The European standard EN 12600 is the reference framework for assessing how a flat glazing unit behaves under a human body-type impact. Published by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) under reference EN 12600:2002, it is specified in the technical requirements for many public buildings: schools, sports facilities, circulation zones and office buildings. Its three-part classification — often reduced to a string of characters on a data sheet — deserves a methodical read.
The Test Protocol: A Pendulum to Simulate Human Impact
The EN 12600 test uses a precisely standardised pendulum device. An impactor made up of two leather bags filled with steel shot, suspended on a stainless steel cable, is released from a defined height and strikes the glazed surface head-on. This mechanism simulates the impact of a human body — a person stumbling, running or thrown against a glazed partition.
The test rig specifications are precise: support uprights must be at least 914 mm on each side, the structure is bolted to the floor, and the distance between the impactor at rest and the glass surface must not exceed 12.7 mm (source: EN 12600:2002, CEN). Three drop heights are defined, each corresponding to a distinct level of kinetic energy transferred:
| Classification Level | Drop Height |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1,200 mm |
| 2 | 450 mm |
| 3 | 190 mm |
Level 1 is the most demanding: at 1,200 mm, the energy transferred to the glazing is considerably greater than at 190 mm (Level 3).
Reading the EN 12600 Classification: What Does "1(B)1" Mean?
This is the aspect most rarely explained in available resources, yet it directly determines how to read product data sheets. An EN 12600 classification takes the form X(Y)Z, where each position has an independent meaning:
- X: impact level during the first test (1, 2 or 3)
- (Y): breakage mode observed after impact (A, B or C)
- Z: impact level during the second test (usually the same as X for uniform glazing)
The three breakage modes are defined by the standard as follows:
- Type A: numerous cracks with sharp edges, including large fragments — high injury potential.
- Type B: numerous cracks, but fragments remain bonded together; they do not separate from the test specimen — injury risk significantly reduced.
- Type C: disintegration into a large number of relatively harmless small particles, characteristic of toughened glass.
Reading examples: a classification of 2(B)2 means the glazing withstood two impacts from 450 mm with fragments retained (Type B). A classification of 1(B)1 indicates two successful impacts from 1,200 mm with Type B breakage — the most demanding class defined by the standard.
For reference, data published by Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics / Solar Gard shows that a 100-micron (4 mil) film applied to 4 or 6 mm glass achieves class 2B2, while a 200-micron (8 mil) film can achieve 1B1 in both configurations (source: EN 12600 Safety Glazing Test Summary, Saint-Gobain / Solar Gard, ref. PDF0360SGTSFR). Performance varies depending on the thickness of the glass substrate and installation conditions.
Within the Solar Screen range, the SAFE 4 C film (120 µm, tensile strength: 28 kg/cm) is certified EN 12600: 2B2. The CLEAR 12 C film (310 µm, tensile strength: 61 kg/cm) achieves class 1B1 and also carries EN 356 P2A certification (source: Solar Screen technical data sheets).
EN 12600 vs. EN 356: Two Distinct Scopes
Confusion between these two standards is common. In practice, they address fundamentally different risks.
EN 12600 assesses accidental safety: does the glazing protect occupants from injury caused by unintentional impact? It applies wherever people may come into physical contact with a glazed surface.
EN 356 assesses intrusion resistance: how many repeated axe or steel ball strikes are required to create an opening of at least 400 × 400 mm? Classes range from P1A to P8B.
A glazing unit may satisfy EN 12600 without meeting the EN 356 levels required for anti-burglary applications. Selection must be guided by the dominant risk on the specific site.
Safety Films: Upgrading the EN 12600 Class of Existing Glazing
One of the least documented benefits of safety films is their ability to upgrade the EN 12600 class of existing glazing without replacement. Standard monolithic glass — which naturally breaks in a Type A pattern — when fitted with a reinforced polyester film retains fragments after impact, shifting the breakage behaviour to Type B. Depending on film thickness and substrate type, this change may also deliver a full impact level upgrade (from Class 3 to Class 2, or from Class 2 to Class 1).
This approach is particularly relevant in refurbishment: replacing all glazing in an existing building to meet safety requirements represents a significant investment. Applying a film is a targeted, reversible intervention — no structural work, no prolonged disruption.
To identify the right reference for your project, see the Solar Screen safety film range, certified EN 12600 from Class 2B2 to Class 1B1.
For a deeper look at protecting glazed openings against break-in attempts, the article Securing a Glazed Door or Window Against Burglary covers the available complementary approaches.