This specification covers acceptance testing of rubber insulating covers for use as portable protective devices for protection of workers from accidental contact with live electrical conductors, apparatus, or circuits. It includes insulator hoods, dead-end protectors, line hose connectors, cable end covers, and miscellaneous covers. The electrical, physical, and chemical requirements of this specification shall apply also to any new or modified styles of covers that may be developed for specific purposes. The covers shall be of three types: Type I — non-resistant to ozone, made from a high-grade cis-1,4-polyisoprene rubber compound of natural or synthetic origin, properly vulcanized; Type II - ozone resistant, made of any elastomer or combination of elastomeric compounds; and Type III - ozone-resistant, made of any combination of elastomer and thermoplastic polymer, elastic in nature. Electrical proof, ozone resistance, chemical, and physical tests shall be conducted on each of the covers to determine its acceptability. The cover material shall conform to the tensile strength requirements, the accelerated aging, and for Type I covers, the determination of rubber polymer. Each cover shall withstand the specified ac proof-test voltage (rms value) or the dc proof-test voltage (average value).

1.1 This specification covers acceptance testing of rubber insulating covers for use as portable protective devices for protection of workers from accidental contact with live electrical conductors, apparatus, or circuits. It includes insulator hoods, dead-end protectors, line hose connectors, cable end covers, and miscellaneous covers. The electrical, physical, and chemical requirements of this specification shall apply also to any new or modified styles of covers that may be developed for specific purposes.

1.2 Three types of covers, differing in chemical and physical characteristics, are provided, and are designated as Type I, non-resistant to ozone, and Type II and Type III, resistant to ozone.

1.3 Five classes of covers, differing in electrical characteristics, are provided, and are designated as Class 0, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4.

1.4 Five styles of covers, differing in design characteristics, are provided, and are designated as Style A, Style B, Style C, Style D, and Style E.

Note 1—Because of the use requirements some covers are semi-rigid and others flexible. The flexible devices should remain suitably flexible for application and removal through normal temperatures of -29 to 54.5°C (-20 to 130°F).

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. See 18.2.