Bulletproof Levels and Physical Security Standards

Ballistic standards (also referred to as bulletproof levels) offer consumers a detailed description of a product’s protective capabilities. Testing to these standards gives the consumer a guarantee a product will perform in a certain way.

Ballistic Protection Levels and Standards

For ballistic protection standards, this typically includes laying out the number of shots stopped from a specific type of firearm when fired from a certain distance, as well as other factors. This helps consumers understand what type of protection they can expect and choose products that match their threat level.

If you’re considering a bulletproof barrier for your facility and the product is not tested to a standard (usually the UL 752) that’s a red flag. Your provider should be able to articulate what level of bulletproof protection you can expect from their products.

UL 752 Bulletproof Ratings

The UL 752 Standard for Bullet Resisting Equipment comes from Underwriters Laboratory, a global safety standards organization. The UL 752 is the bulletproofing “gold standard” in our industry. Each level has been tested and found effective at stopping certain types of projectiles. Generally, 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 and submachine guns.

CE Courses From TSS

If you’re an architect, engineer, glazier, or security professional who wants to learn more about the eight levels of bullet-resistance and earn CE credit at the same time, we offer a free CE course that dives into what you need to know. This course guides participants through the fundamentals of ballistic material and ratings, the multiple ballistic standards bodies and how they compare, and practical applications for each level of ballistic material. Participants qualify for one LU/HSW Credit.

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NIJ 0108.01

The NIJ 0108.01 comes from the National Institute of Justice. The NIJ 0108.01 standard applies to personal protective armor and protective materials. It does not include procedures for testing architectural products. If you’re looking for a high level of detail about testing and performance, the NIJ 0108.01 may not meet your needs.

ASTM Ballistic and Physical Security Standards

There are a variety of standards from ASTM, the American Society for Testing and Materials. These standards are important for comparing materials in applications such as physical security and building construction. The most relevant standards include:

F1233 Standard Test Method for Security Glazing Materials and Systems
F1915 Standard Test Methods for Glazing for Detention Facilities
F1642 Standard Test Method for Glazing and Glazing Systems Subject to Airblast Loadings
D256 Standard Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastics

The ASTM F1233 standard applies to ballistic barrier systems but with provisions for forced-entry resistance as well as ballistic ratings. While comparable to the UL 752, the ASTM F1233 only requires the material in question to stop one to three shots.

While the UL 752 is our primary standard, we test many of our products to other physical security standards. You can learn more about which standards apply to our various products by reviewing the product specifications or by speaking with a member of our team. Or, to learn more about how these different ballistic standards compare to one another, you can review our recent blog that explores this topic in-depth.

Additional Forced Entry and Physical Security Standards

Forced entry protection standards are designed to provide protective qualities for various additional scenarios. These standards apply to factors like blunt force, pressure and temperature changes, and withstanding being struck by projectiles, among others. While ballistic glass may offer some inherent protection from some aspects of other risky physical security scenarios, we always recommend seeking out products tested to the appropriate standard to ensure the security product performs as expected.

If you’re looking for additional protection, there are a variety of standards that may apply to your situation, depending on your needs and local ordinances.

Forced Entry Standards

Forced entry standards outline levels of protection and resistance for breaking and entering or scenarios. The variables included in these standards may include time, tools used, number of strikes, type of facility, and more. Commonly-used forced entry standards include:

UL 972 Standard for Burglary-Resisting Glazing Material
ASTM F3038-14 Standard Test Method for Timed Evaluation of Forced-Entry-Resistant Systems
ASTM F1233 Standard Test Method for Security Glazing Materials And Systems

Blast Standards

Blast-resistant materials typically outline a material’s ability to maintain the integrity of the building envelope and reduce harm to building occupants from flying debris.

ASTM F2248-19 Standard Practice for Specifying an Equivalent 3-Second Duration Design Loading for Blast Resistant Glazing Fabricated with Laminated Glass
ASTM E1300 Standard Practice for Determining Load Resistance of Glass in Buildings

Severe Weather Standards

Severe weather security glazing must be able to withstand a variety of variables that may occur during a storm. These can include withstanding impact from large and small projectiles, wind tests, pressure changes, and other factors. Some of these standards include:

ASTM E 1886 Standard Test Method for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Impact Protective Systems Impacted by Missile(s) and Exposed to Cyclic Pressure Differentials
ASTM E 1996 Standard Specification for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Impact Protective Systems Impacted by Windborne Debris in Hurricanes
ASCE 7, IBC Section 1609.1.1 Determination of Wind Loads

Fire Standards

Fire-resistant material standards outline how well a building material can contain smoke and how long materials last when exposed to high temperatures. Some fire standards include:

ASTM E 119 Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
UL 263 Standard for Safety of Fire Tests of Building Construction Materials

Contact TSS to Learn More About Ballistic and Physical Security Standards

If you’d like to learn more about the various industry standards and how they apply to your facility, project, and safety, please don’t hesitate to contact our team to learn more. To get started, give us a call or fill out the simple online contact form. We look forward to speaking with you!