Buyer Problem
Electrical PPE has to match the task, voltage, and arc flash exposure.
Arc flash and electrical shock hazards are not handled with one generic PPE kit. Safety buyers need to match arc-rated clothing, face protection, rubber insulating gloves, leather protectors, head protection, footwear, and accessories to the equipment, the work being performed, and the facility's electrical safety program.
Recommended PPE categories
Start with the electrical hazard assessment, then match PPE to the work method, equipment label, voltage exposure, and arc rating needed for the task.
FR shirts, pants, coveralls, jackets, and layering
Use arc-rated FR clothing with an arc rating that matches the facility assessment, equipment label, or PPE category method being used.
Main standards to check: NFPA 70E for electrical PPE selection; ASTM F1506 and ASTM F1959 markings for arc-rated garments.
Arc flash face shields, hoods, balaclavas, and hard hats
Face and head protection should be selected for the expected arc flash exposure, with nonconductive head protection where electrical contact hazards exist.
Main OSHA standards: 29 CFR 1910.335 for electrical safeguards; 1910.135 for head protection.
Voltage-rated rubber gloves and leather protectors
Electrical gloves should be selected by voltage class, inspected before use, protected from damage, and tested or replaced according to the required schedule.
Main OSHA standards: 29 CFR 1910.137, Electrical Protective Equipment; 1910.335, Safeguards for Personnel Protection.
Safety glasses and arc-rated eye protection
Safety glasses are commonly worn under face shields or hoods to help protect against flying particles and electrical explosion debris.
Main OSHA standards: 29 CFR 1910.133, Eye and Face Protection; 1910.335 for arcs, flashes, and electrical explosion hazards.
Heavy-duty work boots and electrical hazard footwear
Footwear may need safety toe, slip resistance, metatarsal protection, or electrical hazard features depending on the workplace and task.
Main OSHA standard: 29 CFR 1910.136, Foot Protection. Review ASTM F2413 markings where safety footwear is specified.
Insulated tools, blankets, matting, signs, and barricades
Electrical work may require insulated tools, protective shields, barriers, blankets, matting, warning signs, and barricades in addition to wearable PPE.
Main OSHA standards: 29 CFR 1910.335 for tools and barriers; 1910.137 for rubber insulating equipment.
NFPA 70E points to know
NFPA 70E is commonly used to build electrical safety programs and select PPE for energized electrical work. Buyers should confirm whether PPE is being selected by an incident energy analysis or by the NFPA 70E PPE category method, then choose arc-rated PPE that matches the assessed exposure.
Important details include arc rating in cal/cm², shock protection, approach boundaries, equipment labeling, worker qualification, energized work planning, and PPE inspection. This page is a buying guide, not legal advice. Always follow the facility's electrical safety program and the current standards that apply to the work.
OSHA electrical PPE points
OSHA's general PPE rule covers hazard assessment, proper fit, damaged equipment, and training. OSHA 1910.335 addresses electrical protective equipment, eye and face protection for arcs and flashes, insulated tools, shields, barriers, signs, and barricades.
For electric power generation, transmission, and distribution work, OSHA 1910.269 includes arc and flame exposure language, including assessment of flame and electric arc hazards and arc-rated protection when estimated heat energy exceeds 2.0 cal/cm².
Bulk Arc Flash PPE Orders
Ordering arc flash PPE for your crew?
Buying electrical PPE for a crew, department, or facility is easier when everything is organized by job role, task, arc rating, voltage class, size, and replacement schedule. ASA Supplies can help quote arc-rated clothing, face shields, hoods, gloves, protectors, hard hats, boots, tools, and accessories for your team.
Industries served
Arc flash and electrical PPE are used wherever qualified workers inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, switch, or service energized electrical equipment.
Electrical contractors
Arc flash kits, voltage-rated gloves, FR clothing, face protection, and jobsite electrical PPE.
Facility maintenance
PPE for maintenance teams working around panels, switchgear, motors, controls, and equipment rooms.
Utilities and power generation
Arc-rated FR clothing, head and face protection, hand protection, and electrical accessories for power work.
Manufacturing
Electrical PPE for plant electricians, technicians, maintenance teams, and shift operations.
Data centers
PPE for electrical rooms, backup power systems, switchgear, UPS areas, and maintenance work.
Municipal and public works
Electrical and FR PPE for water plants, wastewater facilities, traffic systems, and maintenance crews.
Shop Electrical PPE
Related arc flash and FR PPE
Use these links to move buyers toward ASA products for arc flash protection, FR clothing, electrical gloves, face protection, and workplace safety supplies.
Need electrical PPE for a crew or facility?
Get a quote for arc flash and FR PPE.
Tell ASA about the tasks, arc ratings, voltage classes, sizes, headcount, and monthly usage you need to support. We can help quote arc-rated clothing, electrical gloves, face protection, hard hats, boots, and safety accessories.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions about NFPA 70E, arc flash PPE, FR clothing, glove protection, and bulk ordering.
What is NFPA 70E?
NFPA 70E is a workplace electrical safety standard commonly used to guide electrical safety programs, energized work practices, shock protection, arc flash risk assessment, and PPE selection.
What is arc flash PPE?
Arc flash PPE may include arc-rated FR clothing, face shields, hoods, balaclavas, hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, leather protectors, and footwear selected for the assessed exposure.
Is FR clothing the same as arc-rated clothing?
Not always. FR clothing is designed to resist ignition and self-extinguish. Arc-rated clothing is tested for arc flash exposure and marked with an arc rating in cal/cm². Electrical arc flash programs usually require arc-rated PPE matched to the hazard.
How do I choose the right arc rating?
Use the facility's electrical hazard assessment, equipment labels, incident energy analysis, or NFPA 70E PPE category method. When incident energy is used, the PPE arc rating should match or exceed the assessed exposure.
Do rubber insulating gloves need leather protectors?
Leather protectors are commonly used over rubber insulating gloves to help protect the insulating material from cuts, abrasion, punctures, and wear. Follow the applicable OSHA requirements, manufacturer instructions, and your electrical safety program.
Can ASA help quote arc flash PPE kits?
Yes. ASA Supplies can quote arc flash kits, FR clothing, electrical gloves, leather protectors, face shields, hard hats, boots, insulated tools, and mixed-size PPE orders for crews, facilities, and contractors.