In-House Laboratory Testing
DG Energy offers full service dielectric laboratory testing and re-certification of rubber gloves, sleeves, blankets, line hose, hot sticks, hoods and jumper cables. Our facility has certified technicians, and is equipped with a 12 position AC glove and sleeve test unit for the complete testing of these products, including washing, visual inspecting and electrical testing. All PPE tested undergoes a rigorous sequence to ensure that your employees are always using equipment that is compliant to OSHA and ASTM standards.
Electrical Safety Glove Testing
Rubber insulating gloves are among the most important articles of personal protection for electrical workers. To be effective, electrical safety gloves must incorporate high dielectric and physical strength, along with flexibility and durability. To help ensure safety and performance, they should meet or exceed the requirements of ASTM D120-14a – Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Gloves. Gloves should also be electrically tested following ASTM D120-14a and International Standard IEC 60903:2014.
Once the electrical safety gloves have been issued, OSHA requires that “protective equipment be maintained in a safe, reliable condition.” This requires that the gloves be inspected for any damage before each day’s use. Gloves must also be inspected immediately following any incident that may have caused damage. OSHA also requires that insulating gloves be given an air test along with the inspection.
An alternating glove color program or numbering is suggested to help ensure all gloves and sleeves in use are in the proper test cycle. This program creates a visual reminder of the proper test cycle by using one color or letter for the first six months and a different color or letter for the following six months.
DG Energy can maintain your glove/sleeve rotation schedule, sending you emails regarding your upcoming change out.
Test Procedure
- Batching / Cleaning - Solvent is environmentally acceptable, MSDS statement provided.
- Dielectric Testing - Procedure is done in accordance with ASTM Standards, Rubber goods are rejected during this step for: 1. Electrical breakdown. 2. Leakage current exceeding maximum limits set forth in ASTM Standards.
- Visual Inspection - Rubber goods are carefully inspected inside and out for age cracking, imperfections in the rubber, minor tears, chemical attack and corona cutting.
- Stamping - Rubber goods are stamped with class of test and date tested and the boxes are labeled in accordance with ASTM.
- Packing - Rubber goods will be packed for return shipment. Rejected gloves shall be so marked and returned.
- Documentation - Written dielectric testing certification results will be furnished for all tested materials.
| Products for Testing | ASTM / ANSI Standards | |
|---|---|---|
| GLOVES | D120 | 496 |
| SLEEVES | D1051 | F496 |
| BLANKETS | D1048 | F479 |
| LINE HOSE | D1050 | F478 |
| RUBBER INSULATION COVERS | D1049 | F478 |
| RUBBER INSULATING MATTING | D178 | |
| HOT STICK AND HOT LINE TOOLS | D711 | |
| INSULATING PLASTIC GUARDS | D712 | |
| INSULATING AERIAL DEVICES | ANSI-A92.2 | |
| 30 Days | 60 Days | 6 Months | 1 Year | Damage Suspected | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLOVES | OPTIONAL | OPTIONAL | REQUIRED | REQUIRED | REQUIRED |
| SLEEVES | OPTIONAL | OPTIONAL | OPTIONAL | REQUIRED | REQUIRED |
| BLANKETS | OPTIONAL | OPTIONAL | OPTIONAL | REQUIRED | REQUIRED |
| INSULATING RUBBER | OPTIONAL | OPTIONAL | OPTIONAL | OPTIONAL | REQUIRED |
| HOT STICKS / HOT LINE TOOLS | OPTIONAL | OPTIONAL | OPTIONAL | OPTIONAL | REQUIRED |