Working with electricity is a dangerous job that comes with a daily risk of injury or fatality. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, 2019 saw the most fatal electrical injuries in the workplace (166) since 2011, and almost 2,000 workers were injured in electrical accidents. An electrician needs to have the right tools for electrical work to get the job done, and that includes the clothing and equipment that will keep them safe and comfortable in the most hazardous conditions.
Electricity is involved in a variety of jobs and industries. Construction, installation, and maintenance positions pose the greatest dangers in dealing with electrical currents and wiring. Each position and specific task comes with unique protection needs to keep workers safe on the job, though there are some basic standards and items any electrician needs to be successful and maintain a safe work environment.
Protective gear and clothing for electricians may include:
- Work Shirts;
- Vests;
- Outerwear;
- Gloves;
- Pants;
- Footwear;
- Hard Hats;
- Eyewear;
There is a wide range of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Insulating Protective Equipment (IPE) designed to protect you when installing, repairing, or working with or around electrical systems. OSHA establishes specific standards and guidelines that we used to compile a list of the best and most effective clothing and gear for electricians.
Our top picks for electrical PPE take into account a variety of factors, including:
- Materials;
- Comfort;
- Versatility;
- Safety Ratings.
Why It Is Important to Choose High-Quality PPE and Clothing
A workplace injury involving electricity is painful and often leads to serious injuries or death. It is worth the added expense of purchasing the highest quality gear and equipment to avoid suffering an injury that will cause you physical pain and potentially lost time at work. Having the right PPE often means the difference between a close call and a life-altering electrical-related injury or fatality.
Electrical PPE Ratings and Categories
OSHA and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) create standards and regulations to keep workers safe when dealing with electricity. The 2021 edition of NFPA’s Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace focuses on risk assessment and steps to reduce electrical workers’ potential hazards.
Each electrical work environment presents unique hazards and challenges to keep you safe while getting the job done. Your PPE needs to reflect the specific dangers posed for each task or job you perform.
Arc Flash PPE
An arc fault explosion creates intense light and heat that can reach temperatures as high as thousands of degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius. An arc flash is hot enough to melt metal. It can catch clothes on fire, cause severe burns, as well as lung and eyesight damage.
The NFPA breaks arc flash down into four categories that correspond to standardized sets of PPE clothing and gear. Arc ratings represent the amount of incident energy on a material resulting in a 50% chance to cause a second-degree skin burn injury. PPE categories range from 1 to 4, with 4 representing the highest incident energy rating and requiring the most protection.
Voltage Ratings for Electrical Insulation
Basic equipment is needed to protect against shock hazards. Voltage ratings determine the risk levels and are used to create important safety guidelines for those working with electricity.
Best Materials for Electrical Clothing and Protective Gear
Flame-resistant (or FR) cotton is commonly used in the manufacturing of electrician shirts, pants, outerwear, and other items. Thinner fabrics and cellulose fibers like linen and viscose are highly flammable and are to be avoided when considering the purchase of electrical safety clothing equipment and protective gear.
Work Shirts
Your work shirt serves many purposes, from protecting your skin against electrical work hazards to advertising your company name. Selecting the right shirt involves finding the right combination of comfort, function, and safety.
Features to Look For
Working with or around electricity often means getting into tight spaces in hazardous conditions. The shirt you work in needs to be fire-retardant, durable, and stain-resistant to withstand the rigors of the job. You will likely want to have at least a few work shirts in your closet to make cleaning more convenient.
Top Picks
The following are our top choices for electrician work shirts.
Iona Polo Shirt: A stylish working polo shirt, this item features moisture-wicking fabric to help keep your body warm and dry. White hi-vis reflective strips increase visibility, and the 50+ UPF fabric blocks up to 98% of potentially harmful UV rays.
- Colors: Black | Navy;
- Brand: Portwest;
- Price: $11.48;
- Sizes: Large, Medium XL, XXL, XXXL 4XL, 5XL, 6XL.
Hi-Vis Lime T-Shirt: Make sure you are seen on the job when you wear this hi-vis lime t-shirt with a handy chest pocket. Lightweight polyester moisture-wicking materials make this shirt ideal for warmer weather. Silver reflective stripes increase visibility.
- Color: Lime;
- Brand: Pyramex;
- Price: $9.47;
- Sizes: Small, Large, Medium XL, XXL, XXXL 4XL, 5XL.
Enhanced Visibility Industrial Work Shirt: This button-down work shirt features two yellow and silver striped reflective strips across the chest and down each arm. One of the two chest pockets comes with a handy pencil stall. The lined collar includes sewn-in stays to keep the shirt looking its best through wear and cleaning.
- Types: Long-Sleeved | Short-Sleeved;
- Color: Navy;
- Brand: Portwest;
- Price: $21.93 (Pack of 5);
- Sizes: Large, Medium XL, XXL, 4XL, 5XL.
High-Visibility Xenon Rugby Shirt: This high-visibility electrician sweatshirt provides breathability and flexibility for electrical workers on the go. The visibility range is certified and tested by industry standards. This zippered shirt with reinforced panels and elastic rib cuffs is designed to keep you visible, dry, and warm in all conditions.
- Color: Yellow;
- Brand: Portwest;
- Price: $27.85;
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, 2X-Large, 3X-Large, 4X-Large, 5X-Large, 6X-Large.
Long Sleeve Moisture Wicking T-Shirt: This long-sleeved t-shirt is made with lightweight moisture-wicking hi-vis polyester to help keep you warm and dry. Yellow and silver reflective striping across the stomach, down the sides, and across both arms allows for maximum comfort and visibility. This shirt is available in lime and orange.
- Colors: Lime | Orange;
- Brand: Pyramex;
- Price: $14.88 (Pack of 5);
- Sizes: Large, Extra Large, 2X-Large, 3X-Large, 4X-Large, 5X-Large.
Vests
Vests are multi-purpose accessories that provide electric workers increased visibility and additional pockets for easy storage of smaller materials and equipment.
Features to Look For
A work or tool vest should feel like you are not wearing it all, fitting comfortably over your shirt or jacket. In addition to handy pouches to hold things while you work, a vest offers maximum visibility on top of regular hi-vis clothing and equipment.
Top Picks
The following are our top choices for electrician tool vests.
High-Visibility Safety Vest: This soft mesh fluorescent orange safety vest with yellow reflective stripes slips on easily to provide additional visibility and protection on the job. Adjustable side straps make this vest one size that will fit over a large shirt or jacket.
- Color: Orange;
- Brand: CH Hanson;
- Price: $11.93;
- Sizes: One Size Fits Most.
Class 2 Construction Safety Vest: This Class 2 construction safety vest features 3M Scotchlite™ reflective stripes down the sides and along with the waist straps for maximum visibility. Made with lightweight, breathable mesh, this vest has five-point tear-away straps and two large interior pockets.
- Color: Hi-Viz Yellow;
- Brand: 3M;
- Price: $16.39;
- Sizes: One Size Fits Most.
Day/Nighttime Safety Vest: This fluorescent yellow safety vest is ideal for day or nighttime use. A lightweight design features breathable mesh and adjustable side straps that make it one size to fit most wearers. A handy cell phone pocket makes this vest ideal for electrical workers on the go.
- Color: Hi-Viz Yellow;
- Brand: 3M;
- Price: $12.99;
- Sizes: One Size Fits Most.
High-Visibility Safety Vest: This safety vest has everything a professional electrician will need on the job. This yellow high-visibility vest features internal size adjustments and zipper closure, ten pockets, reinforced pen stalls, and a clear ID holder for your comfort and safety.
- Color: Yellow;
- Brand: Milwaukee Tool;
- Price: $19.97;
- Sizes: L/XL.
High-Visibility Performance Safety Vest: For electricians that need extra storage throughout the day, this high-visibility safety vest comes with 15 pockets, including a tablet pocket with dual-sided accessibility. A padded collar, secure zipper, and internal size adjustment provide comfort, and rows of reflective stripes offer the highest visibility.
- Color: Yellow;
- Brand: 3M;
- Price: $39.97
- Sizes: L/XL.
Safety Vest: The fluorescent yellow vest with gray reflective strips will help you remain visible to everyone around you. Adjustable straps with velcro make this safety vest one size to fit most wearers.
- Color: Safety Yellow;
- Brand: Honeywell/Sperian;
- Price: $7.71;
- Sizes: One Size Fits Most.
Outerwear
Electric workers often work outdoors and need to be prepared for any kind of weather. Sweatshirts, jackets, and coats provide warmth and comfort in the most extreme conditions while offering protection from electrical work hazards. Features to Look For
The outermost clothing items for an electrical worker provide the final protection against extreme heat and shock risks. Your work jacket also needs to offer warmth, comfort, and visibility for specific working conditions.
Top Picks
The following are our top choices for outerwear for electrical workers.
ColdStore Jacket: Tested to withstand the rigors of everyday wear, this hooded ColdStore jacket is made from abrasion-resistant Oxford polyester and is quilt-lined for thermal insulation. Navy blue with white reflective tape for maximum visibility, this jacket features a storm flap, pack-away hood, and adjustable waist drawcord.
- Color: Navy;
- Brand: Portwest;
- Price: $111.20;
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X-Large, 3X-Large, 4X-Large, 5X-Large, 6X-Large.
High-Visibility Hooded Sweatshirt: This high-visibility sweatshirt is made from a polyester-cotton blend with a brushed back for added warmth and comfort. Featuring silver reflective tape and a kangaroo pocket for storage, the yellow hooded sweatshirt will help keep you warm and dry and visible to everyone around you.
- Color: Yellow;
- Brand: Portwest;
- Price: $29.21;
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X-Large, 3X-Large, 4X-Large.
Pullover Sweatshirt: A multi-colored pullover hooded sweatshirt is fluorescent lime on the top and black on the bottom. Elastic knit at the waist and wrists keep the warm air in, and the mesh-lined hood with an adjustable pull cord provides additional warmth and comfort in all kinds of weather.
- Color: Lime;
- Brand: Honeywell/Sperian;
- Price: $7.71;
- Sizes: Medium, Large, Extra Large, 2X-Large, 3X-Large, 4X-Large, 5X-Large.
Hi-Vis Sweatshirt: A high-visibility sweatshirt is ideal when it is too cool for a T-shirt but not quite cold enough for a full jacket. Designed for exceptional comfort, this long-sleeved sweatshirt is roomy and soft with fluorescent orange or yellow colors to keep you visible at all times.
- Color: Orange | Yellow:
- Brand: Portwest;
- Price: $24.47;
- Sizes: Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, XL, XXL, XXXL, 4XL, 5XL.
Zipper Front Hooded Sweatshirt: This Modaflame hooded sweatshirt offers permanent flame-resistant protection combined with great comfort. Rib-knit cuffs and hems provide a snug fit for a cold day. Two front pockets make storing small items and equipment easy and convenient.
- Color: Navy;
- Brand: Honeywell/Sperian;
- Price: $67.07;
- Sizes: Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X-Large, 3X-Large, 4X-Large, 5X-Large, 6X-Large.
Gloves
Gloves are among the essential articles of personal protection an electrician needs daily. Electrical gloves prevent electrical shock and increase your safety and comfort while performing hazardous work. Your gloves must be durable, flexible, and incorporate both dielectric properties and physical strength. Electrical gloves are made with natural rubber for flexibility and strength. Leather is often also used for added comfort, tear resistance, and to help reduce hand fatigue.
Features to Look For
According to OSHA, insulating electric shock gloves must be tested before they are issued for use. It is crucial to choose a glove that comes with an approval rating appropriate to the voltages you work with, and that will also provide protection and comfort under your specific working conditions.
Top Picks
The following are our top picks for rubber and leather gloves for electrical work.
SuperTuffTM Large Gloves: These reusable rubber gloves are constructed from liquid-proof, high-quality black latex that makes them ideal for electrical use. The heavy-weight rubber makes them durable and resistant to chemicals and tears.
- Material: Rubber;
- Color: Black;
- Brand: Trimaco;
- Price: $4.17;
- Sizes: Large.
Latex Dip Gripper Gloves: Natural latex rubber gloves with dip palm for maximum grip are also made with high-quality cotton with a polyester knit shell. An elasticized grip and crinkled finish on the latex palms offer comfort and effective gripping capabilities.
- Material: Rubber;
- Color: Gray/Blue;
- Brand: Honeywell/Sperian;
- Price: $2.47;
- Sizes: X-Large.
Latex Coated Gloves: These latex-coated gloves feature the soft comfort of a jersey cotton lining and a crinkle exterior finish that is resistant to abrasions, oil, acids, and caustic materials. The wing thumb design provides flexibility and comfort for a wide range of uses and electrical industry applications.
- Material: Rubber;
- Color: Tan/White;
- Brand: Boss;
- Price: $5.78;
- Sizes: One Size Fits Most.
Boss Grip Latex Coated Glove: Double latex coating on these Boss gloves offers protection against cuts and punctures. The open back allows your hands to breathe, providing relief during strenuous activity. A non-slip palm is ideal for precision work requiring excellent tactility.
- Material: Rubber;
- Color: Blue/Gray;
- Brand: Boss;
- Price: $7.99;
- Sizes: Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X-Large, 3X-Large, 4X-Large, 5X-Large, 6X-Large.
Flexi-Grip Gloves: A sleek design combines with maximum protection in the electrical field with these Flexi-grip work gloves featuring a knit wrist and blue palm dip with a crinkled grip.
- Material: Rubber;
- Color: Blue/White;
- Brand: Boss;
- Price: $3.49;
- Sizes: Large.
Caterpillar Split Leather Gloves: Split leather palm gloves featuring leather index fingertips and knuckle strap offer maximum protection during electrical work. These gloves fit snuggly using an elastic wrist strap and a safety cuff accented with yellow tape for added protection.
- Material: Leather;
- Color: Black/Gray;
- Brand: Caterpillar;
- Price: $10.95;
- Sizes: Large.
Lined Leather Gloves: These split leather driver-lined gloves provide maximum protection, abrasion-resistance, and warmth on the coolest of days. The unique cut design features a keystone thumb for added mobility and flexibility on the job.
- Material: Leather;
- Color: White;
- Brand: Boss;
- Price: $8.58;
- Sizes: Large.
Premium Grain Leather Gloves: Style meets function with these brown premium unified grain leather work gloves. The Keystone thumb provides extra mobility, and the shirred elastic back and self-hemmed open cuff offer maximum comfort.
- Material: Leather;
- Color: Brown;
- Brand: Boss;
- Price: $13.67;
- Sizes: Medium.
Pants
Electricians require pants that combine functionality and comfort while being sturdy enough to withstand the wear, tear, and hazards of electrical work.
Features to Look For
In addition to offering protection from heat and fire, your work pants need to be comfortable, durable, and come with a lot of pockets in which to store tools and equipment throughout the day.
Top Picks
The following are our top choices for outerwear for electrician work pants.
ColdStore Pants: ColdStore pants are constructed from abrasion-resistant Oxford polyester and quilt-lined for maximum thermal insulation. Navy blue with white reflective tape at the shin for maximum visibility, these pants feature a storm flap, zip fastening, and an elasticated back waist for a snug fit.
- Color: Blue;
- Brand: Portwest;
- Price: $101.90;
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X-Large, 3X-Large, 4X-Large, 5X-Large, 6X-Large.
MicroGuard MP Microporous Pants: Microporous pants are produced with state-of-the-art lamination technology that combines soft non-woven fabric with a microporous film. The process allows moisture vapor to escape and keeps you dry and comfortable. An elastic waist provides a snug, secure fit.
- Color: White;
- Brand: International Enviroguard;
- Price: Provided on request;
- Sizes: M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL.
High-Visibility Polycotton Pants: These high-visibility fluorescent orange work pants come with silver reflective tape for maximum visibility on the job site. A dirt release finish keeps the pants looking and performing their best for years.
- Color: Orange;
- Brand: Portwest;
- Price: $26.94;
- Sizes: Large.
Hi-Vis Rainwear Pants: These fluorescent yellow pants will keep you dry and visible in the most extreme weather conditions. The seams are sewn and sealed to make these pants completely waterproof. Metal snaps at the bottom of each pants leg and an elastic waistband offer comfort and style.
- Colors: Yellow:
- Brand: Pyramex;
- Price: $17.91;
- Sizes: S, M, L, X-Large, 2X-Large, 3X-Large, 4X-Large, 5X-Large, 6X-Large.
Bizweld Flame Resistant Cargo Pants: These cargo pants come in a variety of colors and sizes. With dual hazard protection, they are guaranteed to be flame-resistant for the life of the garment. These pants come complete with two side pockets, a leg pocket, and a concealed phone pocket.
- Colors: Reg Gray | Tall Gray | Reg Navy | Tall Navy:
- Brand: Portwest;
- Price: $37.03;
- Sizes: Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X-Large, 3X-Large, 4X-Large, 5X-Large, 6X-Large.
Footwear
An electrician’s working environment can be harsh and involve hours of standing on your feet. Finding a comfortable pair of work shoes or boots that will also provide complete protection is a key to your work wardrobe.
Features to Look For
Throughout your workday, your feet may be exposed to live wires, open circuitry, or slippery floors. Your work shoes will keep you protected from work accidents and offer you the comfort you need to stay on your feet all day.
Top Picks
The following are our top selections for electrician work shoes and boots.
AMP LT Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boots: These waterproof work boots are constructed with full-grain SPR leather and feature grip panels for easy pull-on and milled brass hardware that extends the life of the laces. A rear counter lock system acts as a heel stabilizer for quicker removal.
- Color: Brown:
- Brand: Georgia Boots;
- Price: Starting at $173.00;
- Sizes: Men and women 8-14.
IronClad Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boots: These American-made work boots are made with a steel toe, seven-layer slip and oil-resistant outsole, and a removable comfort insole. Guaranteed waterproof construction helps your feet to stay safe and dry all day.
- Color: Brown:
- Brand: Rocky Boots;
- Price: Starting at $199.00;
- Sizes: Men and women 8-13.
Eagle Trail Alloy Toe Waterproof Oxford Work Shoes: These waterproof Oxford work shoes are made from durable SPR leather and feature a 3-inch protective toe. Your feet will stay dry and comfortable all day in a soft mesh interior with a removable memory foam insole.
- Color: Brown:
- Brand: Georgia Boots;
- Price: Starting at $130.00;
- Sizes: Men and women 8-14.
Giant Revamp Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boots: These steel toe work boots are ideal for electricians that work in different types of environment and weather elements. A double-ribbed tempered steel shank makes this boot strong and durable to withstand all manners of use and abuse in a typical electrician’s workday.
- Color: Brown:
- Brand: Georgia Boots;
- Price: Starting at $136.00;
- Sizes: Men and women 8-14.
Hard Hats
Electrical work often takes place in a construction site or other hazardous work environment that poses hazards outside the scope of the electrical system you are working on. A hard hat is an essential tool for electricians and an investment in your safety for a high-risk job.
Features to Look For
There are a variety of features to look for when choosing a hard hat for electrical work, depending on the nature of the work and risk for injury. The key is to find the hard hat that combines comfort, safety, and visibility for your needs.
Top Picks
The following are our top choices for hard hats used by electricians.
For Comfort
Ridgeline Full Brim Hard Hat: This full brim hard hat is constructed with ratchet suspension to make it easy to adjust and modify the fit while you are wearing it. Brow pads, headbands, and suspensions are replaceable for maximum comfort for every use.
- Color: Black;
- Brand: Pyramex;
- Price: $21.95.
Lightweight
Hard Hat: A standard hard hat for multiple uses, this hard hat features a lightweight, tough, and durable polypropylene shell. Shock absorbers and reinforced ribs provide impact protection, and rain troughs prevent water from dripping down your neck. These hard hats are available in white, blue, and yellow.
- Color: White | Blue | Yellow:
- Brand: Morris;
- Price: $12.06.
Low Profile
Yellow Cap Style 4-Point Standard Ratchet: A low profile design offers a low center of gravity for better balance when wearing this standard yellow cap hard hat. The rear padded suspension provides an additional level of neck comfort on your neck, and a four-position harness allows you to move the harness to the most optimal position for ultimate comfort.
- Color: Yellow;
- Brand: Pyramex;
- Price: $7.99;
Eyewear
Eyewear with side protection is designed to prevent materials from entering your eyes or striking your face. Electricians should always wear eye protection or electrician safety glasses with no metal parts when exposed to electrical hazards or electrical arc.
Features to Look For
Workers in the electrical field will need scratch- and impact-resistant glasses and protect them from the sun’s potentially harmful rays. Glasses and other eye protection gear certified by the American National Standards Institute have been tested for various conditions and circumstances.
Top Picks
The following are our top picks for eyewear suitable to wear for electrical work.
Performance Safety Glasses: These 3M performance safety glasses provide premium protection for electricians in a sleek design. A large, full coverage lens with a built-in brow guard helps protect your eyes from sweat and debris.
- Color: Gray Lens;
- Brand: 3M;
- Price: $13.40.
I/O Safety Glasses: These gray framed, mirrored lens safety glasses offer maximum protection and a great look. Anti-scratch lens coating will provide a clear vision and 99.9% UV protection keeps the sun’s harmful rays away from your eyes.
- Color: Gray;
- Brand: Honeywell;
- Price: $25.57.
Smoke Lens Glasses: These lightweight, flexible safety glasses with smoke lens feature shatter-resistant frames. A unique wrap-around design eliminates side shield distortion, and a scratch-resistant polycarbonate lens complies with ANSI standards.
- Color: Black;
- Brand: Wolf Peak;
- Price: $10.79.
Clear Safety Glasses: These ultra fashion clear safety glasses feature lightweight unitary and optically-correct polycarbonate lenses that provide hours of comfortable protection. The contoured frame offers greater peripheral vision and accommodates any face shape.
- Color: Clear;
- Brand: K-T Ind;
- Price: $6.85.
Keep in mind that anyone can purchase any kind of PPE that electricians use to perform their duties, but only professional electricians with an active license can practice electrical work legally and safely. Each state dictates its own requirements to become a licensed electrical contractor.