Security threats today are increasingly layered. Attackers may fire at a glazed door and then use tools to force their way in. Schools, courthouses, financial institutions, and hospitals all face this dual threat: firearm violence followed by forced entry.
To address this reality, facility designers and security professionals need testing standards that go beyond ballistic resistance. ASTM F1233 offers exactly that, evaluating how well glazing systems perform when subjected to both ballistic attack and physical assault using common break-in tools.
Understanding ASTM F1233 can help teams make more informed decisions about glazing system performance, especially in situations where time is critical and delaying access saves lives.
Total Security Solutions works closely with clients across industries to design ballistic barrier systems that can be tested to meet ASTM F1233 or other relevant standards.
ASTM F1233: The Standard Test Method for Security Glazing Materials and Systems
Published by ASTM International, ASTM F1233 defines how to evaluate the performance of security glazing materials when subjected to both ballistic impact and forced-entry attacks. It provides structured procedures for testing materials like laminated glass, polycarbonate, and acrylic under sustained, multi-phase threats.
Unlike purely ballistic standards, ASTM F1233 accounts for multi-stage threats. Materials may be shot with one or more bullets and then subjected to an extended forced-entry simulation using blunt or sharp tools. The goal is to measure how long the material can resist, delay, or prevent penetration under aggressive attack conditions.
The current version of the standard, ASTM F1233-21, builds on earlier versions by refining testing tools, procedures, and performance classification.
Testing Procedures and Tools for Forced Entry Resistance
Materials tested under ASTM F1233 face one or both of the following:
- A ballistic component, in which the glazing is shot from a specific distance and angle.
- A forced-entry component, where testers use tools like hammers, axes, chisels, or crowbars to breach the barrier over a defined time.
When both tests are performed, the forced-entry simulation typically begins after the material has been shot. This models real-world attacks where an intruder may try to exploit ballistic damage to gain faster access.
The attack is not random. ASTM F1233 lays out specific sequences, tool types, and application techniques to ensure consistency. The amount of time the material resists, and the extent to which it is breached, determines its classification.
Classification System: Understanding ASTM F1233 Ratings
ASTM F1233 includes five classes of forced-entry resistance. These core classes simulate escalating levels of attack, from opportunistic intrusions to determined assaults using multiple tools:
- Class 1 represents basic forced-entry resistance. These materials may withstand low-energy attacks using limited tools.
- Classes 2 through 4 simulate more intense and prolonged attacks, with an increasing number of strikes, tools, and persistence.
- Class 5 represents the highest level of resistance and includes a ballistic attack followed by a full forced-entry simulation.
Ballistic testing within ASTM F1233 uses its own rating system, with up to 12 classes. These ratings are similar to UL 752 levels, though the protocols differ. ASTM’s ballistic classes often involve fewer shots—typically between one and three—compared to UL 752’s one to five.
Comparing ASTM F1233 to Other Ballistics Standards
ASTM F1233 is one of several commonly used standards in the security glazing industry. Each has its place depending on the project goals:
- UL 752 is a well-known standard for ballistic resistance in architectural products. It evaluates materials solely on their ability to stop bullets from specific firearms. It does not simulate forced-entry attacks.
- NIJ 0108.01, from the National Institute of Justice, is focused on ballistic armor and personal protection. While valid for assessing bullet resistance, it doesn’t offer insight into the performance of building materials or glazing systems under physical attack.
- ASTM F1233 evaluates both ballistic and forced-entry resistance—often in sequence—making it uniquely suited for environments where time, access delay, and structural integrity are key concerns.
For many projects, especially in high-risk environments, barrier systems may be tested to both ASTM F1233 and UL 752 for a more complete understanding and evaluation of performance.
For more insights into how UL 752, NIJ, and ASTM standards compare, see this blog post.
Applications and Materials
Glazing systems tested to ASTM F1233 are commonly used in schools, courthouses, retail storefronts, and public-facing government facilities. They may be installed in entry vestibules, transaction windows, or any zone where security personnel need time to respond before the threat breaches a barrier.
Materials commonly tested under this standard include laminated glass, polycarbonate, glass-clad composites, and layered glazing assemblies. The specific material composition required depends on the resistance class desired and the intended application. Higher resistance levels often demand thicker or multi-layered materials, as well as reinforced framing systems.
Custom Security Systems Tested to ASTM F1233
At Total Security Solutions, we design and fabricate custom ballistic glazing systems that can be tested to meet ASTM F1233—as well as UL 752, NIJ 0108.01, or other applicable standards. Our team works alongside architects, contractors, security professionals, and facility owners to ensure each system is engineered for both performance and practicality.
But testing to a standard is only part of the equation. In many cases, organizations aren't sure which standard applies, or how much protection is enough. That’s why we are committed to more than building barriers; we help you navigate your overall security strategy.
Every project is unique. Some require high-level ballistic protection. Others need to delay forced entry for just a few minutes. ASTM F1233 is one tool in the toolbox, but we’ll help you decide whether it’s the right one based on your security requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About ASTM F1233
Does ASTM F1233 account for thermal stress or heat-based attacks?
Yes, higher classification levels of ASTM F1233 may incorporate tests that simulate thermal stress, such as the use of propane torches or heat-based tools. This helps evaluate whether glazing materials can maintain structural integrity under extreme conditions like localized heating or attempted burning.
Can ASTM F1233 glazing resist blunt force objects like a fire extinguisher?
ASTM F1233 includes forced-entry testing with various blunt instruments, including tools that simulate the impact of common items like sledgehammers, axes, or even a fire extinguisher used as a battering ram. While not every object is specifically listed, the test method is designed to represent real-world blunt force threats.
How does ASTM F1233 handle potential threats beyond firearms and tools?
ASTM F1233 is structured to simulate a wide range of physical security threats: ballistic, blunt, and sharp-force. While it doesn’t directly test for explosives, smoke, or gas-based threats, it does offer a comprehensive look at how glazing will respond under sustained, violent intrusion attempts—an important consideration in many threat assessments.
What role does chemical deterioration play in ASTM F1233 testing?
Chemical deterioration is not directly tested under ASTM F1233. However, glazing materials must be properly maintained and specified for their environment to ensure long-term performance. In applications where exposure to cleaning agents or vandalism (e.g., acid attacks or paint strippers) is a concern, additional testing or specification may be needed.
Does ASTM F1233 define what qualifies as a successful breach or body passage?
Yes, ASTM F1233 includes specific criteria for what constitutes a breach during forced-entry testing. One key threshold is body passage—meaning the opening created during the test is large enough to allow a person to pass through. In most cases, this is defined by the ability to insert a test template or achieve a clear opening of a specified size. A glazing system that resists penetration and prevents body passage is considered more effective in delaying or denying access during an attack.
Related Resources
Our goal is to help you make informed decisions that protect your people, secure your assets, and support your mission—without sacrificing design or functionality. This resources offer guidance for your project.
Ballistic Door Solutions Guide
10 Things That Make or Break a Bullet Resistant Barrier Project
Guide to Improving Physical Security By Addressing the Human Factor
