What Are Electric Hazard-Rated Work Shoes And When Are They Needed? Your Essential Guide To Eh-Rated Safety Footwear

In short, Electric Hazard (EH) rated work shoes are a form of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed with non-conductive soles and heels. They serve as a secondary source of protection, insulating you from the ground to help prevent accidental electrocution if you step on a live electrical circuit. These shoes are specifically tested to withstand the application of 18,000 volts for one minute with minimal current leakage.

The core purpose of EH-rated footwear is not to allow you to work directly with live circuits, but to reduce the potential for electric shock in workplaces where you might accidentally come into contact with energized equipment or wiring.

What are Electric Hazard-Rated work shoes and when are they needed? Your Essential Guide to EH-Rated Safety Footwear

The Science Behind EH-Rated Protection

How They Insulate You

EH-rated shoes are constructed with soles and heels made from materials that do not conduct electricity, such as rubber or polyurethane. This design effectively breaks the circuit between a live electrical source, your body, and the ground.

By preventing your body from becoming a path for electricity to flow to the earth, the shoes significantly reduce the risk of a fatal or severe electric shock.

The Official Standard (ASTM F2413)

To earn an "EH" rating, footwear must meet a specific standard set by ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials).

The key test involves applying 18,000 volts at 60 Hz to the sole of the shoe for one minute. During this test, the current flow (leakage) cannot exceed 1.0 milliampere. This ensures the shoe provides a reliable barrier against common secondary-source electrical hazards.

What EH Shoes Are Not

It is critical to understand that EH-rated footwear is a secondary source of protection. They are not designed for primary protection in live-wire environments.

Workers directly handling high-voltage equipment must use primary protective equipment like insulated gloves, blankets, and proper safety procedures. EH shoes are the last line of defense against an accidental encounter.

When Are EH-Rated Shoes Necessary?

Key Professions and Environments

You need EH-rated footwear if you work in any environment where you could accidentally step on, or come into contact with, live electrical parts.

This includes professions such as:

Electricians: Working on installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems.
Construction Workers: Operating around temporary power sources, unfinished wiring, and power tools.
Engineers and Technicians: Servicing or diagnosing industrial machinery and electrical equipment.
Maintenance Staff: Performing repairs in facilities with extensive electrical infrastructure.

The Critical Factor: Dry Conditions

The protective properties of EH-rated footwear are severely compromised when the shoes are wet or when standing on wet surfaces.

Water is a conductor of electricity. If the non-conductive sole is wet, it can create a path for electricity to flow, nullifying the shoe's protective benefit. Therefore, these shoes are only reliable in dry conditions.

Understanding the Trade-offs and Limitations

EH vs. Other Safety Ratings

EH is just one of many potential safety ratings for work footwear. It's crucial not to confuse it with others.

Static Dissipative (SD): These shoes are designed to reduce the buildup of static electricity. They actually conduct static charge to the ground, making them the opposite of EH shoes and unsuitable for electrical hazard protection.
Conductive (CD): These are highly specialized shoes that conduct electricity to protect against static discharge in sensitive electronic environments. They offer zero protection from electric shock.

Wear and Tear Compromises Safety

The non-conductive properties of the sole and heel can be degraded over time.

Cuts, punctures from nails, or excessive wear can compromise the shoe's insulating capabilities. Regular inspection of your footwear is essential to ensure the sole remains intact and effective.

The Misconception of Primary Protection

Relying solely on EH-rated shoes for protection around high-voltage hazards is a dangerous mistake.

Always follow established safety protocols like Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), use insulated tools, and wear the appropriate primary PPE. The shoes are there for the unexpected, not the planned.

Making the Right Choice for Your Job

Your choice of footwear must be dictated by a thorough hazard assessment of your specific work environment.

If your primary focus is protection from accidental contact with live circuits: You need footwear explicitly marked as EH-rated, and you must ensure your work area remains dry.
If your primary focus is preventing static electricity buildup (e.g., working with sensitive electronics): You must choose Static Dissipative (SD) footwear and avoid EH-rated shoes entirely.
If your primary focus is overall durability and comfort in a low-hazard environment: A quality leather work boot without a specific electrical rating might suffice, but it offers no certified shock protection.

Always prioritize footwear that meets the specific, certified safety standards required for the known hazards of your job.

Summary Table:

Feature	Details
Purpose	Secondary protection against accidental electric shock by insulating from ground
Standard	ASTM F2413: 18,000 volts, 60 Hz, ≤1.0 mA leakage for 1 minute
Key Users	Electricians, construction workers, engineers, maintenance staff
Limitations	Not for direct live-wire work; effectiveness reduced in wet conditions
Do Not Confuse With	Static Dissipative (SD) or Conductive (CD) footwear, which serve different purposes

Protect Your Workforce with Certified EH-Rated Footwear

As a large-scale manufacturer, 3515 produces a comprehensive range of certified safety footwear for distributors, brand owners, and bulk clients. Our production capabilities encompass all types of EH-rated shoes and boots, designed to meet rigorous ASTM standards and provide reliable secondary electrical hazard protection.

We help you:

Ensure worker safety with certified EH-rated footwear
Meet industry compliance and safety standards
Source durable, comfortable safety shoes in bulk quantities
Customize designs for your specific brand or workforce needs

Ready to equip your team with the right protection? Contact us today for a consultation on our EH-rated footwear solutions and let us help you mitigate workplace electrical hazards.