When window glass breaks, the difference between a harmless crack and a serious injury boils down to its certification or that of the safety film installed on it.
EN 12600 and EN 356 are two industry standards that describe the behavior of glazing materials when they come under significant impact. Both standards may look similar but they monitor different types of attacks. Understanding them is essential in order to choose the right security film installation for homes, shops, offices, or any other type of facility.
How EN 12600 and EN 356 Standards Work
EN 12600 is one of the most popular impact resistance glass tests in the world. It simulates the effect of a person running, falling, or walking into glass. It focuses on whether the glass breaks, and how it breaks– if it does. The goal is for fragments to remain attached, creating a safe breakage pattern instead of sharp shards that can cause injury.
EN365 is quite different. It simulates the usage of heavy or sharp objects to hit or cut the glass repeatedly. The standard counts how many blows or impacts are needed to create a hole big enough for an intruder to pass through. Many glazing classifications under EN 356 are described as “anti-intrusion glass standards.”
Impact Safety vs Burglar-Resistance: The Difference Between EN 12600 and EN 356
Impact safety standard (EN 12600) focuses on people, not criminals. It answers the question: “If someone collides with this glazing, will they be protected from serious cuts?”. Burglar-resistance standard, covered by EN 356, asks a different question: “How long will this glazing delay a determined intruder armed with tools?”.
Security glazing classification under EN 356 describes levels of resistance, from basic delay against opportunistic attack up to higher grades used for high-value retail or sensitive sites. A film/glass combination might be EN 12600-compliant for safety but still not strong enough to reach EN 356 anti-intrusion glass standards.
Why Window Film Security Glazing Classification Matters
EN 12600 is a passive security measure while EN 356 is an active one. Both certifications underpin building safety compliance and liability. Building owners and construction professionals can use them to:
- Prove that a building’s glazing system meets required safety standards.
- Verify the performance of window films products
- These certifications also give confidence that a certain glass will behave predictably during accidents or intrusion attacks.
- These standards also protect the reputation of window film brands and manufacturers.
Choosing the Right Security Film For Your Building
Safety films such as the Clear 12 C combine solar control with impact resistance and security performance. When applied to existing glazing, they can help a pane meet EN 12600 for safe breakage and, in some configurations, contribute to EN 356 anti-intrusion performance. This dual functionality makes them attractive for retrofit projects where both comfort and protection are needed.
To identify the right security film solution for your building, have a clear idea of what the primary risk is. Then pick the best solution that combats this worry.
If your facility is a school, sports center, or any other circulation area, and you are mainly concerned about people falling over or running into glass, prioritize EN 12600-compliant window film solutions.
If the main risk is burglary, vandalism, or smash-and-grab thefts in retail, residential homes, street-level offices, and so on, go for security films tested under EN 356.
The Importance of Professionalism in Security Film Installation
It’s possible to DIY window film installation, but for the best results get a professional installer. Even the best security window films won’t perform to their standards if they are poorly applied or if their edges are not well anchored. Working with trained, certified installers and following manufacturer guidelines ensures that laboratory results are translated into real-world protection.
Regular inspection also matters. Over time, frames, seals, and glass can age or be damaged. Periodic audits help to maintain the level of impact resistance and anti-intrusion protection of these films for long.
Achieve Optimal Security With Solar Screen Security Window Films
Going for window films that meet EN 12600 or EN 356 standards is a simple strategy to make your buildings more secure. When installed by competent professionals, these films deliver real protection that gives you peace of mind that can avoid loss of lives and properties.
Solar Screen International is a trusted brand in this niche. Their security films are budget friendly and are trusted by building experts and professional constructors. To learn more about how these professional-grade security films can transform the look and feel of your buildings, take a look at Solar Screen product page and blog.