### **1. What is it?**
An **Insulating Boots and Gloves Tester** is a high-voltage dielectric test device designed to check the **electrical insulation strength** and **safety integrity** of personal protective equipment (PPE) used in electrical work, specifically:
* **Insulating gloves** (rubber or composite)
* **Insulating boots or overshoes**
It applies a specified AC (or sometimes DC) voltage between the inside and outside surfaces to detect defects such as:
* Pinholes
* Cracks
* Surface contamination
* Moisture ingress
* Age-related deterioration
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### **2. Purpose**
The tester ensures that the insulating PPE can **withstand working voltages** without breakdown, in compliance with safety standards, preventing **electric shock** to the worker.
Typical standards include:
* IEC 60903 - Insulating gloves
* IEC 61111 - Insulating mats and boots
* ASTM D120 - Rubber insulating gloves
* ASTM F1116/F1117 - Dielectric footwear
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### **3. Applications**
**A. Electrical Utilities & Power Transmission**
* Regular inspection of linemen's gloves and boots before field work.
* Testing PPE used in high-voltage substations and distribution networks.
**B. Industrial Electrical Maintenance**
* PPE verification for maintenance personnel in power plants, factories, refineries.
**C. Testing Laboratories**
* Type testing of new insulating PPE for manufacturers.
* Acceptance testing for large orders.
**D. Safety Compliance**
* Ensuring equipment meets regulatory inspection intervals (often every 6 months or 12 months, depending on national codes).
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### **4. How to Use**
*(General laboratory or workshop procedure – follow your specific tester's manual and safety rules)*
1. **Preparation**
* Clean and dry gloves/boots thoroughly.
* Inspect visually for cracks, tears, or contamination.
* Fill test tank with tap or deionized water (depending on test requirements).
* Adjust water temperature to specified range (usually 20–25°C).
2. **Setup**
* For gloves: Fill the inside with conductive water up to a specified height; immerse the outside in tank water.
* For boots: Fill inside up to ankle height; immerse exterior in tank water up to a defined mark.
* Connect electrodes - one to inside water, one to tank water.
3. **Testing**
* Set the required test voltage according to the PPE class (e.g., Class 00: 2.5 kV, Class 2: 20 kV).
* Gradually raise voltage to the specified level (IEC recommends a smooth ramp-up).
* Maintain for the test duration (usually 1–3 minutes).
* Observe leakage current - must be below standard limits.
* If breakdown or flashover occurs → PPE fails.
4. **Post-Test**
* Slowly discharge and remove PPE from tank.
* Dry completely before reuse.
* Record results in test log.
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### **5. FAQs**
**Q1: How often should insulating gloves and boots be tested?**
A: Typically every **6 months for gloves**, and **12 months for boots**, or after any suspected damage. Frequency depends on local safety codes.
**Q2: Can I test PPE at the worksite?**
A: Yes, with a **portable tester**, but you must still follow the same voltage/time standards.
**Q3: What happens if PPE fails the test?**
A: It must be **removed from service immediately** and destroyed or marked as non-electrical-use.
**Q4: Is visual inspection enough?**
A: No - electrical defects like internal cracks or micro-pinholes cannot be detected visually.
**Q5: Can I reuse test water?**
A: Yes, if clean and free from contamination; replace if conductivity changes significantly.
**Q6: Why do some testers use AC and others DC?**
A: AC testing simulates actual service stress and detects both surface and internal defects; DC is less stressful on the material but may miss certain issues.