Re: Re: Is leather a non-conductor of electricity (to any degree)?

Hi Mike,

Another way to ask your question would be whether leather is a CONDUCTOR to any degree. My 
answer to that would be YES. In fact, all materials will conduct to some degree. Those least able 
are usually thought to "resist to some degree". There are few perfect conductors and no perfect 
insulators. EX: Aluminum is lighter and cheaper than copper; but less of a conductor and require 
larger wires to compensate. Silver and gold are better conductors; but are not as strong and then 
there is the problem of cost.

Now if you're really asking if leather gloves will protect you from danger in some electrical 
activity, the answer is somewhere in between. In that case, you want to prevent too much current 
passing through vital organs ... usually the heart. The heart, in addition to being an organ you 
don't want to injure, is pretty much in line with your two arms. Getting both hands involved with 
the current path is not a good idea. One hand in the wrong place may only cause harm in one 
arm and down a leg. Old-timers were known to be a little careless around electricity; but they 
were also seen with one hand in a pocket.

You've not mentioned what voltages you're talking about, so I'll assume nothing greater than 
220v and that you'll not be climbing any poles. In that case dry leather gloves would prevent 
conduction of any serious current ... ~100ma. However, leather is pourous and will absorb water 
and/or solutions. If the leather becomes damp from rain (or worse—perspiration) then you have 
a secondary conductor with much less resistance to current flow.

To a lesser extent, your own leather/hide/skin is protection too. Dry or calloused hands will not 
allow as much flow as soft or moist skin. Many electricians will work with live household voltages 
with their bare hands. A quick touch can identify the "hot" line. A little tingle may be all that's 
felt. However, that is done with dry skin. You don't wet your fingers first.

Bottom line: Dry leather will partially limit harm from lower voltages. 

Hope this helps,
G L Ewald