STANDARD EN 407:2020

Protective gloves and other hand protection against thermal risks (heat and/or fire)


The EN 407:2020 standard is a European guideline that defines how to test and assess the heat and fire resistance of protective gloves. It ensures gloves used in high-temperature environments meet strict safety and performance criteria.

EN 407:2020 includes two distinct pictograms, allowing users to quickly identify the type of protection offered.

Flame pictogram:

This symbol is used only when the glove has been tested for flammability, specifically limited flame spread. It indicates the glove provides protection against one or more thermal hazards, including flame resistance.


Heat pictogram:

This newer symbol applies to gloves not claiming flame resistance, such as kitchen gloves designed only for contact heat protection. It helps users distinguish gloves offering thermal protection without flame resistance.

Gloves marked with either pictogram protect against one or more thermal hazards. The flame pictogram is only used if the glove passed flammability tests. These two pictograms are never combined.

The EN 407:2020 standard is represented by one of these pictograms, followed by a series of numbers or letters indicating protection levels across six key areas:

  • Limited flame spread (protection level 0–4)

This measures how long the glove ignites and continues to burn when exposed to flame.

  • Contact heat (protection level 0–4)

Determines how long it takes for the glove's interior temperature to rise when in contact with a hot surface (100 °C to 500 °C). The time measured is how long it takes for the temperature to increase by 10 °C above the starting temperature. For example, contact heat level 1 means the glove material resists 100°C for at least 15 seconds without the interior temperature rising more than 10°C.

  • Convective heat (protection level 0–4)

This measures the rate of heat transfer through the glove when exposed to a convective heat source.

  • Radiant heat (protection level 0–4)

This indicates how long it takes for heat to penetrate the glove and raise the temperature by 24 °C when exposed to radiant heat.

  • Small splashes of molten metal (protection level 0–4)

This tests the glove's resistance to small splashes of molten metal by counting the number of drops that cause a 40 °C temperature increase.

  • Large quantities of molten metal (protection level 0–4)

This assesses the glove's resistance to large amounts of molten metal. After exposure, damage is evaluated visually.

Frequently Asked Questions


  • How do I read the EN 407 glove rating?

The EN 407:2020 code (for example, 332X3X as shown in the pictogram) reflects protection levels across six categories:

  • Limited flame spread = level 3 (max 4)

  • Contact heat = level 2 (max 4)

  • Convective heat = level X (max 4)

  • Radiant heat = level X (max 4)

  • Small splashes of molten metal = level 3 (max 4)

  • Large quantities of molten metal = level X (max 4)


Each letter or number corresponds to a specific test result.

  • What does the letter "X" mean in the EN 407 classification?

The letter "X" indicates that the test was not performed or the result was not valid.

  • Are gloves meeting EN 407:2020 flame-resistant?

Not necessarily. Gloves with the flame pictogram have been tested for flammability, meaning they slow down burning and provide time to safely remove the glove.

  • Can EN 407:2020 gloves be used for welding?

No. Welding gloves are governed by a different standard (EN 12477 - Protective gloves for welders).