Choosing the right protection level for bullet resistant glass is not a decision to be taken lightly. Installing glass with an inadequate rating can leave security gaps or create unnecessary costs for protection you don’t actually need. In fact, installing more protection than required can turn out to be very expensive.
To standardize and ensure the performance of these materials, the industry relies on the UL 752 classification, developed by Underwriters Laboratories. This standard defines 10 protection levels, each tested with specific firearms, calibers, and velocities, simulating real-world threat scenarios.
In this guide, we’ll examine the 10 protection levels under UL 752, their most common applications, and how to determine which one is best suited for your project. This will help you make an informed decision that balances security, functionality, and budget.
👉 You may also be interested in reading: Why Choose Bulletproof Bullet Resistant Glass for Homes or Small Businesses?
What Is the UL 752 Classification? Not All Bullet Resistant Glass Is the Same
The UL 752 classification is one of the most recognized global standards for evaluating the ballistic resistance of glass and other protective materials. It was developed by Underwriters Laboratories, an independent organization that’s been certifying the safety and performance of products across multiple industries for over a century.
This standard defines 10 protection levels, each tested with specific firearms, calibers, impact velocities, and number of shots. These tests are conducted under controlled conditions to simulate real-life scenarios, ensuring that the glass meets the resistance level assigned to it.
Unlike other classification systems, such as NIJ (National Institute of Justice), which is primarily used for personal protective equipment, UL 752 is focused on architectural and structural applications, including windows, doors, counters, partitions, and specialized vehicles.
Its purpose is to provide buyers with clear, reliable information for making purchasing decisions. Choosing the wrong protection level can create security vulnerabilities, while buying a higher level than necessary can lead to completely avoidable costs.
The 10 UL 752 Protection Levels
Bulletproof glass (although it’s correct to call it bullet resistant glass), has differences in thickness and protection depending on the projectile. The UL 752 classification establishes ten protection levels, each designed to withstand specific threats. Here’s a breakdown of each one:
Level 1: 9 mm. Handgun
Withstands impacts from 9 mm. handguns fired at approximately 1,175 ft. per second.
- Common use: Glass for retail stores, pharmacy counters, and residential entryways in low-risk areas, ideal for preventing robberies.
In some cases, there’s a level 6 . Similar to Level 1 in bullet protection but designed to withstand a greater number of shots and repeated impacts in the same area.
Level 2: .357 Caliber Magnum
Withstands shots from a .357 Magnum revolver at approximately 1,250 ft. per second.
- Common use: Gas stations, convenience stores, and small businesses in moderate-risk areas where cash transactions are frequent.
Level 3: .44 Caliber Magnum
Withstands shots from a .44 Magnum revolver at approximately 1,350 ft. per second.
- Common use: Banks, jewelry stores, and high-value commercial areas.
Level 4: .30-06 Caliber Rifle
Withstands shots from a .30-06 caliber rifle with lead-tipped bullets at approximately 2,850 ft. per second.
- Common use: Government facilities and security checkpoints, such as currency exchange offices and banks.
Level 5: High-Powered Rifle
Withstands shots from a high-powered rifle using soft-core ammunition at approximately 3,080 ft. per second.
- Common use: High-profile buildings and corporate headquarters with strict security protocols, as well as sites housing servers or critical information.
Level 7: 5.56 mm. Rifle (AR-15)
Withstands shots from a 5.56 mm. rifle with soft-core projectiles at approximately 3,080 ft. per second.
- Common use: Military facilities, command centers, and high-security buildings such as government departments and intelligence agencies.
Level 8: 7.62 mm. Rifle (AK-47)
Withstands shots from a 7.62 mm. rifle with soft-core projectiles at approximately 2,750 ft. per second.
- Common use: Embassies, high-risk facilities, and cash-in-transit vehicles.
Is There Greater Protection? Yes, But For More Specialized Markets
In addition to the 7 commercial levels that PRL and other companies offer, there’s also a couple additional levels of protection. These are more specialized and designed for high-security protection, and they’re barely noticeable.
Level 9: .50 BMG Sniper Rifle
Withstands shots from 12.7 mm. (.50 BMG) ammunition at approximately 2,930 ft. per second.
- Common use: Military protection and extreme conflict environments; government buildings designed to protect high-level personnel.
Level 10: Extreme Ballistic Threats
Designed for environments anticipating high-caliber weapons, armor-piercing rounds, and sustained attacks.
- Common use: Military bases, strategic facilities, and national defense projects.
How to Choose the Right Protection Level
Selecting the correct bullet resistant glass level is a critical step in ensuring safety without incurring unnecessary costs. The highest level is not always the most appropriate; the choice should be based on a realistic risk assessment.
Key factors to consider:
- Geographic location: Areas with high crime rates or armed conflict may require higher protection levels.
- Type of property or facility: Protecting a private residence is not the same as securing an embassy or a data center.
- Value of the assets to protect: The higher the value, the greater the need for ballistic resistance.
- Most likely threat: Choose the level based on the caliber or type of firearm expected. A common assailant typically uses more commercially available weapons, meaning rifle-level protection may not be necessary.
- Local regulations and standards: Certain sectors, such as banking or government, require a minimum level by law. In some cases, higher levels cannot be sold unless there‘s a specific security need.
Example recommendations by sector:
✅ Residences: Levels 1 to 3
✅ Small businesses: Levels 2 to 4
✅ Financial institutions: Levels 3 to 5
✅ Government facilities: Levels 4 to 8
✅ Military or strategic projects: Levels 8 to 10
At PRL Glass & Aluminum, we help our clients perform a personalized risk assessment to select the most efficient and secure solution based on their specific needs and budget.
Understanding the 10 protection levels of bullet resistant glass under the UL 752 classification is essential for making an informed and effective decision. It’s not just about purchasing the most resistant glass, it’s about selecting the solution that matches the threat, type of facility, and the available budget.
A well-chosen solution ensures that your security investment is efficient, proportional to the risk, and compliant with applicable regulations. This not only protects lives and property but also optimizes the resources allocated to safety.
At PRL Glass & Aluminum, we have the technical expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and specialized team to design and install bullet resistant glass tailored to your needs.
We offer solutions covering levels 1 through 8 of the UL 752 classification, customized for residential, commercial, government, and corporate projects.
If you need guidance for deciding the right protection level for your project, our team is ready to help you find the safest and most cost-effective solution.
