A Guide to Electrical PPE 

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a vital safeguard for electricians, reducing the risks that come with working around live systems, high voltages, and busy construction sites. In this guide, we’ll break down what electrical PPE is, why it’s essential, and the main types you’re likely to use in day-to-day work. 

What is electrical PPE? 

PPE — personal protective equipment — covers a wide range of safety clothing and accessories designed to protect against h azards. For electricians, that means minimising the dangers of: 

• Electric shock 

• Arc flash and burns 

• Fire or explosion from faults 

• Physical impact or debris in construction environments 

Domestic electricians often rely mainly on non-conductive gloves, footwear and p rotective clothing. In contrast, those on larger construction sites may also need hard hats, hi-vis jackets and ear protection to meet site safety rules. 

Head protection 

Hard hats are a common feature across trades. For electrical work, non-conductive helmets protect against falling objects and accidental contact with live systems. They’re lightweight but tested to strict BS EN safety standards. 

Hand and arm protection 

• Insulated gloves: Rubber, latex, or silicone designs are tested to BS EN 60903. These provide dexterity while reducing shock risk when working live. 

• Extended lineman gloves and sleeves: Sometimes needed when working overhead or on distribution systems. These sit over clothing to protect the forearm. 

Grip and comfort are key — thin, well-fitted gloves mean electricians can still strip wires, crimp lugs and handle delicate kit without losing accuracy. 

Foot protection 

Footwear should combine impact resistance with non-conductive soles. Options include: 

• Insulated boots for wet or flooded sites 

• Composite toe caps (steel toes must be properly rated as metal conducts electricity) 

• Overshoes that slip over standard footwear for extra safety 

Without the right footwear, even a simple job in a damp cellar can carry major risk. 

Body protection 

Everyday clothing should be non-conductive, ideally cotton, and free from exposed zips or fasteners that could arc. Popular choices include: 

• Cover-alls — flame-resistant, lightweight and worn over normal clothes 

• Arc flash suits — heavy-duty jackets, trousers and hoods used for switchgear or HV work 

• High-visibility wear — to stay safe on larger, shared worksites 

Eye and face protection 

From goggles with side shields to full face visors, the aim is to protect against: 

• Dust and debris 

• Arc flash glare and UV light 

• Flying fragments from drilling or grinding 

A tinted visor may be needed when arc flash exposure is possible. 

Hearing protection 

Electricians often work alongside trades using hammer drills, generators and other loud kit. Foam earplugs or padded defenders reduce long-term hearing damage. BS EN 352 is the standard covering this equipment. 

Choosing the right PPE 

The correct PPE depends on environment, voltage level, and job role. Choosing wrongly (or relying on gear that isn’t BS/EN rated) can actually be worse than wearing nothing, giving a false sense of security. At a minimum, electricians should check for: 

• Certification marks to the right BS EN standards 

• Proper fit for dexterity and mobility 

• Condition — no tears, cracks, or worn seams 

• Comfort, so it’s actually worn all day 

When in doubt, the safer approach is always to invest in tested, UK-standard kit. It keeps electricians safe, compliant, and able to focus on the real job at hand. 

Training and PPE 

Even the best PPE only works if electricians understand when and how to use it. That’s why structured training is so important. At Elec Training, we cover PPE and wider health and safety practice across our c ourses, helping learners build the right habits from day one. 

You can also explore related resources here: 

• Access Equipment 15 

• Reviews 

• Access Equipment 2 

• Carbon Reduction Plan 

And for an overview of our full training pathways, head to the Elec Training homepage. 

What does PPE stand for in electrical work? 

PPE in electrical work stands for Personal Protective Equipment, referring to specialized gear designed to protect electricians from workplace hazards such as electrical shocks, arc flashes, falls, and other injuries, ensuring compliance with UK safety standards like the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Elec Training e mphasizes PPE as a critical component of electrician training, mandatory for site safety and aligned with BS 7671 requirements. 

Why is PPE important for electricians? 

PPE is vital for electricians because it mitigates life-threatening risks like electrocution (causing ~25 fatalities annually in UK construction), arc flash burns, and physical injuries from falls or debris, reducing incidents by up to 70% when used correctly. It ensures compliance with HSE regulations, protects against thermal hazards (arc flashes can reach 19,000°C), and safeguards against shocks from live circuits or faulty equipment. Elec Training integrates PPE training into its courses, teaching proper use to prevent injuries and maintain ECS Gold Card standards, especially critical with 2025’s rise in EV and solar installations. 

What types of head protection do electricians need? 

Electricians require hard hats meeting EN 397 standards for impact and penetration resistance to protect against falling objects or head impacts on construction sites, and EN 50365 for electrically insulating helmets when working near live parts up to 1,000V AC or 1,500V DC. Helmets should include chin straps for stability and non-conductive materials to avoid electrical conduction. Elec Training advises using Class E (electrical) helmets for high-voltage tasks, with regular checks for cracks or expiry (typically 3-5 years) to ensure safety on UK sites. 

What are insulated gloves and when should they be used? 

Insulated gloves are specialized rubber gloves designed to protect against electrical shock, meeting EN 60903 or IEC 60903 standards, rated for specific voltage levels (e.g., Class 0 for up to 1,000V, Class 2 for 17,000V). They must be worn with leather over-gloves for mechanical protection and tested every six months for integrity. Use them whenever working on or near live circuits, during testing, or in switchgear maintenance, as mandated by the Electricity at Work Regulations. Elec Training stresses their use in all live work scenarios, especially for 2025’s high-voltage EV charger installations, to prevent shocks. 

Which footwear is safest for electrical work? 

The safest footwear for electrical work is non-conductive, dielectric boots or shoes meeting EN 50321-1 or ASTM F2413 EH standards, designed to insulate against electrical currents up to 18,000V and protect against step voltage hazards. They should have composite toe caps (not steel, to avoid conduction), slip-resistant soles, and meet EN ISO 20345 for impact resistance. Waterproof options are ideal for wet sites. Elec Training recommends brands like V12 or Caterpillar, regularly inspected for wear, to ensure safety during installations or maintenance, especially in damp or industrial environments. 

What clothing should electricians wear to protect against arc flash? 

Electricians must wear arc-rated (AR) clothing compliant with IEC 61482-2 or NFPA 70E, designed to withstand arc flash thermal energy (measured in cal/cm²), typically including flame-resistant (FR) coveralls, jackets, or shirts with ratings like 8-40 cal/cm² for common electrical tasks. Multi-layered FR clothing (e.g., cotton or aramid blends) with long sleeves, non-conductive zippers, and no synthetic underlayers is essential. Elec Training advises matching attire to arc flash risk assessments (per BS EN 61482), using PPE like balaclavas for high-risk switchgear work, critical for 2025’s increased industrial and EV projects to prevent severe burns. 

Do electricians need high-visibility clothing on all sites? 

High-visibility (hi-vis) clothing is not required on all sites but is mandatory on construction sites, highways, or areas with moving vehicles/equipment, per EN ISO 20471 (Class 2 or 3 for jackets/vests) and the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. Fluorescent colors (yellow/orange) with reflective strips ensure visibility in low-light conditions. Domestic indoor work may not need hi-vis, but CSCS/ECS site rules often enforce it. Elec Training includes site-specific PPE guidance, recommending hi-vis for outdoor or multi-trade environments to enhance safety. 

When is eye and face protection required in electrical work? 

Eye and face protection is required when electricians face risks of arc flash, flying debris, or chemical splashes, such as during drilling, cutting, or working near live parts, as mandated by the PPE Regulations 1992. Safety glasses (EN 166) protect against particles, while full-face visors (EN 166 B or ANSI Z87.1) are needed for arc flash risks in switchgear or high-voltage tasks, rated for thermal energy. Elec Training stresses their use during EICR testing or EV charger installs, where sparks or explosions are risks, preventing the ~1,000 eye injuries annually in UK construction. 

What standard covers hearing protection for electricians? 

Hearing protection for electricians falls under EN 352 standards (e.g., EN 352-1 for ear defenders, EN 352-2 for earplugs), ensuring devices reduce noise exposure below 85 dB(A) as required by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. Electricians need protection in noisy environments like industrial sites or when using power tools (e.g., drills exceeding 90 dB). Elec Training recommends SNR-rated (e.g., 25-35 dB) earplugs or muffs, inspected regularly, to prevent hearing loss in 2025’s busy construction settings. 

How should electricians choose the right PPE for a specific job? 

Electricians should select PPE based on a risk assessment per the Electricity at Work Regulations and PPE Regulations, identifying hazards like voltage levels, arc flash potential, noise, or falling objects, then matching gear to standards like EN 60903 for gloves or IEC 61482-2 for arc-rated clothing. Consider site conditions (e.g., hi-vis for outdoor work, dielectric boots for wet areas) and ensure fit, comfort, and certification (e.g., UKCA/CE marks). Elec Training’s safety modules teach assessing job-specific risks, consulting HSE guides, and verifying PPE expiry to ensure compliance and protection in 2025’s diverse electrical tasks.