Electrical Glove Guide: Safety Classes, OSHA Requirements, & Use Cases
By Kyle Schmoyer, Safety Writer, Magid
Key Takeaway:
Electrical gloves protect workers from shock and arc flash near energized parts. OSHA requires daily inspections, regular testing, and the use of protector gloves. Class 00 and Class 0 are common for low-voltage work, but each glove class has a specific purpose. Using the right glove, and caring for it properly, helps prevent serious injuries.
What Are the Electrical Glove Classes & Types?
Not all electrical gloves are the same. Their class and material determine the level of voltage protection and where they should be used. To make selection easier, ASTM D120 classifies rubber insulating gloves by voltage rating and ozone resistance, with six classes ranging from Class 00 to Class 4.
| Class | Max Use Voltage (AC) | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 00 | 500V | Low-voltage panels, controls |
| 0 | 1,000V | General facility maintenance |
| 1 | 7,500V | Substation work |
| 2 | 17,000V | Medium-voltage overhead lines |
| 3 | 26,500V | Distribution-level utility work |
| 4 | 36,000V | High-voltage transmission |
Class 00 and Class 0 gloves are the most commonly used options for low-voltage tasks, which is why they’re often the starting point for selection. Class 0 offers higher voltage protection than Class 00 but is also thicker, which can make fine work more difficult.
Keep in mind, OSHA requires that gloves be matched to the actual voltage exposure, whether it’s phase-to-ground or phase-to-phase, not just the system label. Selecting the right glove is a critical step, but how you wear, inspect, and care for it plays an equal role in keeping workers safe.
How Should Electrical Gloves Be Worn & Inspected for OSHA Compliance?
Using electrical gloves correctly starts with daily habits that keep them safe and effective. That includes regular inspections, proper storage, and wearing the right combination of gloves on the job.
In most cases, workers must wear leather protector gloves over rubber insulating gloves. These protectors shield the rubber from cuts, punctures, and general wear. “Outer protector gloves must generally be worn over Class 00 to 4 insulating gloves, OSHA says, unless the task calls for more dexterity and there's little risk of damaging the glove.
Before each use, workers should follow a simple but critical routine to make sure gloves are still safe to wear:
- Inspect Them Daily: Check for cracks, punctures, swelling, cuts, or any signs of damage.
- Do An Air Test: Slightly inflate the glove and listen or feel for escaping air, which can indicate hidden holes or leaks.
- Store Them Safely: Keep gloves clean, dry, and stored flat in a cool, dark place, away from sunlight, ozone, oil, sharp tools, or anything that could degrade the material. Never fold or crease them, as that weakens the rubber.
These habits help catch small issues before they become major risks. But even well-maintained gloves don’t last forever. To stay compliant and fully protected, gloves also need regular electrical testing.
How Often Must Electrical Gloves Be Tested Under OSHA Rules?
To stay compliant and protective, electrical gloves must be tested on a regular schedule. OSHA requires dielectric testing before first use and every six months afterward if the gloves are in service. If the gloves are in storage and haven't been issued, they must be tested at least once every 12 months.
According to 29 CFR 1910.137, gloves also need retesting if:
- They’ve been repaired
- They were used without leather protectors
- There’s any doubt about their condition
Regular testing helps catch damage that isn’t visible during daily inspections. Still, a glove’s long-term performance also depends on the materials used and how well they hold up over time.
What Materials Are Electrical Gloves Made From & Why Does It Matter?
The type of rubber used in electrical gloves plays a key role in both comfort and durability. Most gloves are made from either natural or synthetic rubber, and that material choice directly impacts flexibility, ozone resistance, and how well the gloves hold up over time.
Here’s how the two types compare:
- Natural Rubber (Type I): More flexible, better for fine tasks, but can degrade from ozone or sunlight
- Synthetic Rubber (Type II): More resistant to aging, ozone, and environmental damage, often better for outdoor work
Type II gloves are ideal for outdoor or harsh environments. Type I gloves offer better touch sensitivity but need more careful storage. Choosing the right type, and managing them properly, takes more than guesswork. That’s why having a trusted safety partner to support your glove program from end to end makes a real difference.
How Does Magid Support Electrical Glove Safety & Compliance?
When your team works around energized equipment, there's no room for guesswork. Magid helps you take control of electrical glove safety with expert support that goes beyond just supplying PPE. We partner with you to simplify every part of your glove program, from selection and testing to training and inventory management, so you can stay compliant and protect your crew without slowing down the job. Schedule your electrical glove testing or request a safety assessment with Magid today.
Whether you're outfitting workers with Class 00 gloves for panel work or managing high-voltage protection across multiple sites, Magid delivers solutions designed for real-world safety leaders. Click here to shop our electrical glove catalog.
FAQ
What class of electrical glove do I need for 480-volt work?
Most 480-volt tasks fall within the range of a Class 0 rubber insulating glove, which carries a maximum use rating of 1,000 volts AC. Select glove class based on the maximum phase-to-phase or phase-to-ground voltage you could contact, not just the system nameplate. Always confirm the actual exposure before choosing a glove.
Do OSHA rules require leather protectors over rubber gloves?
OSHA generally requires workers to wear leather protector gloves over rubber insulating gloves to prevent cuts, punctures, and abrasion. OSHA allows limited exceptions in low-risk tasks where protectors create a greater hazard or prevent the task, but employers must justify those conditions and control the risk. In most field work, leather protectors remain the expectation.
How often should electrical gloves be tested?
OSHA requires electrical gloves to receive a dielectric test before first issue and at least every six months while in service. If gloves enter service but workers do not use them, the gloves must receive a test within 12 months of service entry before use. Workers must also remove gloves from service and retest them anytime damage, improper storage, or contamination could affect insulation.
What’s the difference between Type I & Type II electrical gloves?
Type I electrical gloves use natural rubber and do not resist ozone. Type II electrical gloves use synthetic rubber and resist ozone, heat, and aging. Outdoor work, utility tasks, and sun-exposed environments usually favor Type II gloves because ozone and UV exposure speed up deterioration in natural rubber.
What should I check before using electrical gloves each day?
Before each use, inspect gloves for cuts, cracks, swelling, soft spots, or chemical damage. Perform an air inflation test to check for pinholes and leaks. Confirm the test date remains current. Verify that gloves are clean, dry, and properly stored. Inspect leather protectors for sharp edges, embedded debris, or excessive wear. Remove any glove with defects from service immediately.
Recommended Posts:
Protect Your Workers from Head Injuries on the Job
