Exploring UL levels 1 - 3

Security strategies often start by evaluating the types of firearm threats a space is most likely to face. In commonly accessed facilities, such as banks, retail stores, pharmacies, and schools, handguns represent the most common ballistic risk. To address this, UL 752 provides a widely accepted standard for evaluating how building materials respond to gunfire. Developed through the expertise of Underwriters Laboratories, UL 752 outlines performance requirements across ten levels. UL levels 1 - 3 focus specifically on handgun threats, helping designers and security professionals specify materials that deliver effective protection without unnecessary cost or complexity.

Understanding UL 752 and Its Role in Ballistic Protection

UL 752 is a performance standard used to test and certify materials for bullet resistance. It establishes ten defined levels of ballistic protection. Every level is designed to resist a specific caliber, bullet type, and firing velocity. These ratings are not cumulative. A higher rating does not automatically include the protective capabilities of a lower one, as the threats addressed differ in both type and intensity. Within this context, Levels 1 through 3 are especially important. They represent the range of protection typically needed in commercial or public-facing environments, where handgun threats are the most probable.

UL Level 1: Protection Against 9mm Handguns

Overview

UL 752 Level 1 is the entry point for ballistic protection. It's engineered to stop a 9mm full metal jacket round, one of the most commonly used calibers in civilian settings.

What it Protects Against

Protection at Level 1 is designed to stop three 9mm FMJ rounds, each weighing 124 grains and traveling at speeds between 1175 and 1293 feet per second.

Applications

• Convenience stores and gas stations

• Retail counters and kiosks

• School reception areas

• Customer service desks in low-risk environments

Advantages

• Delivers simplified installation in new builds or retrofits

• A budget-friendly solution for sites with basic security needs

• Preserves visibility and aesthetic design in glass setups

Limitations

• Inadequate for high-caliber handgun or rifle threats

• Best suited for environments with low to moderate risk exposure

Materials and Testing

Common materials include laminated safety glass with polyvinyl butyral interlayers, clear polycarbonate panels, or ballistic-grade acrylics. These materials are set into metal framing systems and tested under controlled conditions. To pass, the assembly must stop all three rounds without allowing fragments to exit the protected side. A witness panel placed behind the barrier confirms that no spall reaches the secured area.

UL Level 2: Protection Against .357 Magnum

Overview

Level 2 is designed for stronger mid-caliber threats, specifically the .357 Magnum, which delivers greater energy and penetration than a 9mm round.

What it Protects Against

Ballistic assemblies certified to Level 2 resist three shots from a .357 Magnum jacketed soft point round, weighing 158 grains and fired at speeds between 1250 and 1375 feet per second.

Applications

• Check-cashing centers and urban bank branches

• Pharmacies in high-crime areas

• Government customer service counters

• Security areas in transportation hubs

Advantages

• A wider ballistic coverage than Level 1

• Effective in urban locations with heightened threat levels

• Can be implemented in multi-layered security strategies

Limitations

• Not rated for rifle rounds or high-caliber revolvers

• Increases material thickness and cost compared to Level 1

Materials and Testing

Materials at this level include reinforced glass-polycarbonate laminates or resin-impregnated fiberglass panels. Testing involves firing three precision-placed rounds at certified distances and velocities. The assembly must fully contain each shot without any penetration or fragmentation on the protected side. Panels are also checked for structural stability and frame integrity throughout the impact sequence.

UL Level 3: Protection Against .44 Magnum

Overview

Level 3 offers the highest degree of handgun protection under the UL 752 standard, capable of stopping the powerful .44 Magnum round.

What it Protects Against

Level 3 materials stop three 240-grain .44 Magnum lead semi-wadcutter gas-checked rounds, with rounds traveling at velocities between 1350 and 1485 feet per second.

Applications

• Courthouses and judicial buildings

• Law enforcement reception areas

• Military recruitment offices

• Jewelry stores and high-end retail

Advantages

• Broadest handgun defense in the UL 752 spectrum

• Deters aggressive threats in high-value or high-risk areas

• Allows for integration into wider systems with access control and surveillance

Limitations

• Not effective against rifle-caliber or armor-piercing ammunition

• Heavier and more expensive than Levels 1 and 2

Materials and Testing

Assemblies at level 3 use advanced configurations like multi-layered laminated glass with polycarbonate cores, ballistic steel reinforcements, or ceramic-backed composites. Each unit undergoes ballistic testing with controlled projectiles in a specified pattern. Panels are examined for complete bullet containment, surface integrity, and the absence of spall or structural compromise.

Partnering with Action Bullet Resistant for Tailored Protection

UL 752 Levels 1 through 3 provide a targeted framework for addressing the most common ballistic threats in public, commercial, and institutional areas. They allow decision-makers to align physical security with realistic risk, ensuring safety without overengineering. At Action Bullet Resistant, we specialize in integrating certified UL-rated materials into doors, windows, wall systems, and custom enclosures. Our goal is to help clients implement a smart, effective level of protection that fits both their security goals and architectural vision. For tailored advice on your project, reach out to our team and let’s start a conversation.