Electrical Safety Gloves

About Electrical Safety Gloves

Electrical safety gloves are specialised personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect electricians and electrical workers from electric shock when working on or near live electrical installations. Manufactured from dielectric materials such as natural rubber or synthetic compounds, these gloves create a critical insulating barrier between the wearer's hands and potentially lethal voltages. In the UK, where mains electricity operates at 240v and industrial installations can involve significantly higher voltages, wearing properly rated electrical insulating gloves is not just best practice—it's a legal requirement under HSE regulations when performing work on energised electrical systems.

Unlike standard work gloves, electrical safety gloves are rigorously tested and classified according to their maximum voltage protection rating. Class 0 gloves, which provide protection up to 1000V AC, are the most common choice for electricians and electrical engineers working on domestic and light commercial installations throughout the UK. Class 00 gloves offer protection up to 500V AC and may be suitable for lower voltage work or situations requiring greater dexterity. Quality electrical safety gloves from trusted brands like Sealey, Draper, and ITL combine reliable electrical insulation with sufficient flexibility for precise electrical work, allowing professionals to work safely without compromising on manual control.

Proper care and maintenance of electrical safety gloves is essential for ensuring ongoing protection. These gloves must be thoroughly inspected before each use for any signs of damage, degradation, or contamination that could compromise their insulating properties. Many professional electricians invest in dedicated storage bags to protect their gloves from accidental damage, sunlight exposure, and ozone contamination when not in service. Regular electrical testing—typically at six-month intervals—is mandatory under UK regulations, ensuring that gloves continue to provide the level of protection indicated by their class rating throughout their working life.

Jargon Buster

• Class Rating: A standardised classification system (Class 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) indicating the maximum voltage a glove can safely insulate against. Class 0 gloves protect up to 1000V AC, whilst Class 00 offers protection up to 500V AC—both suitable for most UK electrical work.
• Dielectric Material: An insulating substance that does not conduct electricity. Natural rubber is the most common dielectric material used in electrical safety gloves due to its excellent insulating properties, flexibility, and durability.
• Proof Test Voltage: The voltage level at which gloves are tested during manufacturing and periodic retesting. This is typically higher than the maximum use voltage to ensure an adequate safety margin and account for potential degradation over time.
• Gauntlet: The extended cuff portion of electrical safety gloves that provides additional forearm protection and prevents gloves from being accidentally pulled off during work. Most electrical safety gloves feature gauntlet-style designs for enhanced safety.
• Leather Protectors: Separate over-gloves worn on top of electrical insulating gloves to protect them from cuts, abrasions, punctures, and mechanical damage during work. These extend the service life of the more expensive insulating gloves beneath.
• Ozone Resistance: The ability of rubber gloves to resist degradation from ozone exposure, which can cause cracking and reduce their insulating effectiveness over time. Electric motors, welding equipment, and UV light can generate ozone that damages rubber compounds.

Who Uses Electrical Safety Gloves?

• Electricians and Electrical Contractors: Sparkies working on domestic, commercial, and industrial electrical installations require proper insulating gloves when working on or near live circuits, particularly during fault-finding or emergency repairs.
• Electrical Engineers: Professionals maintaining high-voltage equipment, switchgear, distribution systems, and control panels in industrial facilities, factories, and electrical substations.
• Facilities Maintenance Teams: On-site maintenance personnel responsible for electrical systems in commercial buildings, manufacturing plants, hospitals, schools, and other public sector facilities.
• Renewable Energy Installers: Solar panel fitters and wind turbine technicians working with DC voltage systems, inverters, and battery storage installations that can present unique electrical hazards.
• Rail and Transport Workers: Engineers working on electrified railway systems, trams, underground networks, and trolleybus systems where overhead lines or third rails present significant electrical hazards.
• Utilities Workers: Employees of electricity distribution companies working on power lines, substations, metering equipment, and street lighting installations across the UK.
• Automotive Technicians: Mechanics working on electric and hybrid vehicles with high-voltage battery systems, charging infrastructure, and electric drivetrains requiring appropriate electrical PPE.
• Testing and Inspection Engineers: Qualified professionals conducting electrical installation condition reports (EICRs), portable appliance testing (PAT), and other electrical safety inspections.

How to Choose the Right Electrical Safety Gloves

Voltage Rating: The most critical factor is selecting gloves with an appropriate class rating for the maximum voltage you'll encounter. For most domestic and light commercial electrical work in the UK (up to 400V three-phase), Class 0 gloves providing protection up to 1000V AC are sufficient and represent the industry standard. Always choose gloves rated for a higher voltage than you'll actually be working with to provide an essential safety margin. Higher voltage work on industrial installations or distribution equipment may require Class 1 or higher rated gloves.

Compliance with Standards: Ensure your electrical safety gloves comply with relevant British and European standards, particularly BS EN 60903 which specifies requirements for electrical insulating gloves. The gloves available at Tooled-Up.com from reputable brands like Sealey, Draper, and ITL are manufactured to meet these essential safety standards, providing peace of mind that your PPE offers genuine protection.

Size and Fit: Electrical safety gloves must fit properly to maintain dexterity whilst ensuring complete hand and wrist coverage. Gloves that are too loose can slip off or bunch up, creating dangerous gaps in protection, whilst overly tight gloves restrict movement, cause hand fatigue, and may tear during use. Most manufacturers offer multiple sizes from 8 to 11, so measure your hand circumference and length according to the sizing chart provided with each product.

Gauntlet Length: Longer gauntlets provide better forearm protection and reduce the risk of the gloves being accidentally pulled off during work. For electrical work involving reaching into distribution boards, consumer units, or electrical cabinets, extended gauntlet lengths offer additional safety by preventing contact between your forearms and live components.

Material and Construction: Natural rubber remains the most common and trusted material for electrical insulating gloves due to its excellent dielectric properties, flexibility, and proven track record. The anatomically shaped construction offered by quality brands ensures maximum comfort during extended wear whilst maintaining superior electrical performance.

Storage Solutions: Consider purchasing a dedicated storage bag alongside your gloves. Proper storage protects them from physical damage, UV light, petroleum products, and ozone exposure—all factors that can degrade the rubber and compromise safety. Storage bags also make it easier to keep gloves with their inspection records and testing certificates, ensuring compliance with HSE requirements.

Leather Protectors: If your work involves mechanical tasks alongside electrical work—such as handling metal enclosures, cable management, or working with hand tools—invest in leather protector over-gloves. These shield your insulating gloves from cuts, tears, and abrasion, significantly extending their service life and protecting your investment in quality electrical PPE.

Popular Accessories

• Glove Storage Bags: Purpose-designed bags available from brands like Sealey that protect electrical safety gloves from damage, contamination, and environmental degradation when not in use, whilst providing convenient carrying solutions.
• Leather Protector Gloves: Heavy-duty over-gloves worn over insulating gloves to protect against mechanical damage from sharp edges, rough surfaces, cable ties, and general wear during electrical installation work.
• Electrical Safety Boots: Dielectric footwear providing additional electrical protection, particularly important when working with higher voltages, in wet conditions, or on conductive surfaces.
• Voltage Detectors and Test Equipment: Essential tools from brands like Fluke and Megger for verifying circuits are dead before work begins, complementing the protection provided by insulating gloves.
• Arc Flash Face Shields: Additional PPE for protection against arc flash incidents when working on energised equipment, particularly important for higher voltage installations.
• Insulated Tool Sets: Screwdrivers, pliers, cutters, and other hand tools with insulated handles rated for electrical work from manufacturers like Knipex, Wiha, and Wera, providing an additional layer of protection.
• Warning Tags and Lockout Devices: Safety equipment to prevent accidental re-energisation of isolated circuits during maintenance work, forming part of a comprehensive electrical safety strategy.
• Class 2 or 3 High-Visibility Workwear: Essential on construction sites, roadside work, and commercial premises to ensure visibility whilst performing electrical installations, available at Tooled-Up in brands like Scruffs and Portwest.

Safety Information

Pre-Use Inspection is Mandatory: Before each use, thoroughly inspect your electrical safety gloves for any signs of damage including cuts, punctures, tears, embedded foreign objects, surface cracking, or degradation of the rubber. Perform an air test by rolling the glove tightly from the gauntlet end to trap air inside, then checking for leaks by squeezing and listening for escaping air. Any damaged gloves must be immediately withdrawn from service and replaced—never attempt to repair electrical insulating gloves.

Periodic Electrical Testing: UK regulations and HSE guidance require that electrical safety gloves undergo regular dielectric testing, typically at six-month intervals or more frequently in demanding environments or for gloves used daily. Testing must be performed by a competent person using appropriate high-voltage testing equipment. Keep accurate records of testing dates, results, and the next test due date. Never use gloves that are overdue for testing, regardless of their visual condition.

Correct Storage is Critical: Store gloves away from direct sunlight, ozone sources (such as electric motors, generators, and welding equipment), petroleum products, solvents, and sharp objects. Keep them in a dedicated storage bag in a cool, dry location, ideally between 10°C and 21°C. Never store gloves folded or compressed, as this can cause permanent creasing and cracking. Improper storage can cause premature degradation and catastrophic failure of the insulating properties.

Know Your Limitations: Electrical safety gloves are designed specifically for electrical insulation—they don't provide comprehensive protection against all electrical hazards. They offer limited protection against arc flash events, and shouldn't be used as general-purpose work gloves for mechanical tasks without leather protectors over the top. Always follow proper isolation procedures; gloves are emergency protection, not a substitute for making installations dead before work.

Never Work Alone on Live Systems: When working on or near live electrical systems, HSE guidance strongly recommends having a second competent person present who can summon help, isolate supplies, or provide first aid in an emergency. Electrical safety gloves are one component of a comprehensive safety approach that should also include proper training, risk assessment, and adherence to the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

Replace When in Doubt: If you have any concerns about the integrity of your electrical safety gloves—whether due to age, visible wear, failed air test, or uncertain storage history—withdraw them from service immediately. The cost of replacement gloves is insignificant compared to the potential consequences of glove failure during electrical work. Your life and health are worth more than the price of new PPE.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do electrical safety gloves need to be tested?

Under UK regulations and HSE guidance, electrical insulating gloves should undergo dielectric testing at least every six months. However, gloves used in particularly demanding environments, exposed to harsh chemicals, or used very frequently may require more regular testing—every three months in some cases. Always inspect gloves visually and perform an air test before each use, regardless of when they were last formally tested. Keep detailed records of all testing with dates, results, and the name of the person who conducted the test. Never use gloves that are overdue for testing, and ensure testing is performed by a competent person with appropriate equipment.

Can I use Class 0 electrical safety gloves for domestic electrical work?

Yes, Class 0 electrical safety gloves, which provide protection up to 1000V AC, are entirely suitable and represent the standard choice for domestic electrical work in the UK where the mains voltage is 240v single-phase or 400V three-phase. Class 0 gloves provide an appropriate safety margin for residential and light commercial installations. They're the most common choice for electricians working on consumer units, lighting circuits, socket outlets, and other domestic electrical systems. However, if you're working on higher voltage systems such as industrial three-phase installations above 400V or distribution equipment, you may require higher-rated Class 1 or Class 2 gloves.

Do I need to wear leather protectors over my electrical insulating gloves?

Whilst not legally mandatory for purely electrical work where you're only handling cables and making connections, leather protector gloves are highly recommended best practice and considered essential by many experienced electricians. They protect your expensive insulating gloves from cuts, punctures, and abrasions that could compromise their electrical safety. If your work involves any mechanical tasks—such as handling metal enclosures with sharp edges, drilling, cable management, or using hand tools—leather protectors significantly extend the life of your insulating gloves and provide an additional safety margin. The small additional cost is worthwhile insurance for protecting both your hands and your investment in quality electrical PPE.

How should I store my electrical safety gloves when not in use?

Store electrical safety gloves in a dedicated storage bag (available from brands like Sealey) in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ozone-generating equipment such as electric motors, generators, and welding gear. Keep them away from petroleum products, solvents, paints, and sharp objects that could cause damage. Never fold gloves tightly or store them compressed, as this can cause permanent creasing and cracking of the rubber. Store them in their natural shape, ideally laid flat or gently rolled. Proper storage is essential for maintaining the integrity of the dielectric rubber and preventing premature degradation. Many electricians keep their gloves in their vehicle or toolbox using purpose-designed storage bags that protect against accidental damage.

What's the difference between Class 00 and Class 0 electrical safety gloves?

The difference lies in their maximum voltage rating and the level of protection they provide. Class 00 gloves provide protection up to 500V AC, whilst Class 0 gloves are rated for up to 1000V AC. For most electrical work in the UK, including domestic and light commercial installations operating at 240v or 400V, Class 0 gloves are the standard choice as they provide an appropriate safety margin above the working voltage. Class 00 gloves might be used for lower voltage electronics work, control circuits, or situations where less bulky gloves with greater dexterity are preferred, but Class 0 offers more versatility for general electrical contracting work and is the most commonly stocked option by professional electricians and electrical contractors throughout the UK.