Are Welding Gloves Insulated for Electrical Safety?

When it comes to welding, safety is a top concern — and many workers wonder:
Are welding gloves insulated against electricity?

The short answer: Not necessarily.
Let’s break it down.

Welding Gloves Offer Heat Protection, Not Electrical Insulation

Standard welding gloves are primarily designed to protect hands from:

• High temperatures

• Molten metal splatter

• Sparks

• Abrasions and cuts

They are usually made of split cowhide, goat leather, or reinforced Kevlar stitching, all of which provide excellent thermal resistance. However, these materials are not certified for electrical insulation.

Are Welding Gloves Safe Around Live Electricity?

No. Welding gloves are not a substitute for electrical insulating gloves.
If you are working on or near live electrical components, you should:

• Wear certified rubber insulating gloves underneath the welding gloves

• Or use gloves rated for both welding and electrical work (rare and expensive)

Working around high-voltage equipment with only welding gloves can be life-threatening.

Best Practices for Safe Welding Operations

To ensure safety during welding tasks:

1. Use standard welding gloves only for thermal hazards, not electrical contact

2. De-energize all electrical systems before starting any welding work

3. If electrical exposure is unavoidable, use certified Class 0 or Class 00 rubber insulating gloves underneath

4. Inspect gloves regularly for holes, burns, or wear

Choose the Right PPE for the Right Risk

At SAILGOOD, we supply professional-grade welding gloves that meet international safety standards for heat and cut protection — but we always remind users:

“Welding gloves ≠ electrical gloves. Know the limits of your PPE.”

If your operation includes arc welding near live circuits, we recommend adding insulating gloves to your gear list.

Contact Us

Need industrial-grade PPE for welding and electrical safety?

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sailgood.com
OEM/ODM Available: Welding Gloves, Safety Suits, Insulating Gear