Linemens Gloves

[W7SOE]

I noticed an electrician using "lineman's gloves" here at work.  I notice that some are rated up to 20KV.

Is it paranoid, or an indicator of bad practices, to think it might be a good idea to buy a pair and throw them on every time I open that "whatever" with the KV potentially still inside?  Even if I am just wearing them while I use the chicken stick?

Rich

[W3SLK]

Rich said:

Is it paranoid, or an indicator of bad practices, to think it might be a good idea to buy a pair and throw them on every time I open that "whatever" with the KV potentially still inside?  Even if I am just wearing them while I use the chicken stick?

Rich, at work we are required to wear the proper PPE for the situation. Just for voltages of 120VAC upto 600, we have to wear gloves rated for at least 1KV. If we, (the electricians) have to get into a MCC or sub-station, they are required to don the proper 'caloric' suit to prevent them from 1) electrocution and 2) flash protection. We have different levels for different circumstances. If memory serves me, this is what is mandated by NEC/OSHA.

[N4LTA]

Lineman gloves are tested on a regular basis. They are worn under heavy leather gloves to keep them from being damaged.

I have never heard of an injury due to glove failure.

Lineman do not wear them as a first line of protection in most (if not all) cases. Usually the lineman is in a tested insulated bucket and there is no potential at the gloves or is using a hotstick that is tested. The gloves are a second line of protection.

[WV Hoopie]

Rich,

I'll second what W3SLK posted. PPE requirements depend on voltage, distance, etc. If you have ever seen 480VAC 3phase have one phase fault to ground; it is a real eye opener! I watched one years ago, a big fire ball rose to the ceiling a distance of at least 30 feet. Several of the power distribution centers and motor control centers that I've worked in had burns on the ceilings from such faults, a constant reminder not to take short cuts.

Around the home with 120VAC or 240VAC it would be nice to have on hand at least the thin rubber gloves electricans wear, a tick tracer, and a volt meter. Wear the gloves, check first with the tick tracer, then the volt meter to make sure the circuit is dead.

Our lineman gloves had to be sent to a testing facility every 6 months before they could be used in a PDC, MCC, etc. Last time I was recalled from retirement, the regs had changed and to work around the HV, 12KV and the like, the suits required were quite thick, heavy, hot, and a pain to wear. But how much is your life worth?

Craig,

[k4kyv]

I wouldn't put one hand on the chassis and touch the HV with the other, even wearing a pair of electricians gloves that had just passed the 20KV test.

[W7SOE]

I wouldn't put one hand on the chassis and touch the HV with the other, even wearing a pair of electricians gloves that had just passed the 20KV test.

I wouldn't either.  I was just wondering if it might be a useful added safety device.

Rich

[Mike/W8BAC]

Rich,
I say if you have, or can pick up a pair if linemans gloves, it wouldn't hurt to put them on when you grab the bang stick or handle HV caps. Even thou I keep my bang sticks in good shape I always inspect them first. My Vanguard 1 always has viscous amount of high voltage stored in the caps and I have to be very careful every time I open it up. I can't help but wonder if the bang stick will do it's job each time I use it. The gloves would add a bit more confidence.

Mike

[k4kyv]

The problem with gloves is loss of dexterity.  In some situations, that might prove more hazardous than the risk one might run of inadvertently coming in contact with the HV working bare-handed.

[WA1GFZ]

NEVER PUT YOUR HANDS IN A LIVE RIG!
In 45 years I've never had the need. 

[Mike/W8BAC]

How much dexterity dose it take to handle a bang stick? How often do accidents happen? Unfortunately you may not get a do over coming in contact with 3KV at an amp.

[Mike/W8BAC]

Frank, the situation in the Vanguard 1 described above is with the rig off and unplugged. I would never reach into a live system or tell somebody else to. Ironically those linemans gloves are for touching a system thought to be dead.

[W7SOE]

NEVER PUT YOUR HANDS IN A LIVE RIG!
In 45 years I've never had the need. 

Yes, of course, never.

Rich

[The Slab Bacon]

NEVER PUT YOUR HANDS IN A LIVE RIG!
In 45 years I've never had the need. 

Frank said it all, but I can add this to it

You just cant be too careful!! When you get complacent about HV for any reason you will get NAILED! ! ! ! !    

I had the 4X1 rig shut down, and unplugged AFTER A POWER SUPPLY FAILURE, shorted the HV with a Jesus stick, and still blew the top off of my thumb knuckle!!

I didnt short one of the caps and didnt know I had an open filter choke. (CLC filter)
I got a little complacent by not shorting out the input cap and got reminded the hard way. 3400v has NO respect for you!! I'm lucky and thankful to be given a second chance!!

If I have to take measurements on something with HV, I go through great pains to isolate myself, and the test equipment. Usually hooking up my meters while the piece in question is dead and has a shorting strap on it, arranging everything physically for safety and then remotely firing it off and checking my meters from a safe distance.

Also, I have a couple of cardinal rules that wont be broken for any reason when working with voltages above 6 or 700v. (Viking 2, Valiant Apache, etc)

1. Do not work with HV when you are tired or sleepy!!!!
2. Do not work with HV late at nite when you are alone.
3. Do not work with HV if your mind is somewhere else, give it your TOTAL   
    concentration.
4. If at all possible, have a second set of eyes watching and /or watching over you.
5. If at all possible try to troubleshoot it out dead without power applied.

Having a second person around, even if they are not technical is a good thing, even if it is your YL, at least they can call 911 if something happens to you!

[KA2DZT]

So, from everything that I've read on this thread, my lineman gloves that I repaired the rips with staples, I shouldn't use.

Help me out, cuz I'm not real clear on this.

Fred