Security glazing tends to be bought by facilities teams who know the building but not the material. That asymmetry is where untested product gets sold at a tested price.
Nine documents to collect before award
- Test report naming the level and the round used.
- Laboratory accreditation reference.
- Report date and sheet build tested, including thickness.
- Test mounting description — free-standing or framed.
- Spall performance on the protected side.
- Batch traceability linking delivered panels to the tested build.
- Hard-coat or anti-spall liner specification, if used.
- Warranty terms tied to the level, not to “ballistic”.
- Reference installation, with a contact who will confirm it.
Two questions that sort suppliers quickly
First: “Which level is this sheet tested to, and can I see the report?” A tested supplier answers in seconds. A trader says “it is ballistic grade” and offers a photo of a shot panel — which proves nothing about a second shot or the spall condition.
Second: “What happens if the glass is hit twice in the same spot?” UL 752 tests multiple shots at defined spacing. A sheet that performs on the first round and fails the second is not compliant, and that is exactly the failure a bank robbery scenario produces.
Comparing quotes at equal level
Put the level in the column header and the thickness second. If one bidder offers Level 2 at 25 mm and another Level 3 at 32 mm, they are not the same product and the lower price is not a saving. Normalise to the level the risk assessment asked for, then compare thickness only within that level.
How the level is chosen is covered in bullet resistant polycarbonate sheet manufacturer, and the high-level range in UL 752 Level 5 to 7 glazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does a UL 752 polycarbonate supplier have to provide?
A:A test report naming the level and round, lab accreditation, the tested build including thickness and mounting, spall performance, batch traceability and a warranty tied to the level. A thickness alone does not prove a rating.
Q: Why does multiple-shot performance matter?
A:Because UL 752 tests several shots at defined spacing, not one. A panel that stops the first round and fails the second does not meet the level, and a real attack usually involves more than one shot.
Send the threat level, opening size and fixing condition to oversales@rpplexiglass.com for a rated polycarbonate panel quotation with UL 752 test backing.