Along with different Types, hard hats also have different Classes. A hard hat’s Class indicates the level of protection it provides against electrical charges.
There are 3 Classes of protection:
Class E (20,000 volt electrical rating) hard hats reduce exposure to high voltage conductors up to 20,000 volts. These are generally used by those working in electrical trades and made from non-conductive materials.
Class G (2,200 volt electrical rating) hard hats reduce exposure to low voltage conductors up to 2,200 volts. These are commonly used in general trades and are also made from non-conductive materials.
Class C hard hats do not provide any protection against electrical conductors. These types of hard hats are considered to be conductive and have no electrical rating.
When choosing a hard hat, always make sure it is the appropriate type and class for your specific situation.