Before working on a hybrid vehicle's electrical power steering system, which personal protective equipment should a technician wear?

In the context of working on hybrid vehicles, safety is of paramount importance due to the high voltage systems they utilize. The electrical power steering system in hybrid vehicles can operate at significantly higher voltages than traditional vehicles. Insulated gloves serve to protect technicians from electric shock while handling these components.

Wearing insulated gloves rated at 1,000 volts provides an extra margin of safety, as hybrid systems may operate between 300 to 650 volts, and having gloves rated for 1,000 volts ensures that technicians remain protected even beyond the nominal voltage levels found in these systems. This level of protection is crucial because, in the event of accidental contact with live electrical parts, the technician would be safeguarded against electrical hazards.

Choosing gloves with a lower voltage rating, such as those rated for 200, 400, or even 800 volts, may not adequately protect the wearer when dealing with the potential for higher voltages present in hybrid and electric vehicle systems. Hence, the higher rating of 1,000 volts is the most prudent choice for ensuring technician safety in these environments.