Which statement correctly describes the relationship between proof test voltage and max use voltage for rubber gloves?

• A. Max use voltage is higher than proof test voltage.
• B. Proof test voltage is higher than max use voltage.
• C. They are always equal.
• D. They are unrelated.

Answer: (B)

The idea behind testing rubber insulating gloves is to ensure the insulation holds up even at voltages higher than what you’d normally use. The proof test voltage is applied at a level above the maximum voltage the glove is rated for in actual work. This creates a safety margin so that any cracks, defects, or weak spots would show up as leakage or breakdown during the test, preventing a failure in real service. The maximum use voltage is simply the highest voltage the glove is rated to protect against during normal operation, not the voltage used for testing. So the proof test voltage being higher than the max use voltage is the correct relationship.