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Dielectric Gloves

Rubber insulating gloves manufactured from natural rubber (NR) or synthetic rubber that provide electrical shock protection for workers performing tasks on or near energized electrical equipment. Classified by maximum AC voltage rating per ASTM D120: Class 00 (500V AC, beige), Class 0 (1,000V AC, red), Class 1 (7,500V AC, white), Class 2 (17,000V AC, yellow), Class 3 (26,500V AC, green), Class 4 (36,000V AC, orange). Testing: each glove is inflated and electrically proof-tested at specified voltages before leaving the factory. In service: gloves must be visually inspected and air-tested (inflate by rolling cuff, squeeze, check for leaks) before EVERY use. Electrically retested every 6 months per ASTM D120 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.137 — expired gloves must not be used. Always worn with leather protector gloves over the rubber gloves to prevent physical damage (cuts, punctures, abrasion) that would compromise electrical integrity. Per ASTM D120, NFPA 70E, and NOM-029-STPS (Mexico electrical safety). Used together with dielectric mats (ASTM D178) and dielectric footwear as a complete electrical insulation PPE system. Manufacturers: Salisbury (Honeywell), Cementex, Hubbell, Regeltex. Proper storage: flat or hanging, no folding, away from sunlight and ozone sources.

What you need to know

  • Rubber insulating gloves manufactured from natural rubber (NR) or synthetic rubber that provide electrical shock protection for workers performing tasks on or near energized electrical equipment.
  • Classified by maximum AC voltage rating per ASTM D120: Class 00 (500V AC, beige), Class 0 (1,000V AC, red), Class 1 (7,500V AC, white), Class 2 (17,000V AC, yellow), Class 3 (26,500V AC, green), Class 4 (36,000V AC, orange).
  • Testing: each glove is inflated and electrically proof-tested at specified voltages before leaving the factory.
  • In service: gloves must be visually inspected and air-tested (inflate by rolling cuff, squeeze, check for leaks) before EVERY use.
  • Electrically retested every 6 months per ASTM D120 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.137 — expired gloves must not be used.

Full definition

Dielectric gloves are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect workers from electrical shock when working near or on energized electrical equipment. These gloves are made from natural rubber (NR) or synthetic rubber, which provide excellent insulation properties. They are classified according to their maximum AC voltage rating as per ASTM D120 standards. The classifications are as follows: Class 00 gloves can handle up to 500V AC and are typically beige; Class 0 gloves are rated for 1,000V AC and are red; Class 1 gloves are suitable for 7,500V AC and are white; Class 2 gloves can manage 17,000V AC and are yellow; Class 3 gloves are rated for 26,500V AC and are green; and Class 4 gloves are designed for use up to 36,000V AC and are orange. Each pair of gloves undergoes rigorous testing, including inflation and electrical proof-testing at specified voltages, before being released for use.

In practical applications, dielectric gloves must be visually inspected and air-tested before each use to ensure their integrity. This involves rolling the cuff, inflating the glove, and checking for leaks, which can compromise safety. Additionally, these gloves must be electrically retested every six months per ASTM D120 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.137. Workers must never use expired gloves, as they pose a significant risk of electrical shock. To further protect the dielectric gloves from physical damage, leather protector gloves should be worn over them, preventing cuts, punctures, and abrasions that could affect the rubber's electrical integrity.

Dielectric gloves are often used in conjunction with other safety equipment, such as dielectric mats and footwear, to create a comprehensive electrical insulation PPE system. Proper storage is also crucial; gloves should be stored flat or hanging, away from sunlight and ozone sources, to maintain their protective qualities. Manufacturers such as Salisbury (Honeywell), Cementex, Hubbell, and Regeltex are known for producing high-quality dielectric gloves that comply with safety standards such as ASTM D120, NFPA 70E, and NOM-029-STPS in Mexico.

What you need to know

  • What you need to know: Dielectric gloves are classified into four voltage classes from 500V AC (Class 00) to 36,000V AC (Class 4), ensuring appropriate selection for electrical tasks.
  • Every pair of gloves undergoes electrical proof-testing at specified voltages before leaving the factory to guarantee safety and reliability.
  • Regular inspection and air-testing of gloves are required before each use to check for leaks and ensure electrical integrity.
  • Dielectric gloves must be stored correctly—flat or hanging, away from sunlight and ozone sources—to prolong their lifespan and effectiveness.

Industrial applications

  • 1Utility workers performing maintenance on high-voltage power lines while wearing dielectric gloves to prevent electrical shock.
  • 2Electricians installing or servicing electrical panels and equipment, using gloves rated for the specific voltage levels they encounter.
  • 3Industrial maintenance personnel conducting inspections and repairs on energized equipment, ensuring their gloves are within the required voltage class.
  • 4Telecommunication technicians working on energized circuits, utilizing dielectric gloves in combination with dielectric mats for added safety.

Common mistakes

  • ✕Neglecting to perform the required visual inspection and air-test before each use, risking the use of compromised gloves.
  • ✕Using expired dielectric gloves, which can significantly increase the risk of electrical shock.
  • ✕Failing to wear protective leather gloves over dielectric gloves, leading to potential physical damage that compromises electrical safety.
  • ✕Improperly storing gloves, such as folding them or exposing them to sunlight, which can degrade the rubber material.
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Pro tip

Always keep a log of dielectric glove inspections and testing dates to ensure compliance with safety standards and avoid using expired equipment.

Technical standards

  • ASTM D120 - Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Gloves, outlines the classification and testing requirements for dielectric gloves.
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.137 - Standards for electrical protective equipment, specifying requirements for the use of dielectric gloves in the workplace.
  • NFPA 70E - Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, providing guidelines for electrical safety and PPE requirements.
  • NOM-029-STPS - Mexican electrical safety norm, establishing guidelines for electrical safety and the use of PPE.

Suppliers of safety products in Mexico

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Applicable standards

ASTM D120NOM-029-STPSASTM D178

Related terms

Dielectric Rubber SheetHules
Dielectric MatPisos
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