ANSI cut levels & EN 388 explained
This page is the rating reference for HPC Gloves. Use it when a product card shows an ANSI cut letter or an EN 388 string and you need to know what those marks actually test.
ANSI/ISEA 105 cut levels (A1–A9)
In North America, many work gloves carry an ANSI/ISEA 105 cut rating. The modern scale uses letters A1 through A9. Higher letters mean higher cut resistance in a standardized tomodynamometer-style test. The rating is about the material sample under test conditions, not a promise against every blade, angle, or worn edge in the field.
| ANSI cut level | Relative protection | Example task band (illustrative) |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Lowest on the scale | Light material handling, low sharp exposure |
| A2 | Low | Packaging, light warehouse knife contact |
| A3 | Low–moderate | Assembly, light metal handling |
| A4 | Moderate | Many general industrial cut risks |
| A5 | Moderate–high | Sheet metal, glass handling support tasks |
| A6 | High | Higher edge exposure in fab environments |
| A7 | High+ | Severe cut hazards with trained procedures |
| A8–A9 | Highest common commercial band | Specialized high-cut work; verify fit and task need |
Task bands above are orientation only. Your hazard assessment and manufacturer data win over any blog table. For product selection steps, see the cut-resistant gloves guide.
EN 388: how to read the pictogram string
EN 388 is the common European mechanical risk standard for gloves. Labels often show a hammer pictogram with a string of numbers and a letter, for example 4543EP. Exact digit positions can include abrasion, blade cut (coupe), tear, puncture, and additional cut or impact marks depending on the revision and tests performed.
- Numbers generally score abrasion, coupe cut, tear, and puncture on defined scales (higher is better within that test).
- A letter (A–F) often reports the TDM cut test result under ISO 13997-style methods used when the coupe test is not appropriate for high-performance materials.
- Impact marks (when present) indicate a passed impact test on the back of the hand for that model.
Other mechanical scores people mix up
- Abrasion: how the surface holds up to rub wear, not cut.
- Puncture: resistance to a standardized probe, not a hypodermic needle or nail gun.
- Tear: how the material resists ripping once damaged.
Practical label checklist
- Find whether the cut claim is ANSI (A1–A9) or EN 388 (digits + optional letter).
- Confirm the rating is for the glove model and size you will issue, not a related SKU.
- Check coating and cuff style after the rating. A high cut liner with no grip still fails the job.
- Size correctly with the glove size chart.
- Retest your assumption when the process changes (new blade type, oily stock, longer dwell).
What this site is not
HPC Gloves is not a certification body and does not issue ANSI or EN certificates. Always verify current standard text and the manufacturer's declaration for compliance programs.