MSA Super-V Type 2 Cap Style Hard Hat — Type II, Class E, Cap-Style
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — MSA Super-V Type 2 Cap Style Safety Hard Hat Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published MSA specifications and category fit. We did not labo...
Check Price on Amazon🔒 Amazon Associate · You pay the same price · We earn a small commission
Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published MSA specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test this product.
MSA Super-V Type 2 Cap Style Hard Hat — Type II, Class E, Cap-Style Overview
MSA Super-V Type 2 Cap Style Hard Hat
The MSA Super-V is a cap-style hard hat built for crews who need Type II top- and lateral-impact protection together with Class E electrical insulation rated to 20,000 volts. It carries the ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 Type II, Class E certification, making it suitable for utility, electrical, and heavy-construction work where a job hazard analysis flags both side-impact and high-voltage exposure.
Unlike a full-brim hard hat, the Super-V uses a compact cap-style shell with a front brim only. That low profile clears confined overhead spaces, sits comfortably under welding hoods, and accepts standard slotted accessories — face shields, earmuffs, and lamp brackets. If you need full 360-degree brim coverage for sun and rain run-off, compare it against our full-brim hard hats; if you need top-only Type I protection in a vented shell for hot, no-electrical environments, see our vented hard hats instead.
Who it's for
Electricians, linemen, utility and substation crews, welders, and general construction workers who require a Type II lateral-impact rating and Class E dielectric protection in a slim cap-style form factor. Not for use where a conductive (Class C) or general-only (Class G) rating is acceptable substitute — the Super-V is built specifically for the 20kV Class E electrical hazard. New to the rating system? Start with our hard hat classes explained guide, then use the hard hat selection guide to match the shell to your hazard.
Important: replacement and inspection
Under OSHA 1910.135, replace any hard hat after a significant impact or penetration — even if no damage is visible — and at the manufacturer's stated service life or shell date code. Inspect the shell and suspension before each shift and follow our how to adjust a hard hat suspension instructions to keep the fit and standoff correct.
What It Is Built For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical / utility & substation work (energized hazards up to 20kV) | Excellent | Class E dielectric rating to 20,000 volts is the core use case — pair with arc-rated PPE per your job hazard analysis. |
| Heavy construction with side-impact (lateral) hazards | Excellent | Type II rating adds lateral-impact protection on top of top-impact; suited to falling/swinging-object and tight-clearance sites. |
| Welding under hoods / overhead-tight spaces | Good | Low-profile cap-style shell clears confined overhead and seats under welding shields; add slotted welding lugs as needed. |
| All-day outdoor sun and rain run-off | Limited | Cap-style brim covers the front only — choose a full-brim hard hat for 360-degree shade and water run-off. |
| Hot, no-electrical environments needing airflow | Not suitable | Class E shells are non-vented by design; a vented Class C or Class G hard hat is the correct pick where no electrical hazard exists. |
A hard hat protects only if it fits and is in date. Match the impact type (Type I top-only vs Type II top + lateral) and electrical class (Class E 20kV / G 2.2kV / C conductive — never wear Class C near electrical) to the hazard. Adjust the suspension for a snug, level fit, inspect the shell and suspension before each use, and replace at the manufacturer date code (shells about 5 years, suspensions about 12 months from first use, and immediately after any impact). OSHA 29 CFR 1910.135 / 1926.100 requires head protection where objects may fall. See how to adjust a hard hat suspension and hard hat classes explained.
Pros & Cons
- ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 Type II — protects against both top and lateral (side) impact
- Class E dielectric rating provides electrical insulation up to 20,000 volts
- Low-profile cap-style shell clears tight overhead spaces and seats under welding hoods
- Accepts standard slotted accessories: face shields, earmuffs, and lamp brackets
- Backed by MSA's long-standing reputation in industrial head protection
- Cap-style brim covers the front only — no 360-degree sun or rain run-off like a full-brim
- Class E shells are non-vented, so they run warmer than a vented Class C in hot conditions
- Not appropriate where a conductive (Class C) rating is required near no electrical hazard
- Must be replaced after any impact and at the shell date code under OSHA 1910.135
How It Compares
MSA Super-V vs. related MSA & cap-style options
| Model | Type | Class | Brim | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSA Super-V (this hat) | Type II | Class E (20kV) | Cap-style | Side-impact + electrical work in a low-profile shell |
| Bullard S61 Cap-Style | Verify on listing | Verify on listing | Cap-style | Lightweight HDPE cap-style with 4-point ratchet suspension |
| Klein KARBN Full-Brim Class E | Verify on listing | Class E | Full-brim | Class E electrical work needing 360-degree brim coverage |
| MSA V-Gard H2 Safety Helmet | Type II | Class E | Full-brim | Type II climbing/work-at-height with integrated chinstrap |
Need a chin-strapped climbing-style helmet instead of a traditional hard hat? Browse our safety helmets. For the full lineup of shells, see all hard hats.
Specifications
| ANSI Type | Type II (top + lateral impact), per ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 |
| Electrical Class | Class E (dielectric to 20,000 volts) |
| Brim Style | Cap-style (front brim only) |
| Vented | No (venting is incompatible with Class E) |
| Accessory Slots | Standard slotted for face shields, earmuffs, and lamp brackets |
| Brand / Model | MSA Super-V |
| Standard | ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014; use per OSHA 1910.135 |
Related Resources
hard hats cap-style hard hats full-brim hard hats vented hard hats safety helmets hard hat selection guide hard hat classes explained how to adjust a hard hat suspension bullard s61 cap style hard hat hdpe 4 po msa v gard h2 full brim safety helmet wi
Frequently Asked Questions
What ANSI rating does the MSA Super-V cap-style hard hat carry?
It is certified to ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 as Type II (top and lateral impact) and Class E (dielectric protection to 20,000 volts). Always confirm the rating on the current listing and the shell label before purchase.
Is the MSA Super-V a Type I or Type II hard hat?
Type II. That means it's tested for both top impact and lateral (side) impact, unlike a Type I shell, which is tested for top impact only. Choose Type II when your job hazard analysis flags side-impact risk.
Can I wear the Super-V for electrical work?
Yes. Its Class E rating provides dielectric (electrical) insulation up to 20,000 volts, which is the highest electrical class in the standard. Pair it with the rest of your arc-rated and insulated PPE as your job hazard analysis requires.
Is this a cap-style or a full-brim hard hat?
It is a cap-style hard hat — a front brim only, with a low-profile shell. If you need a 360-degree brim for sun and rain run-off, compare our full-brim hard hats instead.
Is the MSA Super-V vented?
No. Class E electrical-rated shells are non-vented by design, because vent holes would compromise the dielectric protection. If you need airflow and have no electrical hazard, look at a vented Class C model.
What's the difference between Class E, Class G, and Class C?
Class E is rated to 20,000 volts, Class G to 2,200 volts, and Class C offers no electrical protection (often vented/conductive). The Super-V is Class E, so it carries the strongest electrical rating. Our hard hat classes explained guide breaks down each one.
Can I add a face shield or earmuffs to the Super-V?
Yes — the shell accepts standard slotted accessories such as face shields, earmuffs, and lamp brackets. Confirm slot compatibility for your specific accessory before ordering.
How is the suspension adjusted?
Adjust the headband and crown straps so the shell sits level with the proper standoff between your head and the shell. Our how-to-adjust-a-hard-hat-suspension guide walks through the steps for a secure, comfortable fit.
How often do I need to replace this hard hat?
Replace it immediately after any impact or penetration — even with no visible damage — and at the manufacturer's service-life limit or the shell date code, per OSHA 1910.135. Inspect the shell and suspension before each shift.
How does the Super-V compare to the MSA V-Gard H2 safety helmet?
Both are Type II, Class E. The Super-V is a traditional cap-style hard hat; the V-Gard H2 is a climbing-style safety helmet with an integrated chinstrap for work at height. Choose by form factor and whether you need a chinstrap.
Is the Super-V good for welding?
Its low-profile cap-style shell seats well under welding hoods and accepts slotted welding lugs, so it's a practical choice for welders. Verify lug compatibility and add the correct welding accessory for your setup.
Where does this fit in WC Safety's hard hat range?
It's our pick when you need Type II side-impact protection plus Class E 20kV insulation in a compact cap-style shell. Browse all cap-style hard hats, full-brim hard hats, or safety helmets to compare form factors, and use the hard hat selection guide to match the shell to your hazard.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial. Specifications sourced from MSA published data. Compare the range in hard hats.
WC Safety is an independent PPE retailer and Amazon Associate; no paid placement. Match the product to your specific hazard and follow your site PPE program.
Customer Reviews
Write a Review
Thank you for your review!
Your submission has been received and will be published after verification.