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| Mythbusters of Security Glazing | | It Is Bullet Proof |
Share:      | | Posted: 1/5/2009 | | |
This multi-part series will address the myths and misconceptions that surround security glazing. As many more companies are throwing their hats in the ring to manufacture security materials, this series has been developed to help better educate the supplier and installer to identify the best security glazing material for their unique application.
Let's first try to debunk the most infamous myth about security glazing.
It Is Bullet Proof.
With the influx of extreme weather; with guns being more accessible on the streets; with bomb threats more real now than ever before—more than just prisons and banks are using security glazing.
For example:
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Corporate offices are installing security glazing in their cash offices, executive offices, and front windows. |
Churches are using security glazing for their front doors and covering stained glass windows.
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Schools are using these materials for front doors, classroom windows, and offices. |
Vehicles (the most obvious is the HUMVEE) are being outfitted with security glazing to ensure the safety of military personnel and corporate executives. |
No material is ever bullet proof. Security glazing materials are tested to be bullet resistant and/or impact resistant to a particular threat using various independent testing standards. The most common testing standards used in the security glazing industry are the following:
Underwriters Laboratories (UL): This is the most widely known testing standard. UL752 is for Bullet Resisting Equipment and the material is tested to eight (8) different levels of ballistic threat. Click here to view a chart of UL ratings.
This test takes into consideration the following:
- A specific number of shots
- A certain type of gun/firearm
- A particular grain of ammunition
- A defined velocity range
- A distance 15 feet from a 12” x 12” sample of material
UL tests do not cover all weapons currently on the market as they are repeatedly being upgraded, modified, and/or created. These are only a representative sample of the “most common” firearms. Using this test, there will be a significant margin of error if there is a variation of ammunition, multiple firearms used, and/or a different number of shots taken at the material.
National Institute of Justice (NIJ): This is a testing laboratory used mainly by military or defense organizations and it has four (4) threat levels. NIJ has a tighter velocity tolerance and uses a 5 shot test for each level. The weapons for this test are fairly consistent with the ones used for the UL method.
Click here to view a NIJ table
H.P. White Laboratories: This is another independent testing standard used in security glazing which targets transparent materials for use in forced entry or containment barriers. It employs both forced entry and ballistic threats. This testing is done in a series of different sequences and materials will carry a rating according to the step in which they pass. Click here to view an HP White testing sequence.
ASTM F1915-03: This is a newer standard designed to meet the growing needs of clarification and is specifically targeted to Detention Facilities. This testing method was created to help ensure that detention glazing performs at or above minimum levels to: restrict inmate passage to unauthorized areas, confine inmates, delay and frustrate escape attempts, and resist vandalism. This method was written by detention professionals, for detention professionals. GE Advanced Materials has tested the LEXGARD™ products to this newest standard and to our knowledge is the only company tested to the 2003 standard. Click here to view ATSM testing table.
Walter-McGough-Foltz & Lyerla (WMFL) Detention Glazing Test Protocol: The WMFL is segmented to three (3) levels: 30-minute physical attack, 60-minute physical attack, and 25 rounds from a .44 magnum. WMFL is similar to the H.P. White method in that the testing is done in sequential order of various threats, however this testing method uses 5-minute intervals. Click here to view a WMFL testing sequence.
Click here to view a more information on many of the testing standards published.
It is often difficult to find your way through the maze of all of the security glazing options and it may not always be apparent which products you should use, especially if there are no “formal specifications” by an architect (which is oftentimes the case with convenience stores and office building retrofits). Best practices specify that one should try and determine the highest ballistic threat possible and choose a material that has been tested to that point. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
If you have any questions regarding which material is suitable for your security application, please contact us via email: securityproducts@piedmontplastics.com
Piedmont Plastics and Regal Piedmont Plastics are direct distributors of all GE Specialty Sheet and Film, LEXGARD™ polycarbonate laminates, Sure-Gard, Armor Gard and Fire-Gard glass clad polycarbonate products.
In the next edition we will cover “Size Doesn't Matter” .
Make sure you check back next month
Important links:
- Piedmont Plastics Security Products Brochure
- UL_and_NIJ_tables
- Piedmont Plastics Security Glazing Products Links
- GE Specialty Film & Sheet BR Brochure
- Industry Research
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