Electrician's gloves protect hands against electrical hazards during maintenance, connection, lockout or intervention work on installations. They are used in energy, industrial maintenance, construction and public services, with high compliance and traceability requirements. Groupe RG selects solutions consistent with insulation classes, standards markings and on-site constraints, to help HSE, purchasing and operational teams equip clearly defined workstations.
Gloves for electricians: uses and hazards covered on site
An electrically insulating glove aims to reduce the risk of shock during electrical work, particularly when de-energising is not possible or when the operator works nearby. A distinction is made between insulating gloves (dielectric function) and complementary mechanical protection, since insulation does not exempt the glove from resisting abrasion or sharp surfaces. Selection must clearly link the work scenario, the voltage level and handling constraints. In practice, this means formalising exposed workstations, choosing a suitable insulation class, then keeping the evidence (markings, instructions, tests) useful for an audit.
Standards, certifications and insulation classes to know
Main standards to check before purchasing
- EN 60903: the reference product standard for insulating gloves intended for live working, with dielectric performance requirements, tests and markings.
- IEC 60903: the international reference (IEC 60903:2014) used to frame testing and inspection practices, particularly regarding the frequency and nature of tests. An insulating glove must not be put into service if it has not been checked within the previous 12 months; once in service, it must be inspected and tested at least every 6 months.
- CE marking: presence and legibility of information (class, category, size, date or batch, manufacturer) on the glove and/or packaging, to ensure identification and traceability.
Electrical insulation classes: understanding voltage levels
| Class | Typical on-site use example | Maximum voltage reference (AC) |
|---|---|---|
| 00 | Very low-voltage LV interventions nearby, with a high dexterity requirement | To be defined according to EN 60903 and your procedures |
| 0 | LV work and switching up to 1,000 V in an industrial or service-sector environment | 1,000 V |
| 1 | Nearby interventions requiring a greater insulation margin | To be defined according to EN 60903 and your procedures |
| 2 | Work on MV networks and environments, with enhanced traceability requirements | 17,000 V |
| 3 | Controlled high-voltage operations, where dexterity becomes a critical criterion | To be defined according to EN 60903 and your procedures |
| 4 | HV cases with heavy constraints, requiring rigorous testing and storage organisation | 36,000 V |
Categories of use and additional requirements
Beyond the class, certain categories add resistance to specific exposures. They make it possible to adapt the choice to environments encountered in maintenance, networks, industry and building sites, without confusing electrical protection with chemical protection.
- Category A: resistance to acids (chemical sites, process maintenance).
- Category H: resistance to oils and greases, relevant in industrial maintenance and production workshops.
- Category Z: resistance to ozone, to be combined with storage away from heat and light sources.
- Category R: combined resistance to acids + oils + ozone, for mixed environments.
- Category C: resistance to cold, useful for outdoor interventions where finger flexibility is critical.
Selection criteria and points of vigilance in real conditions
Choosing the right combination: insulating glove, leather overglove and liner
The most common combination pairs an insulating glove with a leather overglove, to which a liner can be added if comfort or sweat management justifies it. The overglove provides mechanical protection but does not itself provide electrical insulation. Compatibility is judged on cut, size and the absence of excessive folds that would hinder handling. For internal logistics, accessories such as a storage box with a UV-filtering window make transport and storage easier without marked creasing.
Durability and on-site constraints: abrasion, moisture, heat, UV
Mechanical stress (friction, edges, cuts) reduces the glove's lifespan more quickly: a suitable overglove then becomes relevant as soon as the workstation is abrasive. For storage, maintain a temperature between 10°C and 35°C and keep gloves away from oils and solvents. Maintenance in line with the manufacturer's instructions, avoiding overly harsh cleaning products, helps preserve protective properties over time.
Groupe RG support for securing the choice and roll-out
Risk assessment and multi-site standardisation
Selection support is based on the task (lockout, diagnosis, connection), voltage level, proximity and handling constraints. Standardisation aims to reduce substitutions and harmonise practices between sites, based on a simple framework: class, sizes, glove/overglove pairing, storage arrangements and testing rules. To complete the consistency of provision, the selection can form part of a broader range of work gloves suited to the workstation's other hazards.
Expert insight: field feedback and points of attention
A visual and tactile inspection before use remains a key habit for ruling out gloves showing cuts, cracking, deformation or contamination. The most common mistakes come from an unassessed substitution, an unsuitable size or a poorly sized overglove that creates folds and hinders handling. Recommended tests include an air-inflation test to detect faults and a dielectric test measuring insulation capacity. Lifecycle management is secured with commissioning dates, test results and clearly defined disposal rules.
FAQ on electrician's gloves
How do I maintain, store and clean electrician's gloves without losing their performance?
Clean them with a mild solution recommended by the manufacturer, then air dry them away from a heat source and UV. Store the gloves flat or in a dedicated bag, in a dry place, without marked creasing, and away from oils, solvents or sharp objects. Before each use, carry out a visual and tactile check to detect cuts, cracking, deformation or contamination.
What standards and classes must electrician's gloves comply with in France?
In France, insulating gloves used for electrical work mainly refer to the EN 60903 standard, which sets out the requirements and insulation classes. The class is chosen according to the voltage of use and the work scenario defined by the employer. Keeping compliance documents and adding an overglove for mechanical protection strengthen HSE control.
Which electrically insulating glove should be chosen according to voltage level and type of work?
First choose the class according to the voltage of use, then confirm the dexterity needed for actual movements (measuring, tightening, connecting, switching). For mechanically aggressive environments, pair the glove with a compatible leather overglove to protect the insulating glove against wear. If in doubt between two configurations, a field trial on representative operations helps decide without over-specifying.
What testing and inspection frequency should be applied to electrician's gloves in a company?
Apply a check before each use, with immediate withdrawal in the event of a visible defect or suspected deterioration. According to IEC 60903:2014, once in service, the glove must be inspected and tested at least every 6 months, and it must not be put into service if it has not been checked within the previous 12 months.