Milwaukee Hard Hat Guide: Type 1 vs. Type 2, Class C vs. Class E, and Every Model Explained

If you're on a job site, a hard hat isn't optional. It's the first thing you put on and the last thing you think about, which means it needs to fit right, stay comfortable through a full shift, and meet all ANSI or OSHA requirements your job demands. Milwaukee's hard hat lineup covers everything from traditional Type 1 hard hats to BOLT Safety Helmets with Type 2 side impact protection, in enough colors and configurations to outfit any trade crew.

Before you pick a hard hat, it helps to know what those Type 1, Type 2, Class C, and Class E labels actually mean. OSHA and ANSI set the standards, and they're not just marketing categories.

Type 1 vs. Type 2

Type 1 hard hats protect against impacts to the top of the head only. They're the traditional style you've seen on job sites for decades and they meet ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 standards for top impact protection. Most standard construction and general trades work requires at least Type 1.

Type 2 hard hats protect against impacts from the top AND the sides. That's a meaningful difference if a tool, board, or piece of equipment could catch you from the side or at an angle. Milwaukee's BOLT Safety Helmets are all Type 2. They include a chin strap because side impact protection only works if the helmet stays on your head during the impact.

Class C, Class E, and Class G

The class rating is about electrical protection, not impact protection. Here's what each one means for your trade:

• Class C (Conductive): No electrical protection. Most vented hard hats are Class C because vents break the electrical insulation. Right for construction, plumbing, HVAC, and any trade that doesn't work near energized equipment.

• Class E (Electrical): Tested to withstand up to 20,000 volts. Required for electricians, linemen, and utility workers. Always non-vented.

• Class G (General): Tested to 2,200 volts. Not covered in the Milwaukee lineup here. Most electrical trade workers go Class E.
  

Milwaukee's Type 1 hard hats are the traditional style that's been on job sites for decades. They meet ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type 1 standards for top impact protection and every one of them is built into Milwaukee's BOLT accessory system, meaning you can add a headlamp mount, face shield, visor, or earmuffs without zip ties or aftermarket hardware. All Type 1 Milwaukee hard hats include a ratcheting suspension and a moisture-wicking sweatband.

Color coding on job sites is common, especially on large commercial or industrial projects where different trades or subcontractors wear different colors. Milwaukee's Type 1 lineup covers white, yellow, blue, green, red, black, orange, and gray so you've got options no matter what your site requires.

Front brim hard hats have a peak at the front only. They're the most common profile in construction and trade work, sit comfortably with earmuffs, and stay out of the way when you're looking up or working overhead.

48-73-1000: Front Brim Vented Hard Hat, Type 1, Class C

The 48-73-1000 is Milwaukee's entry-level front brim vented hard hat in yellow. Type 1, Class C, 4PT ratcheting suspension, and BOLT accessory compatible. It covers the basics for general construction and contractor work where you don't need electrical insulation. A solid, no-frills option for crews that need BOLT compatibility without stepping up in price.

• Best for: General construction, contractors

• Safety rating: ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type 1 Class C

• Vented: Yes

48-73-1100 / 48-73-1120 / 48-73-1134: Front Brim, Class E, Non-Vented

The 48-73-1100, 48-73-1120, and 48-73-1134 are all Type 1 Class E front brim hard hats. Non-vented to maintain the 20,000-volt electrical insulation rating required for electrical trades. The 1100 and 1120 are white and the 1134 is gray. If you're an electrician or lineman who wants a traditional front brim hard hat that meets electrical safety requirements, these are your options in this category. All include BOLT accessory slots and a ratcheting suspension.

• Best for: Electricians, linemen, utility workers

• Safety rating: ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type 1 Class E

• Vented: No (required for Class E rating)

48-73-1220 / 48-73-1224 / 48-73-1230 / 48-73-1234: Front Brim, 6PT, Class C

The 6PT front brim models — 48-73-1220 (white), 48-73-1224 (blue), 48-73-1230 (black), and 48-73-1234 (gray) — step up the comfort over the 4PT versions. Six suspension points spread impact force more evenly and an adjustable swinging ratchet makes these noticeably more comfortable during an 8-hour shift. All are vented, Class C, and BOLT compatible.

• Best for: Construction, contractors, any trade wearing a hat all day

• Safety rating: ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type 1 Class C

• Vented: Yes

Full-brim hard hats run the brim all the way around the hat, giving you shade and rain protection from every angle. They're the right pick for outdoor work, roofing, and any job where sun exposure or dripping water from overhead is a factor. The brim also catches debris coming from the sides when you're near scaffold edges or under overhead work.

48-73-1109: Red Full Brim Hard Hat, Type 1, Class C

The 48-73-1109 is a full brim, Type 1, Class C hard hat in red. Vented for airflow and BOLT accessory compatible. The red color and full brim profile makes it a popular pick for outdoor construction, site supervisors, and general trade work in warm conditions. Standard 4PT ratcheting suspension.

• Best for: Construction, outdoor trades, site supervisors

• Safety rating: ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type 1 Class C

• Vented: Yes
  

48-73-1115 / 48-73-1131: Full Brim, Class E, Non-Vented

The 48-73-1115 (gray) and 48-73-1131 (black) are full brim Class E hard hats. Non-vented to maintain the electrical insulation rating. Full brim Class E is a combination you see on linemen and utility workers who want the added brim coverage for sun and weather protection while still meeting electrical safety requirements. 4PT suspension, BOLT compatible.

• Best for: Electricians, linemen, utility workers

• Safety rating: ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type 1 Class E

• Vented: No
  

48-73-1205 / 48-73-1215: Full Brim, 4PT, Class C

The 48-73-1205 (blue) and 48-73-1215 (gray) are full brim, 4PT, Class C vented hard hats. Good workhorses for construction and contractor crews that want a full brim in a specific color. BOLT accessory compatible with moisture-wicking sweatband.

• Best for: Construction, contractors

• Safety rating: ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type 1 Class C

• Vented: Yes
  

48-73-1225 / 48-73-1227 / 48-73-1229 / 48-73-1231 / 48-73-1233 / 48-73-1235: Full Brim, 6PT, Class C

The full brim 6PT lineup covers blue (48-73-1225), green (48-73-1227), red (48-73-1229), black (48-73-1231), orange (48-73-1233), and gray (48-73-1235). These are vented, Class C, and include the upgraded 6PT suspension with swinging ratchet for all-day comfort. The color range makes it easy to meet job site color-coding requirements across different trades and crew roles.

• Best for: Construction, contractors, outdoor trades, roofing

• Safety rating: ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type 1 Class C

• Vented: Yes
  

Milwaukee's BOLT Safety Helmets are a different animal from the traditional hard hats above. These are Type 2, tested and certified to protect against top AND side impacts. They're made in the USA and look more like a climbing or bike-style helmet. Every BOLT Safety Helmet includes a five-buckle chin strap, padded suspension with adjustable swinging ratchet, and an antimicrobial sweatband and liner that are both removable and machine washable.

OSHA doesn't currently mandate Type 2 across the board, but ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 establishes the standard and more general contractors and project owners are requiring Type 2 on their sites. If you're on federal projects, large commercial builds, or working with a GC that has updated their PPE requirements, check what they require before you order.

Milwaukee makes BOLT Safety Helmets in three main configurations: the original round brim (1300 series), front brim (1320 series), and a newer generation full brim helmet (1650 series) that Milwaukee says is up to 15 degrees cooler and the lightest weight full brim safety helmet available. There's also the IMPACT ARMOR version for high-risk slip, trip, and fall environments. Each is available in Class C vented and Class E non-vented across multiple colors.

The original BOLT Safety Helmet profile with a round, all-around brim. Great for outdoor work in sun and rain. This is the helmet that made Milwaukee's safety helmet lineup known in tree care, arborist work, roofing, and outdoor construction. All models include the five-buckle chin strap, padded suspension, and washable antimicrobial liner.

48-73-1300 / 48-73-1302 / 48-73-1308 / 48-73-1310: Class C, Vented (Multiple Colors)

The Class C vented round brim BOLT helmets come in white (48-73-1300), yellow (48-73-1302), red (48-73-1308), and black (48-73-1310). All are Type 2, ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Class C, UL Third-Party Tested and Certified, and made in the USA. The vented shell keeps airflow moving on warm outdoor jobs. These are the top pick for arborists, tree care crews, roofers, and outdoor construction workers who want full all-around brim protection.

• Best for: Arborists, tree care, roofing, outdoor construction

• Safety rating: ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type 2 Class C, UL Third-Party Tested and Certified

• Vented: Yes

• Made in USA

48-73-1301 / 48-73-1307 / 48-73-1311 / 48-73-1335: Class E, Non-Vented (Multiple Colors)

The Class E non-vented round brim BOLT helmets come in white (48-73-1301), green (48-73-1307), black (48-73-1311), and gray (48-73-1335). These are Type 2 Class E, rated to 20,000 volts. For electricians, linemen, and utility workers who want Type 2 side impact protection in a round brim profile, this is the upgrade from a traditional Class E hard hat. Same chin strap, padded suspension, and washable liner as the Class C versions.

• Best for: Electricians, linemen, utility workers, substations, power generation

• Safety rating: ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type 2 Class E, UL Third-Party Tested and Certified

• Vented: No

• Made in USA

The front brim BOLT Safety Helmets have the same Type 2 protection and feature set as the round brim models but with a peak brim at the front only. Some workers prefer this profile for overhead work or when using earmuffs that sit easier without a full brim getting in the way. Available in Class C vented and Class E non-vented across a wide range of colors.

48-73-1320 / 48-73-1324 / 48-73-1326 / 48-73-1328 / 48-73-1330 / 48-73-1332 / 48-73-1336: Class C, Vented

Class C vented front brim BOLT helmets are available in white (48-73-1320), blue (48-73-1324), green (48-73-1326), red (48-73-1328), black (48-73-1330), orange (48-73-1332), and gray (48-73-1336). All are Type 2, ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Class C, UL Certified, and made in the USA. Good fit for general construction, ironworkers, carpenters, and any trade that doesn't work near energized equipment and wants Type 2 protection with a familiar front brim profile.

• Best for: General construction, ironworkers, carpenters, mechanics

• Safety rating: ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type 2 Class C, UL Third-Party Tested and Certified

• Vented: Yes
  

48-73-1321 / 48-73-1331 / 48-73-1337 / 48-73-1541: Class E, Non-Vented

Class E non-vented front brim BOLT helmets come in white (48-73-1321), black (48-73-1331), gray (48-73-1337), and white full brim non-vented (48-73-1541). All rated to 20,000 volts. The front brim profile pairs well with most earmuffs without the brim interference you can get with a full round brim. If you're a lineman or electrician who prefers front brim over round brim, these are your Class E Type 2 options.

• Best for: Electricians, linemen, utility workers

• Safety rating: ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type 2 Class E, UL Third-Party Tested and Certified

• Vented: No

48-73-1376: BOLT Front Brim Safety Helmet with IMPACT ARMOR Liner, Class C

The 48-73-1376 is a Type 2 Class C vented front brim BOLT Safety Helmet in orange with an IMPACT ARMOR liner. This is a step above the standard BOLT Safety Helmet. The IMPACT ARMOR liner uses Rheon technology to deliver better oblique impact protection, which is the kind of impact that happens when you slip, trip, or fall and your head hits at an angle. Those oblique impacts are what can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). If you're on a job site with a high risk of slip, trip, and fall events — think wet roofing, steel erection, or elevated platforms — this is the helmet worth the upgrade.

• Best for: Roofing, steel erection, elevated platforms, high-risk fall environments

• Safety rating: ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type 2 Class C

• Added protection: IMPACT ARMOR liner with Rheon technology for oblique impact

The 1650 series is Milwaukee's newest full brim safety helmet lineup and it's a meaningful step up from the original 1300 round brim models. Milwaukee claims these are up to 15 degrees cooler than competitive Type 2 full brim helmets and the lightest weight full brim safety helmet available. Same Type 2 protection, same BOLT accessory system, same five-buckle chin strap and washable liner, but in a redesigned, cooler, lighter shell. If you're in a hot climate or doing long outdoor shifts and you want the best Milwaukee has to offer in a full brim Type 2 helmet, this is the series to look at.

48-73-1650 / 48-73-1658 / 48-73-1660 / 48-73-1664: Class C, Vented

The Class C vented new-gen full brim helmets come in white (48-73-1650), red (48-73-1658), black (48-73-1660), and gray (48-73-1664). All are Type 2, ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Class C, UL Certified. The redesigned vented shell moves more air through the helmet while keeping the full brim coverage that outdoor workers need. Best choice for arborists, roofers, and outdoor construction workers who run hot and want Milwaukee's latest full brim helmet.

• Best for: Arborists, tree care, roofing, outdoor construction in hot climates

• Safety rating: ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type 2 Class C, UL Third-Party Tested and Certified

• Key advantage: Up to 15 degrees cooler, lightest weight full brim Type 2 available
  

48-73-1653 / 48-73-1655 / 48-73-1661 / 48-73-1665: Class E, Non-Vented

The Class E non-vented new-gen full brim helmets come in yellow (48-73-1653), blue (48-73-1655), black (48-73-1661), and gray (48-73-1665). Type 2 Class E, rated to 20,000 volts. Non-vented to maintain the electrical insulation rating. Same lighter, cooler shell design as the Class C versions. If you're a lineman or utility worker who wants Milwaukee's newest and best full brim Class E helmet, this is it.

• Best for: Electricians, linemen, utility workers in outdoor environments

• Safety rating: ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type 2 Class E, UL Third-Party Tested and Certified

• Key advantage: Up to 15 degrees cooler, lightest weight full brim Type 2 available

48-73-1063: BOLT Snapback Bump Cap

The 48-73-1063 is a snapback-style bump cap with a foam liner that provides top and side protection from minor bumps and scrapes. The lightweight mesh shell has ventilation holes for comfort and there's a hook-and-loop patch on the front for customization. The snapback closure fits a wide range of head sizes. This is not ANSI rated for hard hat use.

• Best for: Warehouses, vehicle service bays, tight clearance environments

• Not a substitute for an ANSI-rated hard hat
  

48-73-1062: Universal Bump Cap Insert

The 48-73-1062 is a foam bump cap insert that fits inside most traditional hats and caps. It gives you top and side protection against minor bumps and scrapes without changing what you're wearing. The ABS plastic shell is ventilated and shaped to fit most head sizes. Good option if you want bump protection in a hat you're already comfortable wearing.

• Best for: Warehouses, light industrial, tight overhead clearance

• Fits most standard hats and caps

Bump Cap Comparison Table:

Selecting the correct head protection depends on your specific trade and the hazards at your job site. The primary choice is between Type 1 hard hats, which provide top-only impact protection, and Type 2 BOLT Safety Helmets, which protect against both top and side impacts. Electrical safety is determined by the class rating: Class E models provide protection up to 20,000 volts for electricians and utility workers, while Class C vented models offer maximum airflow for general construction. 

Regardless of the model you choose, Milwaukee's BOLT accessory system allows you to easily integrate lighting, eye protection, and hearing protection into a single, cohesive unit.