The 10 Best Smart Gloves for Electricians丨Safety and Tech Savvy at the Same Time

October 30, 2023

Licensed electricians encounter hazardous situations every day. Not only are they at risk of electrocution and death, but they can also suffer injuries from cuts, burns, abrasions, puncture wounds and arc flashes. To protect themselves on site, electricians need to follow proper safety procedures, including wearing durable electrician gloves.

But not just any pair of gloves will do. Electrician's gloves must provide more protection against electric shock and other injuries. Electrician work is often performed in hot, tight spaces, so electrician's gloves also need to provide excellent grip and dexterity, optimal comfort and slip resistance, and of course, for today's tech-savvy technicians, There is a need for greater ease of use with smartphones and tablets.

Electrician's gloves are usually available at hardware stores as well as online retailers like Amazon. Electricians typically wear three types of gloves on the job, each with specific functions, including

Rubber insulating gloves: protect against voltage and electric shock
Leather Protective Gloves: Protects against cuts and burns
Lineman Work Gloves: Protect hands when working without electricity

Knoweasy's goal is to provide electricians and other skilled trades workers with the tools and information they need to work safely and efficiently. Read on to learn about the best gloves for electrical work.

Rubber insulating gloves for electrical work

Rubber insulating gloves are probably the most important piece of any electrician's safety gear, primarily because rubber does not conduct electricity.

There are many types of shock-resistant gloves available to electricians, but it’s important to note that not all insulating gloves provide the same level of protection from electrical current. ASTM International, an organization that develops technical standards and safety information for a variety of materials, products and services, specifies several grades of rubber-insulating gloves.

The ASTM D120 standard details six voltage levels for rubber-insulating gloves:

Class 00: 500 AC and 750 DC
Level 0: 1,000 AC and 1,500 DC
Level 1: 7,500 AC and 11,250 DC
Level 2: 17,000 AC and 25,500 DC
Level 3: 26,500 AC and 39,750 DC
Level 4: 36,000 AC and 54,000 DC

Top quality rubber insulating gloves:

Ansell Gloves 113744 Marigold: This natural rubber glove meets ASTM D120 specifications and OSHA regulations. Ansell gloves have a protection rating of 0 and protect up to 1,000 volts AC or 1,500 volts DC. The anatomical design and straight cuffs ensure the gloves fit comfortably under the leather protective sheath.
Magid Safety M011B9 Electrical Gloves: This rubber-insulated Class 0 electrician's glove provides low-voltage protection up to 1,000 volts AC or 1,500 volts DC and meets ASTM D120 specifications and OSHA regulations. The gloves are made of natural rubber and offer insulating properties, excellent mobility, flexibility and excellent grip. The contoured shape reduces hand fatigue and friction while maximizing overall comfort.
ShuangAn Electrical Insulated Lineman Rubber Gloves: This glove can withstand test voltages up to 12,000 volts, making them ideal for lineman work, field service work, high-voltage machine operation, and other applications. It offers dielectric properties, increased durability and dexterity, and an ergonomically contoured shape that reduces hand fatigue and maximizes comfort.
National Safety Apparel Rubber Voltage Insulating Glove Kit: Offering maximum safety and protection, this all-in-one kit from National Safety Apparel includes Class 0 rubber insulated gloves and leather protective gloves that protect against arc flash and provide puncture protection.

leather protective gloves

Rubber electrician gloves protect against shock and current, while leather protective gloves add an extra layer of protection against burns and puncture wounds.

Typically, electricians wear protective leather gloves over rubber-insulating gloves. There are many types of leather protective gloves, but the most common are made from goatskin, deerskin, cowhide, and synthetic leather.

Best examples of leather-covered electrician’s gloves:

Stauffer High Voltage Cowhide Electrical Glove Protectors: This white cowhide electrical protective glove meets ASTM standards and fits both Class 1 and Class 2 rubber voltage gloves. Known for their dexterity, Stauffer's electrical safety gloves feature Kevlar stitching and leather palms for durability while providing protection and comfort.
Magid Safety PowerMaster Leather Protector Glove: Made from premium brown goat leather, these Magid gloves fit over rubber-insulated gloves. The glove's drawstrings, plastic buckles, and armor-style cuffs make it easy to use in the field.
Endura Superior Goatskin Leather Work Gloves: This Kevlar-lined goat leather protective glove offers optimal protection against cuts and puncture wounds, as well as protection against arc flashes and sparks. Endura's leather protective gloves are available in eight sizes, including extra-large, and combine comfort and durability.
Magid Linesman Low Voltage: Magid’s goat pattern leather gloves are certified for use with Class 0-2 insulated rubber gloves. Reinforcement and welding at the thumb crotch enhance the integrity of the glove, while pleated elastic at the back increases durability.

Lineman work gloves

While rubber-insulated gloves and leather protectors play an important safety role, electricians often wear traditional work gloves when climbing utility poles and performing other work tasks. Lineman gloves should offer durability and dexterity, improve grip and slip resistance, and protect hands while performing daily tasks.

Examples of the best work gloves for line workers:

Klein Tools 40082 Lineman Work Gloves: This Klein Tools glove combines high-quality leather, neoprene, nylon, and spandex for optimal durability. Four-inch leather and neoprene cuffs with side vents allow for easy donning and breathability while maintaining dexterity and comfort.
Maxiflex 34-874 Ultimate Nitrile Grip Work Gloves: This breathable work glove features nitrile-coated microfoam on the palm and fingers to provide optimal grip and dexterity for field electricians. The glove's design mimics a "hand at rest", reducing fatigue and improving comfort. The special weave at the wrist ensures that debris and dust do not enter the glove, keeping hands clean.