EN 1063, or CEN 1063, is a security glazing standard created by the European Committee for Standardization for measuring the protective strength of bullet-resistant glass. It is commonly used in conjunction with EN 1522 (Euronorm standard for Bullet Resistance in Windows, Doors, Shutters and Blinds) to form a ballistic classification system by which armored vehicles and structures are tested and rated.[1] A similar classification system primarily used in the United States is NIJ Standard 0108, the U.S. National Institute of Justice's Standard for Ballistic Resistant Protective Materials which includes glass and armor plate.

Threat Levels

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The protective strength of a glazed shielding is rated based on the type of munitions, or threat level, it is capable of withstanding. There are 7 main standard threat levels: BR1-BR7 (also written as B1-B7), each corresponding to a different type of small arms fire. Additionally, there are two other threat levels (SG1 & SG2) corresponding to shotgun munitions.

To be given a particular rating, the glazing must stop the bullet for the specified number of strikes, with multiple strikes placed within 120mm of each other. The glazing should also be shatterproof and produce no spalls after each strike. Lastly, the classification levels are numbered in order of increasing protective strength. Thus any sample complying with the requirements of one class also complies with the requirements of previous classes. However, the SG (shotgun) classes do not necessarily comply with BR classes.[2]

The precise test requirements and bullet types used are as follows:

Euronorm Standard For Security Glazing
Class Weapon Caliber Type Weight (g) Range (m) Velocity (m/s) Impact Energy Shots
BR1 Handgun/Rifle .22 LR LB/RN 2,6 ± 0,1 10,00 ± 0,5 360 ± 10 170 J 3
BR2 Handgun 9×19mm Parabellum FJ/RN/SC 8,0 ± 0,1 5,00 ± 0,5 400 ± 10 640 J 3
BR3 Handgun .357 Magnum FJ/CB/SC 10,2 ± 0,1 5,00 ± 0,5 430 ± 10 940 J 3
BR4 Handgun .44 Magnum FJ/FN/SC 15,6 ± 0,1 5,00 ± 0,5 440 ± 10 1510 J 3
BR5 Rifle 5.56×45mm NATO FJ/PB/SCP 4,0 ± 0,1 10,00 ± 0,5 950 ± 10 1800 J 3
BR6 Rifle 7.62×51mm NATO FJ/PB/SC 9,5 ± 0,1 10,00 ± 0,5 830 ± 10 3270 J 3
BR7 Rifle 7.62×51mm NATO FJ/PB/HC 9,8 ± 0,1 10,00 ± 0,5 820 ± 10 3290 J 3

LB - Lead Bullet
FJ - Full Metal Jacket
FN - Flat Nose
RN - Round Nose
CB - Cone Bullet
PB - Pointed Bullet
SC - Soft Core (lead)
SCP - Soft Core (lead) & Steel Penetrator
HC - Hard core, steel hardness > 63 HRC[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Bullet Resistance". SITEC. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
  2. ^ Watney, Jeremy (2000). "BS EN1063 2000". Ballistic Edge Research Laboratory Mechanical Impact Testing. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
  3. ^ "Levels of Protection According EN 1063" (PDF). MARS Armor. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 20, 2008. Retrieved 2009-02-14.