Electrical Safety Equipment | Electrical PPE

What types of Electrical Safety Equipment are there?
There are many types of electrical safety equipment, some of the most common forms of Electrical Safety PPE include:

Insulated gloves: these gloves are made of a material that will not conduct electricity, such as rubber or leather. They are used to protect the user from electrical shock when working with live wires or electrical equipment.

Insulated mats: These mats are made of a material that will not conduct electricity, such as rubber or plastic. They are used to create a safe working surface when working with live wires or electrical equipment.

Arc flash suits: These suits are designed to protect the user from the heat and flames of an arc flash. Arc flash is a type of electrical explosion that can occur when there is a sudden surge in current.

Face shields: These shields protect the user's face from flying debris or molten metal. They are often used in conjunction with other electrical safety equipment, such as insulated gloves and arc flash suits.

Safety glasses: These glasses protect the user's eyes from flying debris or molten metal. They are often used in conjunction with other electrical safety equipment, such as insulated gloves and arc flash suits.

Hard hats: These hats protect the user's head from falling objects or electrical shock. They are often required in workplaces where there is a risk of head injury, such as construction sites or electrical substations.

Lineman's gloves: These gloves are made of a thick, durable material that can withstand high voltages. They are used by electrical workers to handle live wires and other high-voltage equipment.

Voltage testers: These testers are used to check if a wire or electrical device is live. They are an important safety tool for anyone who works with electricity.

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It is important to choose the right electrical safety equipment for the job that you are doing. You should also make sure that the equipment is fit for use, in good condition, and that you know how to use it properly. Australian Standards AS/NZS 3017 Electrical installations – Verification guidelines and AS/NZS3019 Electrical installations – Periodic verification suggest that testing instruments should be calibrated at appropriate intervals. We recommend testing every six months for your electrical testing and safety equipment.

Learn more about our Electrical Equipment Calibration Services

Types of Electrical Safety Equipment PPE and their uses

Insulated mats for Electrical Safety

Insulated mats are used to protect people from electrical shock in high-voltage environments. They are made of a material that does not conduct electricity, such as rubber or plastic. When someone stands on an insulated mat, the electricity cannot flow through their body to the ground. This is because the mat provides an alternative path for the electricity to flow, which is through rubber or plastic.

Insulated mats are typically used in areas where there is a risk of contact with live wires or electrical equipment. This includes places like substations, power plants, and electrical switchgear rooms. They can also be used in homes and businesses where there is electrical work being done.

It is important to note that insulated mats are not a substitute for other electrical safety equipment, such as insulated gloves and arc flash suits. They should always be used in conjunction with other safety measures to help prevent electrical shock.

Here are some additional tips for using insulated mats safely:

Make sure the mat is the right size for the area you are working in.
Do not use the mat if it is damaged or cracked.
Keep the mat clean and free of debris.
Do not use the mat in wet or damp areas.
If you are working in a high-voltage environment, it is always a good idea to have someone else with you who can help in case of an emergency.

Insulated gloves for Electrical Safety

Insulated gloves should be worn whenever there is a risk of electrical shock. They should be inspected regularly for damage and replaced if they are cracked, torn, or otherwise damaged.

Class 00 gloves are designed to protect against voltages up to 500 volts AC or 650 volts DC. They are typically made of a thick rubber or latex material.

Class 0 gloves are designed to protect against voltages up to 1,000 volts AC or 1,500 volts DC. They are typically made of a thicker rubber or latex material than class 00 gloves.

Class 1 gloves are designed to protect against voltages up to 7,500 volts AC or 10,000 volts DC. They are typically made of a thick, heavy-duty rubber material.

Class 2 gloves are designed to protect against voltages up to 35,000 volts AC or 45,000 volts DC. They are typically made of a thick, heavy-duty rubber material with a dielectric strength of at least 35,000 volts.

Class 3 gloves are designed to protect against voltages up to 75,000 volts AC or 90,000 volts DC. They are typically made of a thick, heavy-duty rubber material with a dielectric strength of at least 75,000 volts.

Here are some additional tips for using insulated gloves safely:

Make sure the gloves fit snugly but not too tightly.
Do not wear gloves while working with sharp objects or chemicals.
Do not use the gloves for anything other than electrical work.
Wash the gloves regularly with mild soap and water.
Store the gloves in a cool, dry place.
By following these safety tips, you can help to ensure that you are protected from electrical shock when working with insulated gloves.

Arc flash suits for Electrical Safety

An arc flash suit is a type of protective clothing that is designed to protect workers from the heat and flames of an arc flash. Arc flash is a type of electrical explosion that can occur when there is a sudden surge in current. The heat from an arc flash can reach temperatures of up to 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which can cause severe burns and even death.

Arc flash suits are typically made of flame-resistant materials such as Nomex or Kevlar. They are also equipped with a variety of features to protect the wearer, such as:

Hood and face shield: to protect the head and face from heat and flames.

Gloves: to protect the hands from heat and flames.

Boots: to protect the feet from heat and flames.

Coveralls: to protect the body from heat and flames.

Arc flash suits are typically required for workers who are exposed to arc flash hazards, such as electrical workers, electricians, and power plant technicians. They should also be worn by anyone who is working on or near energized electrical equipment.

It is important to note that arc flash suits are not a guarantee of safety. They can only protect the wearer from the heat and flames of an arc flash. They cannot protect the wearer from electrical shock or other hazards.

Here are some safety tips for working with arc flash suits:

Make sure the suit fits properly and is not loose or baggy.
Do not wear the suit while working with sharp objects or chemicals.
Do not use the suit for anything other than electrical work.
Wash the suit regularly with mild soap and water.
Store the suit in a cool, dry place.
By following these safety tips, you can help to ensure that you are protected from arc flash hazards when working with arc flash suits.

Face shields for Electrical Safety

Generally, there are three types of face shields used for Electrical Safety, they are:

Arc flash face shields: These shields are designed to protect the face from the heat and flames of an arc flash. They are typically made of clear or tinted polycarbonate material and have a high-impact rating. Arc flash face shields should be worn in conjunction with other electrical safety equipment, such as arc flash suits and safety glasses.

Electrical hazard face shields: These shields are designed to protect the face from flying debris and molten metal. They are typically made of clear or tinted polycarbonate material and have a lower impact rating than arc flash face shields. Electrical hazard face shields can be worn alone or in conjunction with other electrical safety equipment, such as safety glasses.

Splash guards: These shields are designed to protect the face from splashes of chemicals or fluids. They are typically made of a clear or tinted plastic material and have a low impact rating. Splash guards can be worn alone or in conjunction with other safety equipment, such as safety glasses.

When choosing a face shield for electrical safety, it is important to consider the following factors:

The type of electrical hazard you are exposed to.
The level of protection you need.
The comfort and fit of the face shield.
The visibility through the face shield.
It is also important to make sure that the face shield is properly cleaned and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Here are some safety tips for using face shields for electrical safety:

Make sure the face shield fits snugly but not too tightly.
Do not wear the face shield while working with sharp objects or chemicals.
Do not use the face shield for anything other than electrical work.
Clean the face shield regularly with mild soap and water.
Store the face shield in a cool, dry place.

Safety glasses for Electrical Safety

Eye protection is very important no matter the industry or work carried out. Below are some eyewear that is suited for use for Electrical Safety.

Impact safety glasses: have been designed to protect your eyes from impact hazards, such as flying objects or debris. They are typically made of a shatter-resistant material, such as polycarbonate. Impact safety glasses are required for most electrical work.

Arc flash safety glasses: have been designed to protect your eyes from the heat and light of an arc flash. They are typically made of a tinted polycarbonate material that filters out harmful UV rays. Arc flash safety glasses are not required for all electrical work, but they are recommended for work in high-voltage areas.

Chemical splash safety glasses: have been designed to protect your eyes from splashes of chemicals or fluids. They are typically made of a clear or tinted plastic material that is resistant to chemicals. Chemical splash safety glasses are not required for all electrical work, but they may be necessary for work with certain chemicals.

Goggles: have been designed to provide more protection for your eyes than safety glasses. They typically cover your entire eye area, including the brow and sides of your face. Goggles are often used in conjunction with other safety equipment, such as face shields and arc flash suits.

When choosing safety glasses for electrical safety, it is important to consider the following factors:

The type of electrical hazard you are exposed to.
The level of protection you need.
The comfort and fit of the safety glasses.
The visibility through the safety glasses.
It is also important to make sure that the safety glasses are properly cleaned and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Here are some safety tips for using safety glasses for electrical safety:

Make sure the safety glasses fit snugly but not too tightly.
Do not wear safety glasses while working with sharp objects or chemicals.
Do not use the safety glasses for anything other than electrical work.
Clean the safety glasses regularly with mild soap and water.
Store the safety glasses in a cool, dry place.

Hard hats for Electrical Safety

Hard hats are not typically used for electrical safety. They are designed to protect the head from impact hazards, such as falling objects or debris. They are not designed to protect against electrical shock.

However, there is a type of hard hat called a Class E hard hat that is designed to reduce exposure to high-voltage conductors. Class E hard hats offer dielectric protection up to 20,000 volts (phase to ground). This means that the hard hat will not conduct electricity if it comes into contact with a live wire.

Class E hard hats are typically required for workers who are exposed to high-voltage electrical hazards, such as electricians, power plant technicians, and electrical line workers. They should also be worn by anyone who is working on or near energized electrical equipment.

It is important to note that Class E hard hats are not a guarantee of safety. They can only protect the wearer from electrical shock if the hard hat is properly grounded. They cannot protect the wearer from other electrical hazards, such as arc flash.

Here are some safety tips for using Class E hard hats for electrical safety:

Make sure the hard hat is properly grounded.
Do not wear a hard hat while working with sharp objects or chemicals.
Do not use the hard hat for anything other than electrical work.
Clean the hard hat regularly with mild soap and water.
Store the hard hat in a cool, dry place.

Lineman's gloves for Electrical Safety

Lineman's gloves, also known as electrical gloves, are gloves that have been designed to protect the wearer from electrical shock. They are typically made of thick, durable rubber that is resistant to electricity. Lineman's gloves are typically used by electrical workers, such as linemen, who work with high-voltage electricity.

Lineman's gloves are rated according to the level of voltage they can protect against. The most common ratings are Class 00, Class 0, Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. Class 00 gloves are designed to protect against voltages up to 500 volts AC or 650 volts DC. Class 0 gloves are designed to protect against voltages up to 1,000 volts AC or 1,500 volts DC. Class 1 gloves are designed to protect against voltages up to 7,500 volts AC or 10,000 volts DC. Class 2 gloves are designed to protect against voltages up to 35,000 volts AC or 45,000 volts DC. Class 3 gloves are designed to protect against voltages up to 75,000 volts AC or 90,000 volts DC.

Lineman's gloves should be inspected regularly for damage and replaced if they are cracked, torn, or otherwise damaged. They should also be cleaned regularly with mild soap and water.

Here are some safety tips for using lineman's gloves:

Make sure that your gloves fit snugly but not too tightly.
Do not wear your gloves while working with sharp objects or chemicals.
Do not use your gloves for anything other than electrical work.
Wash your gloves regularly with mild soap and water.
Store your gloves in a cool, dry place.

Types of Voltage testers for Electrical Safety

There are different voltage testers on the market.

Non-contact voltage testers (also known as "inductance testers") are a type of voltage tester that does not require you to touch the wire or electrical device you are testing. They work by emitting an electric field that can detect the presence of voltage. Non-contact voltage testers are a safe way to test for voltage, but they are not as accurate as contact voltage testers.

Contact voltage testers (also known as "voltsticks") are a type of voltage tester that requires you to touch the wire or electrical device you are testing. They work by measuring the voltage between the two probes of the tester. Contact voltage testers are more accurate than non-contact voltage testers, but they can be dangerous if you touch a live wire.

Multimeters are a type of electrical tester that can measure a variety of electrical values, including voltage, current, and resistance. Multimeters are a versatile tools that can be used for a variety of electrical tasks, including voltage testing.

Outlet testers are a type of voltage tester that is specifically designed to test the safety of electrical outlets. Outlet testers can detect a variety of electrical hazards, such as open ground wires, reversed polarity, and loose connections.

When choosing a voltage tester, it is important to consider the following factors:

The type of electrical work you will be doing.
The level of accuracy you need.
The safety features of the tester.
The price of the tester.
It is also important to make sure that you know how to use the voltage tester properly. Voltage testers can be dangerous if they are not used properly.

Here are some safety tips for using voltage testers:

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Never test a live wire with a non-contact voltage tester.
Always wear safety glasses when using a voltage tester.
Be aware of your surroundings and do not test for voltage in areas where there is a risk of electric shock.
Disconnect the power to the circuit you are testing before testing for voltage.
Never leave a voltage tester unattended.