EN 1063 Bullet-Resistant Glass Classification (BR1 to BR7)
A comprehensive technical guide to European Standard EN 1063 / BS EN 1063: threat levels BR1 through BR7, shotgun classes SG1/SG2, spall (S/NS) ratings, and glass vs. frame system compliance.
What is European Standard EN 1063?
EN 1063 (adopted in the United Kingdom as BS EN 1063) is the European standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) specifying performance requirements and testing methods for bullet-resistant security glazing.
The standard categorizes security glazing into nine distinct ballistic classifications:
- BR1 to BR4: Handguns and small arms (from .22 LR up to .44 Magnum).
- BR5 to BR7: High-velocity centerfire military and hunting rifles (5.56×45mm NATO, 7.62×51mm NATO, and .30-06 Armor-Piercing AP).
- SG1 and SG2: 12-gauge shotguns firing solid lead slugs and heavy buckshot.
Glass vs. Window/Door System Classification
As noted by the UK National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), EN 1063 applies specifically to the glass composite itself. A complete bullet-resistant window or door installation requires complementary frame testing under standards such as EN 1522 / EN 1523 (Windows, Doors, Shutters and Blinds — Bullet resistance) to prevent edge penetration or framing blow-out.
EN 1063 Test Configuration
- Specimen Dimensions:
Standard test sample size is 500mm × 500mm clamped in a rigid steel test frame.
- 3-Shot Triangle Pattern:
Three impacts placed in an equilateral triangle with 120mm ± 10mm shot spacing.
- Multi-Hit Timing:
Successive shots fired within 1 to 3 minutes under calibrated ambient temperature.
- Witness Card Inspection:
Aluminum foil witness sheet positioned 500mm behind the test glass evaluates rear-face spalling.
EN 1063 Ballistic Threat Classifications (BR1 to BR7)
Ammunition types, projectile mass, impact velocities, test distances, and nominal glass composite thicknesses.
| Class | Weapon & Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Mass | Distance | Velocity | Nominal Thickness | Spall S / NS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BR1 | Rifle (.22 LR) 5.6×15mmR (.22 Long Rifle) | Lead Round Nose (LRN) | 2.6g (40 gr) | 10 m | 360 ± 10 m/s | 15mm (±2mm) | S / NS |
| BR2 | Handgun (9mm Luger) 9×19mm Parabellum | Full Metal Jacket (FMJ RN) | 8.0g (124 gr) | 5 m | 400 ± 10 m/s | 18mm (±2mm) | S / NS |
| BR3 | Handgun (.357 Magnum) .357 Magnum | Conical Jacketed (CB / JSP) | 10.2g (158 gr) | 5 m | 430 ± 10 m/s | 21mm (±2mm) | S / NS |
| BR4 | Handgun (.44 Magnum) .44 Remington Magnum | Flat Nose Jacketed (FJ / FN) | 15.6g (240 gr) | 5 m | 440 ± 10 m/s | 21–24mm (±2mm) | S / NS |
| BR5 | Rifle (5.56 NATO) 5.56×45mm NATO | Full Metal Jacket (FMJ / PB) | 4.0g (62 gr SS109) | 10 m | 950 ± 10 m/s | 36mm (±2mm) | S / NS |
| BR6 | Rifle (7.62 NATO / AK-47) 7.62×51mm NATO | Full Metal Jacket (FMJ / PB) | 9.5g (147 gr) | 10 m | 830 ± 10 m/s | 40mm (±2mm) | S / NS |
| BR7 | Rifle (Armor-Piercing AP) 7.62×51mm NATO Hard Core AP | Hardened Steel Core (AP / HC) | 9.7g (150 gr) | 10 m | 820 ± 10 m/s | 50mm (±2mm) | S / NS |
| SG1 | Shotgun (Solid Slug) 12/70 Gauge | Solid Lead Slug (Brenneke) | 31.5g (486 gr) | 10 m | 420 ± 15 m/s | 33mm (±2mm) | S / NS |
| SG2 | Shotgun (Solid Slug) 12/70 Gauge High-Energy | Solid Lead Slug (Brenneke) | 31.5g (486 gr) | 10 m | 420 ± 15 m/s | 42mm (±2mm) | S / NS |
* "S" designates Splinters / Spall allowed; "NS" designates No-Spall / Zero-Spall required with zero witness sheet perforation. Manufacturing tolerance ±2mm.
Spall (S) vs. No-Spall (NS) Classification
Every EN 1063 test result appends a mandatory suffix indicating whether secondary glass fragments detached from the protected rear face:
Suffix "S" — Splinters / Spall Permitted (e.g. BR4-S)
The projectile is arrested, but high-velocity glass shards detach from the rear face and perforate the witness foil. Permissible only in unpopulated facilities, external display vitrines, or perimeter outer fences.
Suffix "NS" — No Spall / Zero-Spall (e.g. BR4-NS)
The projectile is arrested and zero glass particles dislodge from the rear face (witness sheet remains 100% intact). Achieved through an optical polycarbonate inner shield bonded with thermoplastic polyurethane (PU). Mandatory for vehicle cabins, teller counters, and sentry cabins.
Why Specifiers Must Specify "NS" for Human Occupancy
In defense and security projects, bullet-resistant glass without an "NS" rating poses a severe threat of secondary laceration or eye injury to personnel.
At Super Safety Solution, all ballistic glass formulations for automotive, banking, and defense applications are engineered with Zero-Spall (NS) composite architecture verified by DRDO (TBRL) live-fire trials.
Explore Multi-Layer Glass PhysicsCross-Standard Comparison: EN 1063 vs. NIJ 0108.01 vs. IS 17051
How European classifications correspond to American and Indian defense standards.
| Threat Type | European (EN 1063) | US Standard (NIJ 0108.01) | Indian Standard (IS 17051) | Typical Thickness (±2mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Caliber Handgun (.22 LR) | EN 1063 BR1 | NIJ Level I | IS 17051 BR1 | 15mm |
| 9mm Handgun / Submachine Gun | EN 1063 BR2 | NIJ Level II-A | IS 17051 BR2 | 18mm |
| .357 Magnum JSP | EN 1063 BR3 | NIJ Level II | IS 17051 BR3 | 21mm |
| .44 Magnum / High-Velocity 9mm | EN 1063 BR4 | NIJ Level III-A | IS 17051 BR4 | 21–24mm |
| 5.56×45mm NATO Assault Rifle | EN 1063 BR5 | NIJ Level III (Partial) | IS 17051 BR5 | 36mm |
| 7.62×51mm NATO / 7.62×39mm AK-47 | EN 1063 BR6 | NIJ Level III | IS 17051 BR6 | 40mm |
| .30-06 AP / 7.62×51mm Hard Core AP | EN 1063 BR7 | NIJ Level IV | IS 17051 BR7 | 50mm |
| 12/70 Shotgun (Slug & Buckshot) | EN 1063 SG1 / SG2 | Special Threat | IS 17051 SG | 33–42mm |
Specify the Right Ballistic Standard for Your Project
Whether your tender specifies BS EN 1063, NIJ 0108.01, or IS 17051, Super Safety Solution formulates custom composite glass with certified test documentation.