Glass in RC-Rated Doors (EN 356)
EN 356:2000 specifies requirements for security glazing resistance against manual attack. RC-rated doors use glazing that matches the door assembly's resistance class. The RC rating applies to the complete door set under EN 1627, not to the glass alone.
Group A – P1A to P5A (Drop Test)
A 4.11 kg steel sphere (100 mm diameter) is dropped from varying heights onto the glass in a triangular formation. The classification depends on drop height and number of strikes withstood. The glass must not allow the ball to penetrate to pass the test.
- P1A: 1500 mm drop, 3 strikes, ~62 J impact energy
- P2A–P4A: Increasing drop heights and resistance
- P5A: 9000 mm drop, 3 strikes at each of 3 points, ~370 J. Typically required for RC3 doors
Group B – P6B to P8B (Axe Test)
Higher resistance levels use an axe test: the minimum number of blows required to create a 400 mm square aperture. Classification is determined by the number of blows needed.
- P6B: Minimum 31 blows
- P7B: Minimum 51 blows
- P8B: Minimum 70 blows
RC Door to Glass Mapping
The type of glass required depends on the RC class of the door. For example, an RC3-rated door typically needs P5A glass; an RC5 bullet-proof door uses BR-rated glass (see Glass in Bullet-Proof Doors).
See RC Rating Explained for more on security door ratings.