Bullet-resistant doors play an essential role in maintaining physical security and improving the overall safety of the building. Found in a wide range of environments, including government buildings, banks, and police stations, these ballistic components are offered with a multitude of options to accommodate your specific needs. At Bullet Guard, we’re experts in bullet-resistant doors, including both custom and ready-to-ship catalog styles, in a variety of sizes and protection levels.

Five Things to Consider When Planning a Bulletproof Door ProjectFive Things to Consider When Planning a Bulletproof Door Project

Bulletproof doors have unique characteristics that require special consideration, especially during the design and planning phases of a project. If you’re in the middle of a project or about to start a new one, this infographic will help you understand materials, styles, hardware, and protection levels so you can make informed decisions about your security.

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Bullet Guard Doors | Protection Levels | Industries & Applications

Bullet Guard Doors

Bullet Guard offers four main types of ballistic doors with a variety of bullet-resistant frame options.

  • Solid core doors made with a wood core and rated fiberglass, available in protection levels 1 – 8
  • All Clear doors made with acrylic or polycarbonate in levels 1 – 3
  • Full lite and half lite doors made from aluminum or steel in levels 1 – 8
  • Hollow metal doors in levels 1 – 8

We offer bullet-resistant doors and frames manufactured to UL-752 standards, from level 1 through level 8. These doors can withstand a variety of different ballistic attacks, ranging from medium-powered small arms up to high-powered rifles having 7.62 mm ammunition.

Solid Core Doors

Solid core doors are made with a wood core and ballistic-rated fiberglass. They are available with or without view windows and can be installed with hollow metal frames (ideal for finished openings) or a telescoping frame (ideal for unfinished openings).

Item # Item Name Protection Levels Finish
DOOR-SCV Solid Core w/ View Window Levels 1 – 8 Plastic Laminate & Paint

Stain Grade Veneer

DOOR-SC Solid Core Levels 1 – 8 Plastic Laminate & Paint

Stain Grade Veneer

 

All Clear Doors

All clear doors are made from acrylic or polycarbonate tested to UL 752 levels 1 – 3. Levels 1 and 2 are available uncoated or coated with an abrasion-resistant layer which helps protect against solvents, weather, and UV light.

Item # Item Name Protection Levels Finish
DOOR-AC All Clear Door Levels 1 – 3 N/A

 

Full Lite and Half Lite Doors

Full lite or half lite doors are made from aluminum or steel and available in levels 1-8.

Item # Item Name Protection Levels Finish
DOOR-FL Full Lite Door Levels 1 – 8 N/A
DOOR-HL Half Lite Door Levels 1 – 8 N/A

 

Hollow Metal Doors

Hollow metal doors come in levels 1-8 and can be made with a variety of window options. These doors are also offered in a double-door configuration to secure larger entries.

Item # Item Name Protection Levels Door Frames
DOOR-HM Hollow Metal Levels 1 – 8 Aluminum 

Slip-in Steel

Steel Wrap Around

DOOR-HMV Hollow Metal View Window Levels 1 – 8 Aluminum 

Slip-in Steel

Steel Wrap Around

DOOR-HMNL Hollow Metal Narrow Lite Levels 1 – 8 Aluminum 

Slip-in Steel

Steel Wrap Around

DOOR-HMHL Hollow Metal Half Lite Levels 1 – 8 Aluminum 

Slip-in Steel

Steel Wrap Around

DOOR-HMDD Hollow Metal Double Door Levels 1 – 8 Aluminum 

Slip-in Steel

Steel Wrap Around

Visit our Specifications page for a complete list of product drawings and technical documentation. For custom products, please contact our sales team at 800.233.5632 or sales@bulletguardmail.com.

Ballistic Protection Levels in Bullet-Resistant Doors

Bullet-resistant materials are commonly rated using “UL 752 Standard for Safety – Bullet-Resisting Equipment.” This rating is given on a standardized scale of 1-10, with each level corresponding to a specified weapon type, ammunition, and number of shots.

 

UL
Rating
Weapon Ammunition Weight Velocity Shots Typical Uses Ballistic Material Thickness
1 124 grains
8 grams
1175 FPS
to
1293 FPS
3 Gas stations
Banks
Pharmacies
Retail Shops
L1 Glazing: 0.5”–1.25”
L1 Fiberglass: 0.25”
Armor Plate: 0.25”
2 158 grains
10.2 grams
1250 FPS
to
1375 FPS
3 Corporate Banks
Financial Institutions
Glazing: 0.75”–1. 375”
Fiberglass: 0.375”
Armor Plate: 0.25”
3 240 grains
15.6 grams
1350 FPS
to
1485 FPS
3 Utilities
Police Stations
Government Facilities
Glazing: 1.25”
Fiberglass: 0.5”
Armor Plate: 0.25”
4 180 grains
11.7 grams
2540 FPS
to
2794 FPS
1 Federal Government
Military
Glazing: 1.5”
Fiberglass: 1.375””
Armor Plate: 0.25”
5 150 grains
9.7 grams
2750 FPS
to
3025 FPS
1 Federal Government
Military
Glazing: 1.625”
Fiberglass: 1.375”
Armor Plate: 0.3125”
6 124 grains
8 grams
1400 FPS
to
1540 FPS
5 Federal Government
Military
Glazing: 1.25”
Fiberglass: 0.5”
Armor Plate: 0.25”
7 55 grains
3.56 grams
3080 FPS
to
3388 FPS
5 Federal Government
Military
Glazing: 2. 1875”
Fiberglass: 1.625”
Armor Plate: 0.25”
8 150 grains
9.7 grams
2750 FPS
to
3025 FPS
5 Federal Government
Military
Glazing: 2.5”
Fiberglass: 1.625”
Armor Plate: 0.3125”
9 1 Federal Government
Military
10 1 Federal Government
Military

The various levels are meant to provide protection against an assortment of firearms, ranging from small guns to high-powered rifles. Bullet-resistant doors are available in several different finishes and can either be flush or have full glass-vision lites. Additionally, these ballistic doors are available with a variety of cores, such as honeycomb, stiffened steel, or polystyrene.

What Ballistic Door is Right for My Project?

Banks and Financial Buildings

Ballistic doors in banks can help secure main entrances or secure access to the area behind the teller line. Aluminum doors in levels 1-5 work well for financial settings and All Clear doors can help maintain visibility and building aesthetics in customer-facing areas.

Government Buildings

Government projects may use higher-level materials and call for more customization. Ballistic doors can be part of a guard booth or secure entryway in a government building. Other projects for local municipal buildings or utility offices typically face fewer threats and often use UL levels 1-3 materials.

Schools, Colleges, and Universities

Bulletproof doors used in main entrances and as part of a secure vestibule can help ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors. In recent years, UL level 3 has become a standard for most schools. All Clear doors in acrylic or polycarbonate can blend into the surrounding entryway without calling attention to your ballistic barrier system.

Convenience Stores and Gas Stations

Ballistic doors in convenience stores and gas stations help protect employees handling cash and secure access to the more valuable items behind the counter. Customers commonly choose acrylic polycarbonate doors with a UL 1-3 level, but the more cost-conscious may elect for less expensive steel doors.

Planning a Ballistic Door Project

Ballistic doors are a key component of any ballistic barrier system, but it’s vital to plan ahead before purchasing a bulletproof door. Here are some points to consider.

Ordinances and Fire Codes

When planning your ballistic door project, it’s important to know if there are local ordinances or fire codes that may affect placement and design. Determining this in advance ensures you have the proper type of door and hardware at the outset.

Functionality

Before selecting a bulletproof door, you first need to ascertain who will be using it and how it will function. Does the door need to be locked? Will it require a package passer? Which way does the door swing? You’ll want to discuss any necessary features early in the planning process in order to have the right product for your bulletproof barrier system.

Materials

Ballistic doors can be manufactured to suit your specific needs. Wood and steel doors are most often used for a door inserted in a drywall opening. All Clear doors made from acrylic or polycarbonate are a great option if you are looking for something to blend into the existing aesthetics of an interior space.

Hardware

Will you be buying new hardware for your bulletproof door, or buying something new? If using existing hardware, you’ll need to consider the size and color of the elements you’re keeping, and determine if they’re compatible with your new product. If you’re purchasing new hardware, you’ll need to select handles, hinges, screws, knobs, stoppers, levers, and locks. You’ll want to consider these questions as soon as possible to help control costs.

Ready to Start Your Next Project?

From transaction windows to completely customized systems, Bullet Guard has the expertise to design, fabricate, and install an appropriate solution for any bulletproofing need. Submit a quote to get started with your next project!

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