Choosing the right anti-cutting gloves can be confusing. Too many ratings, levels, and standards make the process feel overwhelming. Let me simplify it for you.
To compare anti-cutting gloves, you need to understand their cut resistance ratings, grading systems, and how they align with your needs.
Imagine you're buying gloves for industrial work, but you aren't sure which grade to trust. I'll walk you through the key metrics and ratings step by step.
How to tell cut rating on gloves?
The cut rating is often printed on the glove itself or listed in the product specifications, but what do those ratings mean?
Cut ratings are determined by standardized tests like EN 388 or ANSI/ISEA 105, indicating the glove’s ability to resist cutting forces.
When you check a glove, look for markings like "A1," "A5," or "Level 5." These ratings are derived from lab tests measuring resistance against sharp blades under controlled conditions.
Understanding the markings
-
EN 388 Standard (Europe):
EN 388 uses a numbering system (1–5), with 5 being the highest cut resistance. The test measures how many cycles it takes for a rotating blade to penetrate the material.Level Cycles (Approx.) 1 1-10 5 Over 20 -
ANSI/ISEA Standard (USA):
This system uses an A1–A9 scale, where "A1" indicates minimal protection and "A9" is for extreme hazards. It measures the weight (in grams) a blade needs to cut through.Level Grams of Force A1 200–499 A9 Over 6000
To identify the rating, always refer to the specific standard mentioned on the glove label.
How are gloves graded?
Gloves are graded based on their resistance to cuts, abrasion, puncture, and other hazards. But the grading methods differ by region and industry.
The grading systems include EN 388 in Europe, ANSI/ISEA in the USA, and ISO 13997 for international testing.
These standards help ensure that gloves meet safety requirements for specific tasks, such as glass handling, heavy industry, or construction work.
Breakdown of grading systems
EN 388 (Europe)
This grading covers:
- Cut Resistance: Levels 1–5, as explained above.
- Abrasion Resistance: Levels 1–4, tested by rubbing sandpaper on the material.
- Puncture Resistance: Levels 1–4, tested with a sharp object.
| Test Type | Level 1 | Level 4 (Highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasion (cycles) | 100 | 8000 |
| Puncture (force) | 20 N | 150 N |
ANSI/ISEA 105 (USA)
This standard focuses primarily on cut resistance using a numeric scale (A1–A9). Higher numbers mean better protection against sharp objects.
ISO 13997 (Global Standard)
The ISO test measures cut resistance under high pressure. It is often used alongside EN and ANSI standards for added precision.
Understanding these systems will help you choose gloves that align with your specific safety requirements.
What is level 5 protection in gloves?
You might have heard about "Level 5 gloves" being highly resistant, but what exactly does this mean?
Level 5 protection means the glove has the highest cut resistance under the EN 388 standard, suitable for high-risk tasks.
This rating is ideal for industries like glass manufacturing, metal handling, and heavy-duty construction. However, "Level 5" is only applicable under the EN standard and does not directly translate to the ANSI/ISEA system.
Comparing Level 5 to other ratings
- Level 5 gloves can endure heavy cuts and slashes, unlike Level 3 gloves, which are only for medium risks.
- For ANSI/ISEA standards, Level 5 roughly equals an A5 rating, but they are not identical.
- Some manufacturers label their gloves as "Level 5" but include additional ANSI ratings to clarify.
By understanding Level 5, you can determine if it’s sufficient or if higher ANSI ratings like A7 or A9 are more appropriate.
What is the difference between A5 and A7 cut resistant gloves?
A5 and A7 refer to different levels of cut resistance under the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard. How do you decide between the two?
A5 gloves resist forces between 2200–2999 grams, while A7 gloves handle 4000–4999 grams of force. A7 gloves offer higher protection for extreme tasks.
The difference lies in the amount of weight the glove material can withstand before being cut through. This makes A7 gloves ideal for handling sharp or heavy objects compared to A5 gloves.
Application examples for A5 vs. A7
A5 Gloves:
- Medium to high-risk environments.
- Suitable for tasks like general metal fabrication, woodworking, or glass handling.
A7 Gloves:
- High-risk environments with sharp edges.
- Recommended for jobs like heavy-duty metal stamping or sheet metal handling.
| Feature | A5 Gloves | A7 Gloves |
|---|---|---|
| Cut Resistance | Medium-high (2200 g) | Very high (4000 g) |
| Best Use | General industrial | Extreme hazard tasks |
| Durability | Moderate | High |
Consider the severity of the risk in your workplace before deciding.
Conclusion
Choosing the right anti-cutting gloves depends on understanding ratings like EN 388 and ANSI/ISEA. Match the glove grade with your task’s risk level for the best protection.