Learn which standards apply to impact resistant glass, how EN 356 ratings work, and why tested security glazing is important for reliable protection.
Impact resistant glass should be specified according to recognised performance standards, especially when it is being used for security, anti-vandal or anti-bandit applications.
One of the most important standards for impact resistant security glazing is EN 356.
EN 356 classifies glass according to its resistance to manual attack.
It provides a clear, tested way to compare different glazing specifications and choose the right level of protection for a building.
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.
Why Standards Matter for Impact Resistant Glass
Not all impact resistant glass offers the same level of protection.
Some glass may be designed for general safety or accidental impact, while other systems are tested for security, vandal resistance or forced entry resistance.
Standards help remove uncertainty by showing how the glass has performed under controlled testing.
This allows architects, contractors, security consultants and building owners to specify glazing based on proven resistance rather than assumptions about thickness or appearance.
What Is EN 356?
EN 356 is a European standard used to test and classify security glass for resistance to manual attack.
It is commonly associated with anti-bandit glass, anti-vandal glass, laminated security glass and impact resistant glazing.
EN 356 ratings range from P1A to P8B.
The lower ratings focus on impact resistance, while the higher ratings test resistance to sustained tool attack.
- P1A to P5A – tested using steel ball drops
- P6B to P8B – tested using repeated axe strikes
EN 356 P1A to P5A: Steel Ball Drop Testing
EN 356 ratings from P1A to P5A are tested using a heavy steel ball dropped onto the glass from a defined height.
This test simulates heavy impact and helps determine whether the glass can resist penetration.
These classifications are often used where the main risks are vandalism, thrown objects, accidental impact or opportunistic damage.
- P1A – entry-level impact resistance
- P2A – improved resistance to repeated impact
- P3A – moderate impact and vandal resistance
- P4A – higher protection for exposed glazing areas
- P5A – strong impact resistance before axe-tested classifications
EN 356 P6B to P8B: Axe Attack Testing
EN 356 ratings from P6B to P8B are tested using repeated axe strikes.
These classifications are used for higher security applications where glazing may be exposed to sustained manual attack.
The test measures how many strikes are required before an aperture, or opening, can be created in the glass.
- P6B – approximately 30 to 50 axe strikes
- P7B – approximately 51 to 70 axe strikes
- P8B – more than 70 axe strikes
How EN 356 Relates to Impact Resistant Glass
EN 356 is highly relevant to impact resistant glass because it verifies how well the glazing resists impact and attack.
For lower-risk applications, P1A to P5A ratings may provide suitable impact resistance.
For higher-risk environments, P6B to P8B ratings may be required.
This means impact resistant glass should not be chosen by thickness alone.
The correct rating should be based on the threat level, building use, glazing location and wider security requirements.
What About LPS 1270?
In addition to EN 356, some projects may require LPS 1270.
This standard was created by the Loss Prevention Certification Board following consultation with police and insurers, and it is designed to simulate more realistic manual attack conditions.
LPS 1270 uses defined tool sets and attack times to assess how security glazing performs against practical attack scenarios.
It may be specified where a higher level of confidence is needed for forced entry resistant glass or high security glazing.
Where Standards-Based Impact Resistant Glass Is Used
Impact resistant glass tested to recognised standards is commonly used in environments where glazing must provide more than basic safety performance.
- Retail shopfronts and display windows
- Commercial buildings and reception areas
- Security doors and glazed screens
- Schools, healthcare and public buildings
- Prisons and police custody suites
- Mental health establishments
- High security facilities
- Buildings protecting high-value assets
Secure Glass can be:
Enhanced 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 impact resistant glass standard and rating is selected for each project.
Whether you require EN 356 impact resistance, P6B axe attack resistance, LPS 1270 performance or a multi-performance security glazing system, Tecdur can help specify the right tested solution.