wounds, shocks |
| Glove standards | ASTM D120, EN6093, ASTM F496, OSHA 1910.137, OSHA 1910.268, NFPA 70E Arc Flash, ASTM D120-09, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 |
| Glove voltage ratings | Class 00 (up to 500 volts), Class 0 (up to 1,000 volts), Class 1 (up to 7,500 volts), Class 2 (up to 17,000 volts), Class 3 (up to 26,500 volts), Class 4 (up to 36,000 volts), Class 0 (up to 1,000V AC and 1,500V DC) |
| Glove safety | Gloves should be inspected for cuts, tears, holes, and defects, and should be properly sized for dexterity |
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What You'll Learn
Rubber gloves are a good insulator
Rubber insulating gloves are often used in conjunction with leather protectors, providing sufficient protection from arc flash burns. They are also used to protect against cuts, punctures, abrasions, and other external damage. Electrical workers should be equipped with the right combination of rubber insulating gloves and leather protectors, as exposure to electricity greater than 500 volts can cause serious damage to the human body and organs.
Rubber gloves are made through a process called vulcanization, which was rediscovered in the 1800s by Charles Goodyear. The process involves dipping porcelain forms into a tank of liquefied rubber, allowing the thin layer to dry, and repeating the process until the desired thickness is achieved. The gloves are then cut to length, cured, visually inspected, and treated to increase comfort and wearability.
The Ansell company offers electrical safety gloves that meet stringent testing requirements, providing additional heat resistance and protection. Similarly, Honeywell Salisbury rubber insulating gloves are known for their superior performance, meeting and exceeding ASTM D120 and IEC EN60903 standards. These gloves are manufactured with precision, incorporating high dielectric and physical strength, flexibility, and durability.
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Leather gloves offer extra protection
Leather gloves are not suitable for protection against electrical sparks or electrical shocks on their own. Leather is considered a poor conductor of electricity, meaning it has some insulating properties. However, it is not a reliable insulator, and its ability to protect against electric shocks depends on factors like the type of leather, its thickness, and the specific conditions of the electrical hazard. Therefore, leather gloves should not be relied upon for electrical insulation or protection against electrical shocks.
However, leather gloves can be used in conjunction with rubber insulating gloves to provide extra protection. Rubber insulating gloves are the preferred choice for protection against electrical hazards, as they are specifically designed for this purpose. By wearing leather gloves over the rubber insulating gloves, workers can benefit from additional protection against cuts, punctures, abrasions, and other external damages. This combination of gloves provides a robust defence against electrical hazards and ensures that the worker is properly equipped to handle electricity-related tasks safely.
It is important to note that the voltage of the electrical hazard plays a crucial role in determining the necessary level of protection. Different classes of gloves are available, each rated for a specific voltage range. For example, Class 00 gloves are suitable for up to 500 volts, while Class 1 gloves can handle up to 7,500 volts. When working with higher voltages or in situations where the nature of electrical hazards may vary, it is essential to wear gloves that are rated for both arc flash and flame resistance.
Additionally, leather protectors are designed to safeguard the voltage-rated glove underneath from damage. They are intended to be used as a system, providing maximum protection for the user. The Electrical Industry and associated Standards organizations recognize that dexterity plays a crucial role in certain applications involving shock hazards. By wearing leather protectors over the insulating gloves, workers can maintain the necessary dexterity while still being protected from electrical hazards.
In certain high-dexterity applications, exceptions to the use of leather protectors may apply. For instance, if the voltage is 250 volts AC or less, leather protector gloves may not be required with class 00 gloves under limited-use conditions where unusually high finger dexterity is necessary. However, it is essential to prioritize safety and follow the relevant guidelines and regulations when working with electricity. Consulting with safety professionals or electricians is recommended when uncertain about the level of protection required.
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Nitrile gloves protect against contact
Nitrile gloves are made of synthetic rubber, a material that offers chemical and abrasion resistance. They are a dependable option for general-duty gloves. Nitrile gloves offer sufficient protection from a wide variety of chemicals and hazardous materials, providing ample breakthrough time. This refers to the time elapsed between the initial contact of the glove surface with the chemical and the chemical becoming detectable on the inside of the glove.
Nitrile gloves are particularly useful for protection from micro-organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making them a popular choice for surgical-grade medical gloves. They also serve as a barrier between the wearer and potentially dangerous petroleum products, such as oils, fuels, and greases. This high level of protection is advantageous in automotive, manufacturing, and industrial settings.
Additionally, nitrile gloves can protect against weak acids like sulfuric and nitric acid. They offer more protection than latex gloves due to their lower permeation rate, allowing users more time to change gloves safely after exposure to harmful chemicals. Nitrile gloves can also protect delicate materials, such as electronics, metal, and glass, from incidental contact.
However, it is important to note that nitrile gloves are not suitable for all substances. They offer poor resistance to extremely hazardous substances, providing less than a minute of breakthrough time. In such cases, alternative glove options, such as butyl rubber gloves, should be considered. It is crucial to ensure that nitrile gloves are suitable for the specific substances they are expected to come into contact with.
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Weld gloves for electrical work
When it comes to electrical work, it is important to wear gloves that offer adequate protection. Electric burns and electrocution injuries are serious risks, and the cost of compensation for such injuries can be significant. To ensure safety, it is recommended to wear gloves that provide insulation and protection from electrical hazards.
Rubber insulating gloves are the preferred choice for protection against electrical hazards. They are designed to protect against high voltages and are made from insulating rubber. When working with electricity, it is crucial to follow standard safety practices, such as performing lockout-tagout procedures to prevent unexpected energization.
Leather gloves are often worn over rubber gloves to provide an extra layer of protection. This combination offers protection from cuts, punctures, and abrasions. The leather gloves help to extend the life of the rubber gloves by protecting them from wear and tear. It is important to choose gloves with the appropriate voltage protection level, puncture resistance, durability, and fit.
For welding gloves specifically, there are several options available that offer protection and comfort. Genuine Tillman® 1940 MIG Welding & Metal Working Gloves, for example, are rated for impact and cut resistance. Black Stallion® also offers welding gloves made from grain cowhide with cuff and palm reinforcements. Additionally, TIGster TIG Welding Gloves provide a premium, snug-fit option made from kidskin.
When choosing welding gloves for electrical work, it is important to consider the specific demands of the job, such as the voltage levels and the need for dexterity and flexibility. By selecting gloves that meet the relevant safety standards and provide the necessary protection, workers can ensure their safety while performing electrical welding tasks.
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Electrician gloves for high-risk tasks
Electricians need to wear gloves that are designed to protect against electrical hazards. Electric shocks can cause serious damage to the human body and organs, so it is important to be properly equipped with the right gloves.
The ASTM International classifies rubber-insulated gloves into six levels based on their voltage protection:
- Class 00 - Good for up to 500 volts
- Class 0 - Up to 1,000 volts
- Class 1 - Up to 7,500 volts
- Class 2 - Up to 17,000 volts
- Class 3 - Up to 26,500 volts
- Class 4 - Up to 36,000 volts
Rubber is a non-conductive material, which means these gloves protect against electric shocks and burns. However, they can be thick and not very nimble. To overcome this, leather protector gloves can be worn over the rubber gloves to provide additional protection against physical damage like cuts, punctures, and burns. These gloves are usually made from durable materials like goatskin, cowhide, or synthetic leather.
For tough jobs that call for heavy-duty gloves, GOL-SIV gloves are rated at 400V, ideal for most home and professional electrical tasks. They are made from rubber and polyester, providing good insulation and flame-retardant properties. The design features a rubberized, non-slip texture on the palms and fingers for a better grip on tools.
For high-risk tasks, such as lineman work, electrical contracting, and high-voltage machine operations, electricians might use gloves with a test voltage of 12,000V. These gloves offer protection, allowing direct contact with equipment up to 3,000V and serving as auxiliary protection for voltages up to 8,000V. They are durable and flexible gloves with an ergonomic design to minimize hand fatigue and chafing.
It is important to note that gloves should be properly tested before each use, and workers should be trained to care for and test their gloves. Visual inspection and air testing is the most common method.
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Frequently asked questions
Electrically-insulated gloves made from non-conductive materials such as rubber or leather are best for protection against electrical sparks.
Ansell electrical protective gloves are designed for workers who need protection from working on or near energised parts. Magid gloves are ideal for anyone involved in lineman work, electrical contracting, field service, or operating high-voltage machinery.
It is important to inspect the gloves for any damage or defects before use. Gloves should be properly sized and fit snugly on your hands to ensure better dexterity and reduce the risk of accidental contact with electrical parts.
