Which are the Best Gloves for Electrical Work?

If you do electrical work, you know one of the most essential pieces of equipment to have on you is gloves. These can save your hand a lot of damage and ensure a safe working environment. There are now many gloves that will help you do electrical work, and it can be a difficult task picking them out.

Before you begin looking at gloves, you will need to understand what you need and your budget. Once you figure out what you think you need and what a reasonable price is, you should keep this list below in mind.

Know The Classification System

When choosing your gloves for electrical work, you should know that the gloves fall under different categories. These categories represent the level of voltage protection they provide. So you will want to take a look at the table below to determine what kind of work you’re doing and the type of glove you need.

 

Class of Equipment Max Use Voltage (AC) Proof Tested (VAC) Proof Tested (VDC)
00 500 2,500 10,000
0 1,000 5,000 20,000
1 7,500 10,000 40,000
2 17,000 20,000 50,000
3 26,500 30,000 60,000
4 36,000 40,000 70,000

 

Each classification is broken down into sections and is tested intensely to provide the ultimate safety benefits. You will want to find a pair of gloves that meets your standards.

Date Stamps Are A Must

Every pair of gloves you pick up should have date stamps on them. If they do not, that means they have not been tested, and they are not worth buying. You will want to ensure there is a date stamp that states precisely when it was tested. Something newer will be more reliable and keep you protected. Look for something within a 12-month window.

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Testing Labs Are Necessary

Many times you will need to make sure the gloves went to an actual testing facility. However, you don’t want them to go to any random facility. They should be tested in an accredited laboratory.

Inspect Your Gloves Often

To ensure the safest possible gloves, you will want to inspect your gloves often. You need to look for rips, tears, or holes. If you see any, you will not want to use them or risk further damage to the gloves and yourself.

Air Test Your Gloves

Your gloves should only expand 1.5 times their normal size. If they blow up more than that, they are unusable and not safe to wear doing electrical work. As the air is blowing, someone will check for leakage.

Which Gloves Should You Try And Why?

If you’re looking for some new gloves you may want to try some of these options. Be sure to keep the tips in mind from above when choosing your pair.

Magid Safety M011B09 Electrical Gloves

This is one of the top-rated pairs of gloves you can find perfect for working on electrical lines or a high voltage engine. They are made up of natural rubber latex, which makes them incredibly durable for a budget-friendly price.

These are not stiff gloves; they have a smooth finish, and they are thinner than other pairs you can find, which means you can work with smaller pieces with ease. They are classified as 0, which means they are great for working with 1,000 AC or 1,500 DC.

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National Safety Apparel Insulating Glove

This is a kit that comes with a bag, rubber voltage insulator, and leather gloves. However, you need to wear the insulators with leather gloves or give you full protection against any voltage. If you wear the full set, you will be protected for up to 1000V AC/ 1500V DC. This is a perfect set for linemen, construction workers, utility workers, and contractors.

Lineman Work Glove

These come in four different sizes, so you are sure you find your size if you measure your hand correctly. They are perfect for working outside in the winter because they are thick and insulated with extra padding on the fingertips. They provide the ultimate dexterity meaning you can pick up small pieces with less hassle. However, these are not suitable for dangerous work; if you are working with anything super high voltage, we recommend you go with one of the options above.

These are our top three recommendations that you should look through. If you have a specific job to do you may want to see if anyone has another brand they love. This could help you find a pair that you can use for a few years.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right pair of electrical gloves takes time. You need to test them, ensure they have been tested in an accredited lab before you use them, and make sure they fit properly. After doing some research and testing them out, you will be able to find the best pair of gloves for electrical work.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get electrocuted even with gloves on?

If your gloves are not up to date or have holes in them, you risk electrocution. You will want to ensure they have been properly tested and inspected. By taking the proper protocols, you could save your life. You should never pick a random pair of gloves, and you should always do your research on a company.

Are insulated electrical gloves better?

For extra protection and an added layer of warmth, you should go for insulated gloves with leather tops. This will keep you safe and allow you to work outside during any type of weather. During the winter, they will keep your hands warm, and during the summer, they will absorb the sweat. This can be crucial for electrical work; it will keep you comfortable.

What happens when you get electrocuted?

If you are doing dangerous work, there is a chance you can be electrocuted without the proper protection. You may risk being burned, scarring, numbness, and more. It is essential you remain safe while on the job, and one way to do this is with the proper gloves.