prEN IEC 60903:2025

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2025
Delo pod napetostjo – Električne izolirne rokavice
Live working - Electrical insulating gloves
Arbeiten unter Spannung - Elektrisch isolierende Handschuhe
Travaux sous tension - Gants isolants électriques
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN IEC 60903:2025
ICS:
13.260 Varstvo pred električnim Protection against electric
udarom. Delo pod napetostjo shock. Live working
13.340.40 Varovanje dlani in rok Hand and arm protection
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

78/1513/CDV
COMMITTEE DRAFT FOR VOTE (CDV)
PROJECT NUMBER:
IEC 60903 ED4
DATE OF CIRCULATION: CLOSING DATE FOR VOTING:
2025-05-02 2025-07-25
SUPERSEDES DOCUMENTS:
78/1506A/RR
IEC TC 78 : LIVE WORKING
SECRETARIAT: SECRETARY:
France Mr Jonathan HIRTZ
OF INTEREST TO THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES: HORIZONTAL FUNCTION(S):

ASPECTS CONCERNED:
Electricity transmission and distribution,Safety
SUBMITTED FOR CENELEC PARALLEL VOTING NOT SUBMITTED FOR CENELEC PARALLEL VOTING
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clauses to be included should this proposal proceed. Recipients are reminded that the CDV stage is the final stage for
submitting ISC clauses. (SEE AC/22/2007 OR NEW GUIDANCE DOC).

TITLE:
Live working - Electrical insulating gloves

PROPOSED STABILITY DATE: 2027
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IEC 60903 ED4 © IEC 2025 – 1 – 78/1513/CDV

CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Requirements . 10
4.1 General . 10
4.2 Classification . 10
4.3 Physical requirements . 11
4.3.1 Composition . 11
4.3.2 Dimensions . 11
4.3.3 Workmanship and finish . 13
4.4 Mechanical, climatic and environmental requirements . 14
4.5 Electrical requirements . 14
4.6 Marking . 15
4.7 Packaging . 15
4.8 Instructions for use . 16
5 Type tests . 16
5.1 General . 16
5.2 Visual and dimensional inspection . 16
5.2.1 General . 16
5.2.2 Classification . 16
5.2.3 Dimensions . 16
5.2.4 Thickness . 17
5.2.5 Workmanship and finish . 17
5.3 Marking . 17
5.3.1 Visual and dimensional inspection . 17
5.3.2 Durability of marking . 17
5.4 Packaging and instructions for use . 17
5.5 Mechanical tests . 17
5.5.1 General . 17
5.5.2 Tensile strength and elongation at break . 17
5.5.3 Resistance to mechanical puncture . 18
5.5.4 Tension set . 20
5.6 Dielectric tests . 20
5.6.1 General . 20
5.6.2 Moisture conditioning . 20
5.6.3 Test equipment . 21
5.6.4 Failure indicators. 21
5.6.5 Voltage dielectric test procedure . 21
5.7 Ageing test . 25
5.8 Thermal tests . 25
5.8.1 Low temperature test . 25
5.8.2 Flame retardancy test . 27

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5.9 Tests on gloves or long gloves with special properties . 28
5.9.1 Category A - Acid resistance . 28
5.9.2 Category H - Oil resistance . 28
5.9.3 Category Z - Ozone resistance . 29
5.9.4 Category C - Extremely low temperature resistance . 29
5.9.5 Category F - Leakage current resistance . 29
5.10 Specific mechanical testing for composite gloves . 31
5.10.1 Abrasion resistance . 31
5.10.2 Cutting resistance . 33
5.10.3 Tear resistance . 36
6 Alternative tests in case of gloves having completed the production phase . 37
6.1 Tensile strength and elongation at break for unlined gloves . 37
6.2 Tensile strength and elongation at break for lined gloves . 38
6.3 Resistance to mechanical puncture . 38
6.4 Tension set . 38
6.5 Voltage dielectric tests . 38
7 Assessment of defects and verification of performance of gloves having
completed the production phase . 38
8 Modifications . 38
Annex A (informative) In-service recommendations . 39
A.1 General . 39
A.2 Storage prior to issue and between use . 39
A.3 Examination before use . 39
A.4 Temperature . 39
A.5 Precautions in use . 39
A.6 Periodic inspection and electrical re-testing . 40
Annex B (normative) Suitable for live working; double triangle (IEC 60417-5216:2002-
10) . 41
Annex C (normative) Chronological order for type tests . 42
C.1 General . 42
C.2 Group size requirements . 43
C.2.1 Group 1 . 43
C.2.2 Group 2 . 44
C.2.3 Group 3 . 44
C.2.4 Group 4 - Additional tests for composite gloves . 44
C.2.5 Group 5 - Additional tests for gloves of category A . 44
C.2.6 Group 6 - Additional tests for gloves of category H . 44
C.2.7 Group 7 - Additional tests for gloves of category Z . 44
C.2.8 Group 8 - Additional tests for gloves of category F . 44
Annex D (informative) Guidelines for the selection of the class of glove in relation to
nominal voltage of a system . 45
D.1 General . 45
D.2 AC . 45
D.3 DC . 45
Annex E (normative) Liquid for tests on gloves of category H - Oil resistance . 46
E.1 Particularities of liquid 102 . 46
E.2 Characteristics of oil no. 1 . 46

IEC 60903 ED4 © IEC 2025 – 3 – 78/1513/CDV

Annex F (normative) Cotton canvas additional characteristics . 47
Annex G (normative) Classification of defects and tests to be allocated . 49
Annex H (informative) Rationale for the classification of defects . 51
Bibliography . 53

Figure 1 – Contour of glove . 12
Figure 2 – Illustration of the working area . 14
Figure 3 – Dumb-bell test piece for mechanical tests (plan view) . 18
Figure 4 – Test plates and needle for resistance to mechanical puncture . 19
Figure 5 – Test set up for the dielectric test on glove . 23
Figure 6 – Bend (fold) line for low and extremely low temperature test . 26
Figure 7 – Set-up for low and extremely low temperature folding tests . 26
Figure 8 – Set-up for the flame retardancy test . 28
Figure 9 – Test arrangement for leakage current resistance . 30
Figure 10 – Abrasion resistance tester . 32
Figure 11 – Apparatus for testing cutting resistance . 34
Figure 12 – Test piece direction and location for tear resistance . 36
Figure 13 – Shape of test piece for tear resistance . 37

Table 1 – Special properties . 10
Table 2 – Standard lengths of gloves . 11
Table 3 – Maximum thickness of the gloves . 13
Table 4 – Clearance from open part of the glove to water line . 21
Table 5 – AC Proof test and withstand test . 24
Table 6 – DC Proof and Withstand test . 25
Table 7 – AC Test voltage for gloves of category F . 31
Table 8 – Presentation of test results on glove test piece . 35
Table 9 – Sampling plan . 37
Table A.1 – Distances between the cuff of the protective over-glove and the top of the
cuff of the glove . 39
Table C.1 – General type test procedure . 42
Table D.1 – Designation of maximum use voltage. 45
Table E.1 – Characteristics of oil no. 1 . 46
Table F.1 – Identification sheet - Reference test piece - Cotton weave fabric . 47
Table G.1 – Classification of defects and associated requirements and tests . 49
Table H.1 – Justification for the type of defect . 51

IEC 60903 ED4 © IEC 2025 – 4 – 78/1513/CDV

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
Live working - Electrical insulating gloves –

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for
standardization comprising all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National
Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international co-operation on all questions
concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and in addition to
other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical
Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as "IEC
Publication(s)"). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National
Committee interested in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work.
International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also
participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two
organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as
possible, an international consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical
committee has representation from all interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted
by IEC National Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that
the technical content of IEC Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the
way in which they are used or for any misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply
IEC Publications transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional
publications. Any divergence between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or
regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies
provide conformity assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of
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bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including
individual experts and members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for
any personal injury, property damage or other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether
direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and expenses arising out of the publication,
use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced
publications is indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve
the use of (a) patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability
of any claimed patent rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document,
IEC [had/had not] received notice of (a) patent(s), which may be required to implement this
document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not represent the latest
information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
https://patents.iec.ch. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
IEC 60903 ED4 © IEC 2025 – 5 – 78/1513/CDV

IEC 60903 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 78: Live working. It is an
International Standard.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2014. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
– reinstating DC testing from the informative annex into the normative part of the document
– identifying three uses:- AC only use; DC only use; and AC/DC use
– specifying both proof and withstand electrical tests
– including the marking requirements for the different use
– introduction of visual inspection guide for inflation and lighting specification for visual
inspection of gloves
– removal of the requirement of drying gloves after 16 hours moisture conditioning
– segregation of type tests (type test) and post production tests
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
XX/XX/FDIS XX/XX/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English [change
language if necessary].
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
– reconfirmed,
– withdrawn, or
– revised.
IEC 60903 ED4 © IEC 2025 – 6 – 78/1513/CDV

INTRODUCTION
In this document, the clauses on requirements and testing are reorganized in order to bring
together the common requirements and tests, then to lay down separately those which are
specific to insulating gloves for electrical protection normally worn under protective over-gloves
(protective over-glove) as opposed to those specific to insulating gloves for combined electrical
and mechanical protection. This arrangement meets the basic necessity that a same quality
level of electrical insulation is achieved for all types of electrical insulating gloves (electrical
insulating glove).
This document has been prepared according to the requirements of IEC 61477:2009 where
applicable.
The product covered by this standard may have an impact on the environment during some or
all stages of its life cycle. These impacts can range from slight to significant, be of short-term
or long-term, and occur at the global, regional or local level.
Except for a disposal statement in the Instructions for use, this standard does not include
requirements and test provisions for the manufacturers of the product, or recommendations to
the users of the product for environmental improvement. However, all parties intervening in its
design, manufacture, packaging, distribution, use, maintenance, repair, reuse, recovery and
disposal are invited to take account of environmental considerations.
The following items were listed in the bibliography but not cited in the text. Please find a suitable
place to cite them to justify their inclusion in the bibliography:
IEC 60050-604:1987 [1], International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Chapter 604: Generation,
transmission and distribution of electricity - Operation
IEC 60050 (all parts), International Electrotechnical Vocabulary(available at
http://www.electropedia.org)IEC 60050 (all parts) [2]

IEC 60903 ED4 © IEC 2025 – 7 – 78/1513/CDV

Live working - Electrical insulating gloves –

1 Scope
This document is applicable to electrical insulating gloves (electrical insulating glove) and mitts
(mitt) that provide protection of the worker against electric shock.
Products to this standard have limits of applicability according to their electrical classifications:
Class 00; Class 0; Class 1; Class 2; Class 3; Class 4
Unless otherwise stated, the use of the term "glove" includes both gloves and mitts (mitt).
This document also covers electrical insulating gloves (electrical insulating glove) with
additional integrated mechanical protection referred to in this document as "composite gloves
(composite glove)".
The products designed and manufactured according to this document contribute to the safety
of the users provided they are used by skilled persons (skilled person), in accordance with safe
methods of work and the instructions for use.
NOTE Electrical insulating gloves (electrical insulating glove) are normally to be used in conjunction with protective
over-gloves (protective over-glove) to provide mechanical protection. Composite gloves (composite glove) are
normally used without protective over-gloves (protective over-glove). Chemical and mechanical protection in this
document refers to protection to the glove in case of unintended contact which might damage the glove not for
personal protection against chemical and mechanical exposure. Arc flash protection is not included in this document.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited
applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60060-1:2010, High-voltage test techniques - Part 1: General definitions and test
requirements
IEC 60060-2:2010, High-voltage test techniques - Part 2: Measuring systems
IEC 60212:2010, Standard conditions for use prior to and during the testing of solid electrical
insulating materials
IEC 60417:2025, Graphical symbols for use on equipment - 12-month subscription to regularly
updated online database comprising all graphical symbols published in IEC 60417
IEC 61318:2021, Live working - Methods for assessment of defects and verification of
performance applicable to tools, devices and equipment
IEC 61477:2009, Live working - Minimum requirements for the utilization of tools, devices and
equipment
ISO 37:2024, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Determination of tensile stress-strain
properties
ISO 1817:2024, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Determination of the effect of liquids
ISO 2997:2017, Petroleum and related products — Determination of flash and fire points —
Cleveland open cup method
ISO 13997:2024, Protective clothing — Mechanical properties — Determination of resistance
to cutting by sharp objects
IEC 60903 ED4 © IEC 2025 – 8 – 78/1513/CDV

ISO 21420:2020, Protective gloves — General requirements and test methods
ISO 23529:2016, Rubber - General procedures for preparing and conditioning test pieces for
physical test methods
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 61318:2021 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
– IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
– ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
bell cuff glove
glove with an enlarged shape from the wrist (wrist) to the cuff (cuff) in such a way as to facilitate
pull-on over a thick garment
3.2
composite glove
electrical insulating glove (electrical insulating glove) made with additional integrated
mechanical protection of the glove
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-651:2014 [3], 651-23-03 and IEC 60743:2013 [4], 8.2.1, modified - The
definition clarifies that the mechanical protection is an additional one]
3.3
contour glove
glove shaped at the upper part of the gauntlet (gauntlet) in such a way as to facilitate the
bending of the arm and intended for gloves that extend to or above the elbow
3.4
cuff
open part of a glove
3.5
cuff roll
roll or reinforced edge of a glove at the cuff (cuff)
3.6
disruptive discharge
passage of an electric arc following electric breakdown
Note 1 to entry: Depending on the amount of energy contained in the discharge, it will be described as a discharge
of low or high energy, based on the maximum current, and the amount of damage to the insulating material.
Note 2 to entry: The term "flashover" (in French "contournement") is used when a disruptive discharge (disruptive
discharge) occurs at least partly along the surface of a solid dielectric surrounded by a gaseous or liquid medium.
Note 3 to entry: The term "puncture" (in French "perforation") is used when a disruptive discharge (disruptive
discharge) occurs through a solid dielectric producing permanent damage.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-212:2010 [5], 212-11-46 modified by adding two notes to entry.]
3.7
elastomer
macromolecular material which returns rapidly to its initial dimensions and shape after
substantial deformation by a weak stress and release of the stress
Note 1 to entry: The definition applies under room temperature test conditions.
[SOURCE: ISO 472:2013 [6], 2.327]

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3.8
electrical insulating glove
glove made of elastomer (elastomer), used for the protection of the worker against electric
shock
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-651:2014 [3], 651-23-02 and IEC 60743:2013 [4], 8.1.3, modified - The
definition is in line with the composition requirements of the standard for the type of insulating
material. The note 1 to entry has been deleted]
3.9
fork
part of glove at the junction of two fingers, or finger and thumb
3.10
formally trained and qualified person
competent person possessing the appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge and having
adequate skill and experience to enable the person to perform the required periodic testing,
interpret the resultant information and from that information determine that the electrical
insulating glove (electrical insulating glove) is safe to use, and report the importance of any
defect found or suspected in relation to the safety and continued use of the electrical insulating
glove (electrical insulating glove)
3.11
gauntlet
part of a glove from the wrist (wrist) to the open part of the glove
3.12
lined glove
glove with an inside lining of textile attached to the elastomer (elastomer)
3.13
long glove
electrical insulating glove (electrical insulating glove) used to extend the protection to the upper
arm
Note 1 to entry: The length of the glove does not include protection up to the armpit.
[SOURCE: IEC 60743:2013 [4], 8.1.5, modified - The whole document is about insulating glove
protecting against electric shock so that does not need to be repeated in the term and its
definition. The note 1 to entry has been added to clarify the type of protection offered]
3.14
mitt
glove with multiple fingers enclosed in one covering
3.15
nominal voltage of a system
suitable approximate value of voltage used to designate or identify a system
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-601:1985 [7], 601-01-21]
3.16
palm
part of glove covering the face of the central inside hand
3.17
proof test voltage
specified voltage that is applied to a glove for the time defined under specified conditions to
assure that the electrical strength of the insulation is above a specified value

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3.18
protective over-glove
glove installed over the electrical insulating glove (electrical insulating glove) in order to provide
it with mechanical protection
3.19
routine test
test to which each individual device is subjected during or after manufacture to ascertain
whether it complies with certain criteria
3.20
sampling test
test on a number of devices taken at random from a batch
3.21
skilled person
qualified person US
person with relevant education, training, knowledge and experience to enable him
or her to perceive risks and to avoid danger which electricity can create
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-651:2014 [3], 651-26-11]
3.22
type test
test on one or more devices made to a certain design to show that the design meets certain
specifications
3.23
withstand test voltage
voltage that the glove withstands without disruptive discharge (disruptive discharge) when
voltage is applied under specified conditions
3.24
wrist
narrowest part of the glove between the cuff (cuff) and the hand
4 Requirements
4.1 General
The following requirements have been prepared in order that the products covered by this
standard are designed and manufactured to give electrical protection to the hand of the worker
when performing live working or electrical work. This subclause introduces requirements about
classification, composition, dimension, thickness, workmanship and finish, mechanical, climatic
and environment, electrical, marking, packaging and instruction for use of insulating gloves.
4.2 Classification
The gloves covered by this standard shall be designated as follows:
– by electrical class, as class 00, class 0, class 1, class 2, class 3 and class 4;
– by electrical use, as AC only; or DC only; and/or AC/DC
– by special properties, by the addition of a suffix to the class of the glove as shown as
categories in Table 1.
Guidance as to temperature range at which gloves can be used is given in Annex A.
Table 1 – Special properties
Category Resistant to
A Acid
IEC 60903 ED4 © IEC 2025 – 11 – 78/1513/CDV

H Oil
Z Ozone
R Acid, oil, ozone
C Extremely low temperature
F Leakage current
P or other lettre Surface damage (e.g., Composite glove (composite glove)
NOTE 1 Category R combines the characteristics of categories A, H and Z.
NOTE 2 Category F is for long gloves (long glove) only.
NOTE 3 Category P is to enhance the material properties to reduce surface damage of the glove
NOTE 4 Any combination of categories may be used.
4.3 Physical requirements
4.3.1 Composition
All gloves may be lined or unlined. They may have an exterior covering and may be specially
compounded to reduce the effects of chemical attack. If gloves have an exterior covering, it
shall be of a contrasting colour to assist in visual inspection.
Gloves are made of elastomer (elastomer).
Gloves may be manufactured with or without cuff roll (cuff roll).
4.3.2 Dimensions
4.3.2.1 Standard Length
In addition to ISO 21420:2020 gloves, for electrical properties shall have the standard lengths
specified in Table 2
Table 2 – Standard lengths of gloves
Class Standard length
a
mm
00 280 360 - - -
0 280 360 410 460 -
1 - 360 410 460 b
2 - 360 410 460 b
3 - 360 410 460 b
4 - - 410 460 b
a
The tolerance in length shall be ±15 mm for any class, except for long gloves (3.13) where tolerance shall be
± 20 mm.
b
Long gloves (long glove).
For contour-cuff (cuff) gloves, the difference between the maximum and minimum lengths (see
Figure 1) shall be 50 mm ± 6 mm except for long gloves (long glove) where this difference shall
be 100 mm°±°12 mm.
NOTE There are different shapes of gloves on the market including bell cuff gloves (bell cuff glove), contour gloves
(contour glove) and gauntlets (gauntlet).

IEC 60903 ED4 © IEC 2025 – 12 – 78/1513/CDV

1 a) Side view 1 b) Flat view
Key
L maximum length
max
L minimum length
min
C  contour shall be 50 mm ± 6 mm
Figure 1 – Contour of glove
4.3.2.2 Size
Size shall be the interior circumference of the glove measured on a line parallel to the finger
crotches and passing through the thumb crotch.
The method of determining this dimension shall be to measure the outside width, W, at this line
with the hand of the glove in a flattened state, then to subtract twice the median glove thickness,
T, in the hand, and multiply this difference by a factor of 2.
S =2(W - 2T) (1)
where
S = interior circumference of the glove;
W = outside width; and
T = median glove thickness.
Corresponding sizes from hand circumferences are:
178 mm (size 7), 191 mm (size 7.5), 203 mm (size 8), 216 mm (size 8.5), 229 mm (size 9), 241
mm (size 9.5), 254 mm (size 10), 267 mm (size 10.5), 279 mm (size 11), 292 mm (size 11.5)
and 305 mm (size 12).
The tolerance in size shall be ± 13 mm.
4.3.2.3 Thickness
The minimum thickness shall be determined only by the ability to pass the dielectric tests
defined in 5.6.
The maximum thickness measured on the flat surface of a glove shall be as given in Table 3 in
order to obtain the appropriate flexibility.

IEC 60903 ED4 © IEC 2025 – 13 – 78/1513/CDV

Table 3 – Maximum thickness of the gloves
Class Thickness
mm
Gloves Composite gloves (composite glove)
00 0,50 1,8
0 1,00 2,3
1 1,50 2,8
2 2,30 3,3
3 2,90 3,6
4 3,60 4,2
Long gloves (long glove) may require additional thickness which shall not exceed 0,6 mm.
Gloves of categories A, H, Z and R may require additional thickness which shall not exceed
0,6 mm.
4.3.3 Workmanship and finish
Gloves shall be free on both inner and outer surfaces from harmful physical irregularities that
can be detected by thorough test and inspection.
Harmful physical irregularities shall be defined as any feature that disrupts the uniform, smooth
surface contour, such as pinholes, cracks, blisters, cuts, conductive embedded foreign matter,
creases, pinch marks, voids (entrapped air), prominent ripples and prominent mould marks.
Non-harmful physical irregularities shall be defined as surface irregularities present on the
inner and outer surfaces of the glove due to imperfections on moulds and inherent difficulties
in the manufacturing process. These irregularities may appear as mould marks that look like
cuts even though they are actually a raised ridge of material, indentations, protuberances,
embedded foreign matter, or colour splashes that are acceptable provided that:
a) the indentations, protuberance or mould marks tend to blend into a smooth slope upon
stretching of the material;
b) foreign material remains in place when the glove is folded and stretched with the material
surrounding it;
c) colour splashes are no larger than 1 mm in any direction on the inner surface of the working
area.
The working area is defined as all finger and thumb forks (fork), the palm (palm) and the palm
(palm) side of the fingers and thumb (see Figure 2).
Palm (palm) and finger surfaces designed to improve the grip shall not be considered as
irregularities.
IEC 60903 ED4 © IEC 2025 – 14 – 78/1513/CDV

Key
A working area (shaded)
Figure 2 – Illustration of the working area
4.4 Mechanical, climatic and environmental requirements
Gloves shall withstand the mechanical, climatic and environmental stresses specified in this
standard.
Gloves with one or more special categories (see Table 1) shall support any stresses in the
related categories.
4.5 Electrical requirements
Gloves shall be capable of withstanding the corresponding electrical stresses according to its
electrical classification and electrical use in 4.2.
Tests shall include type test (type test), sampling test (sampling test) and routine test (routine
test).
Type test (type test) and sampling test (sampling test) on gloves for AC use require the gloves
to pass an AC proof and withstand test according to its electrical classification.
Type test (type test) and sampling tests (sampling test) on gloves for DC use require the gloves
to pass a DC proof and withstand test according to its electrical classification
Type test (type test) and sampling tests (sampling test) on gloves for AC/DC use require the
gloves to pass both an AC and DC proof and withstand test
Gloves for AC use shall, in addition, pass an AC proof test after being conditioned for moisture
absorption.
IEC 60903 ED4 © IEC 2025 – 15 – 78/1513/CDV

Routine test (routine test) on gloves shall be an AC and/or DC proof test according to its
category of use (see Clause 6). Conditioning for moisture absorption is not required for routine
test (routine test).
4.6 Marking
Each glove which is claimed to comply with the requirements of this standard shall bear a label
and/or marking giving the following information:
– symbol IEC 60417-5216:2002-10 - Suitable for live working; double triangle (see Annex B);
NOTE The exact ratio of the height of the figure to the base of the triangle is 1,43. For the purpose of convenience,
this ratio can be between the values of 1,4 and 1,5.
– number of the relevant IEC standard immediately adjacent to the symbol (IEC 60903)
followed by the date of publication;
– name, trademark or identification of the manufacturer;
– category, if applicable;
– size;
– class;
– "AC"; or "DC"; or "AC/DC" as determined by the electrical tests applied;
– month and year of manufacture.
Marking and/or label shall be adjacent to the cuff (cuff) but not closer than 2,5 mm except for
long gloves (long glove) for which it shall be not less than 300 mm from the cuff (cuff) in order
to allow users to cut the glove outside of the tested area to the required length and to fit the
shape of the shoulder.
Marking shall be on the external surface of the glove and shall be clearly visible and legible to
a person with normal or corrected vision without additional magnification.
The marking or label shall not impair the quality of the glove. It shall be durable and shall
remain visible after being subjected to a durability test (see 5.3.2).
A location should be made available on the glove for the date of periodic retesting associated
with a glove (by a marking or by other means) and shall be the date of current or next required
inspection and dielectric test
Any additional marking or label shall be subject to agreement between the manufacturer and
the customer. The additional marking shall not give misleading information and its meaning
shall be explained in the instructions for use.
When a colour code for labels or space is used, it shall correspond to the following:
a) class 00 - beige;
b) class 0 - red;
c) class 1 - white;
d) class 2 - yellow;
e) class 3 - green;
f) class 4 - orange.
4.7 Packaging
Each pair of gloves shall be packaged in an individual container or package of sufficient
strength to so far as is reasonably practicable, properly protect the gloves from damage when
transported, handled and stored in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. The outside
of the container or package shall be marked with the name of the manufacturer or supplier, the
classification, category, size, length and cuff (cuff) design.
The type of packaging suitable for transport shall be defined by the man
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