ANSI vs EN 388 Explained
Cut resistance standards exist to measure and compare glove performance under controlled testing conditions.
The two most widely used systems are ANSI/ISEA (North America) and EN 388 (Europe and global markets).
Understanding these standards helps employers and buyers select appropriate safety anti cutting gloves for specific tasks.
ANSI measures cut resistance by the grams of force required to cut through a glove material using standardized equipment.
| ANSI Level | Relative Protection | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| A1–A2 | Low | light handling |
| A3–A4 | Medium | warehouse, general work |
| A5–A6 | High | metal & glass handling |
| A7–A9 | Very High | severe cut hazards |
Higher levels indicate greater cut resistance—but often at the cost of dexterity.
EN 388 evaluates multiple mechanical risks:
Abrasion
Tear
Puncture
Cut resistance
Modern EN 388 testing includes ISO 13997 (TDM test), which reports cut performance using letters A–F (F = highest).
| EN Letter | Relative Protection |
|---|---|
| B–C | Light |
| D–E | Medium |
| F | High |
ANSI uses numbers (A1–A9)
EN 388 uses letters (A–F)
They are not directly interchangeable
Always follow local regulations or workplace requirements
Confusing these systems is a common cause of improper glove selection.
Support workplace safety compliance
Allow fair comparison between gloves
Reduce hand injury risk
Improve PPE purchasing decisions
Certified gloves provide predictable protection, unlike untested products.
Use ANSI in North America
Use EN 388 in Europe and international supply chains
Base selection on task hazard, not marketing claims
👉 Apply these standards when selecting cut resistant work gloves.
Q1: Are ANSI and EN cut levels equivalent?
No. They use different test methods and rating systems.
Q2: Does a higher cut level always mean safer gloves?
Not always. Excessive protection may reduce dexterity and increase fatigue.
Q3: Which standard should I follow?
Follow the standard required by your region or safety policy.
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