Dielectric boots and EH-rated boots both insulate the wearer from electricity, but they are tested to different standards for different exposure levels — and using the wrong one for the task is an electrical safety failure. This guide explains the difference, with reference to
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Shield Wings’ dielectric boots.
What Is the Core Difference?
The core difference is the testing standard and the intended exposure: dielectric boots are tested to a dedicated high-voltage standard for work near energized equipment, while EH-rated boots provide secondary protection against incidental electrical contact.
| Feature | Dielectric boots | EH-rated boots |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM F1117 | ASTM F2413 (EH) |
| Purpose | Work near live conductors | Incidental contact |
| Construction | Fully non-conductive | Non-conductive outsole |
| Typical users | Utility and substation crews | General electrical work |
Both are insulating footwear, but the level of testing and the design intent differ. Dielectric boots are built and tested for workers who may contact energized equipment; EH boots are a secondary safeguard for general industry. The task and the electrical safety program decide which is required.
How Are They Tested Differently?
Dielectric boots are proof-tested at high voltage with strict leakage limits under ASTM F1117, while EH-rated boots are tested at 18,000 V under ASTM F2413 — a different test for a different exposure.
The dielectric test verifies the boot can withstand a high-voltage proof test without excessive leakage, and the certificate states the tested voltage. The EH test verifies the outsole provides insulation against incidental contact at a defined voltage. The difference in the tests reflects the difference in use: dielectric boots are relied on near energized high-voltage equipment, while EH boots are a secondary layer for lower-risk contact. The certificate for the exact model is the evidence of which test was passed.
Which Tasks Need Which?
Utility and substation crews working on or near energized high-voltage equipment typically require dielectric footwear under their electrical safety program, while general electricians and maintenance roles are commonly served by EH-rated boots.
The requirement varies by jurisdiction, employer program, and equipment voltage — there is no universal rule. The site’s electrical safety procedure names the footwear requirement for each task, and the decision should follow it. Confirm the requirement in your site’s electrical safety procedures before choosing.
What Ruins Insulating Footwear?
Moisture, contamination, embedded metal, cracks, and improper storage ruin insulating footwear — any of them can create a conductive path that bypasses the insulation.
The insulation is only as good as the material’s integrity. Moisture and conductive contamination bridge the insulation; embedded metal creates a direct path; cracks and wear expose the foot; storage near heat, sunlight, and ozone degrades the rubber. Inspect dielectric and EH boots before every use, keep them clean and dry, and never modify them with metal fasteners or repairs. Any boot involved in an electrical incident should be removed from service and inspected or replaced.
How Do You Choose Between Them?
Choose by the electrical safety program: if the task places the worker near energized high-voltage equipment, dielectric footwear with the applicable documentation; if the risk is incidental contact, EH-rated boots with the matching certificate.
Start with the site’s hazard assessment and electrical safety procedures, then confirm the footwear standard with the certificate for the exact model. Consider the environment too — the boot must also handle the site’s other hazards, from slip resistance to puncture. Run a wear trial with the crew, because an uncomfortable boot is a compliance problem. The right choice is the one the electrical safety program requires, with the documentation to prove it.
Electrical footwear is secondary protection and does not replace de-energization, insulated tools, or the employer’s electrical safety procedure; confirm all selections against the job hazard assessment and the applicable standard.
Buyers should also consider the full environment when selecting insulating footwear: the site’s other hazards — slip, puncture, cold, and moisture — belong in the same specification, and the boot must handle them without weakening its electrical role. Work with a manufacturer that can confirm the footwear standard for the exact model, provide the test documentation, and advise on the fit and care that keep the insulation intact. Electrical footwear programs should include the inspection routine, the proof-test schedule where required, and the storage rules, because the protection is only as good as the material’s condition on the day it is worn.
Evidence to Verify Before Approving Dielectric Boots vs EH Rated Boots: What’s the Difference
A supplier claim is not enough to approve Dielectric Boots vs EH Rated Boots. The purchasing file should connect the workplace hazard to the exact model, its supporting documents, and the configuration workers will actually receive.
| Verification item | What to request | Reason to stop approval |
|---|---|---|
| Hazard basis | Task, exposure, environment, and the site assessment that created the requirement | The product is being selected from a catalogue without a documented hazard basis |
| Exact product identity | Model, size range, material or component specification, and revision | The quotation and test document refer to different models or constructions |
| Model-specific evidence | Applicable standard, edition, test method, result, laboratory, and report date | Only a generic certificate, logo, or supplier declaration is available |
| System compatibility | Instructions showing how the item works with the rest of the PPE ensemble | Fit, coverage, accessories, or another PPE item creates a protection gap |
| Receipt and change control | Approved sample, SKU or lot link, inspection criteria, and notice of material changes | The delivered item cannot be tied back to the approved sample and evidence |
For U.S. programs, keep this evidence with the employer’s PPE assessment and training records. OSHA’s general PPE requirements make hazard assessment, suitable equipment, proper fit, and employee training separate obligations; a product certificate does not replace them. See 29 CFR 1910.132.
When to Reopen the Selection Decision
Approval should not be treated as permanent. Reassess Dielectric Boots vs EH Rated Boots when the work, product, evidence, or condition changes.
- The task or exposure changes: repeat the hazard assessment before carrying the old specification into a new process, energy level, temperature, chemical, or work location.
- The supplied construction changes: obtain revised model-specific evidence when fabric, coating, component, accessory, test standard, or manufacturing route changes.
- Fit or compatibility fails: stop issue when movement, coverage, visibility, communication, dexterity, or another PPE item is compromised.
- Damage or contamination appears: follow the manufacturer’s inspection and retirement instructions rather than relying on appearance alone.
- Records no longer match: quarantine stock when the label, SKU, batch, user instructions, and supporting report cannot be reconciled.
This review gate turns procurement into a controlled decision: hazard → model → evidence → fit trial → receipt inspection → periodic reassessment.
FAQs
What records and field checks keep the footwear program honest?
Keep the certificate and the proof-test records with each pair in service, so the field and the audit see the same evidence.
Is EH-rated footwear enough for high-voltage work?
Not necessarily. Crews working near energized high-voltage equipment are typically required by their electrical safety program to use dielectric footwear; confirm the requirement.
How often should dielectric boots be tested?
Follow the manufacturer’s and employer’s schedule, and inspect before every use; requirements vary, so document the cycle.
Can dielectric boots be used for regular work too?
They can, but heavy industrial use shortens their life and increases contamination risk; keep them for the electrical environment.
How do we get the right footwear for our crews?
Share your electrical safety requirements, and we will confirm the footwear with documentation via our contact page or the dielectric boots page .