What Are Electrical Glove Classes?
Electrical glove classes are an industry-recognized standard established by ASTM. They determine the voltage resistance capability of electrical gloves, enable manufacturers to classify products more systematically, and help buyers select the most suitable electrical gloves.
Electrical gloves are categorized into six levels as shown in the table below. They provide protection against different levels and grades of voltage or current.
| Class | Color Code | AC (V) | DC (V) | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00 | Beige | 500 | 750 | Low-voltage work |
| 0 | Red | 1,000 | 1,500 | Residential electrical work |
| 1 | White | 7,500 | 11,250 | Industrial maintenance |
| 2 | Yellow | 17,000 | 25,500 | Heavy industrial operations |
| 3 | Green | 26,500 | 39,750 | High-voltage lines |
| 4 | Orange | 36,000 | 54,000 | Ultra high-voltage systems |
What Do the Color Labels on Electrical Glove Ratings Mean?
If you look closely, you’ll notice that electrical glove rating labels feature different colors, with each level corresponding to a specific color to ease distinguishing between different protection levels.
- Class 00 – Beige
- Class 0 – Red
- Class 1 – White
- Class 2 – Yellow
- Class 3 – Green
- Class 4 – Orange
Why Do Electrical Gloves Need Testing?
According to OSHA and ASTM standards, electrical gloves are classified as the most critical personal protective equipment (PPE) for electricians and require timely testing to ensure they maintain their protective capabilities.
OSHA requires (per 29 CFR 1910.137)
- Testing Frequency: Companies must test gloves in use every six months. Unused gloves must be tested annually.
- Non-Compliance: Failure to comply may result in fines.
If you need glove testing, contact M-tide. We provide comprehensive testing solutions for electrical gloves, guiding you through the testing process and recommending testing facilities. You can also perform routine self-inspections.
- Visual Inspection: Examine the rubber on the palm for any tears or defects. Inspect the finger seams and fingertips for damage.
- Air Inflation Test: Inflate the gloves and check for any air leakage to determine if the gloves have holes.
- Assessment: If air leaks or holes are found, the gloves must be discarded.
- Safety Note: Otherwise, they pose a serious safety hazard.
Recommended MTIDE Electrical Gloves
Recommended MTIDE-ESD001
Designed with a nylon-metal fiber inner lining, enhanced with a nitrile coating, and paired with a waterproof membrane, this glove delivers exceptional comfort and safety. Comfortable and safe.
- Class A6 cut resistance.
- ESD protection
- Touchscreen compatible
Recommended Reason: Exceptional cut resistance, protection against electrical interference, and enables direct touchscreen operation.
Recommended MTIDE-J004
This glove features a nylon-carbon fiber blend liner enhanced with a nitrile coating.
- Cut resistance level 1.
- Abrasion-resistant.
- Touchscreen compatible.
Recommended Reason: This glove not only provides cut protection, but also offers durability and abrasion resistance, and enables touchscreen operation.
How to Maintain Electrical Gloves
Proper maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your electrical gloves but also ensures they continue to provide reliable protection in compliance with OSHA standards.
Cleaning: Before washing, first inspect the gloves for any damage. If damaged, stop using these gloves.
- Wash using lukewarm water and a neutral detergent.
- Avoid using hard brushes that may cause abrasion.
Storage: Avoid folding gloves during storage; instead, store them flat. It is also recommended to keep them in a cool, dry environment.
M-tide is a reliable supplier of electrical gloves
MTIDE focuses on developing high-quality electrical gloves with excellent electrical protection. We simulate various electrical work scenarios to recreate the most realistic application environments. Our electrical gloves undergo electrical safety testing to ensure they provide effective protection and safeguard workers’ safety.
We also offer electrical gloves in all protection levels to meet the needs of different application scenarios. If you would like to learn more or want to know how to choose the right class of electrical gloves, feel free to contact us.
