How to choose your electrician's work socks?

Vest, sweater, work overalls, blouse, overalls, T-shirt, jacket: which outfit should an electrician choose?

For an electrician, the first issue in choosing work clothes is safety. Given the unavoidable exposure to electricity, metal parts and other electrically conductive materials should be avoided when choosing electrician clothes. The professional will, for example, prefer plastic buttons or Velcro closures to zips, hooks or metal buttons. Wearing jewelry made of gold, silver, bronze or any other metallic material is also dangerous.

Whether it is for the vest, the jacket, the blouse or the jumpsuit, the choice of fabric is therefore important. It is advisable to move towards fabrics without conductive material, but also pleasant to wear. Clothing made from stretch fabrics is an excellent choice. EN 1149-5 normative outfits are also to be preferred. They allow the dissipation of electrostatic charges. This type of workwear minimizes the risk of fire due to electric shock.

Clothing standard: what PPE is required during electrical work?

The realization of a project can involve the association of different professional activities: welding, carpentry, plumbing, etc. The risks to which electricians are exposed may therefore vary from one construction site to another. The choice of personal protective equipment is then made according to the working conditions and the surrounding environment. The standards established in this sense can serve as a reference.

EN 340 normative clothing protects against electric arcs which are very common in this type of professional activity. These are non-flammable and insulating shoes and clothing. If flames are unavoidable, overalls, an electrician's coat or vest complying with EN 533 would also be appropriate. These work clothes resist high heat and slow the spread of flames.

For work clothes with an ergonomic cut, high durability, prioritizing safety, wear, compatibility and identification, the choice will be made of electricians clothing compliant with the ISO 13688 standard.

For a project taking place at temperatures of the order of -5°C, the EN 342 standard is the reference.

In addition, the personal protective equipment can be chosen according to the different areas of the body to be protected. In store or online, the acquisition of the following items may be necessary:

• EN 379 standard helmet against electric arcs;
• EN 60903 standard insulating gloves;
• safety shoes;
• electrician trousers;
• fall arrest equipment;
• high visibility signal electrician vest , EN 471 standard.

Electrician work socks: which electrician trousers to choose?

The electrician pants is above all protective clothing. The safety standards applied to the clothing of professionals must be prioritized, especially in a work site at risk such as explosive atmospheres or Atex zones.

An ESD model protects against possible electrostatic discharges. Work clothes for zero metal electricians are also to be preferred. For an electrician, an all-plastic haberdashery is preferable. To cover as much risk as possible, the bearer can turn to multi-risk models.

Before concluding the purchase of your work clothes, make sure you are comfortable wearing them. Ask to try on your pants to be sure they are suitable for the movements you will be performing. Opt for a soft and pleasant fabric, such as polycotton and stretch. The reinforcement of the seams and the durability of the openings are also elements to check.

In addition, practicality is an important criterion. Travel can be frequent. However, the transport of a tool box is not always practical, especially if for travel at height. Pants with several pockets allow you to take your tools wherever you are and avoid them being forgotten.