Real PPE For Electricians (No Fluff, Only Essentials)

• Electrical PPE is legally required for electricians working on energized systems. Not wearing it can result in serious injury—or worse.
• Must-have items include arc-rated clothing, rubber-insulated gloves with leather protectors, safety glasses, and dielectric boots.
• Hand and arm protection should be flame-resistant and rated for electrical work, not just your average work gloves.
• Some PPE is overkill for everyday work and may actually cause heat stress or reduced mobility.
• Always match PPE to the task based on risk assessments, NFPA 70E categories, and OSHA regulations. 

Electrical hazards include electric shock, burns, arc flashes (sudden bursts of energy from electrical faults), and arc blasts. These risks are common during electrical work like installation, maintenance, or repairs. That’s why wearing the right PPE is so important — it acts as a shield between the worker and dangerous electrical energy, helping to prevent serious injuries.

Electricians must complete OSHA-compliant PPE training that covers how to select, wear, inspect, maintain, and store electrical PPE. Training also includes the limitations of PPE, proper procedures for donning and doffing, and how to respond if equipment is damaged or defective. They must understand the risks of arc flash, shock, and electrical burns, and how PPE reduces these risks.

Both employers and employees share responsibility for PPE safety. Employers must regularly inspect and maintain equipment, while workers must check their PPE before each use and report any damage or defects. Faulty gear should be taken out of service immediately.

Effective PPE use for electrical work includes:

• Choosing the right PPE based on specific hazards and voltage levels
• Layering PPE when needed—such as using face shields with safety glasses or rubber sleeves over insulated gloves
• Following proper donning and doffing procedures to maintain hygiene and avoid contamination
• Storing PPE in a clean, dry place away from damaging conditions like sunlight or chemicals
• Cleaning PPE according to manufacturer guidelines
• Encouraging feedback from workers on fit, function, and comfort

Training should also stress the limitations of PPE — it’s not foolproof and should be seen as the last line of defense. When combined with sound safety practices, PPE can significantly reduce injuries from arc flashes and other electrical hazards.

Regular refresher training keeps safety practices current, helps identify gaps, and ensures that all workers are doing their part to prevent serious incidents. Proper PPE use can reduce injuries — and in some cases, save lives.

PPE for electrical work is required by OSHA and NFPA 70E any time there’s a risk of arc flash, electric shock, or burns. You must wear:

• Arc-rated clothing (FR shirts and pants or coveralls)
• Insulated rubber gloves with leather protectors
• Hard hat (Class E or G rated for electrical work)
• Dielectric boots or EH-rated safety footwear
• Eye and face protection (safety glasses and arc shields)

According to OSHA guidelines, this gear helps reduce injuries from arc flashes and electric shocks. Anything less, and you’re putting yourself at serious risk. 

While safety comes first, some electrical safety equipment may be excessive depending on the job. For example:

• Full arc flash suits (Category 4) are unnecessary for most residential or low-voltage commercial work.
• Hot sticks and face shields aren’t required if lockout/tagout has been verified and no live components are exposed.
• Double-layered FR clothing can cause heat stress if not needed for the hazard category.

Overdoing PPE can restrict movement, increase fatigue, and ironically lead to more mistakes.

An arc flash risk assessment based on NFPA 70E determines the proper PPE. You’ll match your gear to the incident energy level and voltage exposure.

Electrical PPE falls into four categories, from basic FR clothing (CAT 1) to full arc suits (CAT 4).

A good rule:

• Low-voltage panels (<240V) = CAT 1 or 2 PPE
• Medium-voltage switchgear = CAT 3 or 4 PPE

No, knee pads are not classified as electrical PPE under OSHA. However, many electricians use them for comfort and injury prevention, especially in crawl spaces, attics, or low panels. Just ensure they don’t contain metal parts that could conduct electricity. Look for non-conductive, foam-padded designs if you use them around live circuits.

You don’t need to suit up like you’re going into battle for every job, but you need to take electrical hazards seriously. Whether running service calls or wiring a panel, wear the correct PPE for electrical work, test your gear, and ensure it fits the hazard, not just the look.