What is EN 511:2010

EN 511:2010 is a European Standard that specifies requirements for protective gloves against cold. It sets out the criteria for measuring and classifying gloves according to their thermal insulation properties, water penetration resistance, and their resistance to convective and contact cold. This standard ensures that consumers have access to high-quality gloves that provide adequate protection in cold environments.

Thermal Insulation Requirements

One of the key aspects of EN 511:2010 is the evaluation of thermal insulation performance. Gloves are tested and classified based on their ability to retain heat, measured by the Thermal Resistance (R) value. The higher the R value, the better the insulation. Gloves can achieve three levels of thermal insulation, indicated by pictograms with one, two, or three horizontal lines.

In addition to the R value, gloves are also tested for their resistance to convection cold, which measures how effectively they protect against cold air flow. This is indicated by another pictogram with one to four arrows, with more arrows indicating higher resistance. Gloves must meet specific requirements for both thermal insulation and convection cold resistance to achieve the EN 511 certification.

Water Penetration Resistance

The EN 511:2010 standard also addresses the water penetration resistance of gloves, which is crucial in wet or snowy environments. Gloves are tested according to their ability to withstand water penetration under controlled conditions. They are rated on a scale from 0 to 4, with a higher number indicating better water resistance. Gloves that achieve a minimum rating of level 1 are considered suitable for low exposure to water, while those with a rating of level 4 provide the highest level of water resistance.

Contact Cold Resistance

Contact cold refers to the direct contact of a cold surface with the skin. EN 511:2010 evaluates the resistance of gloves to this type of cold by measuring their thermal insulation properties when subjected to contact with a cold object. This is expressed in terms of the contact cold resistance index (TCR), which indicates the time in seconds that it takes for the temperature on the inside of the glove to drop from +25°C to 0°C. The higher the TCR value, the longer the glove can protect against contact cold.

Gloves that meet the requirements for thermal insulation, water penetration resistance, and contact cold resistance are deemed suitable for cold environments and can be certified according to the EN 511:2010 standard. Consumers should look for the CE mark accompanied by the EN 511 pictograms, which provide clear information about the gloves' protective capabilities.