EN388:2016 Explained: How to Read Mechanical Protection Ratings on Safety Gloves
The four numbers on an EN388 glove label represent resistance to abrasion, blade cut, tear, and puncture. The 2016 update added letter ratings A through F for the ISO 13997 straight-blade cut test, and an optional P for impact protection. This guide explains what each rating means and how to choose the right level for your application.
What each EN388 test measures.
| Test | Scale | Highest Level | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abrasion Resistance | 0 to 4 | 8,000+ cycles | Construction, heavy industrial |
| Blade Cut Resistance (Coup) | 0 to 5 | Index 10+ | Sheet metal, glass handling |
| Tear Resistance | 0 to 4 | 75+ N | Structural work, demolition |
| Puncture Resistance | 0 to 4 | 150+ N | Handling sharp objects, wire |
| TDM Cut (ISO 13997) | A to F | 30+ N | High-cut-risk environments |
| Impact Protection (P) | Pass/Fail | Pass | Knuckle and dorsal impact |
What does a rating like 4X44EP mean?
Under EN388:2016, a complete rating looks like: 4X44EP
| Level | Force (N) | Application |
|---|---|---|
| A | 2 to 4.9 N | Light assembly, packaging |
| B | 5 to 9.9 N | Automotive, light construction |
| C | 10 to 14.9 N | Sheet metal, fabrication |
| D | 15 to 21.9 N | Glass, heavy fabrication |
| E | 22 to 29.9 N | High-risk cutting environments |
| F | 30+ N | Extreme cut hazard |
EN388:2016 vs EN388:2003 — what changed.
| Area | EN388:2003 | EN388:2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Cut test method | Coup test only (circular blade, index score 0-5) | Added ISO 13997 TDM straight-blade cut test (letters A-F). Coup test retained but TDM result takes precedence. |
| Rating display | Four digits: e.g. 4544 | Four digits plus letter plus optional P: e.g. 4X44EP. X means coup test not applicable when TDM is used. |
| Impact protection | Not included | Added optional P rating for knuckle/dorsal impact protection (pass/fail per EN 13594). |
| Pictogram | Four-digit shield | Updated shield with additional letter and P fields. Buyers should verify which version a glove is tested to. |
How to choose the right EN388 rating for your application.
Abrasion 3-4, tear 3-4, puncture 3-4. Cut level C if handling rebar or sharp edges.
See IronFlex Heavy Duty →TDM cut level D or E for glass and sheet metal. High abrasion and puncture ratings essential.
See ThermoGuard Pro →Oil resistance and dexterity matter as much as cut level. TDM B or C is typical for automotive assembly.
See PrecisionGrip MX →EN388 alone is not enough for vibration. Look for EN10819 HAV rating alongside EN388 abrasion and tear.
See VibeDamp Anti-Vib →EN388 does not cover electrical hazards. Arc flash work requires EN407 flame ratings and NFPA 70E compliance.
See ArcSafe Electrical →EN388 does not cover sting penetration. Beekeeping gloves are tested separately for sting resistance.
See ApiShield Ventilated →How AB Leather tests to EN388.
Our in-house QC lab runs abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture tests on every production batch using calibrated equipment aligned to EN388:2016 and ISO 13997 protocols. Results are logged against the specification for that SKU.
For formal CE certification, we use accredited third-party laboratories. Test reports from these labs are available to pre-qualified buyers for supplier vetting and import compliance purposes.
EN388 questions from buyers.
The four numbers represent: (1) abrasion resistance (0-4), (2) blade cut resistance (0-5), (3) tear resistance (0-4), and (4) puncture resistance (0-4). The 2016 update added a letter A-F for the ISO 13997 straight-blade cut test and an optional P for impact protection. A rating of 4544EP means maximum abrasion, cut level E, tear 4, puncture 4, and impact protection passed.
EN388:2016 added the ISO 13997 TDM (straight-blade) cut test, which is more accurate than the older Coup circular-blade test. The TDM result is shown as a letter (A-F) after the four digits. EN388:2016 also added an optional impact protection rating (P). If a glove label shows only four digits with no letter, it was tested to the 2003 version.
For general construction, EN388 abrasion level 3 or 4 and tear level 3 or 4 are typically required. For work involving sharp edges or metal, look for cut level C or D (TDM letter) or cut index 3 or above (Coup number). For structural steel or demolition, consider gloves with impact protection (P rating).
Yes. All PPE sold in the EU must comply with PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425. Mechanical protection gloves (Category II and III) require CE marking, which includes EN388 testing by a notified body. Category III gloves (highest risk) require additional type-examination.
Yes. Our products are designed and tested to EN388:2016 standards. Third-party lab test reports are available for pre-qualified buyers. Contact compliance@ableather.com with your specific product and standard requirements.
Looking for EN388-rated gloves?
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Last reviewed: March 2025