--- title: Insulating gloves that bridge the safety and performance gap description: Discover Ansell ActivArmr insulating gloves that enhance safety and dexterity for utility workers, bridging the gap between protection and performance. image: https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hubfs/IIU%20Anse%3Bll%201.jpg --- [Skip to the main content.](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/insulating-gloves-that-bridge-the-safety-and-performance-gap#main-content) [![Blackwoods Expert+](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/BWMA26-0681%20Blackwoods_Expert%20Plus%20(1).jpg?width=2073&height=493&name=BWMA26-0681%20Blackwoods_Expert%20Plus%20(1).jpg "Blackwoods Expert+")](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/expert-plus) [![Blackwoods Expert+](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/BWMA26-0681%20Blackwoods_Expert%20Plus.jpg?width=2073&height=493&name=BWMA26-0681%20Blackwoods_Expert%20Plus.jpg "Blackwoods Expert+")](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/expert-plus) - [Safety](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/safety) - Industries - [Manufacturing](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/manufacturing) - [Utilities](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/utilities) - [Construction](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/construction) - [Mining](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/mining) - Content Types - [Articles](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au) - [Videos](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfA8meUWjOmhLQKsUGnLOsQ/featured) - [Catalogues](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/catalogues) - [Events](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/tradeshows) Search [Shop Now](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJKBRVYGEi1kYk6Tr%2FeYuxC38seJfDvw6eoTuOvNyFXrnfbrRzHMycjkDLjD9uDKzBW%2F0rzTTcMAy5MhxouRBWDIHdBEPgdURPs5K8yM3IgUlJVYC0wgLaNPID3rGfSIl%2BZe4I3AOl1nwRrdsN0MD7ScauvzV%2BbOLU6ejZWSYT9Ew%3D%3D&portalId=7298381) Toggle Menu Search Toggle Menu [Shop Now](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJKBRVYGEi1kYk6Tr%2FeYuxC38seJfDvw6eoTuOvNyFXrnfbrRzHMycjkDLjD9uDKzBW%2F0rzTTcMAy5MhxouRBWDIHdBEPgdURPs5K8yM3IgUlJVYC0wgLaNPID3rGfSIl%2BZe4I3AOl1nwRrdsN0MD7ScauvzV%2BbOLU6ejZWSYT9Ew%3D%3D&portalId=7298381) - [Safety](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/safety) - Industries - [Manufacturing](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/manufacturing) - [Utilities](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/utilities) - [Construction](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/construction) - [Mining](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/mining) - Content Types - [Articles](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au) - [Videos](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfA8meUWjOmhLQKsUGnLOsQ/featured) - [Catalogues](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/catalogues) - [Events](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/tradeshows) 2 min read # Insulating gloves that bridge the safety and performance gap [![Picture of Ansell](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hubfs/Author%20Logos/Ansell%20Logo.png) Ansell](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/author/ansell) : 29 May 2026 Insulating gloves that bridge the safety and performance gap 4:15 Utility workers face risks including electrical shock and insulation failures that can lead to arc flash - explosions of heat, light and pressure that have the potential to cause serious injury. Insulating gloves are essential, but traditionally, there has been a trade-off between safety and functionality. Insulating gloves are often thick and restrictive, reducing comfort and dexterity and making it difficult for workers to handle tools and perform precision tasks. This can slow work down, impacting productivity and potentially leading to safety issues if workers are tempted to pull gloves off. [Ansell ActivArmr™ Ultra-Lightweight Insulating Gloves](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/searchpage#q=Ansell%20ActivArmr%E2%84%A2%20Ultra-Lightweight%20Insulating%20Gloves) have been developed to bridge this gap - maximising safety without compromising on the ability for workers to do their jobs efficiently. [![IIU Anse;ll 1](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/IIU%20Anse%3Bll%201.jpg?width=1000&height=350&name=IIU%20Anse%3Bll%201.jpg)](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/hand-protection/electrical-arc-flash-gloves/c/208640566?q=%3Adefaultsort%3Abrand%3A557579&sort=defaultsort&page=0) ### **Thin, light voltage protection.** The [ActivArmr™ R0011BUL](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/hand-protection/electrical-arc-flash-gloves/ansell-activarmr-rig0011b-kit/ansell-activarmr-rig0011b-electrical-glove-kit-class-00-500v-carry-bag-cotton-liners-2-rig0011b-gloves-tested-leather-outer-glove-9/p/04365621) glove is engineered for low-voltage electrical applications. Up to 30% thinner than the previous Ansell Class 00 insulating glove (RIG0011B), it enhances hand mobility and control while maintaining insulating performance. Despite its ultra-lightweight construction, the R0011BUL glove meets the requirements of Class 00 protection for 500V AC/750V DC. For higher voltage applications, the ActivArmr™ R014BUL glove offers Class 0 protection for 1000V AC/1500V DC. This glove is arc flash resistant with an Arc Rating of APC 1 and ATPV 9,4 cal/cm2. It’s up to 20% thinner than the previous Ansell Class 0 insulating glove (RIG014B) to allow for greater dexterity. Both gloves are resistant to acid (Category A), ozone (Category Z) and very low temperatures (Category C), making them ideal for tough working conditions in power plants or on telecommunications infrastructure in the field. [![IIU Anse;ll 2](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/IIU%20Anse%3Bll%202.jpg?width=1000&height=350&name=IIU%20Anse%3Bll%202.jpg)](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/hand-protection/electrical-arc-flash-gloves/c/208640566?q=%3Adefaultsort%3Abrand%3A557579&sort=defaultsort&page=0) ### **Levelling up dexterity and comfort**   The gloves are manufactured from natural rubber latex using an advanced dipping process that enables precise management of material thickness. Rather than relying on bulk material for protection, the dipping process creates a glove with uniform insulating layers that are significantly thinner. This means less overall material and a lighter glove, that still meets Class 00 (protection against electrical discharge up to 500V AC / 750V DC) and Class 0 requirements (protection against electrical discharge up to 1000V AC / 1500V DC).   The thinner layers also increase flexibility. With less stiffness in the glove wall, the glove moves more naturally with the hand, improving comfort and helping reduce fatigue. This enhanced flexibility allows workers to retain tactile sensitivity and control when handling tools and small components, and carrying out detailed tasks across long shifts. ActivArmr gloves are also made without using silicone, to lower the risk of contamination to sensitive components. Jihee Noh, Ansell’s Senior Specialist for Brand and Product Marketing, says the gloves are a big step forward for power utility and telco workers operating in high-risk environments. > *“ActivArmr gloves are ultra lightweight and allow workers to move naturally and handle tools with precision. These gloves bridge the gap between safety and productivity,”* she says.*“When workers are more comfortable and confident in their PPE, they are more likely to follow safety protocols in high-risk environments. Our method is simple - don’t compromise on safety, but have a glove that fits comfortably as well. Our thinner, game-changing gloves are a comfortable and safe way to protect workers.”* ## Available at Blackwoods - Your utilities solutions partner.  As Australia’s leading supplier of industrial solutions, Blackwoods has everything you need to keep your operations running smoothly. Discover how [Ansell ActivArmr R0011BUL and R014BUL gloves](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/hand-protection/electrical-arc-flash-gloves/c/208640566?q=%3Adefaultsort%3Abrand%3A557579&sort=defaultsort&page=2) can improve safety and productivity at your site - contact your [Blackwoods Technical Safety Specialist](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/technical-solutions/safety) for a sample and experience the glove first-hand. 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