What level of voltage do Class C hard hats protect against?

Class C hard hats are designed primarily for impact protection and provide no electrical insulation. Therefore, they do not specifically protect against voltage levels. It’s important to understand that the classifications of hard hats refer to their protective capabilities in different environments. While Class C hard hats have some resistance to electrical conductors, they do not meet the necessary electrical insulation requirements.

The focus of Class C hard hats is on providing protection from falling objects and other types of impacts rather than specific voltage levels, which is why understanding their limitations is essential for safety compliance. For environments where electrical hazards are present, a Class E or Class G hard hat is recommended, as these classes are specifically tested for and rated against electrical hazards at higher voltage levels.

In cases of voltage exposure, it is crucial to use the appropriate gear designed for electrical work. Class E hard hats, for instance, are tested to provide protection against high voltage up to 20,000 volts, whereas Class G offers protection up to 2,200 volts, making them suitable when dealing with electrical risk.