Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Electricians: A Guide Every UK Trainee Should Know

Electrical safety doesn’t just start with a good set of tools—it starts with wearing the right protection. Whether you’re rewiring a socket in a domestic home, testing live panels in a commercial building, or troubleshooting high-voltage equipment, the risks can be life-threatening. That’s where PPE—Personal Protective Equipment—comes in. As an experienced electrician and now a lecturer, I’ve seen firsthand how proper PPE has prevented injuries and saved lives. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about PPE in the electrical trade, especially if you’re currently in training or considering an electrical career. We’ll cover standards, legal responsibilities, task-specific gear, and how to build lifelong habits that will keep you and your team safe on site.