Overview
ISO 16936-4:2005 - Glass in building - Forced-entry security glazing - Part 4 specifies test methods and classification for security glazing when subjected to pendulum impact under thermally and fire stressed conditions. The standard is intended to assess glazing systems designed to delay manual forced entry (objects and/or persons) for a short period by measuring comparative resistance under cold, hot and flame/impact scenarios. It does not reproduce every real-life attack but provides repeatable mechanical tests for classification.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose
- Classification of security-glazing products into categories of resistance against manual attack under thermal and fire stressed conditions.
- Emphasis on comparative, repeatable mechanical testing rather than full reproduction of human attack.
- Sample selection and size
- Typical submission: three test pieces (recommendation to include an extra specimen).
- Specimen dimensions specified: 1100 ± 5 mm × 900 ± 5 mm; edges free from visible defects.
- Test methods
- Low-temperature impact test: conditioning at −25 °C ± 3 °C, pendulum impacts with blunt (36.3 kg; 270 J) and sharp (36.3 kg; 135 J) impactors; strikes every 9 s ± 1 s; record strikes to first penetration and to opening that will pass a 130 × 200 mm rigid box with ≤ 45 N force.
- High-temperature impact test: conditioning at 50 °C ± 3 °C; same pendulum/impactor parameters and acceptance criteria as low-temperature test.
- Torch + small blunt impactor test: simulates sustained flame attack with a propane torch (≈980–1 100 °C) combined with a small blunt impactor (10 kg; 84 J) to assess flame/impact resistance and interlayer durability.
- Test apparatus and fixtures
- Pendulum-type impactors and defined striking surfaces (carbon steel specifications), specified frame engagement (minimum 30 ± 5 mm edge engagement) and gasketing to avoid frame contact.
- Reporting and classification
- Record number of strikes to penetration, opening size (to nearest 6 mm), and termination conditions. Classification categories are assigned based on test results; manufacturers must specify suitable applications individually.
Applications and users
Who uses ISO 16936-4:2005:
- Glazing manufacturers and product developers - for product design, QA and comparative performance claims.
- Independent test laboratories - to perform standardized pendulum/thermal/fire impact testing and issue reports.
- Architects, specifiers and security consultants - to select glazing for buildings requiring forced-entry resistance (banks, detention facilities, critical infrastructure).
- Procurement and regulatory bodies - to evaluate and compare glazing performance for contracts and safety specifications.
Related standards
- ISO 16936 series:
- Part 1: repetitive ball drop
- Part 2: repetitive hammer/axe at room temperature
- Part 3: manual attack
- Part 4: pendulum impact under thermal and fire stress (this standard)
- Prepared by ISO/TC 160 (Glass in building)
Keywords: ISO 16936-4:2005, forced-entry security glazing, pendulum impact test, thermally stressed glazing, fire stressed glazing, security glazing classification.
