Introduction
Working on or near live electrical equipment in Australia requires certified personal protective equipment. Your first line of defence? Insulated gloves.
But with so many different classes — from Class 00 to Class 4 — it’s not always clear which one you need. This guide breaks it down to help you stay safe, compliant, and confident in your choice.
All insulated gloves used in Australia must comply AS 60903:2022.
Class 00 – Up to 500V (AC)
Max Use Voltage (AC): 500V
Max Use Voltage (DC): 750V
Common Uses:
- Control panels
- Test and tag
- Light-duty electrical tasks
- Electric Vehicle Maintenance
Notes:
- Lightweight and flexible
- Great for jobs requiring dexterity
Class 00-a – Up to 650V (AC)
Max Use Voltage (AC): 650V
Max Use Voltage (DC): 1,000V
Common Uses:
- Control panels
- Test and tag
- Light-duty electrical tasks
- Electric Vehicle Maintenance
Notes:
- Lightweight and flexible
- Great for jobs requiring dexterity
Class 0 – Up to 1,000V (AC)
Max Use Voltage (AC): 1,000V
Max Use Voltage (DC): 1,500V
Common Uses:
- General low-voltage electrical work
- LV Rescue Kits
- EV Maintenance
- Solar and Battery Installs
Notes:
- Most commonly used glove in Australia
Class 1 – Up to 7,500V (AC)
Max Use Voltage (AC): 7,500V
Max Use Voltage (DC): 11,250V
Common Uses:
- Substations
- High-voltage switchgear
- Utility and rail sites
Notes:
- Thicker glove for greater protection
Class 2 – Up to 17,000V (AC)
Max Use Voltage (AC): 17,000V
Max Use Voltage (DC): 25,500V
Common Uses:
- Overhead lines
- HV isolation work
- Distribution networks
Notes:
- Thicker glove for greater protection
Class 3 – Up to 26,500V (AC)
Max Use Voltage (AC): 26,500V
Max Use Voltage (DC): 39,750V
Common Uses:
- Transmission-level electrical work
- Substations
- Generation infrastructure
Notes:
- Thicker glove for greater protection
Class 4 – Up to 36,000V (AC)
Max Use Voltage (AC): 36,000V
Max Use Voltage (DC): 54,000V
Common Uses:
- Transmission lines
- Extreme high-voltage installations
Notes:
- Highest class available
- Thickest gloves available for greatest protection
Key Tips for Australian Worksites
- All gloves must be tested every 6 months (or as per site requirements)
- Wear cotton inner gloves for comfort and hygiene
- Use outer gloves for added arc flash and mechanical protection
- Store gloves in a dry glove bag, away from sunlight, moisture, or folding
Need Help Choosing?
Volt Safety offers Australia’s best-selling insulated gloves — stocked fresh monthly, fully tested, and compliant.
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