Bulletproof Transaction Windows

Harden your physical security with bulletproof transaction windows from TSS.

Bullet-resistant Reception Windows Are the Front Line of Defense

Set-in-place, bullet-resistant transaction windows are the most common ballistic barrier in North America. These flexible solutions convert any reception area, checkpoint, or transaction area into a secure point of sale.

Whether you’re a builder looking for an effective solution, an architect who needs aesthetically pleasing materials, or a safety manager looking to harden physical security, you’ve come to the right place. For decades, Total Security Solutions has produced a range of high-end security transaction windows. We support builders and architects at every step of the process, creating custom solutions that offer industry-leading protection and unparalleled aesthetics.

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Six Types of Bulletproof Transaction Windows

TSS bullet-resistant transaction windows are designed with safety and aesthetics in mind. Communication between the secure and threat side is clear and natural. The clear glazing and elegant frame lines provide an undisrupted experience. Above all, the industry-leading ballistic materials keep your people and your assets safe. 

No matter what your situation is, TSS can fabricate a suitable bulletproof service window for your unique space.

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Baffle Transaction Window

The baffle security window is one of TSS’s premier products. Baffle windows feature an offset glazing system that allows for natural sound transfer with minimal visual obstruction. The staggered window baffles remove any possibility of a shooting lane while remaining a visually unobtrusive barrier that blends in with the surroundings.

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Hole and Backer Transaction Window

The most traditional style of transaction window, a hole and backer transaction window features a round voice port in the ballistic glazing at mouth level. The 6" voice port and oversized 10" backer facilitates superior voice transmission and clear, full-face visibility making communication easy. This transparent style is ideal for interior applications, but steel talk-thru ports are also available. Metal backers are especially common in exterior settings.

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Arched Transaction Window

Arched teller windows feature a large, oblong backer. The elegant rounded lines enhance the design of your space while facilitating a high degree of visibility and good voice transmission. Like the baffle window, there is no clear shooting line between the staggered pieces of ballistic glass.

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Sliding Transaction Window

Another common bullet-resistant transaction window, sliding reception windows are available in vertical or horizontal slides. These windows are usually equipped with a hole and backer-style voice port for clear voice transmission. Sliding transaction windows are ideal for high-traffic facilities such as medical offices, government buildings, or law offices. To pass packages or documents through, the window slides open easily. Other passer styles are compatible with sliding reception windows, and creating a sliding ticket window with a deal tray is a custom option.

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Voice Transmission Transaction Windows

TSS voice transmission transaction windows feature a single, solid piece of ballistic glazing with no ports or cuts. Normally, this would make communication between the secure and threat sides challenging. However, the voice transmission teller windows’ frames have a secure air passage so voice transmission is natural and the sight line is clear. This product is best for communication within three feet of the window. Voice transmission windows are available in two styles.
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Aluminum Voice Around (AVA)

This all-aluminum transaction window has small, secure air passages throughout the frame to facilitate natural voice communication. 

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Natural Voice Rail (NVR)

The Natural Voice Rail is a TSS original. Similar to the aluminum voice around transaction window, the NVR has a  secure air passage that allows sound to transfer. This passage is built into the frame, but to the average user, the construction appears to be solid.

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Exterior Transaction Windows

Specifically designed for outdoor applications, exterior transaction windows feature a solid frame, weatherable glass-clad polycarbonate glazing, and voice port for secure communication. Exterior transaction windows are also compatible with flip lid cash trays, deal trays, ballistic countertops, and a variety of frame options.

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Are Intercoms a Good Option?

All standard TSS transaction windows rely on natural voice transmission, as opposed to intercoms. TSS CEO Jim Richards explains:

“I've been doing this for decades, and still don’t like intercoms. Yes, we sell them, because in some situations it’s absolutely what a customer needs. But there is constant tweaking with them, potential issues with crosstalk and static interference. There’s just more that can go wrong. In that regard, they are a little less predictable, which can end up being really annoying to the end user.”

If you’re considering an intercom voice transmission system and want to learn more about other options, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ve helped businesses and institutions across the country create custom ballistic solutions that provide the highest level of safety and aesthetics and we’re ready to walk you through your options today.

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Looking for a Custom Transaction Window? TSS Can Help

The six types of ballistic transaction windows are just a starting point for physical security. TSS has extensive custom capabilities so you can get the right bulletproof transaction window for your space—whether you’re in a century-old building or brand-new construction. 

Every product that goes out the door is made to order, so in the words of CEO Jim Richards, “custom work is not an issue.” In fact, our custom capabilities are something we’re extremely proud to offer.

For example, a city office approached TSS with a unique challenge—passing large, rolled blueprints without compromising security. TSS created an offset pass around solution that allowed city staff to pass rolled blueprints safely, despite their inconvenient dimensions and without any threat exposure.

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“It all just depends on what the application is. We can make something they can slide a clipboard through, pass blueprints around, or use to exchange boxes or packages. We’re always ready to design something that meets the customer’s needs."

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Understanding UL Levels

Ballistic glazing refers to all types of transparent ballistic panels—what most people call bulletproof glass. Bulletproof glazing can be made of acrylic, polycarbonate, glass, or glass-clad polycarbonate (GCP), which is a combination of those materials . 

In general, many of our projects fall into the following categories:

  • Level 1-2: gas stations, banks, pharmacies, and retail 
  • Level 3: utilities, police stations, and municipal facilities
  • Levels 4-8: federal government and military facilities

Many project specs will call out the level you need. If you’re not sure, one of our knowledgeable experts would be happy to help.

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The Three Components of a Transaction Window

Whether you need a sliding reception window, baffle window, or ticket window with a deal tray, there are three main components that every custom transaction window will incorporate.

  1. Ballistic glass and frame: This is the window itself: ballistically rated glazing and the ballistically rated framing to hold it in place. The glazing is usually monolithic acrylic, laminated polycarbonate, or glass-clad polycarbonate materials; frame systems depend on the teller window style and design. 
  2. Communication system: This is the sound system that allows voices to pass through the barrier. Most TSS designs use overlapping panes of glazing with enough space for sound to pass freely but do not create a straight line of fire. Active intercom and frame-based options are also available. 
  3. Materials Passer: This system facilitates the safe and secure exchange of currency, documents, packages, and other materials. In most cases, this means an integrated currency tray, deal tray, deal drawer, or package passer. In low-threat, low-traffic security settings, a horizontal sliding transaction window acts as both the passer and the window. However, in higher traffic settings, a larger package passer can be integrated with the transaction window. 

How Much Does a Bulletproof Transaction Window Cost?

The factors that influence the cost of your bulletproof teller window system include the UL glazing level, window design, frame, and components. 

Level 1 bulletproof glass pricing starts at $50 per square foot, not including framing or installation. On average, a comprehensive ballistic security system can range from $20,000 to $50,000. However, the cost of everything from the components to the system itself depend on a huge number of factors, so these estimates could be higher or lower than your project. 

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When you’re planning the budget for your ballistic transaction window project, you may need to factor in additional costs, such as wall panels, frames, and other accessories. There will also likely be an additional cost for design, manufacturing, packaging, shipping, and installation. 

By offering custom-designed solutions for every unique project, TSS makes sure you only pay for the products and services you need. If you have questions about pricing, please don’t hesitate to reach out! These projects are complex, so the best way to determine the cost of your bulletproof system is to speak with a TSS ballistic expert.

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START PLANNING YOUR SECURED TRANSACTION WINDOW PROJECT

Ready to plan your security transaction window project? Get started by asking yourself these questions:

  • What UL protection level do I need? Are you securing a high-risk, high traffic area, like a government facility? Or perhaps a local bank or service center? 
  • How important is voice transmission and a clear line of vision? If staff need to have long conversations or will be discussing sensitive information, a high level of voice transmission might be a high priority. 
  • Will it be necessary to pass anything through the window? Common pass-through items include money, envelopes, legal files and other documents, or packages.
  • If so, what size? A bank might only need a small deal tray, where a law office may need a larger pass-through system to accommodate case files. 
Whether you need a highly-customized solution or already know which type of transaction window you need, TSS’s integrated systems approach ensures every element is fully integrated. Not only do we ensure every component of your bulletproof teller window works together, we make sure the window itself meshes with your building space, security system, and aesthetic design. 

Still in the very early planning stage? We've put together this practical guide to help avoid costly errors and set yourself up for success. The guide also covers bullet-resistant barrier systems fundamentals, and provides expert tips on determining the right kind of barrier, selecting the right materials, and beginning the project planning process.

TSS Is Proud to Be Your Trusted Source for Bulletproof Transaction Window

TSS is proud to provide businesses, organizations, and institutions across the country with industry-leading Safety + Aesthetics™ in ballistic barrier solutions.

We’re happy to field any questions you might have about getting started; to get in touch or request a quote, send us a message online, or call us at 800.513.1468. We look forward to speaking with you!