Glass for Security Doors
Glass and glazing in security doors must meet the same standards as the door assembly. Vision panels and glazed sections are common in high-security, fire-rated, and bullet-proof doors—but the applicable standard depends on the door type.
For burglar-resistant (RC) doors, the glass is classified under EN 356 for resistance against manual attack. For fire-rated doors, the glazing must maintain the door's fire resistance (E, EW, or EI classification). For bullet-proof doors, EN 1063 defines ballistic glass classes BR1–BR7, with a mandatory requirement for no spalling—the absence of fragmentation from the protected side when struck.
Each topic is covered in detail below. The glass must be tested and certified as part of the complete door assembly; the RC, fire, or ballistic rating applies to the doorset, not to the glass alone.
Topics
Glass in RC-Rated Doors (EN 356)
Security glazing for burglar-resistant doors. P1A–P5A (drop test), P6B–P8B (axe test). Mapping to RC classes.
Glass in RC-rated doors (EN 356)Glass in Fire-Rated Doors
Fire-resistant glazing. E, EW, EI classification. EI30, EI60, EI90. Ceramic glass, intumescent laminated glass.
Glass in fire-rated doorsGlass in Bullet-Proof Doors (EN 1063)
Bullet-resistant glass. BR1–BR7 classification, threat levels. Test requirements for ballistic glazing.
Glass in bullet-proof doors (EN 1063)Spalling
Fragmentation from the rear surface when struck. EN 1063 no-spall requirement. Glass–polycarbonate composites.
Spalling and no-spall glassSummary
| Door Type | Glass Standard | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| RC (burglar-resistant) | EN 356 | P1A–P8B (e.g. P5A for RC3) |
| Fire-rated | EN 16034, EN 1634-1 | E, EW, EI (EI30, EI60, etc.) |
| Bullet-proof | EN 1063 | BR1–BR7, SG1–SG2 (no spall) |
For fire door glass replacement, see Replacing Fire Door Glass. For general door hardware, see Door Hardware.
