AS 2225 → AS/NZS 60903:2020 → AS 60903:2022 — What You Need to Know
If you work with insulated gloves for electrical safety, you may have heard that the standards in Australia and New Zealand have recently changed. These updates can be confusing, but understanding them is critical to staying compliant and choosing the right insulated glove for your work.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s changed—and what it means for you.
A Quick Timeline of the Changes
AS 2225:1994
Long-standing Australian standard for insulated gloves—used widely for years.
AS/NZS 60903:2020
Replaced AS 2225:1994 in 2020. This was based on the international IEC 60903 standard and introduced more modern testing and product categories.
AS 60903:2022
The most current version, introduced with industry feedback in mind. It addresses gaps from the 2020 version and reintroduces some glove options from AS 2225:1994.
What’s Changed in AS 60903:2022?
✅ 1. New Classes of Gloves Introduced
AS 60903:2022 now includes additional glove classes that bring back useful options from the older AS 2225 standard:
Class 00-a → Rated to 650V
Class 1-a → Rated to 10,000V
These classes fill gaps left when AS/NZS 60903:2020 was first introduced — many users relied on these glove styles and voltages, so their return is welcome for both consistency and choice.
✅ 2. Reduced Testing Requirements
Class 00, 00-a, and Class 0 gloves no longer require periodic electrical testing.
These gloves can now be managed with regular visual inspections and internal OH&S policies.
Keep in mind that some state-based electrical regulations may still require 6 monthly periodic electrical testing. Therefore, as a manufacturer and reseller of electrical insulated gloves, we highly recommend to continue 6 monthly periodic electrical testing or the replacement of gloves.
Important: Higher-class gloves (Class 1 and above) still have testing requirements—this change only applies to Class 00, 00-a, and Class 0 gloves.
Summary of Key Points
✔ AS 2225:1994 → Obsolete
✔ AS/NZS 60903:2020 → Current standard
✔ AS 60903:2022 → Updated current standard (Australia only)
✔ New classes: 00-a (650V) and 1-a (10,000V) now included
✔ Class 00, 00-a, and Class 0 gloves: No longer require periodic electrical testing
✔ Class 1+ gloves: Testing requirements remain
Why It Matters
If you’re purchasing, using, or testing insulated gloves, these changes:
Give you more glove choices that suit your work environment.
Ensure your equipment is aligned with current Australian and state-based standards.