Learn how EN 356 glass compares to standard glass and why certified security glazing provides much greater resistance to impact and manual attack.
EN 356 glass is significantly stronger than standard glass because it is specifically engineered and tested to resist impact and manual attack.
While standard glass can break quickly when struck, EN 356 security glass is designed to remain intact and delay penetration.
Standard glass is mainly designed for visibility, weather protection and basic glazing performance. EN 356 glass, by contrast, is a certified security glazing product tested under controlled conditions to measure its resistance to attack.
As experienced security glass manufacturers in the UK, Tecdur designs and manufactures Tecdur Secure Glass —
a high-performance laminated glass range engineered to withstand severe levels of manual attack and certified to recognised standards including EN 356 and LPS 1270.
How Standard Glass Performs Under Impact
Standard glass can fracture quickly when exposed to a strong impact. Once it breaks, it may create an immediate opening, leaving the building vulnerable to forced entry or damage.
This makes standard glass unsuitable for environments where impact resistance, vandal protection or security performance is required.
Why EN 356 Glass Is Stronger
EN 356 glass is typically manufactured using a laminated construction. Multiple layers of glass are bonded together with specialist interlayers that absorb impact energy and hold the glass together when damaged.
When struck, EN 356 glass may crack, but the laminated structure helps prevent it from falling away. This means the glazing continues to act as a barrier, making it much harder for an attacker to create an opening.
- Greater resistance to repeated impact
- Improved protection against vandalism and forced entry
- Reduced risk of immediate penetration
- Tested performance against recognised EN 356 classifications
How EN 356 Strength Is Measured
The strength of EN 356 glass is measured using two main test methods: steel ball drop testing and axe attack testing.
These tests classify the glass from P1A to P8B, depending on the level of resistance achieved.
P1A to P5A: Impact Resistance
P1A to P5A glass is tested using a heavy steel ball dropped repeatedly onto the glass.
These ratings are generally used where the main risk is vandalism, accidental impact or opportunistic attack.
- P1A – entry-level impact resistance
- P2A – improved resistance to repeated impact
- P3A – moderate impact protection
- P4A – higher resistance for exposed glazing
- P5A – strong impact resistance before axe-tested levels
P6B to P8B: Axe Attack Resistance
P6B to P8B glass is tested using repeated axe strikes. These ratings are used where glazing needs to withstand more severe manual attack.
- P6B – approximately 30 to 50 axe strikes
- P7B – approximately 51 to 70 axe strikes
- P8B – more than 70 axe strikes
Real-World Strength Comparison
In real-world terms, standard glass may fail after a single strong impact. EN 356 glass is designed to resist repeated impacts and delay forced entry.
- Standard glass can break and fall away quickly
- EN 356 glass remains bonded together after impact
- Higher-rated EN 356 glass can resist sustained attack
- Certified security glass provides measurable performance, not just increased thickness
Where Stronger EN 356 Glass Is Needed
EN 356 glass is typically specified where standard glass does not provide enough protection.
- High value retail storefronts
- Commercial buildings and offices
- Security doors and glazed screens
- VIP protection environments
- Prisons and police custody suites
- Mental health establishments
- High security facilities
Secure Glass can be:
Enhance Security
Impact Resistant
Bullet Resistant
Blast Resistant
Fire Resistant
Acoustic
Why Choose Tecdur?
With over 15 years of industry experience and extensive in-house manufacturing capability, Tecdur provides certified, high-performance security glazing designed to protect people and property.
Our team works closely with architects, contractors and specifiers to ensure the correct EN 356 glass rating is selected for each project.
Whether you require impact-resistant glazing, axe attack resistance or a wider security glass system, Tecdur can help you specify the right tested solution.