These sleeves are insulating rubber coverings worn over the arms, from glove-cuff to shoulder, to protect workers against accidental contact with energized conductors or live electrical equipment.
They are used in conjunction with insulated gloves (and optionally protective over-gloves) to provide full arm and hand protection during live-line or high-voltage work.
Sleeves are classified according to voltage class (ASTM / standard rating), and come in different materials and styles, depending on environmental resistance needs (e.g. ozone, UV) and user comfort.
| Voltage Class | Typical Use / Protection Level* |
|---|---|
| Class 0 | Low-voltage, lighter-duty live-work / maintenance. |
| Class 1 | Medium-voltage work. |
| Class 2 | Medium-voltage (higher) — increases safety margin. |
| Class 3 | Higher-voltage applications. |
| Class 4 | High-voltage — protective sleeves for up to ~ 36,000 V / 40 kV systems. |
There are two main manufacturing/process-type variants:
Sleeves come in multiple sizes to suit different arm lengths/worker builds: “Regular (R)”, “Large (L)”, and “Extra-Large (XL)” are commonly offered. Choosing the correct size helps ensure coverage from glove cuff to shoulder without gaps or tightness.
Also, to wear sleeves properly, additional accessories are needed: e.g. sleeve-buttons, straps or harnesses.