EN 407
Standards & Certifications
EN 407 Explained: Heat & Thermal Risk Protection
Understand what EN 407 means, how its six thermal performance categories are rated, and how to select protective gloves for heat, flames, and molten-metal hazards.
EN 407 is a thermal-risk performance standard—not a universal guarantee
that a glove is safe for every hot environment.
Six thermal categories
Flame, contact heat, convective heat, radiant heat, and molten metal.
Performance levels
Levels 1–4 show performance for each specific test category.
Application matters
Select gloves according to the actual hazard and task.
The standard
What Does EN 407 Mean?
EN 407 is the European standard for protective gloves and other hand-protection equipment against thermal risks, including heat and fire. It covers six performance areas: limited flame spread, contact heat, convective heat, radiant heat, small splashes of molten metal, and large quantities of molten metal.
The ratings help buyers understand which thermal hazards a glove has been tested for and how it performed.
Important distinction
EN 407 does not replace application-specific standards for firefighting or welding gloves.
Thermal performance
The Six EN 407 Test Categories
Each category uses its own test method and rating scale. The results should be read individually rather than treated as one universal heat-protection score.
A
Limited Flame Spread
Evaluates how the glove material behaves after exposure to a flame, including after-flame and after-glow performance.
B
Contact Heat
Measures resistance to heat transferred from a hot surface at specified test temperatures.
C
Convective Heat
Measures resistance to heat transferred through hot air or flame.
D
Radiant Heat
Measures resistance to heat transferred from a radiant heat source.
E
Small Molten-Metal Splashes
Evaluates resistance to small droplets of molten metal.
F
Large Quantities of Molten Metal
Evaluates resistance to a larger quantity of molten metal poured onto the test specimen.
Understanding the marking
EN 407 Rating Levels Explained
The numbers indicate performance levels within each individual thermal test. They are not universal temperature ratings for the entire glove.
Important: A Level 4 contact-heat result does not mean the glove is safe against all heat sources or for unlimited exposure. The rating applies only to the specific test.
Technical reference
EN 407 Test Categories & Rating Levels
Use the tables below to understand what each category measures and what the performance levels represent.
A
Limited Flame Spread
This test evaluates how the glove material behaves after exposure to a flame. The performance level is based on measured after-flame and after-glow times.
| Level | After-flame time | After-glow time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ≤ 15 seconds | No requirement |
| 2 | ≤ 10 seconds | ≤ 120 seconds |
| 3 | ≤ 3 seconds | ≤ 25 seconds |
| 4 | ≤ 2 seconds | ≤ 5 seconds |
This category is relevant when a task involves exposure to flame.
B
Contact Heat
Contact heat measures how well the glove resists heat transferred from a hot surface. The test uses a specified temperature and measures whether the temperature inside the glove rises within the required threshold time.
| Level | Contact temperature | Threshold time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100°C | ≥ 15 seconds |
| 2 | 250°C | ≥ 15 seconds |
| 3 | 350°C | ≥ 15 seconds |
| 4 | 500°C | ≥ 15 seconds |
A Level 2 result demonstrates performance in the specified test at 250°C for at least 15 seconds. It is not a universal temperature guarantee.
C
Convective Heat
Convective heat measures resistance to heat transfer from a flame or hot air. The test uses the heat transfer index (HTI).
| Level | Heat transfer index (HTI) |
|---|---|
| 1 | ≥ 4 seconds |
| 2 | ≥ 7 seconds |
| 3 | ≥ 10 seconds |
| 4 | ≥ 18 seconds |
D
Radiant Heat
Radiant heat is transferred from a radiant heat source. The test measures the time required for a specified temperature increase through the glove sample.
| Level | Radiant heat transfer time (T24) |
|---|---|
| 1 | ≥ 7 seconds |
| 2 | ≥ 20 seconds |
| 3 | ≥ 50 seconds |
| 4 | ≥ 95 seconds |
E
Small Splashes of Molten Metal
This test evaluates resistance to small droplets of molten metal. The result is based on the number of droplets needed to produce the specified temperature rise.
| Level | Number of droplets |
|---|---|
| 1 | ≥ 10 |
| 2 | ≥ 15 |
| 3 | ≥ 25 |
| 4 | ≥ 35 |
F
Large Quantities of Molten Metal
This test evaluates resistance to a larger quantity of molten metal poured onto the test specimen. The performance levels are based on the amount of molten iron used in the test.
| Level | Molten iron |
|---|---|
| 1 | 30 g |
| 2 | 60 g |
| 3 | 120 g |
| 4 | 200 g |
Buyer education
How to Read an EN 407 Marking
The six positions correspond to the six thermal test categories in order: A, B, C, D, E, and F.
Example: 4 2 3 1 0 X
This is an illustrative example only, not a certification or performance claim for a Protekta product.
| Position | Category | Illustrative result |
|---|---|---|
| A | Limited flame spread | Level 4 |
| B | Contact heat | Level 2 |
| C | Convective heat | Level 3 |
| D | Radiant heat | Level 1 |
| E | Small molten-metal splashes | Level 0 |
| F | Large quantities of molten metal | X |
Remember
X means no performance level is reported for that category. It does not mean the glove failed the test.
Application guidance
EN 407 and Welding Gloves
EN 407 is relevant to thermal-risk protection, but it should not be treated as a substitute for a welding-specific standard.
For welding-related purchasing
Buyers should check the specific welding standard, the welding process, the heat and spark exposure, the required mechanical protection, and any additional workplace requirements.
For general industrial heat protection
EN 407 is relevant when thermal exposure is the primary concern, but it should be considered alongside other hazards such as cuts, abrasion, impact, and chemicals where applicable.
Do not assume that an EN 407 rating alone makes a glove suitable for welding. The glove should be selected for the actual task and applicable requirements.
Practical guidance
How to Choose EN 407 Gloves
The correct glove depends on the actual hazard, exposure, and other protection requirements.
1
Identify the Main Heat Hazard
Ask whether the task involves a hot surface, flame, hot air, radiant heat, small molten-metal splashes, or large quantities of molten metal.
2
Identify the Required Performance Level
Choose the level based on the actual task and exposure. A higher level is not automatically the best choice if the glove is unsuitable for other hazards.
3
Check Other Protection Requirements
Thermal protection may need to be combined with cut, abrasion, tear, puncture, impact, grip, dexterity, or chemical resistance.
4
Check the Actual Product Documentation
Ask for relevant test results, certification or conformity documentation, and the exact performance marking.
5
Confirm the Intended Application
Consider how the heat reaches the glove, how long exposure lasts, whether molten metal is involved, and whether other hazards are present.
How the heat reaches the glove
How long the exposure lasts
Whether direct contact is involved
Whether molten metal is involved
Whether other hazards are present
Whether the glove is suitable for the task
Sourcing checklist
What Buyers Should Ask a Glove Manufacturer
These questions help distinguish a general heat-resistant glove from a glove with documented thermal performance.
1Which EN 407 performance categories has this product been tested for?
2What is the exact performance marking?
3Which test method and standard edition were used?
4Is the product intended for contact heat, flame, radiant heat, or molten-metal splash?
5Are the test results available for review?
6What other protective standards apply to the product?
7Is the product suitable for the intended workplace application?
8Can the manufacturer provide samples before bulk production?
B2B sourcing
Why Manufacturing Expertise Matters
For industrial glove sourcing, manufacturing expertise matters because thermal performance depends on the materials, construction, and intended use of the product.
Material and construction
A manufacturer should be able to explain relevant material choices, construction details, testing requirements, and product documentation.
OEM and private-label projects
Buyers should confirm that agreed specifications and performance requirements are reflected in the final product.
Frequently asked questions
EN 407 FAQs
Clear answers to common questions about thermal glove ratings, molten metal, welding, and product selection.
What is EN 407?
EN 407 is a European standard for protective gloves and other hand-protection equipment against thermal risks, including heat and fire. It covers six performance categories: limited flame spread, contact heat, convective heat, radiant heat, small splashes of molten metal, and large quantities of molten metal.
What do the numbers in EN 407 mean?
The numbers indicate the performance level achieved in each test category. Levels 1 to 4 are used, with higher numbers indicating higher performance for that specific test. The number is not a universal temperature rating for the glove.
What does X mean in an EN 407 marking?
X means that no performance level is reported for that test category. It does not mean that the glove has failed the test.
Does EN 407 mean a glove is safe for welding?
No. EN 407 is a thermal-risk standard, but welding gloves have their own specific standards. A glove should be selected according to the welding task and applicable requirements.
What is the highest EN 407 rating?
The highest performance level within each EN 407 test category is Level 4. However, a Level 4 result in one category does not mean the glove has Level 4 performance in all categories.
Does EN 407 cover molten metal?
Yes. Categories E and F cover small splashes of molten metal and large quantities of molten metal, respectively. These are separate performance categories and should not be confused.
What is the difference between contact heat and convective heat?
Contact heat measures heat transferred from a hot surface. Convective heat measures heat transfer from a flame or hot air. They are different hazards and have separate EN 407 test categories.
Can I choose a glove only by its EN 407 rating?
No. The glove should be selected according to the actual hazard, task, exposure, and other protection requirements. EN 407 ratings are one part of the selection process.
Does a higher EN 407 rating always mean better protection?
A higher level means higher performance in that particular test. It does not automatically mean the glove is better for every application or every type of heat.
Reference material
Sources & References
Technical information should be checked against the applicable standard and current product documentation.
ISO 23407:2021 — Protective gloves against thermal risks.
BS EN 407:2020 — Protective gloves and other hand
protective equipment against thermal risks.
NEN-EN 407:2020 — Current standard information and scope.
EN 407:2020 — Test descriptions and performance levels.
Protekta Gloves
Need help selecting the right thermal protection gloves?
Share your application, heat hazard, required performance, and purchasing requirements with our team.
Antivibration Gloves
Beekeeping Gloves
CE Certified Gloves