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Voltage Classes — What They Mean

Electrician gloves are classified by maximum use voltage under ASTM D120 standards. Each class is rated for a specific AC and DC maximum use voltage — the highest voltage the gloves are certified to protect against during live electrical work. Selecting the right class requires knowing the actual voltage present in the work environment.

Class 00 gloves are rated for use up to 500 volts AC / 750 volts DC — designed for the lowest-voltage electrical work, including residential and light commercial applications. Class 0 covers up to 1,000 volts AC / 1,500 volts DC for standard commercial electrical work. Class 1 covers 7,500 volts AC / 11,250 volts DC. Class 2 covers 17,000 volts AC / 25,500 volts DC, used in medium-voltage industrial and utility environments. Class 3 covers up to 26,500 volts AC / 39,750 volts DC for high-voltage transmission and distribution work.

Always match the class to the maximum voltage of the circuit being worked on — not to the typical or average voltage. Class overprotection (using a higher class than required) is not a safety concern but reduces dexterity; class underprotection is a direct safety hazard.

Rubber Insulating Gloves

The primary electrician glove at Masterman's is the rubber insulating glove — the dielectric rubber glove that provides the actual voltage insulation. These gloves are manufactured to ASTM D120 specifications, tested, and rated to their class voltage. Rubber insulating gloves are available across Class 00, 0, 1, 2, and 3 at Masterman's.

Rubber insulating gloves require regular inspection for ozone damage, cuts, punctures, or other degradation that would compromise the insulating barrier. OSHA requires testing rubber insulating gloves every 6 months when in service; gloves that fail inspection must be taken out of service immediately. Masterman's customers use the service team to ensure they're maintaining the right class and condition for their work requirements.

Leather Protector Gloves

Rubber insulating gloves alone are not mechanically durable — the rubber is susceptible to puncture and abrasion from the physical conditions of electrical work (sharp metal edges, rough surfaces, tool handling). Leather protector gloves worn over rubber insulating gloves provide the mechanical protection that keeps the insulating glove intact. Leather protectors in cowhide and goatskin are available at Masterman's.

Goatskin leather protectors are preferred in applications that require dexterity and tactile sensitivity — goatskin's thinner, more supple leather allows better hand feel and finger sensitivity over the rubber insulating glove. Cowhide protectors provide more durability in rougher environments where the mechanical demands on the leather are higher.

Browse electrician gloves — rubber insulating, leather protectors, Class 00-3

Applications by Industry

Commercial electrical contractors work primarily in Class 00 through Class 1 environments — residential wiring, commercial building systems, and light industrial electrical. The glove requirement for most day-to-day commercial electrical work falls within Class 0 or Class 1. Class 00 covers the lowest-voltage residential work.

Industrial electrical maintenance workers in manufacturing plants, process industries, and utilities typically work in Class 1 through Class 2 environments depending on the voltage systems present in their facilities. Medium-voltage switchgear, motor control centers, and distribution systems in industrial facilities commonly require Class 2.

Utility linemen and transmission workers operate in the highest-voltage environments — Class 3 for high-voltage transmission and distribution lines, substations, and distribution switchgear. Class 3 is also used in some industrial high-voltage applications.

For FR clothing to complement electrician gloves in arc flash environments, see FR clothing at Masterman's — Carhartt, Bulwark, and Black Stallion FR shirts, jackets, and pants.

For additional hand protection in non-electrical environments, see the full glove selection at Masterman's.

Selecting the Right Electrician Gloves

• Determine the maximum voltage present in the work environment — this drives the minimum class requirement
• Class 00: up to 500V AC — residential and low-voltage commercial work
• Class 0: up to 1,000V AC — standard commercial electrical work
• Class 1: up to 7,500V AC — medium commercial and light industrial
• Class 2: up to 17,000V AC — medium-voltage industrial and utility distribution
• Class 3: up to 26,500V AC — high-voltage transmission and distribution
• Add leather protectors over rubber insulating gloves for all live-work applications
• Inspect rubber insulating gloves before each use; send for testing every 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What electrician gloves does Masterman's carry?

Masterman's stocks electrician gloves in Class 00, 0, 1, 2, and 3 voltage protection ratings — rubber insulating gloves and leather protector gloves (cowhide and goatskin) for commercial, industrial, and utility electrical work.

Q2. What is the difference between Class 0 and Class 2 electrician gloves?

Class 0 rubber insulating gloves are rated for use up to 1,000 volts AC — appropriate for standard commercial electrical work. Class 2 gloves are rated for up to 17,000 volts AC for medium-voltage industrial and utility distribution environments. Never use a lower class than the maximum voltage in the work environment requires.

Q3. Do electrician gloves need to be tested?

Yes. OSHA and ASTM standards require rubber insulating gloves to be tested every 6 months when in service. Gloves that have sustained damage, been exposed to oil or chemicals, or are simply due for periodic testing must be taken out of service until tested and re-certified. Masterman's team can discuss testing resources for your region.

Q4. What are leather protector gloves used for?

Leather protector gloves are worn over rubber insulating gloves to protect the rubber from mechanical damage — punctures, cuts, and abrasion from the physical conditions of live electrical work. They do not provide additional voltage insulation; they protect the glove that does.

Q5. Are goatskin or cowhide leather protectors better?

Goatskin leather protectors are thinner and more supple, allowing better dexterity and tactile sensitivity over the rubber insulating glove — preferred when hand feel and finger control matter. Cowhide protectors are more durable for rougher work environments where mechanical demands on the leather are higher.

Q6. What class electrician gloves do commercial electricians need?

Most commercial electrical work falls within Class 0 (up to 1,000V AC) or Class 1 (up to 7,500V AC). The specific class required depends on the maximum voltage of the circuits being worked on. Always verify the voltage class requirement with your safety program before selecting gloves.

Q7. Does Masterman's ship electrician gloves same day?

Yes. In-stock electrician gloves ship same day from Masterman's Auburn, MA warehouse to customers across New England. No order minimums.

Q8. Can I order electrician gloves with no minimum order at Masterman's?

Yes. No minimum order on electrician gloves. Order one pair or a case. Credit terms available for qualifying business accounts. Call 800-525-3313.

Q9. Does Masterman's carry high voltage gloves for utility work?

Yes. Masterman's stocks Class 2 and Class 3 rubber insulating gloves for medium and high-voltage utility work alongside leather protectors for live-line applications.

Q10. How do I know which class of electrician gloves I need?

The class is determined by the maximum AC voltage in the work environment. Class 00 = up to 500V; Class 0 = up to 1,000V; Class 1 = up to 7,500V; Class 2 = up to 17,000V; Class 3 = up to 26,500V. Contact Masterman's at 800-525-3313 for guidance on class selection for your specific application.

Shop Electrician Gloves at Masterman's

Electrician gloves — Class 00, 0, 1, 2, and 3 at Masterman's

FR clothing for arc flash environments — Carhartt, Bulwark, Black Stallion

Contact Masterman's for glove class selection guidance — 800-525-3313