Forced Entry Ratings
ASTM International
Forced entry is a persistent threat to retail stores, financial institutions, schools and other buildings where items of value are kept. Insulgard’s FORCEPROTECT security products are designed to protect against a wide range of forced entry threats—from blunt instruments to cutting tools and thermal stress—and meet the strict standards of the most respected forced entry testing agencies in the industry.
When architects, glazing contractors, and other construction professionals need to build secure environments, they turn to Insulgard security products for trusted and tested solutions.
The Role of Forced Entry Ratings
Forced entry testing standards are used to evaluate the performance, durability, and security of materials and building systems. In forced entry applications, these testing methods help determine how well glazing and framing systems withstand real-world attack scenarios by evaluating factors such as attack duration, tools used, and methods of assault. The most common testing sequences and procedures include:
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING MATERIALS (ASTM F1233-08) TESTING SEQUENCE
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is a globally respected standards organization that conducts rigorous field tests on the durability of forced entry-resistant materials. The F1233-08 testing sequence defines three factors that contribute to the success or failure of a forced entry breaking through a glazing material:
See the table below for specific information on the levels of threat protection as defined by this testing sequence:
| Test Implements | CLASS I | CLASS II | CLASS III | CLASSﾠ IV | CLASS V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blunt Impacting (impacts) | |||||
| Sledge Hammer (25) | N/A | 5 | 10,16 | 19,22,27 | 30,33,36,39 |
| 4″ (10cm) Diameter Pipe/Sledge (25) | N/A | N/A | 9 | 18 | 29 |
| Ram (10) | N/A | N/A | 8 | 17 | 28 |
| Ball-peen Hammer (10) | 1 | 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Sharp Tool (impacts) | |||||
| Ripping Bar (10) | N/A | 7 | 12 | 23 | N/A |
| Chisel/Hammer (25) | N/A | N/A | 13 | 25 | 35,40 |
| Angle Iron/Sledge (25) | N/A | N/A | 15 | N/A | N/A |
| 1 1/2″ (4cm) Diameter Pipe Sledge (25) | N/A | 3 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fire Axe (25) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 24 | 32,38 |
| Wood Splitting Maul (25) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 21 | 34,41 |
| Thermal Stress (minutes) | |||||
| Extinguisher, CO2 (1) | N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Propane Torch (5) | N/A | 6 | 11 | 20 | 31 |
| Chemical Deterioration (amount) | |||||
| Gasoline (1/2 Pint) (1/4 Liter) | N/A | N/A | 14 | N/A | N/A |
| Acetone (1/2 Pint) (1/4 Liter) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 26 | 37 |
| TOTAL FORCED ENTRY SEQUENCES | 1 | 7 | 16 | 27 | 41 |
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING MATERIALS (ASTM F1915-05)
The ASTM F1915-05 testing sequence measures the forced entry resistance of glazing materials in detention facilities, also taking into account the type of tool used, the techniques employed and the duration of the assault.
| Security Grade | Time Rating | Sequence 1 Blunt Impactor | Sequence 2 Sharp Impactor | Sequence 3 Blunt Impactor | Total Impacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 60 minutes | 150 | 300 | 150 | 600 |
| 2 | 40 minutes | 100 | 200 | 100 | 400 |
| 3 | 20 minutes | 50 | 100 | 50 | 200 |
| 4 | 10 minutes | 25 | 50 | 25 | 100 |
HP WHITE-TP-0500.03 (FORCED ENTRY TEST PROCEDURE) TESTING SEQUENCE
Although HP White ceased operations in March 2023, it is still a standard seen in the industry. This forced entry testing conducted by HP White Laboratories measures a glazing material’s resistance to a wide range of threats, from sustained impacts from a sledgehammer to stress induced by torches and chemical agents.
| Test Implements | LEVEL I | LEVEL II | LEVEL III | LEVELﾠ IV | LEVEL V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blunt Impacting (impacts) | |||||
| Sledgehammer/Wedge (25) | 1,4 | 8,10 | 18,24,26 | 29,32,39 | 42,45,48,51,54 |
| 4″ Diameter Pipe/Sledge (25) | 2 | 7 | 17 | 28 | 41 |
| Ram (10) | N/A | 6 | 16 | 27 | 40 |
| Pinch Bar (a) | |||||
| Sharp Tool (impacts) | |||||
| Chisel/Hammer (25) | N/A | 12 | 21,23 | 33,36,38 | 47,52 |
| Angle Iron/Sledge (25) | N/A | 13 | 22 | N/A | N/A |
| 1 1/2″ Diameter Pipe/Sledge (25) | 5 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fire Axe (25) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 35 | 44,50 |
| Wood Maul (25) | N/A | 15 | 20 | 31 | 46,53 |
| Compass Saw (b), Hacksaw (b) | |||||
| Thermal Stress (minutes) | |||||
| Extinguisher, CO2 (1) | 3 | 9 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Propane Torch (5) | N/A | 11 | 19 | 30 | N/A |
| Acetylene Torch (5) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 43 |
| Chemical Deterioration (amount) | |||||
| Gasoline (8 oz) | N/A | 14 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Windshield Washer (8 oz) | N/A | N/A | 25 | 34 | N/A |
| Acetone (8 oz) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 37 | 49 |
| TOTAL FORCED ENTRY SEQUENCES | 5 | 15 | 26 | 39 | 54 |
(a) Pinch or ripping may be substituted for any portion of Blunt Impacting Sequence at rate of 1 minute for each 5 impacts (Test Director Option)
(b) Additional sequences of one minute intervals in conjunction with all Sharp Tool Sequences except sequences 5 and 15 (re: Test Protocol HPW-TP-0500.03 paragraphs 3.5.7 and 3.5.8)
F.WALKER, MCGOUGH, FOLTZ AND LYERIA (WMFL) TEST PROCEDURE (BALLISTIC/PHYSICAL/FLAME ATTACK)
Our FORCEPROTECT products are also tested to meet the rigorous forced entry testing standards of the F. Walker, McGough, Foltz, and Lyeria (WMFL) testing procedures:
| ATTACK SEQUENCE SUMMARY | LEVEL I BALLISTIC AND 60 MINUTES PHYSICAL ATTACK | LEVEL II 60 MINUTES PHYSICAL ATTACK | LEVEL III 30 MINUTES PHYSICAL ATTACK |
|---|---|---|---|
| .44 Magnum, 240 Grain | 25 rounds | N/A | N/A |
| 2 lb. Claw Hammer | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | 5 minutes |
| 10 lb. Sledgehammer | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Cold Chisel/Screwdriver | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | 5 minutes |
| 1-1/2″ x 3′ pipe with 2″ x 2″ x 3′ angle iron | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | N/A |
| #8 Reinforcing Bar, 3′ long | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | N/A |
| 4″ x 4″ x 3′ Long (oak) leg | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | N/A |
| Fire extinguisher (chemical dry) | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | 5 minutes |
| 10 lb. Sledgehammer | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | N/A |
| Clothes Hanger/Knife, Heated 10″ Blade 1/4″ Thick | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | N/A |
| Propane Burner, (2,200°F) | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | 5 minutes |
| 4 lb. Hammer | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | 5 minutes |
| 3″ x 3′ Pipe with 1″ x 1″ x 3′ Angle Iron | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | N/A |
Threat Assessment
What Level of Protection Do You Need?
Insulgard’s FORCEPROTECT glazing materials are designed to protect against varying levels of threats. The level of protection you need will depend upon factors such as:
The Presence of Crime
The presence of burglary, vandalism, assaults, and other crimes in the neighborhood in which you are building, and the value of the assets you are protecting, will help determine the level of forced entry protection you need.
Threat Assessment
What kind of threats is your building likely to face? A small retail store may face quick “smash and grab” attempts that require a smaller level of protection, while a bank or government building may need to defend against stronger and more coordinated attacks.
Regulations
Depending upon the jurisdiction in which you are building, you may be required to build with forced entry-resistant glass and other architectural security products.
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Build With Proven Forced Entry Protection
If you are seeking architectural security products that provide proven protection against forced entry attacks, Insulgard has the products you need and the expertise to help you get maximum use out of them. Contact us to learn more about our FORCEPROTECT line and our other impact and bullet resistant products, or request a quote today.