How often do high-voltage safety gloves need to be tested?
Short answer: Inspect and air-test rubber insulating gloves before every use, and have them electrically retested by an approved lab on the schedule required by the standards your shop follows, commonly every six months once issued.
Rubber insulating gloves protect technicians from high-voltage shock only when they are intact. Pinholes, cuts, ozone cracking and chemical damage can let current through. That is why gloves are checked before every use: roll or inflate the glove to trap air and look and listen for leaks, and inspect the surface.
Beyond daily checks, gloves need periodic electrical testing by a qualified lab. Electrical safety standards set retest intervals, often six months for gloves in service, and gloves are dated when tested. Keep a log of each pair's test dates.
Always wear leather protectors over rubber gloves to protect them from cuts and abrasion, and store them in a bag away from sunlight, heat and sharp tools. Use the voltage class required by the vehicle maker's procedure. Never use gloves that fail inspection or are past their test date.
Tools used for this job
General guidance only. Follow the vehicle and tool manufacturer's procedures, and confirm vehicle coverage on the tool maker's list before buying.