The Critical Importance of Complete Ballistic System Testing in Ensuring Full Security
Discover why full system testing is vital for verified bullet-resistant glass, and how standards like EN 1523 ensure reliable, real-world performance.
Testing individual components in isolation is insufficient for life-safety-critical applications. A complete safety glazing system includes high security glass doors, frames, anchors, and other components. True protection is verified through testing complete systems to ensure cohesive performance under impact. This identifies potential failure points, especially at vulnerable interfaces like frame-glass junctions, ensuring overall integrity. Standards like EN 1523 define test methods for full systems, simulating real-world threats for reliable protection.
EN 1523: The Standard for System-Level Bullet Resistance
EN 1523 specifies test protocols for evaluating the bullet resistance of complete window and door systems, including bullet resistant glass, frame profiles, and junctions. The classification system ranges from FB1 to FB7 and FSG (shotgun resistance), addressing specific calibers and threats. For each class, an ‘S’ or ‘NS’ result can be reached, depending on whether splinters on the protected side are allowed (‘S’) or not (‘NS’). The standard emphasizes testing sensitive areas prone to vulnerabilities, such as corners and hardware connections.
Ensuring Integrity Through Full-System Validation
Ballistics tests using complete systems, configured as installed on-site, evaluate both penetration resistance and overall integrity post-impact. This ensures:
- All components function as a single protective unit.
- Weak points, especially at connection interfaces, are fully assessed.
- Systems maintain structural integrity under and after attack.
Partnering with Vetrotech for Certified, Integrated Solutions
Vetrotech pre-tests complete glazing systems according to EN 1063 and EN 1522/1523 standards before certification. This benefits framing partners, architects, glazing contractors, and security consultants by:
Faster Innovation
Testing at accredited third-party labs can cause delays. Vetrotech shortens timelines by providing on-site facilities for testing and refining complete systems, accelerating the delivery of new high-security glazing systems.
Enhanced Communication from Security Glazing Experts
Vetrotech's ballistic testing lab offers valuable insights from experts, helping stakeholders meet their project needs with the best high-security glazing systems.
Ballistic Testing in Compliance with Vetrotech’s Values
Vetrotech is committed to protecting people and property from hazards. Their dedication to complete system testing ensures the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance, providing stakeholders with fully tested security glazing solutions.
