In electrical work, safety is of paramount importance. Among the variety of protective gear utilized, one standout item is the disposable nitrile glove. This commonly used piece of safety equipment is a staple in the industry for several reasons.
Common Risks in Electrical Works
When working with electricity, there are many dangers like electric shocks and harmful substances. Additionally, sharp objects can cause injuries, including cuts and abrasions. Nitrile gloves can protect you from these risks by acting as a barrier between your hands and potential hazards. They are essential safety equipment for electrical work that can save lives.
Understanding Nitrile Disposable Gloves
Protect yourself while working with electricity and hazardous materials using disposable nitrile gloves. Made from latex-free synthetic rubber called nitrile butadiene, these gloves are ideal for those with allergies. They provide resistance against tears, punctures, and chemicals, making them perfect for tasks requiring manual dexterity or handling hazardous materials.
Nitrile gloves offer superior resistance to punctures, solvents, and chemicals compared to other types of gloves. What sets them apart is their inherent static resistance, a feature highly sought after in electrical works.
Nitrile gloves are made to be used once and should be changed every two hours to stay safe from unseen punctures. It is also important to change the gloves immediately if they become contaminated or after each task involving the handling of chemicals. It is strongly advised against reusing these gloves.
Benefits of Nitrile Gloves for Electrical Works
Enhanced Safety: For safety, nitrile gloves are at the forefront, by offering excellent puncture resistance and ensuring minimal risk of electric shock.
Disposable nitrile gloves are often questioned for their ability to protect against electricity. They may offer minimal protection from low voltage when dry, but they are not manufactured or tested for this purpose. Therefore, it’s not advisable to rely on them for electrical safety.
Chemical Resistance: They provide significant chemical resistance, making them ideal for electrical works involving chemical usage.
.Improved Durability: Nitrile gloves are exceptionally durable, allowing for longer use without tearing or disintegrating.
disposable nitrile gloves for electrical work
The ASTM D6319 standard is utilized in the medical industry to assess the safety and effectiveness of examination gloves made from nitrile rubber. Nevertheless, this standard does not encompass electrical resistance testing. In situations involving electrical tasks, rubber insulating gloves are generally favored, with certain variants specifically engineered to safeguard against electrical dangers and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD).
While disposable nitrile gloves may provide some level of protection against electricity, they are not designed or tested for this purpose. Therefore, they should not be relied upon for protection against electrical hazards. For tasks involving electricity, it is recommended to use gloves specifically designed and tested for electrical safety.
Electrostatic Discharge
The Risk of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD):
Electrostatic discharge occurs when two electrically charged objects come into contact or experience a sudden electrical short. This rapid flow of electricity can severely damage electronic products and components, which may go undetected during quality assurance processes. Additionally, ESD can pose a danger to individuals, resulting in shocks that, although not fatal, can cause loss of balance or unintentional harm.
The Role of Nitrile Gloves in Preventing ESD:
Nitrile gloves are effective in preventing ESD in various industries. However, not all nitrile gloves are anti-static. Natural rubber gloves are insulative and not suitable for ESD protection. Insulated rubber electrical gloves are used by electricians but still carry a minimal risk of ESD. For the highest level of protection against electricity and ESD, choose anti-static nitrile gloves with excellent dexterity.
Understands high voltage gloves for electricians
If you work in the electrical industry, you understand the importance of safety equipment. One essential piece of protective gear is rubber insulating gloves, which are classified by OSHA ratings. However, it’s not just high voltage gloves that can help keep you safe. Disposable nitrile gloves can also be a valuable addition to your toolkit. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of using disposable nitrile gloves for electrical work.
Classifications of OSHA Ratings for Rubber Insulating Gloves:
1. Class 00: These gloves are designed for maximum usage with up to 500 Volts (AC) and 750 Volts (DC) equipment. They provide basic protection for low voltage applications, such as those found in household appliances.
2. Class 0: Offering protection up to 100 Volts (AC) and 1,500 Volts (DC), Class gloves are suitable for low voltage electricians and other professionals working with equipment operating at voltages higher than Class 00.
3. Class 1: Designed for electricians and utility workers, Class 1 gloves provide protection against voltages up to 7,500 Volts (AC) and 11,250 Volts (DC). These gloves are commonly utilized in power distribution and transmission systems.
4. Class 2 gloves provide insulation up to 17,000 Volts (AC) and 25,500 Volts (DC). They are suitable for workers handling higher voltage systems in substations and industrial environments.
5. Class 3: With a maximum rating of 26,500 Volts (AC) and 39,750V (DC), Class 3 gloves are essential for lineman and electricians working with high voltage power transmission systems.
6. Class 4: Designed for professionals working in extreme high voltage environments, Class 4 gloves offer maximum protection up to 36,000V (AC) and 54,000V (DC). These gloves are used in situations where the risk of electrical exposure is the highest.
Table of ASTM D120 Standard
| Class 00 | Max 500V (AC) and 750V (DC) |
| Class 0 | Max 1000V (AC) and 1,500 (DC) |
| Class 1 | Max 7,500V (AC) and 11,250 (DC) |
| Class 2 | Max Maximum 17,000V (AC) and 25,500V (DC) |
| Class 3 | Max Maximum 26,500V (AC) and 39,750V (DC) |
| Class 4 | Max Maximum 36,000V (AC) and 54,000 (DC) |
What are the best electrical work gloves?
Electrical safety gloves are crucial for protecting electrical workers from electric shocks. They act as a strong barrier and can prevent injuries and save lives. To ensure their effectiveness, it is important to adhere to safety standards like NFPA 70E and ASTM D120.
Key Properties of Electrical Safety Gloves:
To provide optimal protection, electrical safety gloves must be strong, durable, and effectively insulate against electrical current. They should also be flexible for precision and ease of use. Most importantly, these gloves must have dielectric properties to prevent the flow of electricity.
Understanding Categorization:
The categorization of electrical safety gloves is determined by their resistance to ozone as well as their ability to provide protection against voltage. There are two primary types: Type I and Type II.
Type I Gloves: (latex)
Made of natural latex rubber, Type I gloves offer excellent electrical insulation but lack ozone resistance. They are cost-effective for jobs without ozone exposure.
Type II Gloves: (synthetic)
Type II gloves are made of synthetic rubber, which offers both electrical insulation and resistance to ozone. These versatile gloves are commonly used in electrical work to ensure maximum safety in ozone-rich environments.
Which material – latex, nitrile, or vinyl – is best for electrical works?
Both latex and nitrile gloves are suitable options. However, some people may develop allergies to latex gloves. Vinyl gloves are not recommended as they are not as strong and can easily tear. It is essential to choose gloves that provide durability and protection against electrical hazards. Nitrile gloves are a good alternative to latex as they offer similar levels of protection without the risk of allergic reactions. Ultimately, the best material for electrical works depends on individual preferences and safety requirements.
The best Gloves for electrical works
MAGID Safety Gloves
Insulating gloves for lineman work, contractors, field service, and high-voltage operators. ARC Flash Class 0: Designed for low-voltage applications; Protects up to 1,000 Volts AC/1,500 Volts DC.
MAGID Safety Gloves : Electrical Safety Gloves are ideal for lineman work, electrical contractors, field service work, and high-voltage machine operators. They protect up to 1,000 Volts AC/1,500 Volts DC. Made from black, dielectric natural rubber latex, these gloves provide better elasticity than nitrile, chloroprene, or vinyl gloves. With a length of 11″, they offer extended wrist protection. The gloves meet industry safety standards such as ASTM D120-09, OSHA 29C FR 1910.269, and NFPA 70E.
Klein Tools 40072 Electricians Gloves
USA-made gloves with a composition of TPB 50%, Synthetic Leather 30%, and Neoprene 20%. Special palm and finger material for non-slip grip when pulling wires or cables. Easy-wear, wrapped index finger for durability, reinforced thumb base, and breathable spandex material for all-day comfort.
Klein Tools 40072 Electricians Gloves :The gloves are made with TPB, synthetic leather, and neoprene materials. They are either made in the USA or imported. The gloves have a unique palm and finger material that makes them durable and slip-resistant when pulling wire or cable. They also come with an extended cuff for easy on/off. The index finger is wrapped for added durability, and the thumb base has a reinforced area. Additionally, the gloves are made of spandex material which makes them breathable and comfortable to wear all day long.
Gorilla Grip Slip Resistant All Purpose Work Gloves
made in the USA, offer superior grip in all conditions. With a unique polymer palm coating, they’re perfect for wet or oily jobs like plumbing and oil changes. These breathable, medium-sized gloves are sold in a multipack for work crews and are hand-washable.
Gorilla Grip Slip Resistant All Purpose Work Gloves: The Gorilla Grip Slip Resistant All Purpose Work Gloves are made in the USA and come with a pull-on closure. Designed for superior dexterity and breathability, these gloves maintain their grip in wet, dry, and oily conditions, thanks to their unique polymer palm coating that pushes grease and fluids away from the center. They’re great for jobs like plumbing and oil changes, or any work on wet surfaces. These medium-sized gloves, sold in a multipack, are hand-washable and designed with the work crew in mind.
2 PCS Insulating Gloves for High Voltage Electrical Work
with a 1.8mm thickness to prevent scratches or punctures. Great for industrial use, like lineman work, electrical contractors, field service work, and high-voltage machine operations. They offer protection against voltages up to 12,000V and provide arm protection with a length of 15.8 inches and a width of 7.5 inches (cuff).
2 PCS Insulating Gloves for High Voltage Electrical Work These insulated gloves are designed for ultimate safety with a 1.8mm thickness to minimize the risk of scratching or puncturing. They are made of soft and smooth rubber material with a rolled cuff for easy removal. These gloves, made of dielectric natural rubber, offer excellent resilience, insulation, waterproofing, high-pressure resistance, and abrasion resistance. Suitable for industrial use, such as lineman work, electrical contractors, field service work, and high-voltage machine operations.Designed for voltages up to 12,000V, they effectively protect from danger. With a length of 15.8 inches and a width of 7.5 inches (cuff), they fit most hand sizes and provide perfect arm protection for life, work, and operation.
Electrical Insulated Lineman Rubber Gloves
Test voltage: 12000V; Under 3000V for basic security appliances and 3000V-8000V for auxiliary security appliances. Suitable for electricians, linemen, and high-voltage machine operations, among others. Length: 14 inches, Width: 4 1/2 inches (Wrist)/6 3/4 inches (Cuff), fits up to 4.5-inch hand width, 7.5-inch hand length, and 9-inch hand circumference.
Elastic closure. Hand wash. Ergonomic shape reduces hand fatigue and chafing. Made from the finest dielectric natural rubber for superior properties and durability. Test voltage: 12000V; Under 3000V for basic security appliances, 3000V-8000V for auxiliary security appliances. Suitable for electricians and high-voltage machine operations. Length: 14 inches, Width: 4 1/2 inches (Wrist)/ 6 3/4 inches (Cuff). Fits up to 4.5 inch hand width, 7.5 inch hand length, and 9 inch hand circumference.