To assess the performance of
thermal gloves designed for
people working in cold stores
or low-temperature environments,
SATRA has invested in a computercontrolled
heated hand.

Belived to be the only test centre
in the UK to use this technology,
SATRA is now able to assess the
thermal insulation of gloves against
the EN 511 European Standard. This
will enable glove manufacturers to
get their products tested, certified
and to market as quickly as possible.

The hand comprises a network of
heating wires interwoven with
temperature-sensing cabling. It tests
the thermal properties of gloves by
measuring the amount of electrical
power required to maintain the hand
at a defined temperature above that
of the surrounding environment. To
do this it is placed in a climatic
chamber which controls the
temperature surrounding the glove.