EN 511
EN 511:2006 standardises protective gloves against cold down to -50 degC and defines three independently tested performance parameters:
1. Convective cold (a): Classes 0-4
- Tests thermal resistance against convective cold transfer
- Class 0: no protection; Class 4: highest protection
2. Contact cold (b): Classes 0-4
- Tests resistance when in direct contact with cold surfaces
- Particularly relevant for metallic tools and work surfaces
3. Water penetration (c): 0 or 1
- 0: no protection against water penetration
- 1: water does not penetrate (water resistance achieved)
Marking: snowflake pictogram with three values (e.g. 3 2 1).
Applications: cold store operations, deep-freeze logistics, outdoor work at extreme temperatures, contact with dry ice or liquid nitrogen.
EN 511 and EN 407 are complementary standards (cold vs. heat) but cannot be combined - a glove is optimised for either cold or heat.
EN 511 is always used in combination with EN ISO 21420.
Frequently asked questions
What are the three parameters in EN 511 marking?
Convective cold (a, Classes 0-4), contact cold (b, Classes 0-4), and water penetration (c, 0 or 1). Higher classes mean better protection. 1 for water penetration means passed water resistance.
What is the difference between convective cold and contact cold?
Convective cold: heat loss through air (cold wind, cold ambient air). Contact cold: heat loss through direct contact with cold surfaces (metal, ice). Both are tested separately because they require different protection mechanisms.