Licensed electricians encounter hazardous situations on a daily basis. They face not only the risk of electric shock and death, but injury from cuts, burns, abrasions, puncture wounds, and arc flashes. To protect themselves in the field, electricians need to follow proper safety protocols, including wearing durable electrician’s gloves.
But not just any pair of gloves will do. Electrician gloves must offer more than protection from electrical shock and other injuries. Electrical work often requires working in hot, cramped spaces, so electrical gloves also need to provide superior grip and dexterity, optimal comfort, and slip-resistance—and, of course, easier access to smartphones and tablets for today’s tech-savvy techs.
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Electrician gloves are commonly available at hardware stores, as well as through online retailers, such as Amazon. Electricians typically wear three types of gloves on the job and each serves a specific function, including:
Rubber-insulated gloves: To protect from voltage and electric shock
Leather protector gloves: To protect from cuts and burns
Lineman work gloves: To protect the hands when not working with electricity
ServiceTitan aims to provide electricians and others in the skilled trades with the tools and information to work safely and efficiently. Read on to learn about the best gloves for electrical work.
Rubber-Insulating Gloves for Electrical Work
Rubber-insulator gloves are perhaps the most important part of any electrician’s safety gear, primarily because rubber doesn’t conduct electricity.
Electricians can choose from multiple types of shock-resistant gloves, however it’s important to note not all insulating gloves offer the same level of protection against electrical current. ASTM International, an organization that develops technical standards and safety information for a wide range of materials, products, and services, specifies several classes of rubber-insulator gloves.
The ASTM D120 standard details the voltage levels for rubber-insulating gloves in six levels:
Class 00: 500 AC and 750 DC
Class 0: 1,000 AC and 1,500 DC
Class 1: 7,500 AC and 11,250 DC
Class 2: 17,000 AC and 25,500 DC
Class 3: 26,500 AC and 39,750 DC
Class 4: 36,000 AC and 54,000 DC
Top Rubber-Insulating Gloves:
Ansell Gloves 113744 Marigold: These natural rubber gloves meet both ASTM D120 specifications and OSHA regulations. Rated Class 0, the Ansell glove provides protection up to 1,000 Volts AC or 1,500 Volts DC. The anatomical design and straight cuff ensure the glove fits comfortably under leather protectors.
Magid Safety M011B9 Electrical Gloves: This rubber-insulated Class 0 electrical glove provides low-voltage protection up to 1,000 Volts AC or 1,500 Volts DC and meets ASTM D120 specifications and OSHA regulations. Made of natural rubber, the glove offers dielectric properties, as well as superior dexterity, flexibility, and excellent grip. A contoured shape lessens hand fatigue and chafing while maximizing overall comfort.
ShuangAn Electrical Insulated Lineman Rubber Gloves: This glove handles test voltages of up to 12,000 volts, making it ideal for lineman work, field service work, high-voltage machine operations, and other applications. It offers dielectric properties, increased durability and dexterity, while the ergonomic contoured shape reduces hand fatigue and maximizes comfort.
National Safety Apparel Rubber Voltage Insulating Glove Kit: This all-in-one kit from National Safety Apparel offers maximum safety and protection, including both a Class 0 rubber-insulating glove and a leather protector glove to guard against arc flashes and provide puncture resistance.
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Leather Protector Gloves
While rubber electrical gloves offer protection from shock and electrical current, leather protectors add an additional layer of protection from burns and puncture wounds.
Typically, electricians wear leather protector gloves over their rubber-insulating gloves. Leather protectors come in several varieties, but are most commonly made of goatskin, buckskin, cowhide, and synthetic leather.
Top Examples of Leather Protector Electrician Gloves:
Stauffer High Voltage Cowhide Electrical Glove Protectors: These white cowhide electrical protector gloves meet ASTM standards and fit Class 1 and 2 rubber voltage gloves. Known for dexterity, as well as high durability due to Kevlar stitching and a leather palm, Stauffer’s electrical safety gloves provide both protection and comfort.
Magid Safety PowerMaster Leather Protector Glove: Made with premium-grade brown goatskin leather, this Magid glove fits over rubber-insulating gloves. The glove’s pull strap, plastic buckle, and gauntlet cuff allow for easy use in the field.
Endura Superior Goatskin Leather Work Gloves: These Kevlar-lined goatskin leather protector gloves provide optimal protection from cuts and punctures, as well as against arc flashes and sparks. Available in eight sizes (including extra large), Endura’s leather protective gloves combine comfort and durability.
Magid Linesman Low Voltage: Magid’s goat-grain leather glove is approved for insulating rubber gloves rated Class 0-2. Thumb crotch reinforcement and welting enhance the glove’s integrity, while the shirred elastic back increases durability.
Lineman Work Gloves
While rubber-insulating gloves and leather protectors play an essential safety role, electricians often wear traditional work gloves while climbing poles and performing other on-the-job tasks. Look for lineman gloves that offer durability and dexterity, improve grip and slip resistance, and protect the hands while doing routine tasks.
Examples of Best Work Gloves for Lineman:
Klein Tools 40082 Lineman Work Gloves: This Klein glove combines high-quality leather, neoprene, nylon, and Spandex for optimal durability. The four-inch leather and neoprene cuffs with side vents allow for easy application and breathability while maintaining dexterity and comfort.
Maxiflex 34-874 Ultimate Nitrile Grip Work Gloves: Featuring nitrile-coated micro-foam on the palm and fingers, this breathable work glove provides optimal grip and dexterity for electricians in the field. The glove’s design mimics the "hand at rest,” reducing fatigue and increasing comfort. Special knitting along the wrist ensures debris and dirt stay out of the glove and keep hands clean.
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