ASTM F2677-08a(2024)

Standard Specification for Electrically Insulating Aprons

ABSTRACT
This specification prescribes the function and performance criteria, and acceptance testing for electrically insulating aprons for the protection of workers from incidental contact with live electrical apparatus or circuits. Three types of aprons are provided and are designated as follows: Type I, made from properly vulcanized high-grade cis-1,4-polyisoprene rubber compound of natural or synthetic origin that are non-resistant to ozone; Type II, made of any elastomer or combination of elastomeric compounds that are resistant to ozone; and Type III, made of any combination of elastomer and thermoplastic polymers that are elastic in nature and resistant to ozone. Six classes of insulating aprons, designated as Class 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, are assigned according to electrical characteristics. Aprons shall be tested for their conformance with specified chemical, physical, and electrical requirements.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the acceptance testing of electrically insulating aprons for the protection of workers from incidental contact with live electrical apparatus or circuits.  
1.2 The objective of this specification is to prescribe function and performance criteria for insulating aprons that meet a minimum level of electrically insulating and physical performance characteristics.  
1.3 Three types of aprons are provided and are designated as Type I, non-resistant to ozone, Type II and Type III, resistant to ozone.  
1.4 Six classes of insulating aprons, differing in electrical characteristics, are provided and are designated as Class 00, Class 0, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2023
• ICS: 13.260 - Protection against electric shock. Live working
• Technical Committee: F18 - Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers
• Drafting Committee: F18.15 - Worker Personal Equipment

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2677-08a(2019) - Standard Specification for Electrically Insulating Aprons
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM D1048-24 - Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Blankets
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D1048-22 - Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Blankets
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2022

Overview

ASTM F2677-08a(2024): Standard Specification for Electrically Insulating Aprons sets forth function, performance criteria, and acceptance testing methods for electrically insulating aprons. The primary goal of this international standard, developed by ASTM, is to ensure worker safety from incidental contact with live electrical apparatus or circuits. The specification details three types and six classes of aprons based on material composition and electrical performance, thereby guiding manufacturers, suppliers, and users in selecting and verifying appropriate protective equipment.

Keywords: electrically insulating aprons, lineman protective equipment, electrical safety, ASTM F2677, personal protective equipment.

Key Topics

• Types of Electrically Insulating Aprons:

  • Type I: Made from high-grade cis-1,4-polyisoprene rubber compound, natural or synthetic, not resistant to ozone.
  • Type II: Made from any elastomer or combination of elastomeric compounds, resistant to ozone.
  • Type III: Made from a combination of elastomer and thermoplastic polymers, elastic and resistant to ozone.

• Classes of Aprons:

  • Class 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 - Designations based on electrical characteristics and proof-test voltage requirements.

• Material and Construction Requirements:

  • The exposed area of each apron must use non-conductive materials meeting chemical, physical, and electrical criteria from referenced ASTM standards such as D1048, F1742, or F2320.
  • Stitching, fasteners, or any bindings must not compromise dielectric properties and cannot be positioned in exposure zones.

• Testing and Acceptance:

  • Materials must be proof tested as per referenced specifications before use.
  • Each apron should undergo visual inspection for surface irregularities and meet workmanship standards.
  • Clear and permanent markings must include manufacturer identification, ASTM standard, type, and class.

Applications

Electrically insulating aprons are vital components of personal protective equipment for workers exposed to live electrical circuits and apparatus. Typical applications include:

• Utility and Power Line Workers: Protection during installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical lines and substations.
• Industrial Electrical Maintenance: Safeguarding technicians servicing energized systems, equipment, or switchgear.
• Electrical Testing Environments: Additional PPE for workers handling energized test benches or components.
• Emergency and Rescue Services: Shielding responders in environments with possible exposure to live electricity.

Adopting aprons conforming to ASTM F2677 helps prevent electrical shock and ensures compliance with occupational safety standards.

Related Standards

For comprehensive protection and compatibility, related ASTM standards include:

• ASTM D1048 - Specification for Rubber Insulating Blankets
• ASTM F819 - Terminology Relating to Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers
• ASTM F1742 - Specification for PVC Insulating Sheeting
• ASTM F2320 - Specification for Rubber Insulating Sheeting

These referenced documents outline key chemical, physical, and electrical requirements relevant to the materials and performance of insulating aprons.

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By adhering to ASTM F2677-08a(2024), organizations demonstrate commitment to electrical safety, regulatory compliance, and the protection of personnel working near exposed live electrical components.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2677 − 08a (Reapproved 2024)
Standard Specification for
Electrically Insulating Aprons
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2677; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.1 exposed area, n—the area of the electrically insulating
apron that does not contain any stitching or fasteners.
1.1 This specification covers the acceptance testing of
3.1.2 exposure zone, n—the area on the front of the
electrically insulating aprons for the protection of workers
electrically-insulated apron 1 in. from the fasteners and stitch-
from incidental contact with live electrical apparatus or cir-
ing or borders.
cuits.
3.1.3 For definitions of other terms, refer to Terminology
1.2 The objective of this specification is to prescribe func-
F819.
tion and performance criteria for insulating aprons that meet a
minimum level of electrically insulating and physical perfor-
4. Significance and Use
mance characteristics.
4.1 This specification covers the minimum electrical,
1.3 Three types of aprons are provided and are designated as
chemical and physical properties, and design characteristics for
Type I, non-resistant to ozone, Type II and Type III, resistant to
insulating aprons and the procedures by which properties are to
ozone.
be determined. The purchaser may as his/her option, perform
1.4 Six classes of insulating aprons, differing in electrical
or have performed any of these tests in order to verify any
characteristics, are provided and are designated as Class 00,
manufacturer claim. Claims for failure to meet the specification
Class 0, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4.
are subject to verification by the manufacturer.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.2 The insulating materials used in aprons in this specifi-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
cation are designed for personal protection; therefore, when
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
authorizing its use a margin of safety shall be allowed between
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
the maximum voltage at which it is used and the proof-test
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
voltage at which it is tested. The relationship between proof-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
test and the maximum voltage at which materials shall be used
is shown in Table 1.
2. Referenced Documents
4.3 Work practices vary from user to user, depending upon
2.1 ASTM Standards:
many factors. These factors may include, but are not limited to,
D1048 Specification for Rubber Insulating Blankets
operating system voltages, design, work procedures and
F819 Terminology Relating to Electrical Protective Equip-
techniques, weather conditions, etc. Therefore, except for the
ment for Workers
restrictions set forth in this specification because of design
F1742 Specification for PVC Insulating Sheeting
limitations, the use and maintenance of the equipment is
F2320 Specification for Rubber Insulating Sheeting
beyond the scope of this specification.
3. Terminology
4.4 It is common practice and the responsibility of the user
of this type of protective equipment to prepare complete
3.1 Definitions:
instructions and regulations to govern the correct and safe use
of such equipment.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F18 on
5. Classification
Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F18.15 on Worker Personal Equipment.
5.1 Insulating aprons covered under this specification shall
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2024. Published February 2024. Originally
be designated as Type I, Type II or Type III; and as Class 00,
approved in 2008. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as F2677 – 08a (2019).
DOI: 10:1520/F2677-08AR24.
Class 0, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, or Class 4.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
5.1.1 Type I, non-resistant to ozone, made from a high-grade
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
cis-1,4-polyisoprene rubber compound of natural or synthetic
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. origin, properly vulcanized.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2677 − 08a (2024)
TABLE 1 Voltage Requirements
10. Electrical Requirements
Maximum DC
Class Maximum AC Retest DC Retest 10.1 The material used to make the exposed area of the
Use
Designation Use Voltage Voltage, rms, Voltage, avg,
apron shall meet the electrical requirements of either Specifi-
Voltage rms,
of Apron rms, V V V
V
cations D1048, F1742, or F2320 in their entirety.
00 500 2500 750 10 000
10.2 The material used to construct the insulating apron
0 1000 5000 1500 20 000
shall be proof tested in accordance with the appropriate
1 7500 10 000 11 250 40 000
2 17 500 20 000 25 500 50 000
standard above prior to manufacturing.
3 26 500 30 000 39 750 60 000
4 36 000 40 000 54 000 70 000
11. Workmanship and Finish
11.1 Aprons shall be free on both the inner and outer
surf
...