Blog Archives

EN 407 Explained

6 December 2022

EN safety standards can be difficult to understand. Whether you've heard of EN 407 or not, you've probably seen a set of numbers on the back of your heatproof gloves. We've put this article together to answer your questions and to give you a better understanding of the rating so you can select the best pair of gloves for your unique application.

Whether you're welding, cooking or conducting mechanical engineering work, we've got you covered. After following a few easy steps, you'll be able to decipher what each EN 407 rating is about, what each number means and how to get the right pair of gloves for you and your workmates.


What Does Our Guide Cover?


What Is EN 407?

EN 407 is a general European standard designed to be used for any glove that is to be sold as providing protection against thermal hazards. The sign will often appear with six digits that show how well your glove did in a particular test.

All six tests are graded on a scale from 0 to 4, with 0 signifying that the glove failed the test, and 4 demonstrating it has achieved the maximum resistance in that specific area. Gloves that have passed at least one of the six tests for thermal hazards will typically be marked with this symbol:

European Standard EN 407 Pictogram

Resistance Test Levels
Resistance to Flammability 0 - 4
Contact Heat Resistance 0 - 4
Convective Heat Resistance 0 - 4
Radiant Heat Resistance 0 - 4
Resistance to Small Splashes of Molten Metal 0 - 4
Resistance to Large Splashes of Molten Metal 0 - 4

EN 407 Quick Facts

  • EN 407 is the European heat resistant regulation for safety gloves
  • Each test is scored between 0 - 4
  • If a product hasn't been tested, it will be marked N/A
  • If a pair of gloves fail any test, they will be marked Level 0

Flame Resistant Gloves Explained

What Is Flame Resistance?

This test, also known as burning behaviour or burning resistance, is based on the length of time a piece of material continues to burn and glow after the source of ignition is removed. Consult the table below to find out what a specific rating means in terms of after-burn and after-glow times.

Who Needs It?

Rating After-Burn Time (seconds) After-Glow Time (seconds)
Level 1 Under 20 seconds Infinity
Level 2 Under 10 seconds Under 120 seconds
Level 3 Under 3 seconds Under 25 seconds
Level 4 Under 2 seconds Under 5 seconds

Our Top Picks for Flammability and Burning Protection

See our top picks for flame, ignition and burn resistance, below.

Polyco Volcano Heavyweight Kevlar Heat Resistant Gloves 7564

Polyco Volcano Heavyweight Kevlar Heat Resistant Gloves 7564

  • Heavyweight Kevlar protects against 350°C for 15 seconds
  • Soft inner liner offers comfort and flexibility 
  • High abrasion, cut and tear resistance ensuring safety and durablity
  • Price shown is per pair of gloves
In stock now  In stock now

Polyco Weldmaster Welding Gauntlet Gloves

Polyco Weldmaster Welding Gauntlet Gloves

  • Provides heat protection for hands
  • Designed for type A Mig/Arc welding
  • Universal sizing suitable for most users
  • Price shown is per pair of gloves
In stock now  In stock now

Ejendals Tegera 17 Heat Resistant Work Gloves

Ejendals Tegera 17 Heat Resistant Work Gloves

  • Heat-resistant work gloves
  • Reinforced design for improved durability
  • Soft jersey lining for comfort in use
  • Price shown is per pair of gloves
In stock now  In stock now

See More


Contact Heat Resistance Explained

What Is Contact Heat Resistance?

Contact heat resistance test is based on the temperature range (100 - 500°C) at which the user will feel pain for at least 15 seconds. When a glove obtains an EN Level 3 in this test, it should record at least EN Level 3 in the flammability test. If this is not the case, the maximum contact heat level is reported as Level 2.

Who Needs It?

Rating Temperature After 15 Seconds (°C)
Level 1 100°C
Level 2 250°C
Level 3 350°C
Level 4 500°C

Our Top Picks for Contact Heat Resistance

Whether you're welding, washing up or handling heated metal in a workshop, we've got you covered. Take a look at some of our most popular options, below.

Polyco Hot Glove Heat Resistant Gloves 9010

Polyco Hot Glove Heat Resistant Gloves 9010

  • Heat resistant gloves to withstand 250°C heat
  • Comfort and flexibility make this heat glove unique
  • Ideal for industries such as baking and food preparation
  • Price shown is per pair of gloves
In stock now  In stock now

Ejendals Tegera 118A Welding Gloves

Ejendals Tegera 118A Welding Gloves

  • Heat-resistant welding gloves
  • Supple goatskin leather palm for excellent dexterity
  • Safety cuff for wrist protection
  • Price shown is per pair of gloves
In stock now  In stock now

Portwest Level C Cut-Resistant PU Coated Gloves A622G7

Portwest Level C Cut-Resistant PU Coated Gloves A622G7

  • High-performance cut-resistant work gloves
  • Smooth PU coating for increased abrasion resistance
  • Breathable, seamless liner for improved comfort
  • Price shown is per pair of gloves
In stock now  In stock now

Ejendals Tegera 8163 Chemical and Contact Heat Protective Safety Gloves

Ejendals Tegera 8163 Chemical and Contact Heat Protective Safety Gloves

  • Pair of chemical, mechanical and heat resistant safety gloves
  • Ideal for food preparation, mechanics and chemical handling
  • Full range of EN 388 protection against cut, abrasion puncture and tear
  • Repellent against fats, oils and grease
In stock now  In stock now

See More


Convective Heat Resistance Explained

What Is Convective Heat Resistance?

Convective heat resistance is tested based on the length of time the glove is able to delay the transfer of heat from a flame. A level of performance is only mentioned if a performance Level 3 or 4 is obtained in the flammability test. 

Who Needs It?

Rating Seconds
Level 1 Under 4 seconds
Level 2 Under 7 seconds
Level 3 Under 10 seconds
Level 4 Under 18 seconds

Our Top Picks for Convective Heat Protection

Protect your hands against airborne heat, with our tried, tested and loved gloves. We've listed a few of our and our customer's favourites, below.

Polyco Volcano Heavyweight Kevlar Heat Resistant Gloves 7564

Polyco Volcano Heavyweight Kevlar Heat Resistant Gloves 7564

  • Heavyweight Kevlar protects against 350°C for 15 seconds
  • Soft inner liner offers comfort and flexibility 
  • High abrasion, cut and tear resistance ensuring safety and durablity
  • Price shown is per pair of gloves
In stock now  In stock now

Traffiglove TG5580 Premium Leather Multi-Protection Safety Gloves

Traffiglove TG5580 Premium Leather Multi-Protection Safety Gloves

  • Gardeners' gloves to protect against vegetation and brambles
  • Ideal for gardening in dry, wet, oily or cold outdoor environments
  • Waterproof design with excellent abrasion and thorn resistance
  • Price shown is per pair of gloves
In stock now  In stock now

See More


Radiant Heat Resistance Explained

What Is Radiant Heat Resistance?

Radiant heat resistance is measured with the length of time the glove is able to delay the transfer of heat when exposed to a radiant heat source. A level of performance is only mentioned if a performance Level 3 or 4 is obtained in the flammability test.

Who Needs It?

Rating Seconds
Level 1 Under 5 seconds
Level 2 Under 30 seconds
Level 3 Under 90 seconds
Level 4 Under 150 seconds

Our Top Picks for Radiant Heat Protection

To save you time, we've drawn on customer reviews, expert advice and our own expertise to catalogue the best radiant heat protection gloves on the market. See below or click the button to view more options.

Polyco Volcano Heavyweight Kevlar Heat Resistant Gloves 7564

Polyco Volcano Heavyweight Kevlar Heat Resistant Gloves 7564

  • Heavyweight Kevlar protects against 350°C for 15 seconds
  • Soft inner liner offers comfort and flexibility 
  • High abrasion, cut and tear resistance ensuring safety and durablity
  • Price shown is per pair of gloves
In stock now  In stock now

Ejendals Tegera 139 Heat Resistant Metalworking Gloves

Ejendals Tegera 139 Heat Resistant Metalworking Gloves

  • Thick heat-resistant gloves ideal for metalwork
  • Ideal for metalwork and material handling applications
  • Kevlar lining for improved heat resistance
  • Price shown is per pair of gloves
In stock now  In stock now

See More


Resistance to Small Splashes of Molten Metal Explained

What Is Molten Splash Protection?

The resistance to small splashed of molten metal is measured with the number of molten metal drops that are required to heat the glove to a given level. A level of performance is only mentioned if a performance Level 3 or 4 is obtained in the flammability test.

Who Needs It?

Rating Number of Drops
Level 1 Under 5
Level 2 Under 15
Level 3 Under 25
Level 4 Under 35

Our Top Picks for Small Molten Splash Protection

See below for our favourite small molten splash protection safety gloves.

Treadstone Leather Onl-380 Heat-Resistant Welding Gauntlet Gloves

Treadstone Leather Onl-380 Heat-Resistant Welding Gauntlet Gloves

  • Heat-resistant and flame-resistant welding gloves
  • Durable cow split leather for welding, fabrication and foundry work
  • Extra-long 14-inch design protects the wearer's wrists from heat
  • Price is per pair of gloves
In stock now  In stock now

Ejendals Tegera 134 Cut Resistant Welding Gauntlets

Ejendals Tegera 134 Cut Resistant Welding Gauntlets

  • Cut-resistant welding gauntlets
  • Kevlar/Nomex lining for cut and heat resistance
  • Withstands welding sparks and grinding splash
  • Price shown is per pair of gauntlets
In stock now  In stock now

Ejendals Tegera 19 Heavy Duty Welding Gloves

Ejendals Tegera 19 Heavy Duty Welding Gloves

  • Heat-resistant welding gloves
  • Highly resistant split-grain cowhide palm and back
  • Reinforced seams for improved durability
  • Price shown is per pair of gloves
In stock now  In stock now

Ejendals Tegera 585 Heat Resistant Gauntlets

Ejendals Tegera 585 Heat Resistant Gauntlets

  • Heat-resistant leather gauntlets
  • Reflective aluminium back for radiant heat protection
  • Withstands contact heat up to 250°C
  • Price shown is per pair of gloves
In stock now  In stock now

See More


Resistance to Large Splashes of Molten Metal Explained

What Is Large Molten Splash Protection?

This test determines the weight of molten metal that is required to cause smoothing or pinholing across a simulated skin placed directly behind the glove sample. The glove fails the test if metal droplets remain stuck to the glove material or if the specimen ignites.

Who Needs It?

Rating Grams of Molten Metal
Level 1 30g
Level 2 60g
Level 3 120g
Level 4 200g

Our Top Picks for Large Molten Splash Protection

Large molten splash is one of the most serious hazards regulated by EN 407. To make sure you're protected, take a look at our expert recommendations below.

Ejendals Tegera 126A Welding Gloves

Ejendals Tegera 126A Welding Gloves

  • Heat-resistant welding gauntlet gloves
  • Supple goatskin palm and back for fantastic dexterity
  • Extended leather safety cuff for wrist protection
  • Price shown is per pair of gloves
In stock now  In stock now

Ejendals Tegera 585 Heat Resistant Gauntlets

Ejendals Tegera 585 Heat Resistant Gauntlets

  • Heat-resistant leather gauntlets
  • Reflective aluminium back for radiant heat protection
  • Withstands contact heat up to 250°C
  • Price shown is per pair of gloves
In stock now  In stock now

See More


Test Your EN 407 Knowledge

Let's look at Ejendals Tegera 169 Heat Resistant Work Gloves. Their EN 407 rating is 41214X. We've broken down each rating below to show you just how they'll appear on our website.

  • EN 407: 41214X
Rating Resistance Test
Level 4 Burning Resistance
Level 1 Contact Heat Resistance
Level 2 Convective Heat Resistance
Level 1 Radiant Heat Resistance
Level 4 Resistance to Small Splashes of Molten Metal
N/A Resistance of Large Splashes of Molten Metal

These ratings demonstrate that Ejendals 169 Heat Gloves have achieved the maximum rating for resistance to burning and small splashes of molten metal. They've also passed the contact heat test, achieving a level 1 rating in the process. This level 1 rating demonstrates they allow the user to handle material of up to 100°C for up to fifteen second.


Other Standards Explained


More Useful Pages

If you haven't found what you're looking for here, click below to view another of our informative articles.


The Last Word...

Finding the right pair of safety gloves is crucial when your work includes dealing with sources of heat, hot materials or molten metal. We hope this short article will help you find the right pair for your needs, and if you already know what you are looking for, don't hesitate to check out our range of Heat Resistant Work Gloves.

See All of Our EN 407 Heat Resistant Gloves