When working with electrical hazards, selecting the correct gloves is critical to surviving an arc flash event. Arc flashes generate extreme heat exceeding 35,000°F, which can instantly ignite standard clothing and cause severe burns. Therefore, electrical safety gloves are designed as part of a layered protective system.

Glove categories are primarily based on the voltage class, not arc thermal performance value (ATPV). The ASTM D120 standard classifies rubber insulating gloves into six classes: Class 00 (500V), Class 0 (1,000V), Class 1 (7,500V), Class 2 (17,000V), Class 3 (26,500V), and Class 4 (36,000V). Each class indicates the maximum use voltage for AC applications. For arc flash protection, workers must combine these rubber gloves with leather protectors. Leather provides a durable outer shell that resists punctures, cuts, and the intense thermal energy from an arc flash.

The NFPA 70E standard provides clear guidance on glove selection. According to Table 130.7(C)(15), the required rubber insulating gloves and leather protectors correspond to the hazard/risk category (HRC) of the task. For example, HRC 2 tasks (8 cal/cm²) generally require Class 1 or 2 gloves, while HRC 4 tasks (40 cal/cm²) may demand Class 2 or higher.

Furthermore, proper care extends glove lifespan. Workers must inspect gloves for ozone cracking, punctures, and date-stamp validity before each use. Dielectric testing every six months is mandatory for in-service gloves. Never downgrade protection—always select a glove class equal to or above the system voltage level. This layered approach—rubber insulating gloves plus leather protectors—remains the industry’s benchmark for preventing catastrophic injury during arc flash incidents.