Electrical work is a dangerous process, requiring strict compliance with certain safety rules. All the equipment should be de-energized and grounded. An electrician should use only insulated tools and dielectric gloves, eliminating the probability of electric shock.
Our articles will reveal the key features of the best work gloves for electricians in 2019 and the main tips to make the right choice. We will also determine the most reliable manufacturers of this essential accessory. So, let’s dive in…
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
DEX FIT Nitrile Work Gloves FN330
Modern market offers a wide range of protective means for electricians. Numerous positive reviews in the web show that the most reputable brand is DEX FIT. According to the customer reviews, the main advantages of its products are:
- The convenience of wearing, ergonomic shape, hypoallergenic materials;
- Suitable for both industrial and home use;
- Protect from damage by direct and alternating electric current;
- Resistant to acids, oil products, low temperatures;
- Very durable, surprisingly long service life.
Magid Glove rating in the web is high, and practically all reviewers are satisfied with the purchase. Moreover, there are not only electricians among the reviewers. People who work with ultrasound and electrical rays report about the efficiency of Magid glove protection.
Buying Guide for Electrical Work Gloves
Electrical gloves are an important Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) primarily because they protect the hands; the major part of the body used during electrical work or any industrial work. However, the level of protection that electrical work gloves offer do differ.
This is based on the type of electrical glove and other features such as the voltage capacity. Therefore, in buying a work glove, it is important to take into consideration the kind of work in question, the type of hazard being faced (whether it is more of electrical hazards or mechanical hazards), and the type of glove that best fits the two things considered first.
This section aims to help you in making these considerations.
Type of Gloves for Electricians
There are different types of gloves that best protect you against electrical hazards. They are primarily two: standard insulating gloves and mechanical gloves.
Standard Insulating gloves: These gloves are also known as electrical gloves and, as the name implies, they aim to protect you purely from electrical hazards. Put simply, electrical gloves prevent electrical shock.
These are typical in situations where you are working in an environment with cables, live wires, transformers, and any equipment that has electricity surging through them or any equipment that runs on electricity.
Electrical hazards differ, ranging from low voltage shocks to arc flashes. Accordingly, the protection of electrical gloves will differ, depending on whether it is a low voltage electrical glove or a high voltage electrical glove. Electrical gloves, depending on their capacity, operates to protect the hands from the effect of these hazards.
Due to the peculiar nature of their function, standard insulating gloves are always worn with leather protector gloves over them. The function of leather protector gloves is to protect the insulating gloves from undergoing rapid wear and tear. Rapid wear and tear can weaken insulating gloves and the result can be fatal when the person wearing it comes in contact with a live wire or something similar.
Mechanical Gloves: Mechanical gloves, as the name also implies, are gloves that aim to protect you purely from mechanical hazards. While some of these gloves also protect you from electrical hazards, their main purpose is to ensure your hands are protected from the dangers of mechanical or industrial equipment or machines.
Accordingly, mechanical gloves operate to protect your hands from possible tears, abrasion, irritation (such as in instances whereby your hands are covered in thick oil), and similar things. They are typically designed in a way that your hand dexterity is not hindered.
Some electrical works have to do with mechanical objects too. In some instances, it is needed to bypass some mechanical parts to get to where the electrical components are. Mechanical gloves offer protection in this area.
Mechanical gloves are primarily classified in four, and they include:
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- Cut-resistant Gloves
These kinds of mechanical gloves are designed to withstand very sharp objects and protect your hands from the hazard that comes with them. They can be a little thicker than regular gloves.
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- High Visibility Gloves
These kinds of mechanical gloves are important for night-time work.
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- Thermal Gloves
These kinds of mechanical gloves are designed and created with an extra lining that provides extra protection in the cold. They are ideal for working in cold environments. Not only do they protect your hands, but they also keep them warm enough to perform well.
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- Dry Gloves
These kinds of mechanical gloves are designed to be primarily resistant to moisture. While protecting your hands, they also ensure it is affected by moisture of any kind, ranging from water to oil.
Some mechanical gloves have all of these features. However, some are also specific. In any case, in a standard mechanical glove, a particular feature is more present and all the others are also present at a minimal level.
ASTM D120 Gloves: The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is a known organization that deals with the testing of materials like insulated gloves; particularly insulated gloves for electrical work. They generally state standards for electrical gloves and the “D120” is a glove specification that covers electrical gloves alone.
The Best Work Gloves for Electricians
Well, if you don’t have enough time to read the whole article, watch the video and look through the links, you can just choose the best-insulated work gloves from the list below. We have made TOP-5 Amazon best dielectric gloves for you considering the popularity and customer reviews. We’ve rescued you from the tedious search for the best work gloves for electricians among hundreds of items.
The top best product [hide]
National Safety Apparel Class 2 Black Rubber Voltage Insulating Glove Kit
The gloves and leather protector are also accompanied by a glove bag to aid easy storage and easy movement as well. National Safety Apparel is known for making quality PPE and they have accordingly moved to retain this reputation by testing this kit to ensure it meets its specifications. It is ideal for general electrical works within the voltage limit. This particular product comes in size 11, but it is also made in a range of sizes between 8 – 12.
KAYGO Work Gloves PU Coated-12 Pairs
DEX FIT Nitrile Work Gloves FN330
Electricians Gloves Large Klein Tools
ECHODONE 12KV Safety Electrical Protective Insulated Gloves Under 1000V
Magid M00 A.R.C. Natural Latex Rubber Class 00 Insulating Glove
3M Comfort Grip Glove CGL-GU for Electrical and Maintenance work
Work Gloves for Electricians FAQ
Modern market offers a perfect choice of dielectric gloves for men. Thanks to it we can increase our chances to buy the products of the highest quality after considering the customer reviews. When choosing work gloves for your electrical tasks, please, read the description thoroughly, as not all the models of rubber-coated work gloves are designed shock and voltage resistant. Dielectric gloves undergo preliminary testing, which gives a guarantee of their functionality, providing ample protection to a worker.
The model choice depends on your conditions of work. However, remember, dielectric gloves are a for everyone working with electricity.
Even if you test your home wiring or repair equipment – you shouldn’t do it unprotected.
What type of gloves should I choose?
Dielectric gloves differ much from universal rubber gloves which we use for around the house, and from gloves for construction and repair.
This protection for electric workers is manufactured using thick rubber or latex (link).
The second type of protection is not for home use – it is too thick and not elastic enough.
There are also some essential criteria for choosing the most reliable and safe products.
What size is good for me?
When shaping a size, it is necessary to consider not only the size of your hand, but also consider your work conditions. For example, when working outside in winter, there is always a need to wear thin cotton gloves under the dielectric ones to avoid frostbite. Therefore, purchase a product one size larger or warm-insulated working gloves. If you work indoors, it is better to pick up gloves fitting your hand. Experienced electricians’ advice to buy high gloves reaching the elbows. And be sure that your sleeves are in your glove cuffs for your safety. Besides, never turn over the edges of the cuffs.
Will the dielectric gloves protect me for certain?
The first and the main advice when buying protective equipment is to choose the reliable and reputable brands like 3M, Klein Tools, ANHPI-Gloves, Magid Glove & Safety, and ESA Supplies. A good manufacturer is a guarantee of your safety and wellbeing. The only thing you should do is monitor the integrity of your gloves. Roll each glove in the direction towards the fingers. An undamaged glove will immediately inflate, and you can check if air is leaking.
Watch the video to understand the possible consequences of damaged gloves use:
Be careful and wash your means of protection with soapy water every time after work, as different substances like oil, acids or alkali can damage the material.
Your gloves should also be stored properly (more). Never fold them and keep away from heat, humidity, sunlight and chemical substances.
Class of Gloves
There are different classes of electrical gloves and this depends on the level of voltage it can offer protection for. For example, Class 00 electrical gloves refer to gloves that offer protection against low voltage of 500v or less, while Class 4 electrical gloves refer to gloves that offer protection against high voltage of 36000v or less.
Voltage
Knowing the limits of an electrical glove is important. This can be determined by looking at the Class it falls under or deciding so yourself. For example, if a glove is Class 00, its limit is 500v. Also, if an electrical hand glove is 440v, then it falls under Class 00.
Product Colour
The product color of the glove is another way to determine its limit. Gloves that are colored black usually have a limit of 1000v, while gloves that are colored Bi-Colour can have a limit ranging from 7500v to 36000v. This is not an exact categorization, as some manufacturers can color their high voltage gloves with black. However, it helps. Refer to the classes of gloves to help determine the particular limit. Also, checking its specifications can be of further help.
Size
This is generally important, as an oversized or undersized glove can affect hand dexterity.
Final Thought
With no doubt, different dielectric accessories and clothes are essential for people working in electricity. Especially important for this job is hand protection, as an electric shock is most often received through the upper limbs. The best safety gloves for electric work will serve you up to six months or even more with proper use and maintenance. Such gloves are more expensive than universal models, but you make a purchase just once and obtain the most precious thing – your safety. Never fall for very cheap electrical work gloves! Never skimp on your wellbeing! Choose only reputable brands which produce reliable, tested products!