For anyone working in an energized electrical environment, wearing the proper protective gear is a must – including the appropriate footwear! That’s where electrical hazard (EH) rated boots come into play! These boots are designed to protect you from potential electrical hazards. Join our Vice President of Technical, Scott Margolin, as he discusses EH-rated boots and why it’s so important to keep them in good shape for reliable protection.

What Are EH-Rated Boots?

As Scott mentioned in the video, EH-rated boots are designed to help protect the wearer from shock in dry conditions, up to 600 volts. But how do these boots earn their EH rating? To be classified as EH-rated, footwear must withstand 18,000 volts of electricity at 60 Hertz for one minute without any leakage exceeding one milliamp. Impressive, right?

Importance of Proper Maintenance & Testing for EH-Rated Boots

It’s important to note that EH-rated boots are only guaranteed to provide this level of protection when they are new. After they leave the factory, they’re not required to be tested again. This means that wearers become more vulnerable to electrical hazards if their EH-rated boots aren’t properly maintained. Over time, wear and tear, like penetrations to the sole, can compromise their protection abilities.

Bottom Line – Stay Safe with Regular Checks

To ensure your EH-rated boots continue to protect, it’s crucial to regularly check and maintain them. Inspect the soles for any signs of damage and make sure the boots are in good condition before stepping into any energized environment.