The Best Gloves for Electrical Work
Electrical hazards should not be taken lightly. Safety should always be the priority. Gloves are essential to the personal protective equipment (PPE) required for electrical work.
This comprehensive guide will delve into the different types of electrical work gloves, their features, and the benefits of using disposable gloves. Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision when choosing gloves for electrical work.
Electrical Work Glove Standards
The best electrical work gloves are designed to protect workers from electrical shocks and hazards around energized equipment.
Electricians, line workers, and hobbyists depend on electrical work gloves for protection.
There are several standards and certifications used to rate and compare insulating gloves for electrical work:
- ASTM D120 (USA) – The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D120 standard specifies the manufacturing, testing, and performance requirements for electrical gloves and a classification based on their maximum use voltage.
- IEC 60903 (International) – The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60903 standard defines the performance requirements for electrical gloves.
- EN 60903 (Europe) – This is the European standard that matches the criteria set by the IEC.
Well-known glove brands like Portwest that serve the international market will provide US, EU, and international standards.
Below, you can look at our best gloves for electrical work and a complete buying guide with frequently asked questions.
No matter your choice of work gloves, inspect them regularly for any signs of damage or wear and replace them to ensure adequate protection.
Types of Electrical Work Gloves
Insulating Work Gloves
Leather Gloves
Leather gloves offer insulating protection and extra protection from cuts, punctures, and abrasions.
Disposable Gloves
While ordinary nitrile gloves may not provide the same level of protection as insulating gloves, they can still be helpful in certain situations. Disposable gloves made from nitrile or vinyl can protect against dirt, grime, and certain chemicals. They are ideal for tasks requiring dexterity but not involving direct contact with energized electrical components.
Benefits of disposable gloves include:
- Cost-effectiveness: Disposable gloves are typically less expensive than insulating gloves, making them a budget-friendly option for specific tasks.
- Easy maintenance: Since they are designed for single use, there’s no need to clean, test, or maintain disposable gloves.
- Improved hygiene: Disposable gloves can help prevent cross-contamination and maintain a clean work environment.
Remember that disposable gloves should not be used as a substitute for insulating gloves when working with or near live electrical components.
The Best Electrical Gloves You Can Buy in 2023
1. Portwest A198 Antistatic Work Gloves
The Portwest A198 Antistatic Work Glove is a versatile, lightweight, and comfortable glove designed for workers in various industries, including electronics and electrical work.
These gloves feature a seamless knit construction with a blend of nylon, carbon fiber, and polyurethane materials, providing excellent dexterity, breathability, and durability.
Benefits:
- ANSI/ISEA 105 – Cut Resistance Level A1
- Smooth Polyurethane (PU) coated fingertips
The antistatic properties of the gloves help reduce the risk of electrostatic discharge, making them suitable for handling sensitive electronic components. The polyurethane-coated palm offers enhanced grip and abrasion resistance, ensuring a secure and confident handling experience.
2. Sure Knit Static Dissipative Nylon Inspection Gloves
These static dissipative gloves are lightweight and comfortable gloves for workers handling sensitive electronic components or working in static-sensitive environments.
These gloves are made from seamless knit nylon, providing excellent dexterity and breathability. The gloves’ static dissipative properties help reduce the risk of electrostatic discharge and damage to sensitive components, making them ideal for inspection and assembly tasks.
Benefits:
- Comfortable
- Seamless knit nylon
The lint-free gloves feature a snug, form-fitting design, ensuring precision and flexibility. While unsuitable for working directly with live electrical components, they offer reliable protection against static-related hazards.
3. Portwest A780 Arc-Rated Work Glove
The Portwest A780 Arc-Rated Gloves are designed to provide exceptional protection against ARC flash burns, cuts, and flames. These gloves feature a 13-gauge flame-resistant aramid liner, enhancing dexterity and hand movement for improved performance in various tasks.
Benefits:
- Great value arc-rated work gloves
- Meets US/EU International Standards
The flame-resistant neoprene-coated palm ensures excellent grip while meeting ARC flash level 2 standards (ATPV 9.5cal/cm2). Compliant with EN 388:2016 Cut Level D and ANSI Cut A4, the Portwest A780 gloves are the ultimate choice for those seeking reliable, high-performance hand protection.
4. Raven Gloves
Raven Gloves by SAS Safety Corp. adhere to the highest quality standards making them beloved by industry insiders and customers since their release.
Raven gloves come in sizes to fit most adult hands, meaning you can outfit your whole team without hassle. There’s no need to be concerned about latex allergies as these gloves are made from synthetic nitrile rubber.
Coming in at 7 mils thick, you’ll have no problem staying protected for extended periods at work.
Benefits:
- Medical grade
- Powder-free
- 7.0 mil extra-thick nitrile rubber
- Exceptional barrier protection
Raven Gloves sold by Harmony Lab & Safety Supplies come with U.S.-based product support and guaranteed safe arrival. You can save on wholesale Raven gloves by purchasing gloves by the case.
5. Grabber Nitrile Gloves
Grabber gloves are made from 6.0-millimeter thick nitrile rubber, providing consistent quality and comfort for those seeking disposable electrical gloves.
The gloves are not arc or flash-rated but provide reliable barrier protection from everyday hazards and chemicals.
Benefits:
- Heavy duty rubber
- 100% powder-free and latex-free
- Diamond embossed grip
Grabber Gloves are heavy-duty and ideal for demanding tasks.
6. SAS Safety Corp. Thickster Extra-Thick Latex Gloves
Thickster gloves offer the thickest disposable glove available on the market from SAS Safety Corp.
The gloves are naturally comfortable and soft. Choose the lightly powdered or powder-free option depending on your personal preference. Powder aids in the donning and removal process.
Powder-free thickster gloves are FDA-approved for medical settings.
Benefits
- Medical grade
- Extra-thick, heavy-duty latex rubber
Thickster gloves are the ideal general-purpose, heavy-duty disposable glove.
7. SAS Safety Corp. Dyna Grip Latex Exam Gloves
Electrical work gloves generally are electrically insulating and rated against protection against electric shock hazards. Some electricians may just need disposable work gloves, which is where Dyna Grip gloves come in handy.
Dyna Grip gloves maximize grip and provide basic protection from abrasions and common solvents. Unlike many disposable gloves, these are made from a natural material.
The 7 mil thick gloves mean you can rest assured that you won’t find any rips or tears after a few minutes of work.
Benefits:
- Excellent grip
- 100% natural material
- Powder-Free
- Medical grade
DynaGrip gloves outlast other latex gloves in industrial applications. Try them out today!
Conclusion
Choosing a suitable glove for electrical work is necessary to ensure safety and comfort. By understanding the different types of gloves available, including disposable gloves, and adhering to proper maintenance and inspection guidelines, you can help minimize the risk of electrical hazards and stay protected on the job.
