EN388 covers requirements for protection from mechanical risks and is the most common standard found in gloves. It measures protection levels for abrasion, different blade cuts, tearing and puncture. The standard was updated 2016 which is shown as EN388:2016.
The most notable change, relates to cut protection as a new category of protection has been introduced. EN388:2016 also include a new test for resistance to impact.
EN388:2003
ABCD
EN388:2016
ABCDEF
| Test Level | Test Value |
Cut risks: Suggested areas of use |
| A | 2 Newton = 203 gram | Light cut risks: General purpose, assembly, maintenance, warehouse, shipping. |
| B | 5 Newton = 509 gram | Light to medium risks: Assembly, automotive, construction. |
| C | 10 Newton = 1019 gram | Medium cut risks: Oil & gas, metal handling, light glass handling, automotive, manufacturing, construction, assembly. |
| D | 15 Newton = 1529 gram | Medium to high cut risks: Manufacturing, construction, glass handling, oil & gas. |
| E | 22 Newton = 2243 gram | High cut risks: Metal fabrication, construction, machining, paper production, glass manufacturing. |
| F | 30+ Newton = 3059+ gram | High cut risks: Metal stamping, recycling plants, paper production, glass manufacturing, aerospace industry. |
EN388:2016 is the European standard for glove testing. The ANSI/ISEA105:2016 is the US standard for glove testing. Some gloves can have markings for both standards.
XXXXXX
Values: 1-4, the highest rating is 4
The glove material abrasion resistance is tested using sandpaper in a test device. The more cycles needed before the material is breached, the higher the rating for the glove.
| Protection Level (low to high) |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Number of cycles |
100 |
500 | 2000 | 8000 |
XXXXXX
Values: 1-5, the highest rating is 5
The circular blade cut resistance is also called a “coup cut test”. With constant speed and pressure a circular cutting blade is used to test the glove material. The more cycles needed before the material is breached the higher the rating. For gloves with higher cut resistance, this test is replaced with the new cut resistance test ISO13997. This is marked with an X instead of a number.
| Protection Level (low to high) |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Number of cycles |
1,2 | 2,5 | 5,0 | 10,0 | 20,0 |
XXXXXX
Values: 1-4, the highest rating is 4
The glove material is torn apart and the force needed is measured in Newton. The higher amount of force needed to tear it apart, the higher the rating level.
| Protection Level (low to high) |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Force in Newton |
10 | 25 | 50 | 75 |
XXXXXX
Values: 1-4, the highest rating is 4
The glove material is tested by a standardized nail, 4.5 mm in thickness. The force needed to penetrate the material is measured in Newton, and the higher the amount, the higher the rating.
| Protection Level (low to high) |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Force in Newton |
20 | 60 | 100 | 150 |
XXXXXX
Values: A-F, the highest rating is F
This new test is meant for gloves with higher cut resistance. A straight blade and cuts the glove material in a straight motion under pressure. The amount of force needed to cut through the material is measured in Newton. The higher amount of force needed, the higher the rating. If the glove has not been tested for higher cut protection, this character is marked with an X.
| Protection Level (low to high) |
A | B | C | D | E | F |
| Force in Newton |
=2 (0.20kg) |
=5 (0.51kg) |
=10 (1.02kg) |
=15 (1.53kg) |
=22 (2.24kg) |
=30 (3.0kg) |
XXXXXX
Values: P (PASSED) or blank if failed or untested
This test is optional and is usually only performed for gloves that have special impact protection features. A striker is dropped on the glove impact protection and if the average force passing through the glove is 7 kN or below, the glove passes the test. Gloves that pass will have a P marking.
| Test |
Passed | Faled or untested |
| Value |
P | (Blank) |
EN ISO 21420:2020 (the updated EN420)
EN511 Protection against cold
