Quick Summary: What PPE Do You Need for Electrical Safety in 2025?
To meet 2025 OSHA and NFPA 70E standards for electrical safety, workers must use the right combination of PPE—rubber insulating gloves, leather protectors, arc-rated clothing, face shields, dielectric footwear, and insulating mats. This checklist breaks it all down with links to verified gear.
1. Why Electrical PPE Is Non-Negotiable
Electrical injuries remain one of the top causes of fatalities in industrial settings. Without proper PPE, arc flashes, electrocution, and burns can happen in a fraction of a second. That’s why OSHA mandates the use of PPE under 29 CFR 1910.137, and NFPA 70E provides detailed arc flash protection standards.
2. Rubber Insulating Gloves (Class 00 to Class 4)
Use gloves rated for your voltage level. They must be tested every 6 months and worn with leather protectors to prevent punctures.
3. Leather Protector Gloves
Required to be worn over rubber gloves, they add mechanical protection against abrasions, cuts, and tears.
4. Arc-Rated Clothing (AR)
Do not confuse FR (Flame-Resistant) with AR (Arc-Rated). All AR clothing is FR, but not all FR clothing protects against arc flash. Ensure your PPE has the correct cal/cm² rating for the task.
5. Arc Flash Face Shields and Hoods
Arc-rated face shields and balaclavas protect against thermal burns from arc blasts. Use full arc flash hoods for Category 3 or 4 tasks.
6. Dielectric Footwear
Rubber-soled boots provide insulation from ground currents. Look for EH-rated footwear to protect from electrical hazards.
7. Insulated Tools
Even with PPE, using non-insulated tools near live circuits is dangerous. Tools should meet ASTM F1505 and be marked for voltage ratings.
8. Electrical Insulating Mats
Stand on rubber insulating mats when working near live panels to prevent ground faults and shocks. Choose Class 2 mats for higher voltages.
9. Voltage Detectors and Testers
Verify equipment is de-energized before touching anything. Use proximity testers and multimeters rated for CAT III/IV environments.
10. PPE Storage and Inspection Supplies
Electrical PPE must be stored in clean, dry areas and inspected for tears, holes, and contamination. Use storage bags, glove inflators, and visual inspection tools.
OSHA and NFPA 70E: What’s Changed for 2025
Recent updates to NFPA 70E reinforce the hierarchy of controls and require better labeling, training, and documented risk assessments. PPE is the last line of defense—make sure yours meets 2025 compliance levels.
Final Thoughts
Electrical PPE isn’t just a checklist—it’s life-saving equipment. Make sure you’re geared up with properly rated, tested, and stored PPE from a reliable source like eSafetySupplies.com. Don’t compromise when it comes to voltage exposure.
About the Author: Mick Chan
Mick Chan has been in the Safety Supplies industry for over 15 years. As a seasoned expert in OSHA compliance and safety product procurement, Mick brings practical insight to help businesses meet workplace safety standards with confidence. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Cal State LA in 2013 and has been advising companies across California ever since. Born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, a suburb of Los Angeles, Mick understands the safety needs of businesses in diverse urban and industrial environments. His work focuses on bridging safety compliance with practical product solutions for the modern workplace.