Insulated gloves are the primary barrier between an electrical worker's hands and a live conductor. Rated and tested to withstand specific voltages under IEC 60903, they are mandatory PPE for anyone carrying out live work, switching operations, or testing on energised circuits. This article covers how insulated gloves work, the class system that determines their voltage rating, inspection and testing obligations, and how to choose the right pair for your application.
What Are Insulated Gloves and How Do They Work?
Insulated gloves, sometimes called dielectric gloves or rubber insulating gloves, are specialist hand protection designed to prevent electric shock and burns during work on or near energised equipment. They are constructed from high-quality natural rubber or elastomer compounds that act as a non-conductive dielectric barrier, preventing current from flowing through the wearer's hands to earth.
They are not the same as the rubber gloves you would find in a hardware shop. Industrial insulated gloves are manufactured, individually tested, and marked to the requirements of IEC 60903 (adopted in Europe as EN 60903). Every single glove undergoes a dielectric proof test before leaving the factory.
Who wears them? Electricians carrying out live fault-finding. Utility linespeople. Substation engineers performing switching operations on MV and HV equipment. Data centre technicians working on live busbars. Essentially, anyone whose hands could come within striking distance of an energised conductor. In many workplaces, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) expects a safe system of work that either eliminates the electrical hazard entirely or, where live work is justified, provides adequate PPE, and insulated gloves sit right at the core of that PPE ensemble.
Insulated Glove Classes and Voltage Ratings
IEC 60903 defines six classes of insulating glove, from Class 00 through to Class 4. Each class is rated for a specific maximum use voltage (AC rms) and is proof-tested at a higher voltage during manufacture and periodic re-testing. Selecting the correct class is not optional; it is driven by the system voltage you are working on.
|
Class |
Max. Use Voltage (AC rms) |
Proof Test Voltage (AC rms) |
Typical Application |
|
00 |
500 V |
2,500 V |
Low-voltage distribution, domestic/commercial circuits |
|
0 |
1,000 V |
5,000 V |
LV switchgear, industrial panels up to 1 kV |
|
1 |
7,500 V |
10,000 V |
MV cable terminations, 10 kV switchgear |
|
2 |
17,000 V |
20,000 V |
20 kV distribution substations |
|
3 |
26,500 V |
30,000 V |
33 kV overhead line work, substation switching |
|
4 |
36,000 V |
40,000 V |
38 kV systems, transmission-level live work |
The Regeltex insulated gloves range (Class 00 to Class 4) covers this full spectrum, so you can match the glove to the exact system voltage rather than guessing or over-specifying. For a deeper look at how classes, categories, and types interact, see our guide to insulating rubber glove types, classes and categories.
Inspection and Testing Requirements
An insulated glove is only as good as its last inspection. Before every use, the wearer should carry out a quick visual check and an air inflation test. Roll the cuff to trap air inside, then squeeze gently. You are looking and listening for leaks, pinholes, or any area where the rubber has thinned. Any sign of cracking, cuts, embedded foreign objects, chemical contamination, or UV degradation means the glove must be withdrawn from service immediately.
Beyond the daily checks, insulated gloves must be periodically re-tested by dielectric proof testing. The generally accepted maximum re-test interval is six months from the date of the previous electrical test, though some operators adopt shorter cycles for gloves subjected to heavy use. The proof test applies a voltage above the glove's rated maximum (see the table above) while the glove is immersed in water, and any leakage current above the threshold constitutes a failure.
On-site pneumatic testers, such as the Regeltex pneumatic LV glove tester, allow a quick inflation check to supplement visual inspection, but they do not replace the periodic laboratory dielectric test. For detailed guidance on keeping your gloves in reliable condition, our article on insulating rubber glove inspection and storage walks through the full procedure.
Leather Protectors and Composite Alternatives
Traditional rubber insulating gloves are tough, but they are not puncture-proof. That is why leather protector gloves are worn over the top during most practical work. The leather outer absorbs abrasion, cuts, and impact that would otherwise damage the dielectric layer. In most live-working procedures, leather protectors are mandatory unless the task genuinely cannot be performed with them on.
Composite insulated gloves offer an alternative approach. These combine dielectric insulation with mechanical and arc flash protection in a single glove. The Sofamel SGM-50 composite insulated gloves, for example, provide both dielectric protection and an arc flash rating of 61.0 cal/cm², making them suitable for high-energy switching tasks where arc flash risk is significant. A composite design can simplify your PPE kit and reduce the bulk on the wearer's hands, which matters when dexterity is critical.
Proper Storage and Care
Insulated gloves degrade faster than most people realise. Exposure to UV light, ozone (common near electrical equipment), petroleum-based solvents, and excessive heat all attack the rubber compound and reduce dielectric integrity. Store gloves in a cool, dry location, away from direct sunlight, and ideally in a dedicated container such as the Regeltex plastic glove storage box. Never fold the gloves or stack heavy items on top of them. Creases can develop into weak points that fail under voltage.
If a glove has been out of service for more than six months without a dielectric re-test, treat it as expired and have it tested before putting it back into use.
Insulated Gloves as Part of Broader Electrical Safety PPE
Insulated gloves rarely work alone. In a substation switching scenario, for instance, the safe system of work typically calls for insulated gloves alongside voltage detectors, insulated mats, arc flash rated clothing, a face shield, and rescue equipment. The hierarchy of controls still applies: you should eliminate the hazard by isolation and proving dead wherever possible. But where live work is justified and authorised, the glove is the last line of defence between skin and conductor.
For a broader look at what belongs in a substation PPE kit, including rescue rods, earthing equipment, and signage, see our overview of substation personal protective equipment.
FAQs
How often do insulated gloves need to be electrically re-tested?
The widely accepted maximum interval is six months from the date of the last dielectric proof test. Some employers and utility operators specify shorter intervals, particularly for gloves in heavy daily use. A glove that has not been tested within the applicable interval should not be used until it passes a new test.
Can I use Class 0 gloves for work on 10 kV switchgear?
No. Class 0 gloves are rated for a maximum use voltage of 1,000 V AC rms. For 10 kV switchgear, you need at least Class 1 gloves, which are rated to 7,500 V AC rms. Always match the glove class to the actual system voltage, not an estimate.
Do composite insulated gloves still need leather protectors?
Typically not. Composite gloves, such as the Sofamel SGM-50, integrate mechanical and arc flash protection into the glove itself, removing the need for a separate leather outer. Always check the manufacturer's guidance for the specific model, as some composites are designed for use without protectors while others may still recommend them for certain tasks.
Choosing the right insulated gloves, keeping them tested, and storing them properly are fundamental to any safe system of work involving live electrical equipment. Browse our full range of electrical safety equipment or speak to our team for help selecting the correct class and type for your application.