Utility line work demands gloves that can keep up with precision-driven tasks in tough, outdoor environments. From installing and maintaining infrastructure to handling tools, cables, and hardware in both overhead and underground environments, linemen performing non-energized work rely on hand protection that won’t slow them down.

Dexterity plays a critical role in these applications. Gloves that are bulky or stiff can reduce control, increase fatigue, and create unnecessary risk – especially when work is performed at height or near electrical equipment, where proximity to arc flash hazards may require arc-rated hand protection. For safety managers, selecting the right glove material is key to balancing protection, performance, and wearability.

Goatskin leather has become a preferred choice for utility gloves due to its natural flexibility, lightweight feel, and durability. It supports high dexterity without sacrificing protection, making it well-suited for non-energized utility work. In this blog, we’ll break down how goatskin compares to other common glove materials and highlight the key features that matter most when specifying gloves for lineman crews.

What makes a utility glove?

Utility gloves are designed to support a wide range of general-purpose tasks across construction, maintenance, and a variety of utility environments.

Unlike task-specific gloves engineered for a single hazard, such as impact protection, cut resistance, or chemical exposure, utility gloves are built for versatility. They balance durability, grip, and dexterity to allow workers to handle tools, materials, and equipment efficiently throughout the day.

For safety managers, a quality utility glove delivers reliable performance across changing conditions while remaining comfortable enough for consistent, all-day wear. The goal is protection that supports productivity and compliance without over-engineering features that limit movement.

Why dexterity matters for lineman utility work

Many lineman tasks depend on precise hand control. From handling fasteners and connectors to managing cables and tools, non-energized utility work requires gloves that allow for controlled movement without compromising grip or protection.

When gloves limit tactile feedback, tasks take longer and fatigue increases, particularly during work performed at height, from bucket trucks, or in challenging outdoor conditions. Reduced dexterity can also impact compliance, as workers are more likely to remove gloves that interfere with their ability to work efficiently.

For safety managers, dexterity should be considered a safety and productivity factor. High-dexterity utility gloves help support consistent tool handling, reduce unnecessary strain, and allow workers to stay focused throughout long shifts.

How material choice impacts utility glove performance

Material selection plays a major role in utility glove performance in the field. While utility gloves can be made from a range of materials, some materials are better suited for certain tasks than others. That’s why leather has long been the preferred choice for utility applications; it offers a dependable balance of durability, grip, heat tolerance, and comfort across changing environments.

That said, not all leather performs the same. Different hides bring different strengths depending on the job demands:

• Heavy-duty tasks: Cowhide or buffalo leather are commonly used in rugged, high-impact environments where abrasion resistance and durability take priority.
• Dexterity and toughness: Goatskin leather is ideal for tasks that require flexibility and precise control without sacrificing durability.
• Wet or oily conditions: Pigskin leather remains soft and breathable when wet, making it a practical option for oily or moisture-heavy environments.

For safety managers evaluating utility glove materials, understanding these differences is key to selecting gloves that match real-world job demands. To explore how various leather types compare in more detail, and how to choose the right hide for specific applications, read our blog on choosing the right type of leather work gloves, which breaks down the most common leather options used in work gloves and where each performs best.

Goatskin work gloves are particularly well-suited for non-energized lineman utility work because they offer a rare balance of strength, flexibility, and tactile control. Goatskin has a naturally tight grain structure, which delivers high tensile strength without the added thickness of heavier leathers. This allows gloves to remain durable while supporting the fine motor control required for tool handling, cable management, and hardware installation. Plus, goatskin leather breaks in quickly and maintains that flexibility over time.

In many utility environments, material choice is also dependent on flame and thermal risk conditions. Safety managers must also consider whether flame-resistant or arc-protection is required based on task and proximity to electrical hazards – even if they’re working in a non-energized sector.

Flame-resistant and arc-rated gloves for non-energized utility work

Flame-resistant (FR) and arc-rated (AR) gloves are often confused in utility applications, but they are not interchangeable. Understanding the difference is critical when specifying protection for non-energized lineman work performed near electrical infrastructure.

Flame-resistant gloves are designed to resist ignition and self-extinguish when exposed to flame. They help reduce the risk of burns and secondary injuries in environments where sparks, flash fire, or brief thermal exposure may occur. FR gloves are commonly used in utility and energy applications where workers may be in proximity to electrical equipment but are not performing energized work.

Arc-rated gloves, on the other hand, are tested to withstand a specific level of thermal energy generated by an arc flash event. These gloves are assigned an arc rating (ATPV or EBT) and are typically required when tasks involve a known arc flash hazard and energized conditions.

That being said, in most cases, non-energized linemen work around de-energized systems, as the job title suggests. But they still work near equipment where proximity to arc flash hazards may require arc flash-rated protection based on task and exposure risk.

It’s also important to clarify what these gloves are not. Utility gloves designed for non-energized utility work – whether FR or AR-rated – are NOT voltage-rated rubber insulating gloves and should never be used as primary protection for energized line work.

Finding the right gloves for non-energized lineman work

For safety managers supporting utility services and electrical power operations, including generation, transmission, and distribution, glove selection for non-energized line work must balance dexterity, durability, and task-specific thermal risk. Both the Chrome SLT® 5080 and 5081 are designed for non-energized utility applications, but each serves a different purpose depending on job demands.

Chrome SLT® 5080: Unlined utility glove for general line work

The 5080 is designed for non-energized utility maintenance and general line work where precision, comfort, and dexterity are the primary requirements.

Key considerations:

• Flame-resistant construction for non-energized utility work
• Thin goatskin leather supports high dexterity for tool handling and work inside electrical panels
• Arc Flash PPE Category 4 (ATPV: 47 cal/cm²)
• Ergonomic wing-style thumb promotes natural hand movement
• Water-resistant leather improves comfort and compliance in outdoor environments
• Touchscreen-compatible middle finger supports tablet- and screen-based equipment
• Impact-free design maintains tactile control during precision tasks

Best suited for:

• General non-energized utility work
• Overhead and underground utility maintenance
• Applications where arc-flash proximity exists but additional cut or heat protection is not required

Chrome SLT® 5081: Lined utility glove for higher thermal risk

The 5081 builds on the same high-dexterity goatskin platform as the 5080, with additional protection features for applications with elevated risk.

Key considerations:

• Flame-resistant construction for elevated thermal risk environments
• Arc Flash PPE Category 4 (ATPV: 68 cal/cm²)
• 360° cut resistance via aramid liner (ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 level A4)
• Contact heat resistance up to 392°F (ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 Level 3)
• Water-resistant goatskin leather maintains flexibility and grip in outdoor conditions
• Touchscreen-compatible middle finger for modern utility equipment use

Best suited for:

• Non-energized utility work with cut or heat exposure
• Overhead and underground applications near electrical equipment
• Tasks where flame-resistant hand protection is required by task assessment

HexArmor® can help

Choosing gloves for non-energized lineman work goes beyond comfort and durability. Material selection, dexterity, and thermal risk all play a role in ensuring protection that workers will actually wear.

Whether you’re evaluating glove materials, determining when flame-resistant or arc-rated protection is required, or selecting gloves designed for precision-driven utility work, our team can help you match the right solution to your job demands and safety standards. Call 1.877.MY ARMOR or send us a message.

See HexArmor's utility glove options