A common question in industrial safety is: What type of rubber protective equipment is ozone-resistant? It’s an important one, because while ozone is essential high in the atmosphere, at ground level it can be harmful to rubber products. Over time, ozone exposure can cause cracking, brittleness, and reduced durability—potentially putting workers at risk.
That’s why choosing the right ozone-resistant protective equipment matters. And with NOVAX® products, there are different options depending on the application and level of ozone resistance required.
Ozone reacts with rubber polymers, creating tiny cracks known as ozone cracking. At first, they may seem harmless, but repeated stretching or bending can make them spread quickly—compromising the protective qualities of the equipment.
For electrical workers, construction crews, and industrial teams, this raises the key question: what type of rubber protective equipment is ozone resistant, and which NOVAX® options should I choose?
NOVAX® insulated electrical gloves are Type 1 (Non-Ozone Resistant) under IEC/EN standards. However, special-property NOVAX® gloves are available with added resistance to ozone and other hazards.
Gloves can carry additional categories such as:
Z = Ozone resistance
A = Acid resistance
H = Oil resistance
R = Acid + oil + ozone resistance
C = Extreme low temperature resistance
By standard, an additional 0.60 mm thickness is allowed for gloves with these special properties, ensuring durability while meeting strict safety requirements.
In short, while standard NOVAX® gloves are non-ozone resistant, the special-property variants provide enhanced protection tailored to high-risk environments.
When it comes to broader coverage, NOVAX® insulating blankets are an excellent option. They are manufactured from EPDM, a Type 2 ozone-resistant rubber, making them highly durable even in ozone-heavy or outdoor environments.
This ensures long-lasting flexibility and reliability, helping protect workers from both electrical hazards and the gradual wear caused by ozone exposure.
For power utilities and industrial maintenance, hoses are often exposed to environmental stressors. NOVAX® insulating hoses are made from Type II ozone-resistant rubber, meaning they provide excellent durability and resistance to cracking—even in continuous outdoor use.
This makes them a preferred choice for reliable insulation in demanding conditions.
NOVAX® insulating sleeves are designed to provide high-quality electrical protection. However, they are manufactured from Type 1 (non-ozone resistant) rubber. Like the gloves, special-property variants can be considered when ozone resistance is required, but standard sleeves should be stored and maintained properly to reduce exposure to ozone.
So, what type of rubber protective equipment is ozone resistant? Within the NOVAX® range:
Gloves → Type 1 (non-ozone resistant) but available with special properties including ozone resistance.
Blankets → Made with EPDM Type 2 ozone-resistant rubber.
Insulating Hose → Made with Type II ozone-resistant rubber.
Sleeves → Type 1 (non-ozone resistant).
Understanding what type of rubber protective equipment is ozone resistant is essential for maintaining worker safety and ensuring long-term durability. Within the NOVAX® range, gloves and sleeves are standard Type 1, but NOVAX® Gloves can be specified with special properties for ozone resistance, while blankets and hoses are manufactured from Type 2 ozone-resistant rubber, making them highly reliable in challenging environments.
Type II Ozone Resistance means the rubber material is specially compounded to resist cracking, hardening, or surface damage caused by ozone exposure. Unlike Type I (non-ozone resistant) rubber, Type II rubber maintains its elasticity, strength, and protective qualities when exposed to ozone in the atmosphere. This property makes it ideal not only for rubber insulating Hose and Blanket, but also for other electrical safety gear and protective equipment used in outdoor or high-ozone environments.
By selecting the right products for the job, you protect workers, extend the lifespan of your equipment, and maintain compliance with safety standards.