You should test your high voltage gloves every 6 months—no exceptions.
Yes, even if they “look fine” on the outside. Electrical gloves don’t come with a lifetime warranty, and what’s invisible to the eye could be dangerous to your life. Regular testing is the only way to make sure the insulation still works and hasn’t broken down over time or from hidden damage.
High voltage gloves are your last line of defense between you and a dangerous shock. They’re not just another tool—they’re a certified safety barrier. That’s why OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) require that all Class 00 through Class 4 rubber insulating gloves must be tested every 6 months, even if they’ve never been used.
If you're using gloves daily, they should also be visually inspected before each use and air-tested for leaks—more on that later.
Testing Frequency by Regulation
You might be wondering—who says you need to test every 6 months? Well, it’s not just a suggestion—it’s the law.
According to OSHA 1910.137 and ASTM F496, rubber insulating gloves used for high voltage applications must be tested at least once every 6 months. If the gloves are issued for use (not just sitting in storage), the clock starts ticking from the date they were first put into service.
Here’s the breakdown:
In-service gloves: Must be tested every 6 months
Unused gloves in storage: Test them before first issue if they’ve been stored for over 12 months
Visual inspection and air test: Required before every use
This schedule isn’t random—it’s based on how rubber can degrade over time, even when not in use. Heat, light, ozone, and moisture are all silent attackers that slowly reduce insulation effectiveness.
So, if you're running a power utility, construction crew, or cable maintenance team, sticking to these timeframes isn’t just compliance—it’s life insurance for your crew.
What Happens During a High Voltage Glove Test
So, what actually happens when your gloves go in for testing? No, they don’t just get a thumbs-up from a technician—they go through a serious reality check.
Here’s what to expect:
1. Visual Inspection:
First, each glove is carefully checked for cracks, punctures, swelling, or discoloration. Even the smallest nick could lead to a big shock—literally.
2. Air Inflation Test (Field Level):
Before daily use, you or your workers should roll the cuff and inflate the glove (either manually or with a pump) to check for air leaks. If it doesn’t hold air—it’s not holding voltage either.
3. Dielectric Test (Lab Level):
In a certified lab, gloves are submerged in water and exposed to up to 20,000 volts (depending on the class). The inside and outside are electrified to see if the glove leaks current. If it fails? It’s out.
4. Marking & Certification:
Passed gloves are stamped with a new test date, giving you a green light for another 6 months of service.
This process ensures that every glove still holds up under real-world conditions—not just in theory. It’s how you know your safety gear is doing its job, so your team can do theirs.
Storage and Replacement: How Long Are Gloves Valid For?
Here’s the short answer: high voltage gloves don’t last forever—even if you barely use them.
Let’s break it down:
1. Shelf Life Starts from the Test Date
Even unused gloves have a time limit. Most regulations (like OSHA and ASTM standards) consider a 12-month shelf life from the date of the last electrical test. After that, if the gloves haven’t been issued, they must be retested before use.
2. In-Service Limit Is 6 Months
Once a glove is issued for use, you’ve got 6 months before it requires another dielectric test—no matter how clean or new it looks.
3. Storage Conditions Matter
Storing your gloves in direct sunlight, hot areas, or damp spaces? Bad idea. Insulating gloves should be kept in a cool, dry cabinet, away from sharp tools and oils. Use a glove bag to avoid folding or compression—creases can cause invisible cracks.
4. When to Replace Gloves
Always inspect before use. If you spot any punctures, cuts, stiffness, or fading, retire the glove immediately. Even a single failure during the air test or visual check means it’s time for a new pair.
Remember: gloves are like insurance—you hope you never test their limits, but when you do, they’d better work.
What Gloves Should You Use for High Voltage Work?
Not all gloves are created equal—especially when you're working with high voltage.
To stay safe (and compliant), here’s what you need to look for:
1. Use Class-Rated Rubber Insulating Gloves
High voltage work requires Class 0 to Class 4 insulating gloves, depending on the voltage. Here’s a quick guide:
Class 0 – up to 1,000V AC
Class 1 – up to 7,500V AC
Class 2 – up to 17,000V AC
Class 3 – up to 26,500V AC
Class 4 – up to 36,000V AC
If you’re unsure, Class 2 or 3 is commonly used in the cable, utility, and industrial maintenance sectors.
2. Always Wear Leather Protectors Over Rubber Gloves
Rubber gloves protect you from electricity. Leather protectors defend your rubber gloves from cuts, punctures, and wear. You need both. No exceptions.
3. Fit and Comfort Matter Too
The best glove is the one you’ll actually wear. Choose a size that fits snugly—not too tight, not too loose. Good grip, finger dexterity, and sweat absorption all help reduce mistakes on the job.
4. Look for Certified Gloves
Only use gloves that are certified to standards like ASTM D120 or IEC 60903. And check for clear labeling on class rating and last test date.
In short: choose the right voltage class, pair it with leather protectors, and make sure your gloves are tested and certified. That’s the real “high-performance gear” for electrical safety.
Why Are High Voltage Gloves So Expensive?
You’ve probably looked at the price tag and wondered—why do high voltage gloves cost so much?
Here’s the answer in plain terms: they’re not just gloves—they’re life-saving equipment.
1. Specialized Materials
These gloves are made from high-grade natural or synthetic rubber, processed to resist high electrical stress. This isn't your average kitchen rubber—it’s engineered to withstand up to 36,000 volts or more, without breaking down.
2. Intensive Manufacturing
To make sure every pair performs perfectly, they undergo strict quality control, multiple curing cycles, and are individually tested—yes, every single glove.
3. Certified Testing
Before they reach your hands, gloves must pass dielectric testing, visual inspection, and aging resistance evaluations—per standards like ASTM D120, IEC 60903, and EN 60984. This adds to production costs, but ensures you get guaranteed protection.
4. Safety Assurance
You're not just paying for rubber—you’re paying for peace of mind. One failure in the field can mean a serious accident or worse. The cost of high-quality gloves is nothing compared to the cost of injury, downtime, or legal issues.
So yes, high voltage gloves are expensive—but they’re expensive because they’re worth it.
Why Do High Voltage Gloves Expire?
High voltage gloves may look tough, but they don’t last forever—and there’s a good reason for that.
1. Natural Degradation Over Time
Even when not in use, the rubber in these gloves ages naturally. Exposure to oxygen, ozone, UV light, heat, or humidity causes the material to break down slowly. That’s why gloves have a shelf life—even if they sit unused in storage.
2. Invisible Wear and Tear
Microscopic cracks, material fatigue, and reduced dielectric strength aren’t always visible. You might not see the damage, but electricity will find it. Expiry dates help ensure you don’t take unnecessary risks with aging gear.
3. Compliance With Safety Standards
Regulations like OSHA and ASTM D120 don’t just recommend expiration timelines—they require them. Gloves must be removed from service if past their certified lifespan, even if they seem fine.
4. Safety First, Always
Think of expiry dates like a seatbelt’s warning light—it doesn’t mean something’s wrong right now, but it’s a reminder to stay safe proactively, not reactively.
Bottom line? Expired gloves can’t be trusted in high-risk environments. Always check the manufacture date, adhere to retest intervals, and replace gloves according to official guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions About High Voltage Gloves
1. How often should high voltage gloves be tested?
According to OSHA and ASTM standards, gloves in service must be dielectrically tested every 6 months. Unused gloves must be tested before first use and every 12 months if kept in storage.
2. How long are high voltage gloves valid for?
Gloves are valid for:
12 months from test date if unused
6 months from last test once in service
Always retire gloves earlier if they show damage, wear, or fail an inspection.
3. When do you need to use high voltage gloves?
Use high voltage gloves:
When working on or near live circuits >50V
In cable installations, substation work, or high-voltage testing
If there's any uncertainty about de-energization
4. What type of gloves are used for high voltage work?
Use rubber insulating gloves that meet IEC 60903 or ASTM D120 standards, with Class 0 to Class 4 ratings, depending on your voltage level. Always pair them with leather protectors.
5. Are Class 4 gloves the same as high voltage gloves?
Yes. Class 4 is the highest category of high voltage gloves, tested up to 36,000V AC. They're suitable for extreme high-voltage environments.
6. Why are high voltage gloves so expensive?
These gloves are made from premium dielectric rubber, go through high-voltage testing, and meet international standards (ASTM, IEC, etc.). You're paying for life-critical protection, not just materials.
7. Why do high voltage gloves expire even if unused?
Rubber ages over time, even in storage. Exposure to light, ozone, humidity, and temperature gradually breaks down its insulating ability, which is why retesting and expiration rules exist.
8. How do you test high voltage gloves?
Two steps:
Daily pre-use inspection: Inflate the glove and check for holes, cracks, or contamination
Laboratory testing: High-voltage dielectric test per IEC/ASTM standards
9. Is it safe to handle high voltage without gloves?
No. Never touch high voltage systems without proper gloves and PPE. Even experienced workers can’t “feel” danger—electricity doesn’t warn you before striking.