🔹 Introduction to EN 60903
- Full Title: EN 60903: Live working – Electrical insulating gloves
- Scope: This standard specifies the requirements, classification, and testing for insulating gloves used for electrical work to protect against electric shock.
- It ensures worker safety during live voltage operations, such as:
- Electrical maintenance
- Utility work
- High-voltage and low-voltage environments
✳️ This standard is harmonized with IEC 60903, so you may see EN/IEC 60903 used interchangeably.
🔹 Suitable For
EN 60903 applies to dielectric (electrical insulating) gloves used by:
- Electricians
- Line workers
- Maintenance technicians
- Electrical utility workers
Gloves can be:
- Natural rubber or synthetic elastomer
- With or without mechanical protection layer (some require leather over-gloves)
🔹 Classifications by Voltage (Standard Levels)
Gloves are classified into 6 voltage classes:
| Class | AC Proof Test Voltage (V) | AC Maximum Use Voltage (V) | DC Max Use Voltage (V) | Typical Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00 | 2,500 | 500 | 750 | Beige |
| 0 | 5,000 | 1,000 | 1,500 | Red |
| 1 | 10,000 | 7,500 | 11,250 | White |
| 2 | 20,000 | 17,000 | 25,500 | Yellow |
| 3 | 30,000 | 26,500 | 39,750 | Green |
| 4 | 40,000 | 36,000 | 54,000 | Orange |
🧤 Always wear gloves within their rated “maximum use voltage”, not the test voltage.
🔹 Testing Methods (EN 60903)
EN 60903 specifies both type tests (initial production) and routine tests (on each glove). Here’s a summary:
✅ Dielectric (Electrical) Tests
| Test | Purpose | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Dielectric Test | High voltage applied to check insulation | Gloves are filled with water and immersed in a water tank; voltage is applied |
| Proof Test Voltage | Verifies insulation at class-specific level | AC and DC voltages used |
| Leakage Current Test | Monitors current leakage through the glove | Must remain below class limit |
✅ Physical and Mechanical Tests
| Test | Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength & Elongation | IEC 61112 / ISO 37 | Check elasticity and durability of rubber |
| Puncture Resistance | EN 388 or EN 388-like | Optional – for mechanical protection |
| Thickness Measurement | EN 60903 | Based on glove class – ensures consistent insulation |
| Aging Resistance | EN 60903 | Exposure to UV, ozone, or oil – no degradation allowed |
| Flame Retardancy (Optional) | EN 60903 | Glove must self-extinguish when removed from flame |
| Cold Resistance (Optional) | EN 60903 | Check flexibility at low temperatures |
✳️ Some gloves are also tested for ozone resistance, acid, oil, or low temperature, marked with specific letters (see below).
🔹 Marking & Symbols
Each glove must be marked with:
- Manufacturer and production date
- Class (voltage level)
- Size
- Standards: EN 60903:2003
- Symbols for additional protections:
| Symbol | Protection |
|---|---|
| A | Acid-resistant |
| H | Oil-resistant |
| Z | Ozone-resistant |
| M | Mechanical protection |
| C | Low-temperature resistant |
