CSLB C-46 Solar ContractorSafetyHard
A solar technician is working on a ladder near an energized circuit breaker panel. The technician is wearing rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors. What is the MAXIMUM voltage rating of the gloves that should be selected if the panel operates at 208V AC?
- AClass 1 (7,500V max use)
- BClass 0 (1,000V max use)
- CClass 2 (17,000V max use)
- DClass 00 (500V max use)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Class 0 (1,000V max use)
OSHA and ASTM standards dictate the voltage ratings for insulating gloves. For a 208V AC system, Class 0 gloves, rated for a maximum use voltage of 1,000V AC, provide the appropriate and necessary safety margin. Class 00 would be too close to the operating voltage, especially considering potential transients.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Class 1 gloves are rated for 7,500V AC, which is overkill for 208V and unnecessarily bulky.
- C. Class 2 gloves are rated for 17,000V AC, far exceeding the requirement for 208V and would be impractical.
- D. Class 00 gloves are rated for a maximum use voltage of 500V AC, which, while technically above 208V, provides a smaller safety margin than recommended for live work.
Insulating Glove Voltage Classes
Insulating gloves are classified by their maximum use voltage, with Class 0 (1,000V) being the minimum recommended for working on common commercial voltages like 208V or 480V.
- Classes range from 00 to 4, with increasing voltage ratings.
- Leather protectors must always be worn over insulating gloves.
- Gloves must be regularly inspected and tested.
Memory trick: For 208V, Class Zero is your hero, keeping shocking risks near zero!