All about dielectric galoshes

Dielectric galoshes are not the main, but an auxiliary means of protection used when working on electrical installations. The use of such shoes is possible only in clear weather, in the complete absence of precipitation.

Electrical insulating (dielectric) galoshes are used most often for work on electrical installations, but they also have another purpose - household use. Such footwear provides the necessary protection against high voltage up to 20 kV for 3 minutes. (the maximum operating voltage is 17 kV). Vulcanized rubber outsole resistant to oil and grease, short-term thermal contact (up to 300 ° C possible contact for 1 min).

Galoshes are easy to put on and quickly, and easy to fasten. Used in conjunction with the required other equipment, they increase the safety of the work. They are made of high-grade rubber based on natural rubber. They have a shelf life of up to 12 months from the date of manufacture.

Some models have a knitted fabric lining on the inside for better tear strength. The anti-slip sole can be up to 10 mm high. Such protective equipment is distinguished by its bright color.

The product has a monolithic sole with a grooved surface. According to safety requirements, it is strictly forbidden to include foreign objects in the design of galoshes. Before use, each pair should be checked for delamination, delamination, ruptures, as they cause damage to the integrity of the insulating layer.

The material from which the product is made necessarily meets the requirements of safety and labor protection, it is unacceptable to include toxic, explosive substances in the material, as well as those that have electromagnetic characteristics.

On contact with a surface that is particularly aggressive, galoshes should not emit biological, radioactive and toxic substances. The presence of special protective qualities can be said by the markings on the shoes. It can be "En" or "Ev".

In the table of factory designations for dielectric galoshes, indices are used: 300, 307, 315, 322, 330, 337, 345. GOST also takes into account slow-moving sizes, so it is rare, but you can find footwear marked 292 and 352 on the market. True, serially these models are not available but can always be ordered from the factory. Dielectric galoshes always have a bright color, which distinguishes them from similar models used on the farm.

The mass equivalent can be: 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46. When choosing a pair, the following parameters must be taken into account:

• shaft width;
• height.

The required characteristics are contained in GOST 13385-78. Men's galoshes have a size range from 240 to 307. Women's shoes start from 225 (to 255).

Before using dielectric galoshes, they must be inspected for defects. If delamination appears on the surface, rupture of the pad and insole, divergence of the seams, sulfur appears, then the product cannot be used. The shelf life of rubber galoshes is prescribed by the manufacturer and is usually a year from the date of production and a year and a half under conditions of use in the Far North.

After the work is completed, the galoshes are washed and dried well. According to safety requirements, there should be several pairs of rubber shoes of different sizes near each electrical installation. It is important to check the presence of the last inspection stamp before use. The test is carried out three times each year, with a voltage of 3.5 kV applied. The exposure time is 1 minute. It is best if the shoes are checked each time they are used.

If damage occurs, then the check is carried out unscheduled. It should be carried out only by qualified specialists who have the appropriate certificate in their hands. Before checking, check the integrity of the insulating surface, as well as the presence of factory markings. If the sample does not meet the stated requirements, then the check cannot be carried out until the deficiencies are eliminated.

An electric current is passed through the product to measure the leakage current. Galoshes are placed in a container with warm water. In this case, the edges must necessarily be above the water, since the space inside must necessarily be dry. The water level should be 2 centimeters below the edge of the shoe. An electrode is placed inside. It, in turn, is grounded using a milliammeter. The voltage is held for about two minutes, increasing it to a level of 5 kV. Readings are taken 30 seconds before the end of the test.

Operation of galoshes is possible only in dry weather. Shoes must be kept clean and tidy, free from cracks or other damage. Shoes can be used outdoors and in rooms with an air temperature from -30 ° C to + 50 ° C. Galoshes are put on other shoes, while it must be dry and clean. It is advisable to make sure that there are no elements on the sole that can damage the product.

If the safety shoes are not stored correctly, they will not perform their main function. For dielectric overshoes, a dry, dark room is used, where air temperatures are above 0 ° C. Rubber products deteriorate if the temperature rises above + 20 ° C.

Shoes are placed on wooden racks, the relative humidity should be at least 50% and not more than 70%.

The distance must be at least 1 meter. The same applies to aggressive media, including acids, alkalis, technical oils. Any of these substances, if they get on the rubber surface, leads to damage to the product.

The following video demonstrates the process of testing dielectric overshoes.