Electrical Hazard (EH) boots are designed to act as a barrier between you and the ground, helping reduce the risk of electric shock in the event of accidental contact with live electrical sources.
Unlike standard safety boots, EH-rated footwear:
- Uses electrically resistant soles
- Limits current flow through the body
- Is designed for environments where electrical hazards are present
They are most effective in unexpected contact scenarios, not planned exposure to live systems.
Do Electrical Hazard Boots Actually Protect You From Electric Shock — Or Is There More To It?
This is where most confusion comes from.
However, many workers assume EH-rated boots provide full protection when working around electricity. In reality, they are a tertiary layer within a broader system of controls — and understanding their limitations is critical to staying safe.
Dielectric vs EH vs ESD Footwear
This is one of the most misunderstood areas of Electrical Safety Footwear.
Dielectric Footwear (EH)
- Entire footwear is insulated
- Usually rubber gumboot style
- Resist electrical current flow
- Designed for electric shock risk environments
Electrical Hazard (EH) Boots
- Typically insulated sole only
- Usually leather boot with rubber sole
- Resist electrical current flow
- Designed for electric shock risk environments
ESD/Antistatic Footwear
- Conductive (controlled)
- Designed to dissipate static electricity to ground
- Used in electronics, manufacturing, or explosive environments
Key takeaway:
EH boots stop electricity travelling through you — while ESD footwear allows controlled discharge.
Volt Safety Electrical Boot Range
EH Rated vs Non-Conductive Boots (What’s the Difference?)
As a result, not all electrical safety boots are labelled the same — and this is where additional confusion can occur.
EH Rated Boots
- Tested to standards such as ASTM F2413
- Designed to withstand high voltage under test conditions at 18kV
- Provide a clearly defined level of electrical resistance
Non-Conductive Boots
- Built with no metallic components
- Use insulating materials like rubber or polyurethane
- May offer high electrical resistance, but are not always formally labelled as “EH”
In many cases, high-quality boots combine:
- Non-conductive construction
- Composite or fibreglass toe caps
- High electrical resistance sole systems
Importantly, both types can support electrical safety — but neither replaces proper isolation and safe work practices.
Important: EH Boots Are Not Primary Protection
Electrical hazard boots are not designed to protect against direct contact with live high voltage systems.
Instead, they are a tertiary control — supporting safe systems of work, not replacing them.
In line with AS/NZS 4836:
- Equipment should be de-energised wherever possible
- Correct isolation and testing procedures must be followed
- PPE supports — but does not replace — these controls
As a result, EH boots are there for unexpected or a
ccidental contact scenarios.
Electrical Safety Office – Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2021
How Do EH Boots Work?
EH-rated footwear reduces the flow of current through the body by using electrically resistant soles and non-conductive construction.
Typically, modern electrical safety boots are designed with:
- High-resistance rubber or polyurethane outsoles
- Fully insulated construction (often with no exposed metal)
- Often but not always with composite or fibreglass toe protection
- Slip-resistant, oil-resistant soles for site conditions
As a result, these features help reduce the risk of:
- Accidental contact with energised surfaces
- Current flow through the body to ground
When EH Boots Can Fail
Importantly, workers only get full protection from EH boots when they maintain and use them correctly.
In reality, their insulating properties can be compromised by:
- Worn or damaged soles
- Wet or humid conditions
- Contamination (metal shavings, conductive debris, oil & grease, other)
If the sole is compromised, the protection is compromised.
Real-World Scenario
For example, consider a construction site with temporary power installed.
A worker unknowingly steps onto a damaged live cable.
In this situation:
- The contact is accidental
- The path to ground becomes critical
In these cases, EH-rated or non-conductive boots can help reduce the flow of current through the body — but only if all other controls have failed.
Standards and Compliance
Manufacturers test electrical safety footwear against a range of international standards:
- ASTM F2412 / F2413 (Electrical Hazard – EH rating)
- EN ISO 20345 / EN ISO 20347
In Australia, all electrical work must still align with:
- AS/NZS 4836
This reinforces that footwear is a secondary control, supporting — not replacing — safe work procedures.
Managing electrical risks in the workplace
Where Are EH Boots Used?
Workers commonly use electrical hazard boots in:
- Electrical and utility work
- Construction sites with temporary power
- EV and hybrid vehicle servicing
- Industrial maintenance environments
- Sites or workplaces where insulated matting is not suitable
Importantly, electrical risk extends beyond electricians — many trades are exposed to live systems, often unknowingly.
Choosing the Right Electrical Safety Equipment
In practice, selecting the right PPE for electrical work isn’t always straightforward.
Instead, different hazards require different controls — and understanding where EH-rated footwear fits (and where it doesn’t) is critical.
Features to consider include:
- Electrical resistance (EH rated vs non-conductive design)
- Sole construction and durability
- Slip resistance and site conditions
- Comfort for extended wear
Volt works closely with electrical contractors, utilities and industrial teams to ensure the right equipment is selected for the task — helping build safer systems of work.
Final Thought
Ultimately, electrical hazard boots are often misunderstood.
They don’t make you immune to electricity — but they can make a critical difference when something goes wrong.
Because electrical safety isn’t just about compliance.
It’s about ensuring every worker goes home safely.