How to Choose the Right Class of Electrical Gloves in Australia
Choose the Right Class of Electrical Gloves
In electrical work, safety begins with the right equipment. For electricians and WHS officers in Australia, electrical gloves are one of the most critical forms of personal protective equipment (PPE). They don’t just prevent shock — they ensure compliance with safety laws, reduce liability, and protect lives.
But not all electrical gloves are created equal. Each glove is tested and certified to handle a specific voltage class, and choosing the wrong one can mean inadequate protection or failing a WHS audit. This article provides a practical voltage guide tailored to the Australian market, helping you choose the right class of electrical gloves and stay compliant with AS standards.
Why Electrical Gloves Are Essential for Safety
- Protect against life-threatening electrical currents.
- Ensure compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations.
- Support productivity by giving electricians confidence in energized environments.
In Australia, Safe Work Australia and state regulators treat electrical gloves as a non-negotiable requirement for high-risk work.
Understanding Classes of Electrical Gloves (00 to 4)
Electrical gloves are classified by their maximum voltage protection rating. In Australia, these ratings align with AS/NZS 60903 and AS 60903 standards.
- Class 00: Up to 500V AC / 750V DC – appliance service, low-voltage switchboards.
- Class 00-a: Up to 650V AC / 1,000V DC – appliance service, low-voltage switchboards. (AS 60903)
- Class 0: Up to 1,000V AC / 1,500V DC – residential wiring, solar installations.
- Class 1: Up to 7,500V AC / 11,250V DC – industrial facilities, mining sites.
- Class 1-a: Up to 12,250 AC / 19,000V DC – industrial facilities, mining sites. (AS 60903)
- Class 2: Up to 17,000V AC / 25,500V DC – utility substations, transport networks.
- Class 3: Up to 26,500V AC / 39,750V DC – high-voltage distribution.
- Class 4: Up to 36,000V AC / 54,000V DC – transmission line work, grid maintenance.
Practical Voltage Guide for Australian Electricians
Glove Class | Max Voltage (AC) | Common Australian Applications |
Class 00 | 500V | Appliance servicing, low-voltage switchboards |
Class 00-a | 650V | Appliance service, low-voltage switchboards |
Class 0 | 1,000V | Domestic electricians, solar PV systems |
Class 1 | 7,500V | Mining, industrial maintenance |
Class 1-a | 12,250V | Mining, industrial maintenance |
Class 2 | 17,000V | Utility substations, rail networks |
Class 3 | 26,500V | HV distribution networks |
Class 4 | 36,000V | Transmission and grid work |
⚡ WHS Tip: Always select electrical gloves rated higher than the maximum system voltage you’ll encounter.
Inspection & Testing Requirements in Australia
Electrical gloves must be tested and inspected regularly to remain WHS-compliant:
- Before every use → visual inspection for cracks, cuts, swelling, or discoloration.
- Air inflation test → to detect leaks.
- Dielectric testing → required every 6 months
- Documentation → testing records must be kept for WHS audits.
Failure to test gloves on schedule can result in serious WHS breaches, penalties, and liability exposure.
A Quick Timeline: How Electrical Glove Standards Have Evolved
Understanding how standards have changed helps electricians and WHS officers make sense of today’s compliance requirements:
- AS 2225:1994
The original Australian standard. Trusted for decades, simple, and widely used. (Superseded) - AS/NZS 60903:2020
Aligned Australia with international IEC standards. Progress, but it left out certain glove options many industries still needed. - AS 60903:2022
The latest version, created with industry feedback. It reintroduced missing glove classes, clarified testing rules, and modernized compliance requirements.
👉 This evolution shows how standards adapt to practical field needs while keeping pace with global safety benchmarks.
Only gloves tested and certified to these standards can be used in Australian workplaces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using non-certified gloves instead of WHS-approved electrical gloves.
- Selecting gloves below the required voltage class.
- Skipping 6-month dielectric testing.
- Not pairing with leather protectors, which extend glove lifespan and prevent punctures.
Conclusion
Choosing the right class of electrical gloves is about more than PPE — it’s about compliance, safety, and protecting lives. For Australian electricians and WHS officers, gloves rated to AS/NZS 60903 and AS 60903 ensure both safety and regulatory confidence.
By following the voltage class guide, sticking to testing intervals, and using certified brands, you create a culture of compliance that keeps every worker safe on the job.
Need a Hand Choosing the Right Gloves?
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