What EN 388 is
EN 388 is the European standard for protective gloves against mechanical risks, used across Europe and the UK. The current version is EN 388:2016 (amended in 2018). A compliant glove carries a shield pictogram with up to six characters underneath, each reporting one test.
Reading the six characters
| Position | Test | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abrasion resistance | 0–4 |
| 2 | Cut resistance, coup test | 0–5, or X |
| 3 | Tear resistance | 0–4 |
| 4 | Puncture resistance | 0–4 |
| 5 | Cut resistance, ISO 13997 (TDM) | A–F |
| 6 | Impact protection | P if passed |
Higher is better. X means the test was not performed or is not applicable. 0 means the glove was tested and did not reach level 1. For example, a marking of 4X43D means abrasion level 4, coup cut not tested, tear level 4, puncture level 3 and ISO cut level D.
The ISO cut levels A–F
For cut-resistant materials the coup test can blunt its blade, so the ISO 13997 result (letters A–F) is the more reliable cut figure. It measures the force needed to cut through the material:
| Level | Minimum cutting force |
|---|---|
| A | 2 N |
| B | 5 N |
| C | 10 N |
| D | 15 N |
| E | 22 N |
| F | 30 N |
ANSI/ISEA 105 cut levels (North America)
In the United States and Canada, cut resistance is classified under ANSI/ISEA 105 on a nine-level scale, A1 to A9, measured in grams of cutting load (ASTM F2992):
| Level | Minimum load | Level | Minimum load |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 200 g | A6 | 3,000 g |
| A2 | 500 g | A7 | 4,000 g |
| A3 | 1,000 g | A8 | 5,000 g |
| A4 | 1,500 g | A9 | 6,000 g |
| A5 | 2,200 g |
The two scales use different test conditions, so do not convert one into the other. Specify the scale your market uses.
Related glove standards
- EN ISO 21420: general requirements for protective gloves, such as sizing, dexterity and labelling (it replaced EN 420).
- EN 407: thermal risks, including contact heat, flame and molten metal.
- EN 12477: welders’ gloves; Type A for heavier welding, Type B for more dexterity, for example TIG.
In the EU, gloves sold as personal protective equipment must comply with Regulation (EU) 2016/425. Gloves for mechanical risks are generally Category II, which requires an EU type-examination by a notified body.
Using EN 388 in a glove specification
- Start from the task and hazard: handling, sheet metal, glass, welding or general site work.
- Set the minimum level for each property that matters, for example abrasion 4 and ISO cut C.
- Ask for a test report from an accredited laboratory covering the exact glove model, material and coating.
- Check that the model on the certificate matches the glove being quoted, and that the marking on the glove matches the report.
We do not claim that any glove meets a standard. We request the manufacturer’s test documentation for the specific glove and share it with you before anything is quoted against that requirement.
Questions buyers ask
Is a higher EN 388 number always better?
Higher means better performance in that test, but the right glove balances protection with dexterity and comfort. Over-specifying cut resistance can make a glove stiffer and more expensive than the task needs.
What does X mean on an EN 388 glove?
X means that test was not carried out or is not applicable to the glove. On cut-resistant gloves the coup test is often marked X and the ISO 13997 letter is used instead.
Can I compare EN 388 cut level D with ANSI A4?
Not directly. The tests use different machines and units, so there is no official conversion. Specify the standard your market requires and ask for the test report under that standard.