What is EN 511:2010?

EN 511:2010 is a European standard that specifically addresses the protective gloves against cold. This standard provides users with valuable information about the level of protection that a pair of gloves offers in terms of resistance to convective and contact cold as well as water penetration. EN 511:2010 is crucial for individuals working in cold environments, such as freezer warehouses, outdoor winter maintenance, and snow sports.

Rigorously Tested for Convective Cold

The first aspect covered by EN 511:2010 is resistance to convective cold. Convective cold occurs when cold air passes over the surface of the glove, resulting in decreasing temperatures. There are four possible performance levels defined in the standard, with Level 4 offering the highest resistance to convective cold. Gloves tested under this standard undergo rigorous testing methods to determine their thermal insulation properties against convective cold.

Protective Properties Against Contact Cold

In addition to resistance against convective cold, EN 511:2010 also evaluates the glove's protective properties against contact cold. Contact cold refers to the transmission of cold through direct contact with cold objects or materials. The standard assesses the thermal insulation of gloves based on their ability to delay heat transfer from the hand to the external environment, measured using a range of temperature scenarios. The higher the performance level, the better the protective properties against contact cold.

Water Penetration Resistance

Another significant aspect of EN 511:2010 is the evaluation of water penetration resistance. Working in cold and wet conditions can be particularly challenging, as it increases conductivity and accelerates heat loss. With three performance levels, this standard measures the glove's waterproofness and its ability to resist water penetration. While Level 1 indicates basic water resistance, Level 3 signifies the highest degree of waterproofness.

Overall, EN 511:2010 plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals working in cold environments have access to the necessary protection against various aspects of cold. By understanding the different performance levels and evaluating gloves based on their resistance to convective and contact cold as well as water penetration, users can make informed decisions when selecting appropriate hand protection for their specific needs.