Arc-rated PPE, insulating gloves, meters and lockout gear: what the standards require and what to look for
Selecting proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and electrical test tools is a life-critical responsibility. This guide outlines the technical specifications, voltage classes, and category requirements tested throughout ArcReady's training modules and mandated by NFPA 70E §130.7 and OSHA 1910.269.
Rubber insulating gloves provide primary electrical shock protection. Gloves are categorized into six voltage classes based on maximum phase-to-phase working voltage and must always be worn with outer leather protectors to protect against mechanical punctures.
| Class | Color Label | Max AC Use Voltage | AC Proof Test Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 00 | Beige | 500 V | 2,500 V |
| Class 0 | Red | 1,000 V | 5,000 V |
| Class 1 | White | 7,500 V | 10,000 V |
| Class 2 | Yellow | 17,000 V | 20,000 V |
| Class 3 | Green | 26,500 V | 30,000 V |
| Class 4 | Orange | 36,000 V | 40,000 V |
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The usual choice for 120/208/480 V panel work up to 500 V AC. Always worn under leather protectors.
Well-known models to compare: Salisbury Advantage Class 00 14 in; Honeywell Electrosoft Class 00
Extra voltage margin for 480 V and 600 V systems where Class 00 is not enough.
Well-known models to compare: Salisbury Advantage Class 0 14 in
Gloves must be air-tested before every use. A hand inflator makes the check quick and repeatable.
Well-known models to compare: Salisbury glove inflator
When calculating thermal incident energy is not required or when using NFPA 70E category tables, PPE is specified in 4 distinct categories based on minimum Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) or Breakopen Threshold Energy ($E_{BT}$).
| PPE Category | Min. Arc Rating (cal/cm²) | Required Head & Body Gear |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | 4 cal/cm² | Arc-rated long-sleeve shirt/pants or coverall, face shield with wrap-around protection, heavy leather gloves. |
| Category 2 | 8 cal/cm² | Arc-rated shirt & pants or coveralls (min 8 cal/cm²), arc flash face shield + balaclava OR arc flash suit hood. |
| Category 3 | 25 cal/cm² | Arc flash suit jacket & suit pants, arc flash suit hood (min 25 cal/cm²), rubber gloves with leather protectors. |
| Category 4 | 40 cal/cm² | Multi-layer arc flash suit jacket & suit pants, arc flash suit hood (min 40 cal/cm²), leather boots, Class 0/00/1+ rubber gloves. |
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The everyday layer for Category 1 and 2 tasks. Look for the arc rating label, not just "flame resistant".
Well-known models to compare: Bulwark FR shirts and pants; Carhartt Flame-Resistant work shirts and pants
A face shield alone is not enough at Category 2. You also need an arc-rated balaclava or hood.
Well-known models to compare: Salisbury Arc Flash Face Shield Kit
For the highest-energy tasks. Usually company-supplied and shared, and rarely a personal purchase.
Well-known models to compare: Salisbury 40 cal Arc Flash Suit Kit
Test equipment used for verifying an electrically safe work condition must carry an appropriate Measurement Category (CAT) rating according to IEC 61010 standards:
Never use a CAT I or CAT II meter on industrial power circuits. Always perform a Three-Point Test (Test Known Live Source → Test Target Circuit → Re-Test Known Live Source) before touching ungrounded conductors.
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The meter you verify absence of voltage with. A meter without a CAT rating for the system is not safe on panels.
Well-known models to compare: Fluke 87V (CAT III 1000 V / CAT IV 600 V); Fluke 117 (CAT III 600 V)
The leads are part of the safety rating. Cheap leads can drop a CAT IV meter to unrated.
Well-known models to compare: Fluke TL175 TwistGuard; Fluke TL224 SureGrip
A good second tester for the three-point test: it reads under load and is hard to fool with ghost voltage.
Well-known models to compare: Fluke T+PRO; Fluke T6-1000
Measures load current without opening the circuit, which keeps your hands out of the enclosure. Useful for load checks and troubleshooting.
Well-known models to compare: Fluke 324; Klein CL800
A quick first check that a conductor may be live. It never replaces testing with a meter or two-pole tester, because it can miss shielded or low-voltage conductors.
Well-known models to compare: Fluke 1AC-A1-II VoltAlert; Klein NCVT-3
Checks motor, cable and equipment insulation before energizing. Used for preventive maintenance and commissioning, not as a voltage tester.
Well-known models to compare: Fluke 1507; Megger MIT200
Verifies outlets are wired correctly before plugging in tools or equipment. A quick check, not a substitute for a full test.
Well-known models to compare: Klein RT250; Ideal SureTest 61-501
Isolation hardware must meet strict OSHA 1910.147 and workplace safety specifications:
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Every worker needs a personal lock and a unique key. Color-code by trade or crew.
Well-known models to compare: Master Lock 410 (keyed different)
Breaker handles come in several styles. A mixed kit covers most panels you will meet.
Well-known models to compare: Master Lock circuit breaker lockout kit; Brady breaker lockout kit
Lets a crew isolate one source with every worker's own lock. Pair with durable tags that state who and why.
Well-known models to compare: Master Lock 421 group lockout hasp
Insulated tools (IEC 60900, rated to 1000 V) add a layer of protection but do not make live work safe. NFPA 70E still requires de-energizing unless live work is justified, and inspect every tool for damage before each use.
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Insulated tools are a second layer of protection when working near energized parts. They are not a license to work live.
Well-known models to compare: Wiha Insulated Slim Set; Klein 33527 set
Cutting and gripping near live parts is where an uninsulated tool becomes a short circuit.
Well-known models to compare: Knipex 1000 V set; Klein 1000 V pliers
Panel manufacturers publish terminal torque values. Loose or over-tightened terminals are a common cause of heat and failures.
Well-known models to compare: Wiha 1000 V torque screwdriver; Wera Safe-Torque
Electrical rooms are often dark. A headlamp keeps both hands free, and a dedicated bag keeps rated tools from getting damaged.
Well-known models to compare: Milwaukee REDLITHIUM headlamp; Klein Tradesman Pro tool bag
Every item here is chosen because a standard requires it or a task depends on it: NFPA 70E, OSHA 1910.147 and 1910.269, ASTM D120 for insulating gloves, ASTM F1506 and F2178 for arc-rated clothing and face products, and IEC 61010 for meter categories. We list the specification to look for rather than a single brand, because the right choice depends on your voltage, your arc flash label and your employer's program. Always confirm the rating on the product label matches the work you are doing. Last reviewed October 2026.
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