What Are the Levels of Cut Resistant Gloves?
Many customers are confused by cut-resistant glove ratings, as some use ANSI A1–A9 while others use letters like A, B, C. This article explains the different cut-resistance levels.
Actually, these are two different standards:
- ANSI/ISEA 105: Developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), is the U.S. standard for hand protection.It rates cut-resistant gloves from A1 to A9 based on their performance against cutting hazards.
- EN 388: The European standard used internationally. It evaluates gloves for cut using numbers or letters (e.g., 1–5 or A–F) to indicate protection levels.
1. ANSI/ISEA 105 Cut Level Defined
The ANSI cut-resistant gloves are displayed on the glove or tag using an “A” followed by a number, 1-9, such as A3 or A8.
Testing Methods
ASTM F2992 - 15: Use a TDM (tomodynamometer) cutting tester to move a straight-edged blade 20 millimeters along a unidirectional path on the material until it penetrates. Cut the material 5 times under 3 different loads (using a new blade each time). Then determine the cut level of the material. The force applied to the material by the rotating blade is recorded in newtons to establish this AF scale, and then the cut resistance level is determined.
What's the difference among the cut level?
A1 - Level 1: Grams of Force≥200
A2 - Level 2: Grams of Force≥500
A3 - Level 3: Grams of Force≥1000
A4 - Level 4: Grams of Force≥1500
A5 - Level 5: Grams of Force≥2200
A6 - Level 6: Grams of Force≥3000
A7 - Level 7: Grams of Force≥4000
A8 - Level 8: Grams of Force≥5000
A9 - Level 9: Grams of Force≥6000
How to choose the right cut level?
Light: Low Cut Risk Applications: A1-A3
Suitable for daily/light - industrial low - cut - risk scenes: office doc sorting (paper/plastic), light - industrial assembly (thin metal/plastic), food processing (soft ingredients), textile cutting (light fabrics), simple woodworking (sanding thin wood). Tools: blunt/low - force.
Medium: Medium Cut Risk Applications: A4-A6
For metal/glass processing (medium cut risks): auto repair (metal parts), metal product manufacturing (sheet cutting), glass production (cutting/handling), leatherworking (thick leather). Sharp edges, moderate cutting force.
Heavy: Heavy Cut Risk Applications: A7-A9
For extremely high - risk cutting tasks: heavy machinery manufacturing, steel mill work (high - intensity metal cutting, hot steel handling); fiberglass production (handling sharp fibers); aerospace precision cutting; military ordnance disposal, special mining. Involves sharp/hard objects and complex hazards.
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2. EN 388 Cut Level Defined
Testing Methods
Cut Resistance (Round Blade)
Use circular blade tester. Test 2 gloves (5 times/sample) under 5N. Stop at cut - through or 60 cycles. Calculate average cut index, grade 1 - 5.
Cut Resistance (Straight Blade)
Use straight - blade device. Sample, test contact load, draw force - cutting length trend. Retest 5 times, grade A - F (F highest).
Cut Level: 4X43FX
In EN 388 testing, there are 2 values related to cut resistance: the second value and the fifth value.
The second value:
Based on the Coup test method. Materials that test beyond Level 3 or produce a false Coupe Test reading will receive an "X", and the TDM Test is introduced where a letter rating A - F is determined (Example 4X43FX).
| Level |
Round - Blade Cutting Index (Coefficient)
|
| 0 | ＜1.2 |
| 1 | 1.2 |
| 2 | 2.5 |
| 3 | 5 |
| 4 | 10 |
| 5 | 20 |
The fifth value:
Based on ISO 13997 (TDM) test method. The TDM straight blade travels once across the test material and is only used once. TDM Test rates materials on a scale of A - F and uses an oscillating blade that measures the force necessary to cut through high-cut materials. Materials that test beyond Level 3 or produce a false Coupe Test reading will receive an "X", and the TDM Test is introduced where a letter rating A - F is determined (Example 4X43FP). If the TDM Test isn't required, an "X" is used to state that there's no rating (Example 4X43XP).
| Level |
Straight - Blade Cutting Indicator (Newton)
|
| A | 2 |
| B | 5 |
| C | 10 |
| D | 15 |
| E | 22 |
| F | 30 |
*In most cases, EN 388 ratings show only 5 values,(Example 4X43F) , as the impact protection rating is omitted when not applicable.
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3. Frequently Asked Questions
Are ANSI/ISEA 105 and EN 388 ratings directly comparable?
No, not directly. EN 388 and ANSI/ISEA 105 are not equivalent and cannot be compared as such due to the various testing methods used within each standard.
Which standard should I follow for selecting gloves?
This depends on your region and specific requirements. While most gloves sold in the US will have both markings, EN 388 is widely used in Europe and many other parts of the world, while ANSI/ISEA 105 is commonly used in North America. Understanding local regulations and job-specific risks can help determine which standard to prioritize.
