08
July
Insulating Gloves: Your Life Depends on Choosing the Right Voltage Class
July 08, 2026
Let's be honest.
When you work with electricity, there's no room for guesswork. The difference between 380V and 35kV isn't just a number. It's the difference between going home safely — and not.
Many electrical workers use gloves that aren't rated for their actual working voltage. Some use gloves that are too old. Some don't understand what the class rating really means.
That's a risk no one should take.
At Qingdao Meiji Labor Products Co., Ltd, we manufacture a full range of insulating gloves — from low-voltage 380V applications all the way up to 35kV high-voltage work. Each glove is tested to strict standards so you know exactly what protection you're getting.
Today, we're breaking down every class so you can choose with confidence.
Understanding Insulating Glove Classes
All insulating gloves are rated by maximum working voltage and test voltage. The class number (0, 1, 2, 4) tells you the protection level.
| Class | Test Voltage | Max Working Voltage | Best For |
| Class 0 | 5kV | 380V | Low-voltage electrical work |
| Class 1 | 10kV | 3kV | Medium-voltage live work |
| Class 2 | 20kV | 10kV | High-voltage distribution |
| Class 4 | 40kV | 35kV | High-voltage transmission |
Meiji says: Always choose a glove rated for your maximum possible exposure — not your average exposure.
Full Product Range: Which One Do You Need?
Class 0 (5kV) Insulating Gloves
Test Voltage: 5,000V
Maximum Working Voltage: 380V
Leakage Current: ≤16mA @ 5kV
Best for: Low-voltage live work, residential electrical maintenance, control panels, and general electrical tasks up to 380V.
Who needs this: Electricians, maintenance technicians, facility managers.
Meiji says: If your work stays below 400V, Class 0 is your everyday protection.
Class 1 (10kV) Insulating Gloves
Test Voltage: 10,000V
Maximum Working Voltage: 3,000V
Leakage Current: ≤16mA @ 10kV (actual approx. 2.5mA)
Best for: Live working up to 3kV. Also used as auxiliary safety tool for 3kV-8kV environments.
Who needs this: Utility workers, industrial electricians, substation maintenance.
Meiji says: For medium-voltage work, Class 1 is the foundation of your safety system.
12kV Straight Cuff Insulating Gloves
Test Voltage: 12,000V
Maximum Working Voltage: 3,000V
Leakage Current: ≤18mA @ 12kV
Best for: Live working up to 3kV. Auxiliary protection for 3kV-8kV environments. Straight cuff design allows easy donning over other layers.
Who needs this: Electrical workers who need a secure, straight cuff for easy glove changes.
Meiji says: The straight cuff is easier to put on and take off — ideal for workers who change gloves frequently.
12kV Contour Insulating Gloves
Test Voltage: 12,000V
Maximum Working Voltage: 3,000V
Leakage Current: ≤18mA @ 12kV
Best for: Live working up to 3kV. Auxiliary protection for 3kV-8kV. Contour cuff follows the natural shape of your forearm for a snugger fit.
Who needs this: Workers who prefer a more fitted cuff that stays in place during extended overhead work.
Meiji says: Choose straight cuff for easy donning. Choose contour cuff for a more secure fit. Both give you 12kV protection.
Class 2 (20kV) Insulating Gloves
Test Voltage: 20,000V
Maximum Working Voltage: 10,000V
Leakage Current: ≤20mA @ 20kV
Best for: Live working up to 10kV. Distribution-level electrical work.
Who needs this: Power line workers, substation staff, high-voltage electricians.
Meiji says: For 10kV work, Class 2 is the minimum standard. Don't use anything lower.
25kV Insulating Gloves
Test Voltage: 25,000V
Maximum Working Voltage: 15,000V
Leakage Current: ≤21mA @ 25kV
Best for: Live working up to 15kV.
Who needs this: High-voltage utility crews, railway electrification work, industrial high-voltage distribution.
Meiji says: At 15kV, every milliamp matters. Our 25kV gloves keep leakage current well below limits.
35kV Insulating Gloves
Test Voltage: 35,000V
Maximum Working Voltage: 27,500V
Leakage Current: ≤23mA @ 35kV
Best for: Live working up to 27.5kV. Railway and traction power systems.
Who needs this: High-voltage utility workers, railway electrical crews, transmission line staff.
Meiji says: For 27.5kV systems (common in railway electrification), 35kV gloves are the correct choice.
Class 4 (40kV) Insulating Gloves
Test Voltage: 40,000V
Maximum Working Voltage: 35,000V
Leakage Current: ≤24mA @ 40kV
Best for: Live working up to 35kV. High-voltage transmission and substation work.
Who needs this: Transmission line workers, substation operators, high-voltage specialists.
Meiji says: Class 4 is the highest standard — for the highest-risk electrical environments.
Quick Comparison: Which Class for Which Voltage?
| Your Working Voltage | Recommended Class |
| Up to 380V | Class 0 (5kV) |
| Up to 3kV | Class 1 (10kV) or 12kV |
| Up to 10kV | Class 2 (20kV) |
| Up to 15kV | 25kV |
| Up to 27.5kV | 35kV |
| Up to 35kV | Class 4 (40kV) |
Meiji says: When in doubt, choose the next higher class. Over-protection is better than under-protection.
Why Leakage Current Matters
Leakage current is the tiny amount of electricity that passes through the glove during the test. Lower is better.
| Glove Class | Max Leakage | Actual (approx.) |
| Class 0 | 16mA | <16mA |
| Class 1 | 16mA | ~2.5mA |
| 12kV | 18mA | <18mA |
| Class 2 | 20mA | <20mA |
| 25kV | 21mA | <21mA |
| 35kV | 23mA | <23mA |
| Class 4 | 24mA | <24mA |
What this means for you: Even at maximum test voltage, these gloves keep current well below dangerous levels.
Proper Use & Care
| Do | Don't |
| Use leather protectors over insulating gloves | Use without protectors (physical damage risk) |
| Inspect before every use | Use if cracked, swollen, or damaged |
| Air test (roll cuff, trap air, check for leaks) | Use if air escapes |
| Retest regularly (per local regulations) | Use beyond retest date |
| Store in protective bag or box away from light | Store near ozone, heat, or sunlight |
When to Replace
| Sign | Action |
| Cracks, cuts, or holes | Replace immediately |
| Swelling or softening | Chemical or heat damage |
| Stiffness or hardening | Material degradation |
| Failed air test | Replace immediately |
| Exceeded retest date | Retest or replace |
The Meiji Promise
At Qingdao Meiji Labor Products Co., Ltd, we know that electrical safety is not a game. A faulty glove can mean a fatal shock.
That's why every glove we manufacture is:
* Tested to the voltage it claims
* Leakage tested to ensure safety margins
* Clear class labeled so you always know what you're getting
* Built to last with quality materials
Your life depends on the right glove. Choose wisely.
Ready to Equip Your Team?
* Phone: 0086-15020088730
* Visit: www.meijigloves.com
* Email: info@meijigloves.com
Qingdao Meiji — Insulating gloves you can trust, class by class.
