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.
1. Rubber Insulating Gloves & Leather Protectors
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 |
2. Arc Flash PPE Categories (1 through 4)
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. |
3. Multimeter Safety Categories (CAT Ratings)
Test equipment used for verifying an electrically safe work condition must carry an appropriate Measurement Category (CAT) rating according to IEC 61010 standards:
- CAT III (1000V): Distribution level — panelboards, feeders, busways, lighting systems, and industrial motor branch circuits.
- CAT IV (600V / 1000V): Primary supply level — service entrance lines, utility meters, outdoor overhead conductors, and underground transformers.
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.
4. Lockout/Tagout (LOTOTO) Hardware Specifications
Isolation hardware must meet strict OSHA 1910.147 and workplace safety specifications:
- Safety Padlocks: Standardized by color, shape, or size. Keyed differently (one key per worker rule).
- Lockout Hasps: Heavy-gauge steel hasps allowing up to 6 padlocks for multi-craft crew isolation.
- Circuit Breaker Lockouts: Clamp-on or pin-out lockout devices designed for specific molded-case circuit breaker handles.
- Warning Tags: Weather-resistant vinyl tags withstanding at least 50 lbs of unlock force, warning against re-energization.
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