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 388:2016: 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.What is the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard?
ANSI/ISEA 105 is the American National Standard for the performance and classification of mechanical gloves.
The new safety icon, a new pentagonal icon, incorporates the ANSI/ISEA 105 standards for abrasion, cut, and puncture resistance.
Testing Methods
Cut Resistance
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.
Puncture Resistance
Based on EN 388, test the maximum force for a blunt probe (similar to a ballpoint pen) to pierce samples between two plates. The probe pierces test fabric at 90° at 100mm/min, with weight gradually increased to puncture glove material.
Abrasion Resistance
Based on ASTM D3389 - 10 (coated/unlined gloves) and ASTM D3884 - 09 (uncoated gloves), determine abrasion resistance by testing cycle counts. Mount a 4 - inch circular sample on a horizontal platform, apply 500g/1000g vertical load, use two calibrated H - 18 wheels with carborundum & silicon carbide abrasives for wear testing. 
2.What is the EN 388:2016 standard?
EN 388:2016 is the standards for the protection of protective gloves against mechanical risks in Europe.
Testing Methods
Abrasion Resistance
Use Martindale tester. Take (38.0±0.5)mm palm samples, abrade with 180 - grain paper under (9.0±0.2)k-Pa. Record abrasion - through cycles, grade by min cycles of 4 samples.
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.
Tear Resistance
Use tensile tester. Take “pant - type tear” palm samples (4 pairs). Stretch at 100mm/min till tear. Measure force, grade 1 - 4 by min value of 4 samples.
Puncture Resistance
Use tensile tester + puncture needle. Puncture palm samples at 100mm/min. Record penetration force, grade 1 - 4.
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).
Impact Protection
Use drop - weight tester. Test 4 gloves (diff sizes). Impact soft leather on cylinder top (2.5kg, 5J±0.1J). Measure peak force, check tear. Test 4 times/glove area. Pass if force < 7kN & ≤9kN, add “P” to grade.
Grading Standards
3.Resource (Download)
Both standards assess cut, abrasion, puncture, and tear resistance, but they are not directly comparable due to their different testing methodologies and classification systems.
Schwer product information is based primarily on the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard, with EN 388:2016 ratings provided for reference.
Understanding the differences between ANSI/ISEA 105 and EN 388:2016 is essential when choosing the right cut-resistant gloves. While both standards aim to protect against similar mechanical risks, their rating systems and testing methods differ. Always check which standard a glove complies with and select the level of protection that matches your work or daily tasks to ensure maximum safety and hand protection.
