EN388

📜 Overview of EN 388:2016 + A1:2018

The standard is titled "Protective gloves against mechanical risks". Its iconic marking is a hammer and shield logo, followed by a performance code.

🔢 The Performance Code & Rating Levels

The core rating is a four-digit code (e.g., 4-2-3-1). Each digit corresponds to a performance level (1-4 or 5 for cut) from a specific test, with higher numbers indicating better protection.

Test Property (Symbol)	Test Method	Performance Levels (Higher = Better)
A. Abrasion Resistance	Sandpaper cycles under pressure.	Level 1: 100 cycles Level 2: 500 cycles Level 3: 2000 cycles Level 4: 8000 cycles
B. Blade Cut Resistance	Circular blade rotating under load.	Level 1: Index 1.2 < 2.5 Level 2: Index 2.5 < 5.0 Level 3: Index 5.0 < 10.0 Level 4: Index 10.0 < 20.0 Level 5: Index ≥ 20.0
C. Tear Resistance	Force required to propagate a tear.	Level 1: 10N < 25N Level 2: 25N < 50N Level 3: 50N < 75N Level 4: ≥ 75N
D. Puncture Resistance	Force required for a stylus to penetrate.	Level 1: 20N < 60N Level 2: 60N < 100N Level 3: 100N < 150N Level 4: ≥ 150N