High Voltage Gloves Explained

High Voltage Gloves
High Voltage Gloves come in a variety of classes, from 0-4. High voltage gloves usually are marked as being Class 2 or higher. Made of thick leather and rubber, high voltage gloves offer insulation and protection from potential shock and arc flash incidents.

High Voltage Gloves must meet the stringent requirements according to Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) 1910.137(a). A major component of proper high voltage glove safety is rigorous testing. The testing includes:

• 1910.137(a)(2)(i)(C)

  High Voltage Gloves shall also be capable of withstanding the a-c (alternating current) proof-test voltage specified in Table I-2 after a 16-hour water soak.

• 1910.137(a)(2)(ii)

  When the a-c proof test is used on gloves, the 60-hertz proof-test current may not exceed the values specified in Table I-2 at any time during the test period.
• 1910.137(a)(2)(ii)(A)

  If the a-c proof test is made at a frequency other than 60 hertz, the permissible proof-test current shall be computed from the direct ratio of the frequencies.

• 1910.137(a)(2)(ii)(B)

  For the test, High Voltage Gloves (right side out) shall be filled with tap water and immersed in water to a depth that is in accordance with Table I-4. Water shall be added to or removed from the glove, as necessary, so that the water level is the same inside and outside the glove.

• 1910.137(a)(2)(ii)(C)

  After the 16-hour water soak specified in paragraph (a)(2)(i)(C) of this section, the 60-hertz proof-test current may exceed the values given in Table I-2 by not more than 2 milliamperes.

• 1910.137(a)(2)(iii)

  Equipment that has been subjected to a minimum breakdown voltage test may not be used for electrical protection.

• 1910.137(a)(2)(iv)

  Material used for Type II insulating High Voltage Gloves shall be capable of withstanding an ozone test, with no visible effects. The ozone test shall reliably indicate that the material will resist ozone exposure in actual use. Any visible signs of ozone deterioration of the material, such as checking, cracking, breaks, or pitting, is evidence of failure to meet the requirements for ozone-resistant material.

• 1910.137(a)(3)

  "Workmanship and finish."

• 1910.137(a)(3)(i)

  High Voltage Gloves shall be free of harmful physical irregularities that can be detected by the tests or inspections required under this section.

• 1910.137(a)(3)(ii)

  Surface irregularities that may be present on all rubber goods because of imperfections on forms or molds or because of inherent difficulties in the manufacturing process and that may appear as indentations, protuberances, or imbedded foreign material are acceptable under the following conditions:

• 1910.137(a)(3)(ii)(A)

  The indentation or protuberance blends into a smooth slope when the material is stretched.

• 1910.137(a)(3)(ii)(B)

  Foreign material remains in place when the High Voltage Gloves are folded and stretches with the insulating material surrounding it.

  Note: Rubber insulating equipment meeting the following U.S. national consensus standards is deemed to be in compliance with paragraph (a) of this section: American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D 120-87, Specification for Rubber Insulating Gloves.

  If you want to determine the correct size of your High Voltage Gloves, measure the circumference around your palm — but make sure you allow for additional room if fabric glove liners are to be worn, especially with thermal liners. High Voltage Gloves are crucial to any arc flash PPE kit, and should be purchased according to their proper arc flash rating as much as for their comfort and dexterity. The OSHA regulations are cited in both the NFPA 70E and CSA Z462 regulations.

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