Ballistic resistant fiberglass is mainly used for security and protection. At the right thickness, it can stop bullets by absorbing the shot’s energy within its layers. Ballistic resistant fiberglass is primarily used for security purposes; however, it can be also used in storm-proofing homes and structures through a storm panel. So, how is ballistic resistant fiberglass graded?
How Do We Know Which Type of Ballistic Fiberglass to Use?
Essentially, ballistic resistant fiberglass is a material that offers a defense against high velocity projectiles, generally bullets. The grade of this type of fiberglass will fall under the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) 752 Standard for Bullet-Resisting Equipment.This particular Standard recognizes 10 levels of bullet resistance, with levels 9-10 generally only used in military applications. For that reason, this article will focus on Levels 1-8 of the UL 752 Standard.
Product testing grades go as follows:
- Level 1: Bullet resistant glass that can withstand gunfire from small handguns. It must resist 3 shots from a 9mm handgun with a velocity of 1,175 feet per second (FPS).
- Level 2: Bullet resistant glass against larger handguns. It must resist 3 shots of .357 magnum soft points. The velocity must be 1,250 FPS.
- Level 3: Bullet resistant glass that can resist 3 shots from a .44 magnum with a velocity of at least 1,350 FPS.
- Level 4: Bullet resistant glass that resists 1 shot from a .30 caliber (.30-06) rifle. The minimum velocity should be 2,540 FPS.
- Level 5: Bulletproof glass that can stand one shot from a 7.62mm (.308) rifle. The velocity must be at least 2,750 FPS.
- Level 6: Bulletproof glass that can resist 5 hits from higher velocity 9mm rounds. It must travel at a velocity of at least 1,400 FPS.
- Level 7: Bulletproof glass that can withstand a velocity of 3,080 FPS from multiple hits of a 5.56mm (.223) rifle.
- Level 8: Designed to resist 5 shots from a 7.62mm (.308) rifle.
Why should I use this grading system?
Most of the time, a ballistic fiberglass wall plate tends to be the product of choice of those interested in security and protection. Fiberglass grades are chosen based on the application of the fiberglass. For instance, Level 1 may be used for small businesses to protect employees against crime, however grades above Level 4 are much more likely to be used in military bases where a greater amount of protection is needed.
Are you ready to use ballistic resistant fiberglass?
Strongwell produces ballistic resistant fiberglass at different levels of protection to suit all of your needs. Find out more about Strongwell’s products by contacting 276.645.8000 or by using the customer inquiry form.
