Learn what P1A to P8B ratings mean in anti-bandit glass and how EN 356 classifications define security glazing performance.
The classifications P1A to P8B are part of the EN 356 standard, which measures how well glass resists manual attack.
These ratings are commonly used when specifying anti-bandit glass, helping to define the level of protection provided by a glazing system.
Each rating indicates how the glass performs under controlled testing conditions, including resistance to impact from heavy objects and repeated tool attacks.
The higher the rating, the greater the level of protection.
As experienced security glass manufacturers in the UK, Tecdur designs and manufactures Tecdur Secure Glass —
a high-performance laminated glass range engineered to meet EN 356 classifications and withstand severe levels of manual attack.
Understanding EN 356 Ratings
EN 356 divides anti-bandit glass into two main categories based on how the glass is tested.
These categories represent different types of attack scenarios.
P1A to P5A – Steel Ball Drop Test
The lower EN 356 classifications use a steel ball drop test.
In this test, a heavy steel ball is dropped onto the glass multiple times from a fixed height.
The glass must resist penetration after a specified number of impacts to achieve its rating.
- P1A – basic impact resistance
- P2A – increased resistance to repeated impact
- P3A – moderate protection against vandalism
- P4A – higher resistance to heavy impact
- P5A – strong protection against repeated strikes
These ratings are typically used where protection against vandalism or accidental impact is required.
P6B to P8B – Axe Attack Test
The higher EN 356 classifications use an axe attack test.
This simulates a determined attempt to break through glazing using tools.
The classification depends on how many strikes are required to create an opening large enough to pass through.
- P6B – approximately 30 to 50 axe strikes
- P7B – approximately 51 to 70 axe strikes
- P8B – more than 70 axe strikes
What Do These Ratings Mean in Practice?
In practical terms, P1A to P8B ratings indicate how long glass can resist an attack and how difficult it is to create an opening.
Lower ratings provide basic impact resistance, while higher ratings are designed to withstand sustained, deliberate attack.
This makes EN 356 ratings a useful tool when specifying glazing for different environments, from retail storefronts to high-security facilities.
Choosing the Right EN 356 Rating
The correct rating depends on the level of risk and the type of building.
Selecting the right classification ensures that the glazing provides sufficient protection without unnecessary cost or complexity.
- Lower ratings for vandal resistance and general commercial use
- Mid-range ratings for higher-risk retail environments
- Higher ratings for secure facilities and high-value applications
Why EN 356 Ratings Matter
EN 356 ratings provide a clear, standardised way to measure the performance of anti-bandit glass.
This allows architects, contractors and security consultants to compare products and specify glazing with confidence.
By choosing certified glass, you ensure that the glazing system has been tested to withstand real-world attack scenarios.
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 advanced in-house manufacturing capability, Tecdur provides certified, high-performance security glazing designed to protect people and property.
Our team works closely with architects and specifiers to ensure the correct EN 356 anti-bandit glass rating is selected for each project.
Whether you require impact-resistant glazing or high-security solutions, Tecdur can help you specify the right tested glass system.