Electric Gloves for Electricians: Classes, Checks and Safe Use

An electrician working on a live panel has one thin layer of rubber between his hands and the current. That layer is the insulated glove, also called an electrical safety glove or electric glove. Used and looked after properly, it protects against electric shock and arc burns. A glove with a pinhole, or one rated for the wrong voltage, gives no real protection.

Here is why these gloves matter, how they are classed, and how to use, check and look after them.

Why electric gloves matter

1. Protection from shock. The gloves are insulated, so they protect your hands when you work on or near live equipment.
2. Protection from burns. They also protect against burns from electrical arcs and sparks.
3. Better grip. A good pair gives a firm grip on tools and parts, so there are fewer slips.
4. Following the rules. Using the right gloves is part of meeting workplace safety rules, which lowers the risk of accidents and legal trouble.

Gloves are the last line of protection, not the first. Wherever you can, switch off, isolate and test the circuit dead before you touch it.

Types of electric gloves

Rubber insulating gloves are put into classes by the maximum voltage they can be used on. The classes below follow the US standard ASTM D120, which the US safety regulator OSHA also uses. Indian buyers should also look for BIS standard IS 4770, which covers rubber gloves for electrical purposes, and check the class and voltage marked on the glove itself.

Class	Maximum use voltage (AC)	Typical use
Class 00	500 volts	Low-voltage work, such as household wiring repairs or low-voltage industrial work
Class 0	1,000 volts	Somewhat higher voltages, including some industrial and commercial electrical work
Class 1	7,500 volts	Medium-voltage work in commercial and industrial settings
Class 2	17,000 volts	Higher-voltage work, often in power distribution
Class 3	26,500 volts	High-voltage maintenance and repair in power plants and on transmission lines
Class 4	36,000 volts	The highest-voltage work in specialised power industries

How to use electric gloves properly

1. Pick the right class. Choose the class that matches the highest voltage you could touch on the job. Buy gloves that are certified to a recognised standard, such as IS 4770 in India or ASTM D120 in the US.
2. Check them every time. Before each use, look for cuts, punctures, cracks, sticky patches or worn spots. Even small damage can let current through. Then do an air test: roll the glove up from the cuff to trap air, and listen and feel for any leak.
3. Put them on properly. Your hands should be clean and dry. Wear leather protector gloves over the rubber gloves to guard against cuts and punctures without reducing the insulation.
4. Work safely. Follow all the safety procedures for electrical work, including switching off and isolating circuits wherever possible. Keep the gloves away from sharp edges and rough surfaces that could damage them.
5. Store them properly. Keep the gloves in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, oil and chemicals. Do not fold or crush them into a toolbag, because creases become weak spots.

Testing and care

1. Get them tested. Gloves need periodic electrical testing by a qualified testing facility to make sure they still insulate. US rules (OSHA) require testing before first issue and every six months after that. Mark the test date on the glove.
2. Clean them. After use, wash the gloves with mild soap and water to remove dirt and grease, rinse well and let them air dry.
3. Replace them. Throw away gloves that are damaged or fail a check or test. Never try to repair electric gloves.

If someone gets a shock

Do not touch the person while they are still in contact with the supply. Switch off the power first. If you cannot, push the wire away with something dry that does not conduct, such as a wooden stick or a plastic pipe. Once it is safe, check their breathing and start CPR if needed. Call 108 or 112 for any electric shock, even if the person seems fine.

Cool the burn under cool, clean running water for 20 minutes. No ice, toothpaste, oil or butter.

Before your next job

Take your gloves out of the toolbag tonight. Look at the test date, roll each one to check for leaks and look for cracks or sticky patches. If they fail, or you cannot remember when they were last tested, do not use them on live work until you have a pair you can trust.