Electrical Safety Products | 101

When working with electricity, it is of the utmost importance that you take the proper safety precautions to protect yourself and those around you from serious harm. Those who work in electrical industry careers, such as an electrician or a line worker, are most susceptible to injury. They are the ones that need to follow strict industrial safety guidelines, such as the NEC (National Electric Code) for safety standards on how to correctly assemble and maintain electrical circuits and the NESC (National Electric Safety Code) for provisions of safety when installing, operating, or maintaining electric currents.

The equipment that is used on the job is just as important as safety procedures - choosing the correct gear can be the difference between life and death in some serious situations. So in order to make an educated decision, you should first become familiar with some of the terms and descriptions you will run into while browsing.

• Flame Resistant (FR): these materials will resist ignition and/or self-extinguish when ignited, and they will not melt. They create a thermal barrier to help protect the wearer's skin when exposed to direct heat energy and may minimize the amount of 2nd and 3rd degree burns incurred.
• Arc Rated (AR): these materials are designed and treated to help limit the exposure and burn percentage as a result of an electrical arc flash incident.

**Please note - all AR clothing is flame resistant, however not all FR clothing is rated for arc flash protection.

• Hazard Risk Analysis: an analysis an employer must perform on the workplace to identify risks and set the appropriate boundaries in order to find out which level of protection is needed.
• Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV): also known as Energy Break-open Threshold (EBT), represents the level of protection a garment is tested to provide when exposed to variable levels of heat in an electric arc flash. This should be equal to or greater than the energy level of the work area as determined by the Hazard Risk Analysis.
• NFPA 70E: a document for Arc Flash Protection that covers electrical safety requirements for employees. This should be reviewed thoroughly and regularly to ensure compliance. 

**In 2015, the term HRC (Hazard/Risk Category) was officially changed to PPE Category. This is used for determining which Arc Rating of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is required.

The regulations on electrical safety have changed dramatically over the last few years and still many are not clear as to the extent. Enter PIP® with an impressive array of electrical safety products that include gloves, garments and tools to serve your safety needs:

Novax® Rubber Insulating Gloves

Rubber insulating gloves have always been one of the most important components of PPE for electrical and industrial workers. +Novax® products meet all requirements of ASTM D120, insuring compliance with OSHA regulations and satisfying NFPA 70E requirements for protection against electrical shock hazards. 

The natural rubber construction offers the required dielectric properties combined with flexibility, strength and durability. They are individually numbered for traceability and stamped with factory manufacturing date. All gloves meet ANSI/ASTM D120 standard and NFPA 70E for use around electrical hazards and arc flash protection. Silicone free.

• Straight Cuff (class 00-4): +NOVAX® Class 3 Rubber Insulating Glove w/ Straight Cuff - 18"

• Bell Cuff (class 2-4): +NOVAX® Class 2 Rubber Insulating Glove w/ Bell Cuff - 16"

• Contour Cuffs (class 1-4)

View PIP's Rubber Insulating Gloves Sizing Chart

View an informational FAQ on Rubber Electrical Gloves