Understanding the Right Protection for Each Hazard
When it comes to protecting your hands in extreme environments, not all heat-resistant gloves are created equal. Jobs involving electrical arc flash exposure require very different protection from those working around furnaces, molten metal, or radiant heat sources. Choosing the wrong type can lead to severe burns, compliance violations, or lost productivity.
At Novarlo, we help teams understand the difference between arc-rated and high-heat-resistant gloves so you can stay safe and compliant with NFPA 70E, ASTM F1506, and relevant ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 standards.
Arc Flash Gloves: Designed for Electrical Energy
Purpose: Protect against the thermal energy released during an arc flash event.
Key Standards:
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NFPA 70E – Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace
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ASTM F2675/F2675M – Test method for determining arc rating of gloves
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ASTM F1506 – Fabric performance standard for arc-rated materials
Features to Look For:
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Arc Rating (ATPV or EBT) in cal/cm² matching or exceeding your PPE Category (CAT 1-4).
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Inherent FR materials such as aramid, modacrylic, or carbon blends that won’t melt or drip.
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Dexterity suitable for energized tasks - look for seamless knit FR liners or leather-over-FR combos.
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Dielectric compatibility: Use only gloves tested for electrical work when required by OSHA 1910.269.
Examples:
Arc-rated gloves like the Enespro AG Series or NSA Voltage ArcGuard line are designed for utility, power generation, and maintenance crews. They provide both thermal protection and flexibility for meter reading, racking breakers, or testing circuits.
High Heat Gloves: Built for Contact and Radiant Heat
Purpose: Protect against continuous high-temperature exposure and radiant heat, not electrical energy.
Key Standards:
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ASTM F1060 – Test method for contact heat resistance
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EN 407:2020 – European standard for thermal risks (contact, convective, and radiant heat)
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ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 – Heat-resistance classification
Typical Applications:
Foundries, glass production, welding, powder coating, and metal fabrication.
Features to Look For:
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Aluminized or para-aramid outer layers (Kevlar®, PBI®, Nomex®, or carbon fiber blends) for radiant and convective heat reflection.
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Extended cuffs for forearm coverage.
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High contact-heat ratings (Level 4 or higher under ANSI/ISEA 105).
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Insulated linings for protection up to 1,200°F+, depending on task.
Examples:
The HexArmor HeatArmor Series or Majestic 2500 Aluminized Gloves provide exceptional protection against molten splash and radiant heat, ideal for furnace operators and hot-work technicians.
Key Difference: Energy Type and Exposure Duration
| Factor | Arc Flash Gloves | High Heat Gloves |
|---|---|---|
| Hazard Type | Electrical arc energy (instantaneous event) | Radiant/contact heat (sustained exposure) |
| Primary Test Standard | ASTM F2675 / NFPA 70E | ASTM F1060 / EN 407 |
| Protection Focus | Flash heat & thermal transfer | Continuous radiant & convective heat |
| Material Type | Arc-rated FR fabric/leather | Aluminized or aramid blends |
| Typical Use Case | Electricians, utilities, switchgear | Foundries, welding, hot-metal handling |
Common Mistake: Using “Heat Gloves” for Arc Flash Work
A glove that resists 1,200°F contact heat may ignite or melt in an arc flash because it isn’t tested to arc-rating standards. Always verify that gloves used around energized equipment are arc rated, not just “heat resistant.”
Conversely, arc-rated gloves are not designed for continuous furnace heat, molten splash, or direct contact with 700°F+ surfaces.
Novarlo’s Recommendation
At Novarlo, we carry both arc-rated and high-heat hand protection from trusted brands like Enespro, HexArmor, Majestic, and NSA.
We help safety managers match gloves to real-world hazards with:
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Compliance guidance per NFPA 70E and OSHA 1910.269
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Category 1–4 arc-flash kits
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Aluminized and Kevlar® heat gloves for foundry and forge operations
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Bulk discounts and custom crew ordering webpages
Key Takeaway
Selecting the right glove starts with identifying the type of energy hazard, electrical or thermal.
Arc flash gloves protect from instantaneous energy release, while high-heat gloves defend against sustained radiant and contact heat.
Need help specifying the right gloves for your crew?
Visit Novarlo.com or contact our safety specialists to ensure your workers stay compliant, comfortable, and fully protected.