EN 388:2016 + A1:2018

a) ABRASION RESISTANCE (0–4)

Number of cycles required to abrade a hole using abrasive paper in a circular sample of glove material under constant pressure and

motion.

b) BLADE CUT RESISTANCE BY COUP TEST (0–5)

Number of cycles required to cut a sample using a stainless steel circular blade under constant speed and low force of 5 newton

(approx. 510g). For materials that dull the blade, after a certain number of cycles without cut-through, the ISO 13997 test is

performed and becomes the reference cut resistance value.

c) TEAR RESISTANCE (0–4)

Force required to propagate a tear in a rectangular sample of a glove with a starting incision, to a maximum force of 75N

(approx. 7,6kg).

d) PUNCTURE RESISTANCE (0–4)

Force required to puncture the sample with a standard size steel point at a constant speed of 10 cm/min.

e) BLADE CUT RESISTANCE BY ISO TEST (A–F)

Force in newton (N) required to cut through a sample using a rectangular blade in a specified cut test machine such as

Tomodynamometer (TDM). This test is optional unless the blade in Coup test becomes dull, whereupon it becomes the reference

for cut resistance. A letter value is assigned as follows:

Level of protection A B C D E F
Force in newton >2 ≥5 ≥10 ≥15 ≥22 ≥30

f) IMPACT RESISTANCE (P)
For protective gloves claiming impact resistance. Measures dissipation of force by the area of protection upon an impact of a
domed anvil at an impact energy of 5 joules. Testing is carried out in accordance with the impact protection test for motorcycle
protective gloves of EN 13594:2015 standard. A letter ‘P’ is added on successful pass, while a fail remains unmarked. Level X can
also be applied for a–f above, which means ‘not tested’.

Level of protection A B C D E
Abrasion resistance (number of cycles) >100 ≥500 ≥2000 ≥8000 -
Blade cut resistance by Coup test (index) >1,2 ≥2,5 ≥5 ≥10 ≥20
Tear resistance (force in newton) >10 ≥25 ≥50 ≥75 -
Puncture resistance (force in newton) >20 ≥60 ≥100 ≥150 -




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