In the 2016 revision of EN388, a new cut test was introduced. Now, gloves that are tested to EN388:2016 undergo
more rigorous testing. In this article, we’d like to help you understand the standard’s ratings and tests to help you
make an informed decision about glove PPE.
For this example, we’ll use the IRONCLAD KONG® PRO CUT. It has a rating of 4X44FP.
Now, each number represents the glove’s resistance against a particular type of force.
Here’s the breakdown:
Let’s go through each symbol in order,
from left to right!
First Symbol
Abrasion Resistance
First, we have abrasion resistance.
To test for abrasion, the glove is rubbed with abrasive paper and judged
based on its ability to withstand the test without tearing.
The glove’s abrasion resistance is measured on a scale between 1-4.
| Performance Level | Number of rubs before the glove tears |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | 100 Rubs |
| Level 2 | 500 Rubs |
| Level 3 | 2,000 Rubs |
| Level 4 | 8,000 Rubs |
DID YOU KNOW?
Each EN388 test is repeated four times, and the lowest test result is used to determine the performance level.
Second Symbol
Cut Resistance (Coupe Test)
The second symbol represents cut resistance. This is the old cut test
that was present in older versions of EN388. The glove is tested on a
rotating blade, also known as a coupe. However, the test has been shown
to be not very reliable. The spinning blade dulls after repeated contact
with the glove. This is why the test is often skipped (indicated by an X) in
favour of the new cut test. If the glove is meant to carry a low cut
resistance, the new cut test will be skipped (indicated by an X) while the
old coupe test result will be given instead.
HERE’S THE QUICK-AND-EASY SUMMARY:
Look for the fifth
position symbol when
looking for gloves with
high cut resistance.
The second position
symbol will also be
skipped (indicated by
an x) in such cases.
| Performance Level | Number of cuts required to cut the glove |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | 1.2 Cuts |
| Level 2 | 2.5 Cuts |
| Level 3 | 5 Cuts |
| Level 4 | 10 Cuts |
| Level 5 | 20 Cuts |
Third Symbol
Tear Resistance
The third symbol represents tear resistance.
The glove is held between a machine’s clamps.
The clamps then move apart until a tear is created.
| Performance Level | Force required to tear the glove |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | 10N |
| Level 2 | 25N |
| Level 3 | 50N |
| Level 4 | 75N |
Fourth Symbol
Puncture Resistance
The fourth symbol represents puncture resistance. A stylus is pushed
into the glove sample and the minimum puncture force required will
determine the puncture level of the glove.
| Performance Level | Puncture Force (N) |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | 20N |
| Level 2 | 60N |
| Level 3 | 100N |
| Level 4 | 150N |
Fifth Symbol
Cut Resistance (Straight Blades Test)
Now, the symbol after puncture resistance is the updated cut test. This
second cut test measures how well the glove can withstand a cut from a
straight blade. Because the blade is only used once, there’s no chance of
the blade wearing down from repeated slices. In addition to being more
reliable, this test allows us to test gloves that exceed the old cut
standard. It’s given a letter grade from A-F, with F being the most
resilient. This symbol is what you should be looking at if cut protection is
your priority!
| Performance Level | Cut Resistance (N) | ANSI | Cut resistance in grams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level A | 2N | A1 | 200-499 |
| Level B | 5N | A2 | 500-999 |
| Level C | 10N | A3 | 1000-1499 |
| Level D | 15N | A4 | 1500-2199 |
| Level E | 22N | A5 | 2200-2999 |
| Level F | 30N | A6 | 3000-3999 |
Was there anything I missed out?
Or would you like to find out more about gloves?
Please let me know! I’m always up for learning new things.
