What voltage does a Class E hard hat protect against?

Class E hard hats are tested to withstand up to 20,000 volts AC under ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 . The 'E' stands for Electrical, and this class is the highest electrical protection tier available in the ANSI hard hat classification system. They are designed for workers who may be near high-voltage equipment, overhead lines, or exposed conductors on commercial or industrial jobsites.

Can I get my company logo printed on a Class E hard hat?

Yes. Imprints are available in four locations (front, back, right side, left side) and up to four colors can be printed on each location. The logos are printed directly onto the hard hat using a PAD Printing process. We can also apply DTF transfers for full color logos if you require more than 4 colors.

How do I know if the hard hat I am ordering is actually Class E rated?

Every compliant hard hat must have the ANSI class stamped or printed inside the shell. Class E helmets will show 'Class E' inside. We list the ANSI rating on each product page. If you need to verify compliance for a specific jobsite or OSHA inspection, confirm with the product specs before ordering. Customers are responsible for verifying ANSI/OSHA compliance for their own use case.

What file format should I send for custom artwork on a Class E hard hat?

We accept vector files (AI, EPS, PDF). Vector files produce the sharpest results for logos with crisp lines and text. If you only have a JPG, raster or low-res file, contact us before ordering and our team can assist with getting it converted to vector format.

How long does it take to receive a custom-printed Class E hard hat order?

Standard production typically takes 12-20 business days after artwork approval. Shipping via FedEx or UPS adds transit time based on your location. If you need hats by a specific date, contact us before placing your order so we can confirm feasibility.

Do you offer bulk pricing for Class E hard hat orders?

Yes. Orders of 12 or more hard hats qualify for tiered bulk pricing. The more units you order, the lower the per-unit cost. This is a popular option for general contractors, electrical companies, and utility crews outfitting full teams. Contact us for a quote on large orders.

Are vented hard hats available in Class E?

No. Vented hard hats cannot achieve Class E certification because the ventilation openings compromise the electrical insulation barrier. If your crew needs electrical protection, you must use a non-vented shell. This is an important distinction when comparing models. Class C (Conductive) hard hats are often vented but offer zero electrical protection.

Class E Hard Hats: Voltage Rating & Custom Printing

Common Questions from Class E Hard Hat Buyers

What voltage does a Class E hard hat protect against?: Class E hard hats are tested to withstand up to 20,000 volts AC under ANSI/ISEA Z89.1. The 'E' stands for Electrical, and this class is the highest electrical protection tier available in the ANSI hard hat classification system. They are designed for workers who may be near high-voltage equipment, overhead lines, or exposed conductors on commercial or industrial jobsites.
Can I get my company logo printed on a Class E hard hat?: Yes. Imprints are available in four locations (front, back, right side, left side) and up to four colors can be printed on each location. The logos are printed directly onto the hard hat using a PAD Printing process. We can also apply DTF transfers for full color logos if you require more than 4 colors.
How do I know if the hard hat I am ordering is actually Class E rated?: Every compliant hard hat must have the ANSI class stamped or printed inside the shell. Class E helmets will show 'Class E' inside. We list the ANSI rating on each product page. If you need to verify compliance for a specific jobsite or OSHA inspection, confirm with the product specs before ordering. Customers are responsible for verifying ANSI/OSHA compliance for their own use case.
What file format should I send for custom artwork on a Class E hard hat?: We accept vector files (AI, EPS, PDF). Vector files produce the sharpest results for logos with crisp lines and text. If you only have a JPG, raster or low-res file, contact us before ordering and our team can assist with getting it converted to vector format.
How long does it take to receive a custom-printed Class E hard hat order?: Standard production typically takes 12-20 business days after artwork approval. Shipping via FedEx or UPS adds transit time based on your location. If you need hats by a specific date, contact us before placing your order so we can confirm feasibility.
Do you offer bulk pricing for Class E hard hat orders?: Yes. Orders of 12 or more hard hats qualify for tiered bulk pricing. The more units you order, the lower the per-unit cost. This is a popular option for general contractors, electrical companies, and utility crews outfitting full teams. Contact us for a quote on large orders.
Are vented hard hats available in Class E?: No. Vented hard hats cannot achieve Class E certification because the ventilation openings compromise the electrical insulation barrier. If your crew needs electrical protection, you must use a non-vented shell. This is an important distinction when comparing models. Class C (Conductive) hard hats are often vented but offer zero electrical protection.

What Is a Class E Hard Hat?

Under ANSI/ISEA Z89.1, hard hats are classified by two categories: Type (which describes impact protection geometry) and Class (which describes electrical insulation performance). The Class rating has three tiers: Class E (Electrical), Class G (General), and Class C (Conductive).

Class E is the top electrical protection tier. Hard hats in this class are non-vented thermoplastic or fiberglass shells tested to withstand 20,000 volts AC proof-test voltage with a maximum leakage of 9 milliamps. That makes them the required choice for electricians, powerline workers, utility technicians, and anyone working in proximity to high-voltage electrical systems.

Class G hard hats are tested to 2,200 volts, which covers lower-voltage environments. Class C hard hats provide no electrical insulation whatsoever and should never be used near live electrical components.

The Class E designation applies to the shell only. Accessories like vented inserts, metal brackets, or aluminum suspension parts can compromise the insulation, so it is important to use Class E-approved hardware throughout the system.

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Class E Hard Hats: What Is the Difference?

The Type designation describes where the hard hat provides impact protection, and it is separate from the Class electrical rating.

Type 1 hard hats protect the top of the head only. They are the traditional cap-style design with a forward brim and no side-impact protection built into the suspension. Type 1 Class E hard hats are common in general electrical contracting and construction environments.

Type 2 hard hats are designed to protect against lateral impacts as well as top impacts. The shell and suspension system include additional padding or reinforcement on the sides of the head. Type 2 Class E hard hats are specified in environments with higher risk of side-strike hazards, such as climbing, utility pole work, mining, and confined-space operations.

The Honeywell Fibre-Metal Climbing Style Safety Helmet featured on this page is a Type II (Type 2) Class E helmet specifically built for climbing applications. It includes a dual locking ratchet suspension and a non-vented shell to maintain its Class E electrical rating. This is a common choice for linemen, tower climbers, and utility workers who need both lateral impact protection and high-voltage insulation.

For buyers comparing options, a Type 1 Class E hard hat is appropriate for most ground-level electrical work. A Type 2 Class E hard hat is the right choice when workers are elevated or at risk of impacts from multiple directions.

When Must a Class E Hard Hat Be Worn?

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.100 requires head protection when workers are exposed to electrical hazards. The specific voltage thresholds and exposure scenarios on your jobsite determine whether Class E is required.

Class E hard hats are typically required or strongly recommended in these situations:

- Electrical utility and powerline construction where workers operate near energized high-voltage lines (above 2,200 volts)
- Industrial facilities with exposed high-voltage buss bars, switchgear, or overhead distribution systems
- Transformer installation and maintenance
- Substation construction and commissioning
- Tower and telecommunications work near energized components
- Mining operations near electrical haulage equipment

For lower-voltage environments, Class G may be acceptable. Your site safety plan and the specific electrical hazard analysis should dictate the minimum class required. Class E is never the wrong choice electrically, it simply exceeds requirements in lower-voltage settings rather than falling short.

Class C hard hats must never be worn in any environment where electrical contact is a possibility. If there is any ambiguity on your site, default to Class E.

Are Carbon Fiber Hard Hats Class E?

Carbon fiber hard hats present an important safety consideration. Traditional woven carbon fiber is electrically conductive, which means a carbon fiber shell cannot achieve Class E or Class G ratings. Wearing a conductive carbon fiber hard hat near energized equipment is a serious hazard.

Some manufacturers produce hard hats described as 'carbon fiber style' or with a carbon fiber appearance, but these are made from thermoplastic with a printed or textured carbon-fiber-look finish. These helmets can carry Class E ratings because the shell is actually non-conductive polycarbonate or ABS plastic with a cosmetic finish.

If you are shopping for a carbon fiber look with electrical protection, confirm that the shell material is listed as non-conductive thermoplastic and that the product is explicitly marked Class E in its ANSI certification. Do not assume the appearance equals the rating.

At CustomHardHats.com, all Class E helmets we sell are non-vented, non-conductive thermoplastic or fiberglass shells with documented ANSI ratings. We can print a carbon fiber graphic on a compliant Class E shell if you want the aesthetic without the hazard.

Class E vs. Class G vs. Class C Hard Hats

Understanding the full class spectrum helps buyers make the right selection for their crew and avoids costly errors on compliance-reviewed jobsites.

Class E (Electrical): Tested to 20,000 volts. Required for high-voltage environments. Non-vented only. Used by electricians, linemen, utility workers, and industrial maintenance crews.

Class G (General): Tested to 2,200 volts. Covers most standard construction environments where incidental contact with low-voltage sources is possible. This is the most common class on residential and commercial construction sites.

Class C (Conductive): No electrical rating. Often available in vented designs for comfort in heat. Should only be used in environments where there is zero risk of electrical contact. Never appropriate for electrical trades.

The most common confusion buyers encounter involves the phrase 'Class 2 hard hat', which is not an ANSI electrical class. Type 2 refers to lateral impact protection, not electrical rating. A Type 2 Class E hard hat has both lateral impact protection and high-voltage insulation. Make sure you are comparing the correct specification when sourcing gear for your team.

ANSI Hard Hat Class Comparison: E vs. G vs. C

Specification	Class E (Electrical)	Class G (General)	Class C (Conductive)
Voltage Test Level	20,000 volts AC	2,200 volts AC	No protection
Max Leakage Current	9 milliamps	9 milliamps	None
Vented Options Available	No	Yes	Yes
Typical Use	High-voltage electrical, utility, linework	General construction, low-voltage environments	Non-electrical environments only
Electrician / Lineman Safe	Yes	Lower-voltage only	Never
Custom Printing Available	Yes	Yes	Yes
Shell Material	Non-conductive thermoplastic or fiberglass	Non-conductive thermoplastic	Thermoplastic (may be metallic)

Custom-Printed Class E Hard Hats Available Now

The Honeywell Fibre-Metal Climbing Style Safety Helmet is a Type II, Class E rated helmet built for demanding electrical and climbing applications. Order with your company logo, crew names, or full-color artwork printed on front, back, left, and right panels. Minimum order is 6 units per color. Select your color below.