Rubber Insulating Gloves & Sleeves
Rubber insulating gloves and sleeves protect qualified electrical workers from shock when working on or near exposed energized parts. They only work if they’re the right class for the voltage, protected from damage, checked before every use, and tested on schedule.
- Electrical
- Utilities
Voltage classes
| Class | Max use voltage (AC) | Label color |
|---|---|---|
| 00 | 500 V | Beige |
| 0 | 1,000 V | Red |
| 1 | 7,500 V | White |
| 2 | 17,000 V | Yellow |
| 3 | 26,500 V | Green |
| 4 | 36,000 V | Orange |
Based on ASTM D120. Always check the class marked on the glove against the voltage you’re working on.
Before every use
- Right class for the voltage; test date within the allowed period
- Air test: roll or inflate the glove and look and listen for leaks
- Look for cuts, holes, tears, punctures, ozone cracking, swelling, sticky or hard spots, and embedded objects
- Inside and outside checked, including between the fingers
- Leather protectors in good condition and the right size
Any defect means the glove is removed from service. Never patch or repair rubber gloves.
Use and care
- Always wear leather protectors over rubber gloves, except in limited cases allowed by the standard.
- Keep the cuff of the rubber glove extending beyond the protector cuff as required.
- Store gloves in a protective bag, flat or cuff-down, out of sunlight, heat, ozone and chemicals. Don’t fold them.
- Keep them away from sharp tools, oil and solvents.
- Wash and dry them according to the manufacturer.
Retesting
OSHA requires electrical retesting of gloves at least every 6 months, and sleeves at least every 12 months, after they’re issued. Gloves must also be tested after any repair or whenever their insulating value is in doubt. Testing labs mark the test date on the glove.
Rubber gloves are not a license to work hot. Only qualified workers with proper training, an energized work justification and the full set of PPE should work on or near energized parts. De-energizing is the safer choice. See Energized Work Permits.
Standards & references
- 29 CFR 1910.137: Electrical protective equipment
- ASTM D120 (gloves), D1051 (sleeves), F496 (in-service care)
- See also: Arc Flash
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