Puncture breakdown characteristics of protected rubber insulating gloves

The results of puncture breakdown tests on rubber gloves are presented. A positive polarity switching surge voltage (275/2500 μs) or a 60 H alternating voltage was applied to the glove to cause breakdown. The effect of mechanical pressure on glove breakdown behavior and the influence of using a leather protector were investigated. It was found that protected gloves are more likely to break down at a position other than where the needle electrode has been placed. In both AC and switching surge breakdown tests, the standard deviation in breakdown voltage for protected samples was greater than that of the nonprotected samples by 25%. Under AC conditions, with mechanical stress applied, a bare glove will break down at a voltage which is approximately 22% below the nonstressed condition. A protected glove which is mechanically stressed will break down at a value 12.75% below the nonstressed condition. It is suggested that the results obtained will help to determine the operating limits and reliability of the glove insulation