Typically made from acrylic or polycarbonate, bullet-resistant windows can be manufactured in a variety of configurations and protection levels. Special optical qualities, UV protection, and thermal resistance can also be added to meet specific application needs. Whether you need ballistic glass windows for a government facility or bulletproof sliding windows for a convenience store, the experts at Bullet Guard can help you choose the best option for your next project.
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Transaction Windows | Protection Levels | Design Considerations
Vulnerable Points and How to Protect Them
Bulletproof protection is increasingly important for businesses worried about active shooters. However, many people don’t know which barriers to use or where to put them in their buildings. In our free resource, Vulnerable Points and How to Protect Them, we outline the most critical locations to consider protecting in your facility and what barrier products to use at each so you can protect what matters most.
Bullet Guard Transaction Windows
Our bullet-resistant transaction windows are available in two standard sizes: 24” by 36” and 30” by 36”. Adhering to UL-752 standards, we manufacture windows suitable for applications in financial institutions, check cashing counters, pharmacies, fast food services counters, government, and more.
Transaction Windows with Voice Ports
For enabling natural sound transmission without the use of amplified intercoms, our transaction windows feature rectangular, circular, arched, horizontal, or vertical voice ports. We also specialize in manufacturing transaction windows with voice surround options.
| Item # | Voice Port Type | Frame Material | Compliance | Product Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWHVP | Horizontal | Aluminum Jamb, Steel Jamb, Steel, Telescoping Jamb | Levels 1-8 |  |
| TWRVP | Rectangular | Aluminum, Slip in Steel, Telescoping Steel | Levels 1-3 |  |
| TWCVP | Circular | Aluminum, Slip in Steel, Telescoping Steel | Levels 1-3 |  |
| TWVVP | Vertical Offset | Aluminum, Slip in Steel, Telescoping Steel | Levels 1-8 |  |
| TWAVP | Arched | Aluminum, Slip in Steel, Telescoping Steel | Levels 1-3 |  |
| TWVS | Voice Surround | Aluminum, Stainless Steel | Levels 1-8 |  |
Our standard transaction windows are available with U-channels, stainless steel recessed deal trays, and plastic laminate or stainless steel countertops. The U-channels are available in 1”, 1 3/8”, 1 1/4”, and 3 1/4” thicknesses for accommodating glazing materials such as polycarbonate, glass-clad polycarbonate, acrylic, or laminated glass.
Sliding Transaction Window
Bullet-resistant sliding windows are suitable for installation in high-traffic areas including law, government, or medical facilities. Our sliding windows are available in protection levels 1 through 3.
| Item # | Voice Port Type | Frame Material | Compliance | Product Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWS | Sliding Window | Aluminum | UL 752 Levels 1-3 |  |
Custom Transaction Systems
We can fabricate custom transaction windows in sizes of up to 8’ by 5’ with different types of aluminum, slip steel, or telescoping steel frame systems. Upon request, we can also provide custom storefront systems that separate teller lines from public access. Other system components could include architectural armor for below the counter, teller hood protection for an added layer of security, and accessories like currency trays and package passers.
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 Windows
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 |
Bullet-Resistant Design Considerations
Planning a project with bullet-resistant windows requires some special considerations. We recommend you keep the following points in mind.
Type of Ballistic Glass
Each material used for bullet-resistant glass offers unique benefits, from protection for high-velocity rounds to optical clarity for security checkpoints. Be sure to tailor the material to your specific operational needs.
Level of Protection
Your material, layering, and thickness will affect the protection level and shatter resistance of the ballistic glass. The right level of protection will depend on the application, the building, and specific security goals. Our team is always available to discuss specifics and help you choose the appropriate protection level.
Interior vs. Exterior
Consider the location of your ballistic glass from a strategic perspective. Will you be installing bulletproof glass in an area facing a dark, deserted, or otherwise vulnerable outdoor area? Or will you be installing ballistic glass in a well-lit indoor room within a secure facility? In addition to determining the potential threat level, you should consider whether your bullet-resistant glass will be regularly exposed to sunlight, extreme temperatures, or other environmental factors that can affect the clarity and physical integrity of the material. You may need to consider insulation for exterior windows to ensure optimal performance.
UV Protection
If your ballistic glass is regularly exposed to UV radiation from outdoor sunlight exposure or indoor sanitation procedures, choose a UV-resistant material. When exposed to UV rays, some plastic materials will lose clarity and become brittle.
Installation and Maintenance
In addition to functionality, it is important to consider the installation process and required maintenance for your ballistic glass. Some materials are more difficult to install and may require more hands-on attention than others. Consider the location and accessibility of your bulletproof glass to ensure you are not choosing a material that is too high-maintenance or labor-intensive for your operation.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Finally, take the time to analyze the full cost of your ballistic glass installation and maintenance when compared with other products. A higher quality bulletproof glass may cost more initially but could save you money in installation, maintenance, repairs, and replacements in the long run.
