Electrical Insulating Gloves Guide

The most common mistake when choosing electrician gloves is to treat a value in the product name, such as “10 kV”, “20 kV” or “40 kV”, as the safe working voltage. With electrical insulating gloves, however, the maximum use voltage and the proof test voltage are not the same thing.

In this guide we explain, in practical terms, the classes from Class 00 to Class 4, their maximum AC/DC use voltages and how the proof test differs. To compare products directly, go to the Electrician Gloves and Electrical Insulating Gloves category.

1. What is IEC 60903?

IEC 60903 is the core international standard for electrical insulating gloves. A glove being made of rubber or latex does not by itself make it suitable for electrical work. The appropriate class, the manufacturer’s declaration and the working voltage must all be considered together.

2. Class 00–4 voltage table

3. Why can the term “10 kV gloves” be misleading?

A Class 1 glove may show a 10,000 V AC proof test value. However, the maximum use voltage for the same class is 7,500 V AC. It is therefore incorrect to read “10 kV” in a product title as the working voltage.

4. Which class is used at which level?

Class 00

Maximum use voltage of 500 V AC and 750 V DC. One of the classes found in low-voltage applications.

Class 1

Maximum use voltage of 7,500 V AC and 11,250 V DC. The AC proof test voltage is 10,000 V.

Class 4

The highest electrical class in the IEC 60903 classification. Maximum use voltage is 36,000 V AC and 54,000 V DC; the AC proof test voltage is 40,000 V.

5. Checklist for choosing electrical insulating gloves

• IEC 60903 class: Class 00, 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4.
• Maximum use voltage: Check the AC and DC values separately.
• Proof test: Do not interpret this value as a working limit.
• Manufacturer reference: The same brand may offer different classes.
• Physical condition: There must be no cuts, cracks, holes or deformation.
• Mechanical protection: Where required, the manufacturer specifies the use of leather over-gloves separately.

6. Low-voltage and high-voltage gloves are not the same thing

Trade terms such as “low-voltage gloves”, “LV gloves”, “MV gloves” or “high-voltage gloves” are often used in searches. When purchasing, however, the main comparison should be based on the IEC 60903 class and maximum use voltage.

Not every product in the general work gloves category is suitable for electrical work.

7. Why is pre-use inspection important?

With electrical insulating gloves, even a small cut, crack or surface deterioration can affect performance. Visual inspection before use and the test/inspection procedures specified by the manufacturer are therefore important.

FAQ

Compare electrician gloves

You can browse the Class 00, Class 1 and Class 4 options in the Electrician Gloves and Electrical Insulating Gloves category. Do not make a choice without comparing the class, maximum use voltage and proof test information on the product page.