In recent years, Level 3 bulletproof glass has become the most common window material for enhanced building security, and for good. Level 3 windows defend against handguns, the firearms most often used in a crime. They are also extremely versatile, can be used for interiors or exteriors, and offer many opportunities for customization.
What is Level 3 Bulletproof Glass?
“Level 3” refers to material ratings described in the UL 752 Standard for Bullet-Resisting Equipment. This globally-recognized safety standard is the gold standard for ballistic barriers. Levels 1 through 3 are designed to stop three shots from common handguns. Levels 4 through 8 are designed to stop shots from various rifles.
TSS Level 3 bulletproof windows are tested to the UL 752 standard by a third-party testing lab. This lab has independently confirmed that Level 3 glass will always stop a tight grouping of three shots from a .44 Magnum pistol.
Testing is important so consumers can trust their barrier products will perform as expected. However, it’s not uncommon for Level 3 bulletproof glass to offer additional benefits outside of what it’s texted to withstand. It’s not uncommon for Level 3 glass to outperform its rating and to withstand repeated forced entry attempts.
Three Types of Level 3 Bulletproof Glass
Bulletproof glazing is made from layers of glass, acrylic, or polycarbonate and are available in three product types:
Laminated Polycarbonate
TSS’s LP1250 laminated polycarbonate glazing is made entirely of thermoplastic with no glass layers. It’s around 1.25” thick and is used for interior applications like reception areas, office and conference room windows, security checkpoints, and barriers around cash registers.
LP1250 comes in two varieties:
LP1250-BR
LP1250-BR is made from an acrylic core with exterior layers of polycarbonate. Acrylic has very high light transmission, so LP1250-BR is a preferred option for interior ballistic barriers, especially in cases where there is less natural light.
LP1250-AP
LP1250-AP is also called All Poly, because all layers are polycarbonate. That means somewhat lower light transmission than LP1250-BR. What makes LP1250-BR preferable is its ability to stop bullets without risk of spall and resilience in forced entry situations. If you need increased forced-entry resistance, LP1250-AP is a great option.
As a laminated material, polycarbonate Level 3 ballistic windows are available with customization options, like tints and mirror finishes. But because of how polycarbonate is produced, customization is somewhat limited and can get expensive.
Glass-Clad Polycarbonate
Glass-clad polycarbonate (GCP) is by far the most popular Level 3 ballistic glass. It is made of layers of both polycarbonate and tempered glass. These layers can be modified to change how the glass looks and performs, making it a versatile Level 3 bulletproof glass option. GCP windows are usually 1.25” thick, can be used in both interior and exterior installations, and offer many customization options: tinted, frosted, mirrored, energy efficient coatings, and more.
Insulated Glass Units
Insulated glass units (IGUs) are exterior windows composed of several layers of glass separated by an air gap. IGUs are designed to improve thermal efficiency and are ideal for exterior applications. TSS also offers Level 3 thermal break window frames.
Level 3 bulletproof insulated glass units are available in a variety of tint colors and shading, reflective one-way mirror finishes, frosted interlayers, Low-E coatings, and more. We can usually match existing non-rated windows, allowing for a low-profile security enhancement that doesn’t attract attention. No one will know that you’ve swapped in Level 3 bulletproof glass for your exterior windows.
TSS Level 3 ballistic glass insulated windows are forced-entry rated. So, in addition to stopping bullets, they’ll also withstand an hour or more of attacks with sledgehammers, propane torches, and cutting tools.
Common Applications for Level 3 Bulletproof Glass
Level 3 bulletproof glass is increasingly popular in many different settings because of its effectiveness, ability to protect from common threats, and price point. Some of the most common facilities we install Level 3 bulletproof glass include:
Schools
Ballistic security barriers in schools usually rely on Level 3 bulletproof GCP. We increasingly recommend creating secure vestibules in school entryways using Level 3 GCP. Many schools are also replacing their ground floor-windows with forced-entry rated Level 3 GCP, as more state and local governments are asking schools to secure ground-floor windows. Schools almost always opt for a GCP makeup with a thin layer of glass as the outermost surface, because that glass cap layer is easy to clean and very durable, making it ideal for high-touch, high-traffic areas.
Healthcare
Healthcare facilities and offices that need to add ballistic security usually use Level 3 bulletproof glass. Entryway security is less common here, in favor of secure reception and triage areas. It’s also common for facility managers to choose to add ballistic reinforcement to office and conference room doors and windows.
Corporate Offices
Given trends in violent crime, many businesses are considering increased security at their corporate offices. Level 3 bulletproof glass is a practical solution for reception areas and conference room renovations, so that the conference room can also serve as bullet-resistant “safe rooms.”
To protect employees who might be personally targeted for attack, some businesses also replace interior and exterior office windows with Level 3 ballistic glass.
Local Government Offices
City offices, courthouses, police stations, and even payment offices often add Level 3 bulletproof glass barriers. In these cases, government security tends to be at all entryways and access points, adding ballistically reinforced guard booths, checkpoints, and reception areas. Anywhere there is public interaction where tempers might flare, a barrier is a good investment.
Get the Facts About Level 3 Bulletproof Glass
To learn more about the different types of glazing, how they work, and what levels of protection they offer, check out our free Ballistic Glazing Solutions Guide. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about bulletproof glass.
Looking to add bulletproof protection to your school or office? Please don’t wait to reach out to us. Your security is our priority. We can work with you, your security consultants, and your timeline to create a bulletproof product that meets your needs and protects what matters most. To get started, please send us a message.
