What are electrical safety shoes?

Electrical safety footwear is specialized protective footwear designed to prevent electric shock when working on electrical equipment or networks. They comply with strict international standards (e.g. EH) and are distinguished from conventional work shoes by the special dielectric properties of the sole and the absence of conductive elements in the construction.

What are its special features?

At first glance, they look like ordinary boots. But in fact, inside is protection against one of the most dangerous hazards in the workplace: electric current. These shoes:

Does not carry current.
Withstands high voltage.
Protects even in case of accidental contact with a bare wire.
Remains reliable even in wet conditions.

Electrical safety footwear is not just about the durability of the work boots themselves, it’s about life-protecting technology.

What are the standards for electrical safety footwear?

You’ll often see acronyms in descriptions of work shoes. Here’s what they mean:

EH (Electrical Hazard) – Footwear designed to protect against accidental contact with a voltage source up to 18,000 volts. It is used at enterprises in the USA and Europe.
ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) – protection of equipment from static electricity accumulated on a person, but not protection of a person from electric shock.
E (Energy Absorption) – shoes with cushioning, not related to electrical safety, but useful in the complex of protection.

For work with real risks of electrocution, it is the EH protection that is important. In the TALAN catalog you can find shoes with this marking and a full description of the tolerances.

How do electrical safety shoes work?

The main role belongs to the sole. It is made of dielectric materials – most often polyurethane or special rubber. These materials are highly resistive and prevent the passage of current.

Also important:

Complete absence of metal elements or their complete isolation.
Special gaskets, seams and insoles tested under laboratory conditions.
Sealed construction so that moisture does not become a conductor.

Good footwear protects even when you have not noticed the danger yourself.

Why do I need electrical safety shoes?

Working with current is a high-risk area. One wrong step and the consequences can be fatal. That’s why safety shoes must not only be comfortable, but also technologically correct.

To whom electrical safety is particularly important:

Electricians and technicians.
Installers of power lines.
Personnel operating substations and control cabinets.
Employees working in wet, rainy, outdoor conditions.

What is the difference between dielectric, EH and ESD footwear?

Confusion over terms can be costly. Here’s a simple comparison:

Dielectric shoes are rubber boots designed to completely insulate the body from current, used on high voltage lines.
EH – shoes with dielectric soles that protect against accidental contact with a voltage source up to 18 kV.
ESD – shoes that prevent static damage to electronics, but are not intended for human protection.

The TALAN website clearly indicates which type of protection each model provides. This saves time and reduces the risk of mistakes.

Where is it needed but often forgotten?

Electrical safety shoes are not only needed in substations. They’re also recommended:

When installing street lighting.
In the maintenance of refrigeration equipment and server rooms.
In warehouses with machinery and shields.
When working with solar panels and direct current.

If you work with wires, panels or equipment, you need reliable footwear.

How do you choose the right model for you?

When choosing, pay attention to:

Whether there is an EH marking.
Whether the EN ISO 20345 standard is specified.
Is the sole resistance described in ohms.
Is there a validated test certificate.
Whether exposed metal parts are excluded.

Do not trust shoes without clear technical information. It is better to choose a trusted brand such as TALAN.

What mistakes are made when choosing electrical safety shoes?

Mistake #1: Confusion between EH and ESD

ESD footwear protects electronics, but not humans. Some people mistakenly think that it is suitable for working with current. In fact, only footwear labeled EH protects the worker from electrocution when exposed to voltage.

Mistake #2: No verified certification

Shoes without EH certification are a lottery. Even if they look good, in wet conditions, they can transmit electric current. Without laboratory testing, such a pair should not be used in an electrical environment.

Mistake #3: Worn or damaged pair

Worn soles, cracks, and tears all reduce the protective properties of work shoes. It is important to understand: shoes may look normal, but may no longer be safe. Therefore, if you are not sure, it is better to replace beforehand.

Mistake #4: Ignoring service life

Even without visible defects, dielectric properties weaken over time. Especially if the shoes are actively used. It is recommended to replace them every 6-12 months regardless of the degree of visible wear.

Mistake #5: Improper fit

A pair that is too loose, uncomfortable or chafing is an added risk. Without stability and a snug fit, no certification will save you. Comfort is also an element of protection.

What does TALAN offer?

TALAN is a company with 100 years of experience, in-house production and dozens of successful models. Every pair of shoes undergoes:

Dielectric tests.
Humidity and temperature tests.
Analyzed for durability and comfort.

The work shoes section features models that simultaneously protect, cushion and withstand extreme conditions. It’s more than footwear – it’s part of the professional outfit.

Conclusion: an option that can save lives

Electrical safety footwear for some workers is not an option, but a necessity. Especially if you work where electric current is not a rare occurrence, but part of the everyday environment.

With models from TALAN you are guaranteed comprehensive protection. Proven materials, reliable standards and all-day comfort – that’s what makes our shoes the right choice!