EN388 is the European Standard that sets testing for gloves in Europe. Gloves with a EN 388 rating are third party tested, and rated for abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture resistance. The EN rating and labeling is usually displaced alongside the ANSI 105 rating and labeling. It is similar to the ANSI 105, but not the same.
CUT PROTECTION
Cut resistance is incredibly important, and is the main functionality that determines what gloves workers use. The EN standard includes two different tests: the Coup test uses a circular blade under a 5N load and moves until the blade cuts through. The cutting index is calculated and assigned 1-5.
| COUP LEVEL | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| CUT INDEX | 1.2 | 2.5 | 5 | 10 | 20 |
If the Coup Test blade dulls, which it is known to do, then the TDM-100 test (same as ANSI) is performed. This uses a straight blade and measures the force (N) required to cut through a sample. It is then assigned a cut level A-F.
| TDM LEVEL | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| FORCE | ≥2 | ≥5 | ≥10 | ≥15 | ≥22 | ≥30 |
TEAR RESISTANCE
The EN standard measures tear resistance, which ANSI does not. The material is clamped at the top and bottom, then pulled apart till it tears. The force needed for it to tear is measured in Newtons and assigned a level.
| PERFORMANCE LEVEL | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| FORCE (N) | 10 | 25 | 50 | 75 |
PUNCTURE RESISTANCE
The EN standard measures puncture by using a rounded point metal stylus which is pushed through the material at a fixed speed, the force needed to penetrate is measured and assigned a level.
| PERFORMANCE LEVEL | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| FORCE (N) | 20 | 60 | 100 | 150 |
IMPACT PROTECTION
The EN standard measures impact by placing the protective back-of-hand knuckle material over a sensor and dropping a 2.5 kg flat face surface striker from a height sufficient enough to provide impact energy of 5 joules. The peak force detected and recorded by a sensor. It’s done 4 times. To pass the test, the transmitted force needs to be less than or equal to 7 kilonewtons. If the glove has impact protection, it is assigned “P.”
LABELING
Gloves and manufacturer boxes can only bare the label if the gloves have been through the proper testing through an authorized facility.
EN 388 is similar, but not identical to ANSI 105. It’s important to be able to distinguish between the different ratings and labeling to ensure that you are getting the correct gloves for your life of work. There are gloves out there that have no rating, only an ANSi or only an EN rating, or have both. Know the difference!
We offer an extensive selection of ANSI and EN rated gloves. Anything you need, we’ve got you covered!
Browse hand protection here.
Learn more about cut protection HERE.
Read about more things to consider when selecting hand protection here.
