Can fire-rated glass pass any additional performance tests?

When glazing passes fire glass testing standards, it receives its rating designation (fire protective or fire resistive), duration and assembly criteria. It can then be specified in appropriate fire-rated applications. But what happens when applications require defense against more than fire? Windows, doors and openings are increasingly being called upon to provide multiple types of protection, such as impact, forced-entry or ballistic-resistance—so can fire-rated glass pass other tests as well?

In addition to fire glass testing protocols, select fire-rated glazing can receive impact ratings, such as ANSI Z97.1 and CPSC 16 CFR1201. Fire-rated glazing can also achieve hurricane-resistance ratings by passing tests such as AAMA 506, TAS 201, TAS 202, TAS 203, ASTM E330, ASTM E1886 and others.

These systems can also be tested to various security rating standards to certify they can resist ballistic attack (UL 752), forced-entry (ASTM E2395, HP White 5-aa10) and more. Products that meet multiple testing standards, such as TGProtect™ FR System or Pilkington Pyrostop^® BR, can be readily utilized in areas where security goals and fire safety requirements overlap.

Currently, building codes do not address security. This can complicate raising the baseline of security while also meeting code requirements. Using multifunctional, fire-rated glazing assemblies can help streamline specification for improving security in areas that also require fire-rated systems.