KNOWLEDGE BASE
SAFETY STANDARDS
When evaluating your options with security films and systems it's important to understand how the products are rated and which standards matter.
It's also important to understand the difference between standards and specifications. For example, a film based product often has product spec's for thickness, plies, tensile strength, peel strength etc. While these specifications are important the overall efficacy of the product is more important and that is best demonstrated by the solutions ability to meet a standard and at what level.
Some standards are pass or fail while others are pass/fail with various levels of increasing levels that represent greater protection.
Four standards are critical to understand.
Below is a basic description with details to help you become an informed decision maker. Buyers should always ask providers for their test result documents and should carefully check both the thickness of the glass used for the test and the construction of the glass (annealed/tempered and single or dual pane) as the glass is also part of the resistance to compare with the structure of the glass in their facility.
ATSM F3561-22
Test Method for Forced Entry Resistance of Fenestration Systems After Simulated Active Shooter Attack
STANDARD DETAILS
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Published August 1, 2022
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Fenestration System - Fancy name for a system of framed glass with openings (doors)
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Test the strength of a product to resist entry with an object after the same piece of glass has been shot with 10 rounds
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The standard has 8 levels with 1 as the minimum pass and 8 as the highest
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The test involves a 100 lb impactor hitting the glass after it has been shot up to 10 times (each hit represents a level)
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To pass each level your solution must essentially continue to impede a person from reaching through the opening to access a way to release a door or lock
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
Many products including laminate films meet the standard at level 1, however the delay time provided by level 1 may not be sufficient. Buyers should consider solutions that meet higher levels which provide levels of resistance that are greater than the response time for local resources.
UL972
Burglary Resistant Glazing Material
STANDARD DETAILS
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Published November 27, 2006
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Test non-ballistic blunt force entry attempts with an object such as a sledgehammer or bat, essentially how a product can withstand multiple attempts to force entry
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Only the glass and solution are evaluated under this standard where other standards include the framing
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Test involves dropping a 5 pound ball multiple times from various heights
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To pass the steel ball must not pass through the material. This is a pass/fail test with no levels
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
This is a basic required standard. Products may also be similarly rated under ANSI Z.971. Products that don't meet at least one of these standards should not be considered.
NIJ (NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR JUSTICE)
Though often used a standard for bullet resistance of fenestration systems, the standard was created for law enforcement and civilian body armor. The test can be conducted and rated on glass hardening systems for glass openings however Buyers should focus more on the UL752 standard which is focused on buildings and fenestration systems.
STANDARD DETAILS
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Published circa 1978
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Test the effectiveness of body armor and other protective equipment under controlled conditions
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NIJ has multiple levels; higher levels require defense against higher velocity and/or larger rounds
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To pass each level you must be able to stop 5 rounds.
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Level 1, 2 and 2A are the most common testing for fenestration systems. Level 1 is a .38 caliber, 2A is 9mm and 357 caliber and 2 test with 9mm and 357 with higher velocity rounds
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
Many companies will indicate they have met the standard for NIJ and UL752, but omit the level they have achieved and under what conditions. Buyers should ask for test results and compare those with alternate options that may offer better protection for similar or lower cost.
UL752
Standard for Bullet-Resisting Equipment
STANDARD DETAILS
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Published October 1994 with 12th edition released in October of 2023
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Test building materials and security equipment designed to withstand ballistic threats on fenestration systems containing windows, doors etc.
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Similar to NIJ, the standard includes levels 1 - 8 where higher levels require defense against higher velocity and/or larger rounds
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To pass levels 1-3 the product must not allow 3 rounds to penetrate.
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Levels 1-3 are the most common for glass fenestrations systems. Level 1 stops 9mm FMJ, Level 2 stops .357 rounds and Level 3 stops 44 magnum. Any level beyond that gets into rifle rounds or higher grain ballistics.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
Similar concerns to NIJ, Buyers should understand the level a vendor can meet and how they achieved them by verifying their test results.