HOW TO CHOOSE THE ELECTRICAL INSULATING GLOVES
Gloves8.com offers the widest selection of Insulated Glove sizing and lengths, model types, and electrical classifications which I will cover below. This includes sizes from 7-12 in most models which includes woman’s sizes, and lengths from 11” to 18”, and Electrical Classifications from 00 to 4. Our styles include the traditional Straight Cuffs and Bell-Shaped Cuffs. For those of you new to the glove cuff selection, the Bell-Shaped cuffs are designed for a more comfortable fit under heavy clothing such as winter coats or other types of thick protective sleeves.
EV (Electric Vehicle Gloves) – Class 0
(Class 0 = Use AC Voltage of 1,000 & Use DC Voltage of 1,500)
The insulated gloves are the most prevalent models used today in Electric Vehicle manufacturing, repair, and maintenance. Currently, the class of choice are the Class 0 models. This may change due to advancements, and it would be wise to check the vehicle manual for the vehicle’s specifications.
These models are often referred to as models used for hybrid electric cars since they were originally designed for hybrid vehicles, but the gloves referred to as “hybrid models” will also work for today’s fully electric vehicles. They fall into the same Class of 0.
Hybrid vehicles use high voltage batteries and electric motors for power. The batteries generate quite a shock.
Most consumers and technicians are not cognizant of the amount of power. The voltage can range from 144 volts on a Honda Civic to 500 volts on a Toyota Prius so the battery can pack quite a wallop. Therefore, there is more than enough juice to fry anyone who accidentally comes into contact with the high voltage battery, wiring or power equipment components used in hybrid vehicles.
The recommended protection for technicians who service these vehicles is to wear Class 0 rated rubber insulated gloves, which are rated up to 1,000 volts AC. These gloves should be free of any tears, pinholes, or cuts and certified since they have a shelf-life.
How do I know what glove to use?
First, you should determine the maximum voltage that you will be exposed to during your work. Once you have determined the risk, you can use the chart below to determine the appropriate class of glove that will provide you the protection required to complete your job safely. Each class of gloves is clearly marked with the maximum use voltage on the permanent color-coded label.
Rubber Insulating Glove Classification
Electrical safety gloves are categorized by the level of voltage protection they provide. Voltage protection is broken down into the following classes:
- Class 00 – Maximum use voltage of 500 volts
- Class 0 – Maximum use voltage of 1,000 volts
- Class 1 – Maximum use voltage of 7,500 volts
- Class 2 – Maximum use voltage of 17,000 volts
- Class 3 – Maximum use voltage of 26,500 volts
- Class 4 – Maximum use voltage of 36,000 volts
Other requirements include daily inspections for any damage before each day’s use and retested and certified every six months.
What size of leather protector should I use?
Leather protectors should always be worn with rubber insulating gloves. ASTM F696 provides the specification for the manufacture of Leather Protectors. Leather protectors are sized to be worn on the same size rubber insulating glove so if you wear a size 10 rubber insulating glove you should order a size 10 leather protector.
The length of the protectors are determined by the class. Certain leather protectors are used with specific classes of rubber gloves according to their length. The protectors are not interchangeable with the different classes of rubber gloves.
How should rubber insulating gloves be cleaned and stored?
Wash in warm water (85oF) with mild detergent, disinfect with a small amount of chlorine bleach. Air or tumble dry at low heat (165oF). Gloves may be dusted lightly with talc to reduce tackiness. Gloves should be stored in a glove bag, finger tips up, hung and not laid flat. Leather protectors should be removed before storage. Never fold gloves. Store in as dry and cool (95oF maximum) location as possible, away from sources of ozone and direct sunlight.
