Safety glazing: EN 12600 standards & laminated glass explained
To effectively protect against the risk of impact or break-ins, laminated safety glazing is essential for windows, French windows, and display cases. It combines two or more panes of glass bonded by a PVB (polyvinyl butyral) interlayer that retains debris in the event of breakage. The EN 12600 standard classifies these glazings according to their impact resistance and their ability to limit flying fragments. In this article, YES GLASS details the principles , classes , and benefits of laminated glazing for your residential and professional projects.
The principle of laminated glass
Laminated glazing is made up of two (or more) sheets of glass bonded together by a PVB interlayer . In the event of an impact or attempted drilling, the interlayer retains the shards, limiting the risk of cuts and penetration. It also provides superior sound and thermal insulation to conventional glass.
Understanding the EN 12600 standard
1 B 1, 2 B 2, 3 B 3: impact classes
The EN 12600 standard defines three classes according to:
- Pendulum height (1 m, 1.2 m, 1.6 m)
- Number of impacts (1 to 3 attempts)
- Projection of fragments (B1: retained fragments, B2: some fragments released, B3: more significant fragmentation)
| Class | Pendulum | Tests | Projected fragments | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 B 1 | 1 m | 1 | None | Interior partitions, doors |
| 2 B 2 | 1.2 m | 2 | Boundaries | French windows, railings |
| 3 B 3 | 1.6 m | 3 | Controlled | Shop windows, high-risk areas |
Advantages of laminated glazing
Safety and protection
- Retains splinters in case of breakage, reduces injuries.
- Resists break-in attempts (anti-sabotage effect).
Thermal and sound insulation
- PVB interlayer improves thermal comfort (Ug ≈ 1.1 W/m²·K).
- Increased sound attenuation (Rw up to 40 dB) for a quiet environment.
Sustainability and standards
- Complies with European standard EN 12600 and CEKAL or NF P 78-302 requirements.
- Maintains performance even after exposure to UV and weather.
Applications and recommendations
Individuals
- Ground floor windows , glass patio doors.
- Glass railings for balconies and stairs.
Professionals
- Shop windows and commercial facades.
- Interior partitions in ERP (establishments open to the public) to comply with regulations.
Installation by YES GLASS
- On-site diagnosis : risk level and use.
- Choice of the appropriate EN 12600 class .
- Careful installation by our certified glaziers.
- Final checks according to DTU and manufacturer's recommendations.
Conclusion
Laminated safety glazing , classified according to EN 12600 , guarantees optimal protection against impacts and burglary, while offering excellent insulation performance. Whether for an apartment, an office or a shop window, YES GLASS advises you and installs compliant and durable glazing, for maximum comfort and security.
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