The cold resistance can be determined by looking at the EN 511 score of a product. European standard EN 511 specifies the thermal resistance and insulation capacities of protective gloves against convection cold and direct contact cold down to -50°C.
The levels of resistance to cold and water penetration make it possible to assess the effectiveness of the protective glove depending on the environment and the tasks to be performed. To be EN 511 standardized, PPEs undergo various tests:
The first one is the resistance to convective cold. In order to measure the thermal insulation of a protective glove, it has to go through a test that will determine the power required for it to maintain a constant temperature between the surface of the preheated hand and the cold ambient atmosphere. This level of performance is characterized by a number between 0 and 4.
The second one is the resistance to contact cold. This test measures the thermal resistance of the material used for the design of the glove when it meets a cold object. This resistance class is also classified between 0 and 4.
Finally, the glove is immersed in water, up to the wrist line, for 5 minutes to determine its resistance to water penetration.