{"id":23083,"date":"2026-07-20T07:48:51","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T05:48:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/niroflex.de\/?p=23083"},"modified":"2026-07-21T12:39:57","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T10:39:57","slug":"what-does-cut-protection-level-5-mean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/niroflex.de\/en\/what-does-cut-protection-level-5-mean\/","title":{"rendered":"What does cut resistance class 5 mean for gloves?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Anyone selecting protective gloves for work environments with a risk of cuts will often come across the term \u201ccut protection level 5\u201d. At first glance, the meaning seems clear: level 5 stands for high cut resistance. However, this rating alone is not enough to determine whether a glove is suitable for a specific workplace.<\/p>\n

The reason lies in the different test methods. Cut protection level 5 originates from the Coup Test specified in EN 388. For modern cut-resistant materials, testing according to EN ISO 13997 also plays an important role. This method measures the force in Newton required to cut through a material. The results are classified into performance levels A to F.<\/p>\n

This raises several practical questions: What does cut protection level 5 actually mean? How do the two test methods differ? What do values of 30 Newton and above indicate? And which level of protection is suitable for a particular task?<\/p>\n

What does cut protection level 5 mean?<\/h2>\n

The term cut protection level 5 originates from the Coup Test specified in EN 388. During this test, a rotating circular blade repeatedly moves across the glove material. The number of cutting cycles required for the blade to cut through the material is measured.<\/p>\n

Within this test method, performance level 5 was the highest rating.<\/p>\n

However, the Coup Test reaches its limits with certain modern high-performance fibres. The material can blunt the test blade during the test. In this case, the actual cut resistance cannot always be assessed reliably enough using this method alone.<\/p>\n

It is therefore worth looking at the complete EN 388 marking. It provides information about the test methods used and the performance levels achieved by the glove. For modern cut-resistant materials, testing according to EN ISO 13997 is particularly relevant.<\/p>\n

EN ISO 13997: What do cut protection levels A to F mean?<\/h2>\n

The test according to EN ISO 13997 is also commonly referred to as the TDM Test. Unlike the Coup Test, it uses a straight blade. The blade is drawn across the test material to determine the force required to cut through it over a defined cutting distance of 20 millimetres.<\/p>\n

The result is expressed in Newton and assigned to a performance level from A to F:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Performance level<\/th>\nRequired cutting force<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
A<\/td>\nat least 2 N<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
B<\/td>\nat least 5 N<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
C<\/td>\nat least 10 N<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
D<\/td>\nat least 15 N<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
E<\/td>\nat least 22 N<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
F<\/td>\nat least 30 N<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The more force required to cut through the material under the specified test conditions, the higher the measured cut resistance.<\/p>\n

Performance level F starts at 30 Newton and is the highest level within this classification. The standard does not define an additional performance level above F.<\/p>\n

So what happens if a value of more than 30 N is achieved during testing?<\/p>\n

The glove is still classified as performance level F. However, the actual Newton value can provide additional information. It indicates the cut resistance achieved by the material under the specified test conditions and can be considered when assessing materials within the highest performance level.<\/p>\n

A higher Newton value does not automatically make a glove the better choice. Very high cut resistance offers little practical benefit if the glove is too stiff for the intended task, restricts grip sensitivity or is unsuitable for the working environment.<\/p>\n

Cut protection level 5 or cut protection level F \u2013 what is the difference?<\/h2>\n

The two ratings are often compared, but they cannot be considered equivalent.<\/p>\n

In the Coup Test, a rotating circular blade repeatedly moves across the material. The number of cutting cycles required to cut through the material is evaluated. Performance is classified from level 1 to level 5.<\/p>\n

Testing according to EN ISO 13997 follows a different principle. A straight blade is used and the required cutting force is measured in Newton. The result is classified from A to F.<\/p>\n

A direct conversion between the two systems is not possible. Cut protection level 5 therefore does not automatically correspond to cut protection level F.<\/p>\n

Especially with modern cut-resistant materials, it makes sense to look beyond a single performance value. The complete EN 388 marking shows which test methods were used and how the material performed under the respective test conditions.<\/p>\n

When are gloves with high cut resistance useful?<\/h2>\n

High cut resistance is relevant wherever employees regularly handle sharp edges, tools or workpieces.<\/p>\n

This includes, for example, work environments in metal and glass processing, assembly and maintenance tasks, as well as certain activities in the food industry.<\/p>\n

However, the industry alone does not determine which glove is suitable. Handling sharp-edged sheet metal involves different working conditions than processing glass or regularly using a hand-held knife.<\/p>\n

The practical requirements of the job also matter. How much dexterity is required? Does the glove need to provide a secure grip in wet conditions? Are there specific hygiene requirements? And how long is the glove worn each day?<\/p>\n

When working with knives, another factor must be considered: cut protection and stab protection are not the same.<\/p>\n

Depending on the hazard, special metal ring mesh protective gloves<\/a><\/strong><\/span> may be required. Textile cut-resistant gloves and ring mesh gloves perform different protective functions. Comparing them solely on the basis of a cut resistance value would therefore be misleading.<\/p>\n

Which cut protection level do I need for gloves?<\/h2>\n

There is no universal answer to this question. The appropriate hand protection depends on the actual hazard and the conditions at the workplace.<\/p>\n

The first step is to determine what causes the cut hazard. Does it involve sharp-edged sheet metal, glass, components or other materials? How frequently are employees exposed to the hazard? And what could be the consequences of an injury?<\/p>\n

The task itself is equally important. Precision work requires sufficient dexterity, tactile sensitivity and a secure grip. If gloves are worn for many hours, fit, weight and comfort become increasingly important.<\/p>\n

Several factors should therefore be considered together when selecting protective gloves:<\/p>\n