Ballistic glass is rated by two companies: Underwriters Laboratory and The National Institute of Justice. Both have security levels for bullet-resistant systems.
Ballistic glass is rated as the level that stops the type of projectile. Levels range from 1 to 8 for UL ratings and Type I through Type IV for NIJ ratings. The NIJ also rates body armor but under a separate rating system.
Both companies rate threats on shape, caliber, composition, impact velocity and mass. Because calibers have different velocities, you must consider all of these when designing ballistic protection, whether you need a sheet of glass for a bank or a complete security guard booth that is bulletproof.
The UL Rating System
Underwriter's Laboratory (UL), a non-profit organization, set the standards for certain products, including ballistic glass. Their UL levels are widely accepted, and the company is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory authorized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to perform safety testing.
The UL Rating System's Eight Ballistic Resistant Glass Ratings
When determining the strength of security you need, you must take your industry into consideration. For example, most banks use Level 2 or 3 ballistic glass, while a military installation might use Level 8.
The eight levels include:
- Level 1: Ballistic glass at this level can resist shots from small-caliber handguns. During the test, Level 1 ballistic glass must be able to stop three 9 mm full metal jacket projectiles traveling at 1,175 feet per second.
- Level 2: Ballistic glass at Level 2 can resist shots from larger caliber handguns. During the test, Level 2 ballistic glass must be able to stop three .357 magnum soft points traveling at 1,250 feet per second. Banks and jewelers usually use Level 2 rated glass.
- Level 3: Ballistic glass at this level can resist shots from larger caliber handguns. It must be able to stop three .44 magnum rounds traveling at 1,350 feet per second. Police and government facilities usually use Level 3 rated glass.
- Level 4: Ballistic glass at this level is a step up from Level 3. It must be able to withstand one .30 caliber rifle shot traveling at 2,540 feet per second.
- Level 5: Ballistic glass at Level 5 must resist at least one shot of 7.62 full metal jacket rounds traveling at 2,750 feet per second.
- Level 6: Ballistic glass is an improvement of Level 1 ballistic glass. It must be able to withstand hits from at least five 9 mm rounds traveling at 1,400 feet per second.
- Level 7: Ballistic glass at Leve 7 must be able to withstand multiple hits from a 5.56 rifle using full metal jacket rounds that travel at 3,080 feet per second.
- Level 8: This is the highest level of protection. It must be able to stop at least five shots from a 7.62 mm rifle.
High-risk entities generally use Level 4 and above. These include certain government buildings and military bases.
The NIJ Rating System's Six Ballistic Glass Ratings
The NIJ standards are as follows:
Type 1 provides protection against 22 LR, .38 special, 12 gauge #4 lead shot and most 25 and 32 handgun calibers.
Type II-A provides protection against lower velocity 357 Magnum rounds, 9 mm rounds, 12-gauge 00 buckshot, .38 special-p rounds, and 45 auto rounds.
Type II provides protection against higher velocity 357 magnum rounds, 9 mm rounds and 44 magnum rounds.
Type III-A provides protection against 44 magnum rounds, submachine gun 9 mm rounds and most handgun rounds.
Type III provides protection against high-powered rifle rounds, 5.56 full metal jacket rounds, 30 Carbine full metal jacket rounds and 12-gauge rifle slugs.
Type IV provides protection against armor-piercing rifle rounds.
Contact Kontek Industries
When you need ballistic-rated glass to protect employees and sensitive areas, Kontek Industries can provide you with the type you need. Our experienced techs will help you choose the best application for your needs, whether you need shields, guard booths, gates, perimeter fencing, barriers, bollards, or gun ports and weapons systems.
We can also customize anything you need, including guard booths, fire towers and other applications. Contact Kontek Industries today to discuss your needs and start working on the protection you need.
