Electrical gloves are required at many workplaces. From electricians to public transport workers, whenever people are working with electricity these gloves are indispensable.
You can consult the EN standard to choose the right gloves, depending on the work to be done. But not everybody knows that in addition to this standard, there are four more things you must take into account.
When are electrical insulating gloves necessary?
There are many situations that require insulating gloves, such as:
- when there is a risk of contact with alternating current
- when working as an electrician
- the production and repair of hybrid engines
- public transport repairs and maintenance
- maintenance and repair of power and transmission lines
- repairs to telecom connections in the vicinity of power lines
EN 60903 standard and glove classes
Electrical gloves must comply with the EN 60903 European safety standard. You can use this standard to choose the most appropriate gloves. Gloves that comply with this standard will insulate your hand to ensure that no current passes through your body.
The EN 60903 standard divides insulating gloves into 6 classes: 00, 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4. Which one you need for your company's employees depends on a number of things, such as how many volts the gloves must protect against and whether they must be acid resistant.
If a glove meets the requirements for A + H + Z, this can be replaced by the letter R.
3 types of electrical insulating gloves
The EN 60903 standard has 3 types of insulating gloves:
- Insulating gloves: elastomer or latex gloves
- Composite gloves: insulating gloves that also protect against cuts, stings, etc. These gloves only exist in classes 00, 0 and 1.
- Long composite gloves: composite gloves reaching up to the armpit. These gloves only exist in classes 1, 2 and 3.
4 things they don't tell you about electrical gloves
Obviously, you always check whether a type of glove complies with the EN standard when choosing insulating gloves. Then you can be sure of proper protection when the wearer is working with electricity.
But that's not all you have to look out for: there are four more factors that are crucial to keeping insulating gloves safe at all times.
1. Visual inspection
Always check the gloves regularly before starting work. Are there any air leaks? Do you see a leak, damage or worn out spot?
If so, throw the gloves away immediately. You must thoroughly check both the inside and the outside of the gloves.
2. Maintenance and shelf life
Class 00 or 0 gloves must be checked for air leaks and other defects every time they are used.
If you use class 1, 2, 3 or 4 gloves, have the manufacturer carry out an air test and an electrical test every six months. Gloves on stock, need to be tested each 12 months.
You'll find more information about your gloves in the user instruction guide.
3. Storage
To make insulating gloves last as long as possible, they must be stored properly. It is best to use the protective packaging.
Make sure the gloves are not crushed or folded. Also do not store them near a heat source.
4. Classes and measurements
When choosing the right insulating gloves, the measurements are also important, as a good fit is necessary for optimal safety. EN 60903 is an odd one out in that it does not follow the EN 420 size system.
Whereas EN 420 is based on the measurements of the hand that the glove must fit, IEC 60903 defines the sizes of the gloves.
The palm circumference for sizes 8 and 9 is wider than in EN 420 and the length of the glove depends on the chosen glove class.
Ansell ActivArmr insulating gloves: warmly recommended
Our experts recommend Ansell ActivArmr insulating gloves. These electrician's gloves are made of rubber latex. The patented, environmentally-friendly coating ensures excellent flexibility and dexterity.
Ansell ActivArmr insulating gloves are also easy to put on and take off. An extra practical feature is that you can put the sleeve of a shirt or jacket into the flared cuff. Of course, these gloves are certified according to the standard in this field, EN 60903.
If you require extra protection against high voltages, combine Ansell ActivArmr gloves with ActivArmr 96-003 goatskin overgloves. These over-gloves also extend the life of insulating gloves and provide excellent protection against abrasions, cuts and other hazards at work.
Discover the many advantages of Ansell ActivArmr insulating gloves!