Glass > Pendulum body impact test
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Principles
This test shows whether the glass breaks and, if it breaks, whether it breaks safely.
In the UK context this is a test to establish whether a glass is a 'Safety glass'.
Standards
| EN 12600 | Glass in building — Pendulum test — Impact test method and classification for flat glass |
| BS 6262-4 | Glazing for buildings — Part 4: Code of practice for safety related to human impact |
Method of test
A soft body impactor comprising two tyres and a weight is allowed to impact the glass by swinging against it. Different drop heights are used to vary the severity of the test. The test method is described in full in EN 12600.
An IGU may either;
In the second case either;
Classification
Classification of glass is given in the form α(β)φ where:
Mode A - Separate fragments with sharp edges exposed
Mode B - Fragments held together with no sharp edges exposed
Mode C - Disintegradtion into small dice
Class 1 = 1200 mm
Class 2 = 450 mm
Class 3 = 190 mm
Class 1 = 1200 mm
Class 2 = 450 mm
Class 3 = 190 mm
CE Marking
UK Regulations require glass in critical areas to be a 'safety glass'. 'Safety glass' is defined as:
| Location | Definition |
| England and Wales | Class C according to BS 6206 or Class 3(β)φ according to EN 12600 |
| Scotland | Class 3(β)φ according to EN 12600 |
| Northern Ireland | Class 3(β)φ according to EN 12600 |
'Safety glass' should be CE marked to Class 3(β)φ or better everywhere in the UK. The terms(β)φ are not required to define a 'safety glass' as they relate to containment after impact.
Additionally BS 6262 part 4 requires that: The installed safety glass should be clearly and indelibly marked with the following information;