IEC 60903:2014

IEC 60903 ®
Edition 3.0 2014-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Live working – Electrical insulating gloves

Travaux sous tension – Gants isolants électriques

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IEC 60903 ®
Edition 3.0 2014-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Live working – Electrical insulating gloves

Travaux sous tension – Gants isolants électriques

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX XA
ICS 13.260; 29.240.20; 29.260.99 ISBN 978-2-8322-1781-8

– 2 – IEC 60903:2014 © IEC 2014
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 7
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Requirements . 11
4.1 General . 11
4.2 Classification . 11
4.3 Physical requirements . 11
4.3.1 Composition . 11
4.3.2 Dimensions . 11
4.3.3 Thickness . 13
4.3.4 Workmanship and finish . 13
4.4 Mechanical, climatic and environmental requirements . 14
4.5 Electrical requirements . 14
4.6 Marking . 14
4.7 Packaging . 15
4.8 Instructions for use . 16
5 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 . 18
5.5.1 General . 18
5.5.2 Tensile strength and elongation at break . 18
5.5.3 Resistance to mechanical puncture . 20
5.5.4 Tension set . 22
5.6 Dielectric tests . 22
5.6.1 Type test . 22
5.6.2 Alternative tests in case of gloves having completed the production
phase . 26
5.7 Ageing test . 27
5.8 Thermal tests . 27
5.8.1 Low temperature test . 27
5.8.2 Flame retardancy test . 29
5.9 Tests on gloves with special properties . 30
5.9.1 Category A – Acid resistance . 30
5.9.2 Category H – Oil resistance . 30

5.9.3 Category Z – Ozone resistance . 31
5.9.4 Category C – Extremely low temperature resistance . 31
5.9.5 Category F – Leakage current resistance. 31
5.10 Specific mechanical testing for composite gloves . 33
5.10.1 Abrasion resistance . 33
5.10.2 Cutting resistance . 35
5.10.3 Tear resistance . 38
6 Conformity assessment of gloves having completed the production phase . 40
7 Modifications . 40
Annex A (informative) In-service recommendations . 41
A.1 General . 41
A.2 Storage prior to issue and between use . 41
A.3 Examination before use . 41
A.4 Temperature . 41
A.5 Precautions in use . 41
A.6 Periodic inspection and electrical re-testing . 42
Annex B (normative) Suitable for live working; double triangle (IEC 60417-5216:2002-
10) . 44
Annex C (normative) Chronological order for type tests . 45
C.1 General . 45
C.2 Group size requirements . 48
C.2.1 Group 1 . 48
C.2.2 Group 2 . 48
C.2.3 Group 3 . 48
C.2.4 Group 4 – Additional tests for composite gloves . 48
C.2.5 Group 5 – Additional tests for gloves of category A . 48
C.2.6 Group 6 – Additional tests for gloves of category H . 49
C.2.7 Group 7 – Additional tests for gloves of category Z . 49
C.2.8 Group 8 – Additional tests for gloves of category F . 49
Annex D (informative) Guidelines for the selection of the class of glove in relation to
a.c. nominal voltage of a system . 50
Annex E (informative) Recommendations for d.c. electrical tests and voltage use . 51
E.1 General . 51
E.2 DC dielectric tests . 51
E.2.1 General . 51
E.2.2 Test equipment . 51
E.2.3 Voltage dielectric test procedure . 51
E.2.4 DC proof test . 51
E.3 Recommended maximum use voltage in d.c. installations . 52
Annex F (normative) Liquid for tests on gloves of category H – Oil resistance . 53
F.1 Particularities of liquid 102 . 53
F.2 Characteristics of oil no. 1 . 53
Annex G (informative) Cotton canvas additional characteristics . 54
Annex H (normative) Classification of defects and tests to be allocated . 56
Annex I (informative) Rationale for the classification of defects . 57
Bibliography . 58

Figure 1 – Contour of glove . 12

– 4 – IEC 60903:2014 © IEC 2014
Figure 2 – Illustration of the working area . 14
Figure 3 – Composite glove symbol – Hammer . 15
Figure 4 – Dumb-bell test piece for mechanical tests (plan view) . 19
Figure 5 – Test plates and needle for resistance to mechanical puncture . 21
Figure 6 – Test set up for the dielectric test on glove . 25
Figure 7 – Bend (fold) line for low and extremely low temperature test . 28
Figure 8 – Set-up for low and extremely low temperature folding tests . 28
Figure 9 – Set-up for the flame retardancy test . 30
Figure 10 – Test arrangement for leakage current resistance . 32
Figure 11 – Abrasion resistance tester . 34
Figure 12 – Apparatus for testing cutting resistance . 36
Figure 13 – Test piece direction and location for tear resistance . 39
Figure 14 – Shape of test piece for tear resistance . 39

Table 1 – Special properties . 11
Table 2 – Standard lengths of gloves . 12
Table 3 – Maximum thickness of the gloves . 13
Table 4 – Sampling plan . 19
Table 5 – Clearance from open part of the glove to water line . 24
Table 6 – Proof test and withstand test . 26
Table 7 – Clearance from open part of the gloves / long gloves to water line for
alternative routine proof test . 27
Table 8 – Test voltage for gloves of category F . 33
Table 9 – Presentation of test results on glove test piece. 38
Table A.1 – Distances between the cuff of the protector glove and the top of the cuff
of the glove . 42
Table C.1 – General type test procedure . 46
Table D.1 – Designation of maximum use a.c. voltage . 50
Table E.1 – Clearance from open part of the glove to water line . 51
Table E.2 – Proof test voltage . 52
Table E.3 – Designation of maximum use voltage . 52
Table F.1 – Characteristics of oil no. 1 . 53
Table G.1 – Identification sheet – Reference test piece – Cotton weave fabric . 55
Table H.1 – Classification of defects and associated requirements and tests . 56
Table I.1 – Justification for the type of defect . 57

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 conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification 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) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60903 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 78: Live
working.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 60903, published in 2002. It
constitutes a technical revision.
The major changes are:
– clarification of the requirements and tests for long gloves;
– introduction of a new special property for gloves resistant to leakage current;
– removal of the requirement for an area to mark the date of inspection;
– for the thickness measurement, no other instrument than the micrometer with specified
parameters is allowed;
– the d.c. electric tests are no longer included in the normative part of the document but a
proof test is suggested at the production level where a d.c. use of gloves is expected, as
presented in a new informative Annex E;

– 6 – IEC 60903:2014 © IEC 2014
– preparation of the elements of evaluation of defects, and general application of
IEC 61318:2007;
– the normative Annex C on sampling plans and procedure has been deleted (not applicable
according to IEC 61318:2007);
– in the new normative Annex F, updating of the characteristics of the liquid specified for
tests on gloves of category H, according to the latest edition of ISO 1817;
– the informative Annex H on acceptance tests has been deleted (consideration now
included in IEC 61318:2007);
– introduction of a new normative Annex H on classification of defects;
– introduction of a new informative Annex I on the rationale for the classification of defects;
– review of the annex on in-service recommendations.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
78/1043/FDIS 78/1056/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
Terms defined in Clause 3 are given in italic print throughout this standard.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
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 leather protector
gloves 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.
This document has been prepared according to the requirements of IEC 61477 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.

– 8 – IEC 60903:2014 © IEC 2014
LIVE WORKING –
ELECTRICAL INSULATING GLOVES
1 Scope
This International Standard is applicable to electrical insulating gloves and mitts that provide
protection of the worker against electric shock.
Unless otherwise stated, the use of the term “glove” includes both gloves and mitts.
This standard also covers electrical insulating gloves with additional integrated mechanical
protection referred to in this document as “composite gloves”.
The products designed and manufactured according to this standard contribute to the safety
of the users provided they are used by skilled persons, in accordance with safe methods of
work and the instructions for use.
NOTE Insulating gloves are normally to be used in conjunction with leather protector gloves to provide
mechanical protection. Composite insulating gloves are normally used without over-gloves.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. 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, High-voltage test techniques – Part 1: General definitions and test requirements
IEC 60060-2, High-voltage test techniques – Part 2: Measuring systems
IEC 60212, Standard conditions for use prior to and during the testing of solid electrical
insulating materials
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment
IEC 61318:2007, Live working – Conformity assessment applicable to tools, devices and
equipment
IEC 61477, Live working – Minimum requirements for the utilization of tools, devices and
equipment
ISO 23529, 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 as well as
the following apply.
3.1
bell cuff glove
glove with an enlarged shape from the wrist to the cuff in such a way as to facilitate pull-on
over a thick garment
3.2
composite glove
electrical insulating glove made with additional integrated mechanical protection of the glove
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-651:2014, 651-23-03 and IEC 60743:2013, 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 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
3.6
disruptive discharge
passage of an arc following dielectric breakdown
Note 1 to entry: The term “flashover” (in French “contournement”) is used when a disruptive discharge occurs at
least partly along the surface of a solid dielectric surrounded by a gaseous or liquid medium.
Note 2 to entry: The term “puncture” (in French “perforation”) is used when a disruptive discharge occurs through
a solid dielectric producing permanent damage.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-604:1987, 604-03-38 modified – the content of the original note has
been reduced, modified to suit the application and presented in the form of 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, 2.327]
3.8
electrical insulating glove
glove made of elastomer, used for the protection of the worker against electric shock
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-651:2014, 651-23-02 and IEC 60743:2013, 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

– 10 – IEC 60903:2014 © IEC 2014
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 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
3.11
gauntlet
part of a glove from the wrist to the open part of the glove
3.12
lined glove
glove with an inside lining of textile attached to the elastomer
3.13
long 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, 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, 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
3.18
withstand test voltage
voltage that the glove withstands without disruptive discharge when voltage is applied under
specified conditions
3.19
wrist
narrowest part of the glove between the 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 contribute to the safety of the users, provided
they are used by persons skilled for live working, in accordance with safe method of work and
the instructions for use.
4.2 Classification
The gloves covered by this standard shall be designated as follows:
– by class, as class 00, class 0, class 1, class 2, class 3 and class 4;
– by special properties, by the addition of a suffix to the class of the glove as shown 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
H Oil
Z Ozone
R Acid, oil, ozone
C Extremely low temperature
F Leakage current
NOTE 1 Category R combines the characteristics of categories A, H and Z.
NOTE 2 Category F is for long gloves only.
NOTE 3 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.
Gloves may be manufactured with or without cuff roll.
4.3.2 Dimensions
Gloves shall be of the length specified in Table 2.

– 12 – IEC 60903:2014 © IEC 2014
Table 2 – Standard lengths of gloves
Standard length
Class
b
mm
a
00 280 360 – – 800
a
0 280 360 410 460 800
a
1 – 360 410 460 800
a
2 – 360 410 460 800
a
3 – 360 410 460 800
a
4 – – 410 460 800
a
Long gloves.
b
The tolerance in length shall be ±15 mm for any class, except for long gloves where tolerance shall be
±20 mm.
For contour-cuff gloves, the difference between the maximum and minimum lengths (see
Figure 1) shall be 50 mm ± 6 mm except for long gloves where this difference shall be
100 mm ± 12 mm.
NOTE 1 There are different shapes of gloves on the market including bell cuff gloves, contour gloves and
gauntlets.
IEC
a) Side view
IEC
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
Palm circumferences shall be defined as follows:
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.
NOTE 2 Additional sizes may be available following agreement between manufacturer and client.
4.3.3 Thickness
The minimum thickness shall be determined only by the ability to pass the dielectric tests
defined in 5.6.
The maximum thickness on the flat surface of a glove (no ribbed area if present) shall be as
given in Table 3 in order to obtain the appropriate flexibility.
Table 3 – Maximum thickness of the gloves
Thickness
mm
Class
Gloves Composite gloves
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 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.
4.3.4 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 molds 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;
– 14 – IEC 60903:2014 © IEC 2014
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, the palm and the palm side of the
fingers and thumb (see Figure 2).
Palm and finger surfaces designed to improve the grip shall not be considered as
irregularities.
IEC
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 related stresses.
4.5 Electrical requirements
Gloves shall be capable of withstanding the corresponding electrical stresses according to its
electrical class.
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);
– name, trademark or identification of the manufacturer;
– category, if applicable;
– size;
– class;
– month and year of manufacture.
Composite gloves shall also be identified with a mechanical symbol (hammer), adjacent to the
double triangle (see Figure 3). The length of the hammer (x) shall be equal to the length of
one side of the triangles.
IEC
Figure 3 – Composite glove symbol – Hammer
Marking and/or label shall be adjacent to the cuff but not closer than 2,5 mm except for long
gloves for which it shall be not less than 300 mm from the cuff in order to allow users to cut
the glove at the required length.
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).
Any additional marking or label shall be subject to agreement between the manufacturer and
the customer.
When a colour code for symbols is used, it shall correspond to the following:
class 00 – beige;
class 0 – red;
class 1 – white;
class 2 – yellow;
class 3 – green;
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

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outside of the container or package shall be marked with the name of the manufacturer or
supplier, the classification, category, size, length and cuff design.
The type of packaging suitable for transport shall be defined by the manufacturer.
4.8 Instructions for use
The manufacturer shall provide written instructions for use with each packaging of gloves
covered by this standard.
The instructions for use shall include information on storage, handling, disposal, periodic
inspection, periodic testing and reference to the standard with its date of publication.
Additional information may be provided.
These instructions shall be prepared in accordance with the general provisions of IEC 61477.
5 Tests
5.1 General
The present standard provides testing provisions to demonstrate compliance of the product to
the requirements of Clause 4. These testing provisions are primarily intended to be used as
type test for validation of the design input. Where relevant, alternative means (calculation,
examination, tests, etc.), are specified within the test subclauses for the purpose of gloves
having completed the production phase.
The allocation of the gloves into various testing groups, the quantity required and the order in
which the type tests are carried out are given in Annex C.
Gloves shall pass all type tests.
Gloves which have been subjected to type tests shall not be reused.
Unless otherwise specified, gloves for type test shall be preconditioned for a period of
2 h ± 0,5 h at a temperature of 23 °C ± 2 °C and 50 % ± 5 % relative humidity.
Where relevant, testing equipments shall comply with IEC 60060-1. Measuring systems shall
comply with IEC 60060-2 unless otherwise specified.
NOTE It is essential that the tests are done by a competent test facility.
5.2 Visual and dimens
...