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EN 388 vs ANSI 105

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Standards & Certifications

EN 388 vs ANSI 105: What’s the Difference?

A practical B2B guide to EN 388 and ANSI/ISEA 105, including test methods, protection classifications, market requirements and how buyers should compare industrial safety gloves.

EN 388 ANSI/ISEA 105 Cut Resistance PPE Standards Buyer Guide
Primary Search EN 388 vs ANSI 105
Intent Informational / Commercial
Audience PPE & B2B Buyers
Focus Standards & Testing
Quick Answer EN 388 and ANSI/ISEA 105 are different standards. They cover overlapping hand-protection properties such as abrasion, cut and puncture resistance, but they use different classification systems and testing approaches. A buyer should compare the applicable test method, actual result and intended application rather than converting one rating directly into another.

EN 388 vs ANSI 105 at a Glance

Both standards help communicate protective-glove performance, but their classifications should not be treated as interchangeable.

Comparison Point EN 388 ANSI/ISEA 105-2024
Primary Role Mechanical-risk protective gloves. Hand and arm protection performance classification.
Main Market Association Europe and markets using EN standards. United States / North American procurement.
Cut Classification TDM A–F where applicable. A1–A9.
Abrasion Levels 1–4 Levels 0–6
Puncture Levels 1–4 Levels 0–5
Tear Levels 1–4 No directly corresponding ANSI/ISEA 105 classification.
Impact P may be indicated where applicable. Addressed separately by ANSI/ISEA 138.
01
EN 388 vs ANSI 105 Comparison Graphic Recommended visual: Side-by-side technical comparison showing the two classification systems.

What Is EN 388?

EN 388 is associated with protective gloves against mechanical risks. It addresses properties such as abrasion resistance, blade cut resistance, tear resistance and puncture resistance, with additional TDM cut testing where applicable.

EN 388

Mechanical-Risk Protection

EN 388 communicates individual mechanical performance properties rather than one single overall protection score.

  • Abrasion resistance
  • Blade cut resistance
  • Tear resistance
  • Puncture resistance
  • TDM cut resistance
  • Applicable impact indication
Buyer Focus

Read Each Character Separately

An EN 388 marking contains several performance results. Each position represents a specific mechanical property.

Buyers should therefore avoid treating the entire marking as one universal protection score.

How EN 388 Ratings Are Reported

Each position in an EN 388 marking corresponds to a different mechanical performance property.

Position Property Classification
1 Abrasion 1–4
2 Coupe Blade Cut 1–5 or X
3 Tear 1–4
4 Puncture 1–4
5 TDM Cut A–F
Additional Impact P where applicable
INFO
How to Read an EN 388 Glove Rating Show abrasion, coupe cut, tear, puncture, TDM cut and applicable impact indicators.

What Is ANSI/ISEA 105?

ANSI/ISEA 105 is the American National Standard for Hand Protection Classification. The current edition is ANSI/ISEA 105-2024. It provides performance classifications for hand and arm protection, including mechanical properties such as cut, abrasion and puncture resistance.

ANSI/ISEA 105-2024

U.S. Hand Protection Classification

ANSI/ISEA 105 uses classification scales that differ from EN 388.

  • Cut resistance A1–A9
  • Abrasion classification
  • Puncture classification
  • Hand and arm protection performance
Important

Do Not Convert Ratings Automatically

A rating from one standard should not be treated as a direct equivalent of a rating from the other standard without appropriate supporting test data.

ANSI Cut Resistance: A1–A9

ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 uses nine cut-resistance levels, progressing from A1 through A9.

ANSI Level Cut Resistance Range
A1 200–499 gf
A2 500–999 gf
A3 1,000–1,499 gf
A4 1,500–2,199 gf
A5 2,200–2,999 gf
A6 3,000–3,999 gf
A7 4,000–4,999 gf
A8 5,000–5,999 gf
A9 6,000+ gf

The Cut Test Is Not a Direct Conversion

Cut resistance is one of the areas where glove buyers most frequently make incorrect one-to-one comparisons.

!
Important Buyer Warning

Do not assume that an EN 388 cut level such as D automatically equals ANSI A4, A5 or another ANSI level. The classification systems and applicable testing approaches are different.

✓ What You Can Compare

  • Protection property
  • Workplace hazard
  • Application
  • Underlying laboratory data
  • Applicable test method

✕ What You Should Not Assume

  • EN 388 D = ANSI A4
  • EN 388 D = ANSI A5
  • EN abrasion = ANSI abrasion
  • EN puncture = ANSI puncture
  • One rating proves another market’s compliance
02
Rating Conversion Warning Recommended technical graphic showing why EN 388 and ANSI/ISEA 105 classifications should not be directly converted.

Test Methods: Where the Standards Differ

1. Abrasion Resistance

Both systems evaluate abrasion resistance, but their classification scales differ. EN 388 uses Levels 1–4, while ANSI/ISEA 105 uses a different classification scale.

2. Cut Resistance

EN 388 can report coupe blade-cut performance and TDM cut resistance. ANSI/ISEA 105 uses its own cut-classification system, including A1–A9 levels.

3. Tear Resistance

EN 388 includes tear resistance as a mechanical performance property. There is no directly corresponding ANSI/ISEA 105 tear classification that can simply be matched to an EN 388 tear level.

4. Puncture Resistance

Both systems address puncture resistance, but their classifications and test systems differ. Buyers should evaluate the applicable test method and supporting documentation.

5. Impact Protection

EN 388 may include an impact indication where applicable. In the United States, impact-resistant gloves are addressed separately through ANSI/ISEA 138.

What Can and Cannot Be Compared?

Can Be Compared Cannot Be Directly Converted
Protection property EN 388 cut level → ANSI A-level
Workplace hazard EN abrasion level → ANSI abrasion level
Application EN puncture level → ANSI puncture level
Laboratory data EN tear level → ANSI equivalent
Test method EN impact “P” → ANSI 105 impact rating
The safest procurement approach is: Test Method + Result + Classification + Application rather than classification symbols alone.

EN 388 vs ANSI 105 by Market

EUROPE

EN 388

EN 388 is strongly associated with mechanical-risk glove specifications in European PPE applications.

  • Mechanical-risk protection
  • European PPE requirements
  • Applicable conformity documentation
  • Market-specific requirements
UNITED STATES

ANSI/ISEA 105

ANSI/ISEA 105 is the U.S. hand-protection classification framework for the performance properties it covers.

  • U.S. hand-protection classification
  • Cut, abrasion and puncture
  • Buyer specifications
  • Additional applicable standards
✓
International Procurement

If a glove will be supplied into both European and U.S. markets, request the applicable test results and documentation for each target market instead of attempting to convert one rating into another.

Buyer Workflow: How to Evaluate Gloves

A structured procurement workflow helps buyers select protection based on the actual workplace requirement instead of choosing a glove from a rating alone.

01

Identify the Hazard

Determine whether the task involves cut, abrasion, puncture, impact or another risk.

02

Identify the Market

Establish the destination market and applicable requirements.

03

Define Performance

Specify the protection properties required for the actual application.

04

Select the Standard

Determine the applicable standard and test method.

05

Request Documentation

Request test results, reports and product identification.

06

Verify the Product

Confirm that the evidence applies to the exact glove configuration being purchased.

03
Six-Step B2B Buyer Workflow Hazard → Market → Performance → Standard → Documentation → Product Verification

How Should Buyers Read a Glove Specification?

A professional glove specification should provide enough information to understand what was tested and how the performance was classified.

Specification Element Why It Matters
Standard Identifies the applicable performance framework.
Edition Clarifies which version applies.
Test Method Explains how performance was measured.
Laboratory Result Provides underlying performance evidence.
Classification Communicates the resulting performance level.
Product Identification Helps verify the evidence applies to the exact glove.

What Should Buyers Request From a Glove Supplier?

✓ Applicable standard and edition
✓ Test method
✓ Actual performance classification
✓ Test report where appropriate
✓ Product / SKU identification
✓ Material and construction information

Why Manufacturing Expertise Matters

For B2B glove buyers, standards are only one part of supplier evaluation. A capable supplier should also be able to communicate product specifications, manufacturing requirements and supporting documentation.

Protekta states that its manufacturing operation includes R&D, cutting, stitching, printing and quality assurance, with production and quality processes handled at its Sialkot facility.

Protekta also supports OEM, private-label and customized glove requirements for B2B buyers.

For OEM projects, buyers should communicate the target market, workplace hazard, required performance properties, applicable standard, branding requirements and documentation expectations before finalizing the product specification.

EN 388 vs ANSI 105: Practical Recommendation

If you are buying gloves for Europe, start with the applicable European PPE requirements and determine whether EN 388 is relevant to the mechanical hazards involved.

If you are buying for the United States, specify the applicable ANSI/ISEA classification requirements and request the relevant test documentation.

If you are sourcing for both markets, do not convert one standard into the other. Request the applicable test results for each target market and verify that the exact glove configuration has supporting evidence.

Hazard → Required Protection → Target Market → Applicable Standard → Test Method → Test Result → Classification → Documentation → Product Verification

Frequently Asked Questions

No. EN 388 and ANSI/ISEA 105 are different standards with overlapping protection categories but different classification systems and test/reporting approaches.
No. An EN 388 TDM cut level such as D should not be converted directly into an ANSI A-level. Buyers should use the applicable test result and classification.
ANSI/ISEA 105 is the U.S. hand-protection classification standard. The current edition is ANSI/ISEA 105-2024.
EN 388 is widely used for mechanical-risk glove specifications in European PPE applications.
Yes. EN 388 includes blade cut testing and TDM cut-resistance classification.
Yes. ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 classifies cut resistance using A1 through A9 levels.
No. Both address abrasion resistance, but their classification scales and testing systems differ.
No. Both address puncture resistance, but their classification systems and test methods differ.
No. EN 388 addresses mechanical-risk performance. CE marking and EU PPE conformity involve applicable requirements and conformity-assessment processes.
If the glove will be marketed into both European and U.S. markets, obtaining the applicable testing and documentation for each target market can make procurement and product specification clearer.

Sources & References

  1. International Safety Equipment Association — ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 Hand Protection Classification. View ISEA resource
  2. Protekta Gloves — Certificates and certification information. View Protekta Certificates
  3. Protekta Gloves — Quality Focus. View Quality Focus
  4. Protekta Gloves — Custom Safety Gloves. View Custom Safety Gloves

Recommended Internal Links

Links From This Article

Destination Context Anchor
Certificates Certification and documentation Protekta certification and quality documentation
Quality Focus Supplier quality assurance Protekta quality assurance process
Custom Safety Gloves Product specification and customization custom safety glove solutions
Wholesale Safety Gloves B2B procurement and product requirements wholesale safety glove supply

Pages That Should Link To This Article

  • Safety Gloves
  • Relevant product pages
  • Industry/application pages
  • OEM pages
  • Standards & Certifications Hub

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Define the hazard, target market, required protection and documentation before finalizing your glove specification.

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