What are electrical gloves? Standards and regulations you should know

In electrical work environments, electrical gloves serve as an essential part of personal protective equipment (PPE), offering critical protection against electric shock. To maximize both safety and operational efficiency, it is crucial to understand the various classifications of these gloves, the applicable international standards, and the proper inspection procedures before use. 

In this article, THACO INDUSTRIES explores in detail the functions of electric protective gloves, the key regulations governing their usage, and practical guidelines for ensuring their quality and reliability in the field.

What are electrical gloves?

Electrical gloves, also referred to as electrical insulated gloves or electric protective gloves, are PPE items specifically designed to protect users against electrical hazards. These gloves are manufactured from non-conductive or low-conductivity materials such as rubber, leather, silicone, or composite fabrics. 

Their primary function is to act as a protective barrier, preventing electrical current from passing through the body when coming into contact with live electrical components or in areas with potential current leakage. By isolating the wearer from the electrical source, these gloves significantly reduce the risk of injury or fatal accidents in high-risk workplaces.

Why are electrical gloves essential?

Electrical gloves play a vital role in protecting workers and ensuring safety in electrical environments. Their importance can be seen in four key aspects:

Protection against electric shock

Workers operating in electrical settings frequently face the risk of unexpected voltage surges or leakage. Electrical safety gloves act as a crucial line of defense, blocking direct contact between electrical current and the skin. This helps reduce the risk of severe injuries or fatal accidents.

Enhanced work efficiency

With reliable electrical rubber gloves, workers can perform tasks with greater confidence and lower risk, minimizing disruptions caused by electrical accidents. This results in improved operational efficiency and uninterrupted workflow.

Compliance with safety regulations

In many industries, the use of electric protective gloves is a mandatory requirement under occupational safety laws. Adhering to safety regulations not only demonstrates legal compliance but also significantly lowers the chances of electrical incidents and ensures worker safety.

Arc flash resistance

Certain low-voltage electrical gloves are also designed to withstand arc flash – a dangerous discharge that can cause severe burns. This dual protection is crucial for tasks like switching electrical equipment in high-risk environments.

Standards and regulations for electrical gloves

To guarantee user safety, electrical gloves must be manufactured, tested, and used according to strict international and national standards.

IEC 60903 standard

IEC 60903 is a global benchmark for electrical insulated gloves rated up to 36kV. Gloves that meet this standard are categorized by voltage classes (Class 00 to Class 4) and must pass various tests, including:

– Dielectric strength testing

– Tensile and abrasion resistance

– Flexibility and leakage tests

ASTM D120 standard (USA)

This standard defines technical requirements for electrical rubber gloves used in industrial settings. It categorizes gloves into Class 00 to Class 4, covering voltage ranges from 500V to 36,000V. Widely adopted in the U.S. and globally, ASTM D120 ensures rigorous safety compliance.

TCVN standards (Vietnam)

In Vietnam, electrical safety gloves must comply with national technical standards such as:

– TCVN 5586:2009 – Rubber insulating gloves

– TCVN 4244:2005 – General regulations on PPE for electrical work

Inspection regulations for electrical gloves

To ensure electrical gloves remain safe and effective, regular inspections are mandatory. These inspections are defined by international standards and focus on both frequency and testing methods.

Inspection frequency

According to IEC 60903 and ASTM D120:

– In-use gloves must be tested at least every 6 months.

– In harsh environments (e.g., humidity, oil exposure, conductive dust), inspection frequency should be increased to every 3 months.

– Unused gloves manufactured over 12 months ago must be tested before initial use.

Inspection methods

Visual inspection:

– Check for tears, cracks, punctures, abrasions, or chemical contamination.

– Assess elasticity and overall glove condition.

Electrical testing:

– Apply test voltages higher than working limits for a set time.

– A glove is compliant if there is no leakage, sparking, or burning odor.

Common types of electrical gloves

Each voltage class defines the maximum protection level gloves can provide. Beyond these technical classes, electrical gloves are also categorized by their practical voltage applications in real-world work settings.

By voltage class

By voltage usage

– Low-voltage electrical gloves: Suitable for 220V – 1,000V systems; ideal for household electrical repairs.

– Medium-voltage electrical gloves: Designed for environments with 1kV – 15kV voltage; used in substations or utility work.

– High-voltage electrical gloves: Intended for transmission systems ranging from 15kV to 36kV; require high-grade materials and frequent inspections.

By material

– Rubber electrical gloves: High elasticity and insulation; widely used across industries.

– Composite gloves: Multi-layer construction combining fabric, rubber, and plastic for superior puncture and abrasion resistance.

– Silicone electrical gloves: Lightweight, flexible, durable, and aging-resistant; best used in dry, chemical-free settings.

– Leather protector gloves: Typically worn over rubber gloves to prevent cuts, abrasions, and contact with oils or sharp objects.

How to inspect electrical gloves before Use

Before putting electrical gloves into service, thorough inspection is critical. Even minor damage or hidden defects can compromise their insulating properties and expose workers to serious risks. To ensure compliance with safety standards and maintain maximum protection, gloves should always be carefully checked using the following methods.

Visual check 

Before using electrical gloves, inspect for:

– No visible tears, holes, bubbles, cracks, or abrasions.

– Free from oil, chemical stains, or conductive debris.

– No discoloration, odors, or brittleness.

– Valid inspection date, class labeling, and manufacturer details.

Air leak test

Quick manual test steps:

– Inflate gloves by mouth or air pump.

– Seal the glove opening tightly.

– Submerge in water or squeeze gently.

– Look for escaping air bubbles – any leakage indicates the glove is compromised and unsafe.

Elasticity check

– Stretch the wrist and palm area by hand.

– Ensure material retains elasticity without cracking or becoming overly stiff.

Lapro – Trusted supplier of high-quality electrical gloves

To meet the growing demand for personal protective equipment, Lapro has positioned itself as a trusted manufacturer and exporter of premium electrical gloves that comply with international safety standards. As a reputable gloves manufacturing company, Lapro provides a comprehensive product portfolio tailored for diverse industries, including metallurgy, mechanics, construction, electronics, mining, agriculture, and forestry.

Currently, Lapro offers over 50 glove types, spanning from mid-range to high-end quality, such as:

– Cotton, polyester, and nylon gloves

– PU-coated, latex-coated, and nitrile-coated gloves

– PVC dot-printed gloves

– Cut-resistant gloves

– Electrical safety gloves

– Touchscreen-compatible gloves and specialized fabric gloves

All glove products are engineered for exceptional durability, flexibility, anti-slip performance, UV protection, moisture absorption, and heat resistance – ensuring optimum safety and comfort in demanding work environments.

Advanced manufacturing capabilities

Leveraging cutting-edge technology from experienced Vietnamese and Japanese partners, Lapro operates with:

– 1,600 automated knitting machines

– Rubber coating lines with programmable controls supporting full, ¾, and ½ rubber coverage

– Annual production capacity of 90 million pairs of gloves

With a robust domestic footprint, Lapro also serves global markets, exporting to ASEAN countries, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Poland, Kuwait, and beyond.

If your business is looking for a reliable partner to supply electrical gloves, Lapro is ready to support your safety needs with certified, high-quality solutions.

Contact THACO INDUSTRIES team directly at (+84) 348 620 063 for expert consultation and product inquiries.