Overview
ISO 16936-3:2005 - "Glass in building - Forced-entry security glazing - Part 3: Test and classification by manual attack" - specifies a physical test method and classification system for forced-entry security glazing subjected to deliberate manual attack. The standard evaluates how glazing delays access to a protected space against blunt and sharp tool impacts, thermal stress, and optional chemical attack. It is designed to assess short-term resistance to manually executed attacks (non-powered tools) and to provide comparative classifications of glazing constructions.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and limits
- Applies to manual attacks only; excludes powered tools, explosives, military ordnance and procedures needing more than two people.
- Classification is comparative and depends on test personnel skill and procedure.
- Sample preparation
- Typical test piece size: 1 100 mm × 900 mm (± tolerances). Edges must be free of visible chips and conditioned vertically before testing.
- Test environment & support
- Specified room and sample conditioning temperatures are required.
- Test piece is mounted in a rigid frame with defined edge clamping, rubber strips and setting blocks to ensure reproducible support.
- Tool set and procedures
- Defined blunt-impact tools (e.g., 3.0 kg sledgehammer, steel pipe, 54 kg ram, ball-peen hammer) and sharp-impact tools (ripping bar, cold chisel, angle iron, axe, maul).
- Thermal tools include CO2 extinguisher and propane torch; chemical agents (gasoline or acetone) are optional.
- A prescribed sequence of impacts and actions is used to determine resistance class (Classes I–V).
- Test team
- Laboratory personnel: test leader/director, timekeeper, and two operators conducting the manual attack.
- Reporting and classification
- Results are recorded in a test report and the glazing is assigned a category of resistance based on performance during the prescribed sequence.
Applications and users
- Practical uses:
- Selection, specification, and comparative evaluation of security glazing for storefronts, public buildings, detention facilities, banks, and other vulnerable façades.
- Product development and quality control for manufacturers of laminated, multi-pane, or reinforced glazing systems.
- Typical users:
- Architects, façade engineers, security consultants, glazing manufacturers, test laboratories, and building code authorities specifying forced-entry resistance.
Related standards
- ISO 16936 series:
- Part 1: repetitive ball drop
- Part 2: repetitive hammer and axe impact at room temperature
- Part 4: pendulum impact under thermal/fire stress
- Other referenced documents cited in ISO 16936-3 include ISO 48 (rubber hardness) and relevant EN/ASTM/UL standards for tooling and extinguishers.
Keywords: ISO 16936-3, forced-entry security glazing, manual attack test, security glazing testing, glass in building, glazing classification.