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Forced Entry vs Ballistic Protection What Is the Difference and Why It Matters
- Joseph Hayes
- 19 hours ago
- 4 min read
When people talk about “security glass,” they often assume it all does the same thing.
It doesn’t.
There is a major difference between materials designed to stop a smash and grab attack and materials engineered to stop a bullet. If you choose the wrong one, you are not protected—you are just delayed.
What is the difference between forced entry and ballistic protection
Forced entry protection is designed to resist physical attacks such as hammers, crowbars, and repeated impact in order to delay intrusion.
Ballistic protection is engineered to stop bullets using materials tested under UL 752 standards to prevent penetration.
If it is not tested to stop a bullet, it will not stop a bullet.
Forced Entry vs Ballistic Protection Comparison
Feature | Forced Entry | Ballistic Protection |
Threat Type | Physical attack | Firearms |
Goal | Delay entry | Stop penetration |
Testing | ASTM impact testing | UL 752 ballistic testing |
Materials | Laminated glass, security film | Polycarbonate, glass clad systems, composites |
Outcome | May eventually fail | Designed to stop bullets |
What Is Forced Entry Protection
Forced entry systems are designed to slow someone down.
They are commonly used in retail environments where the main threat is theft. The goal is to make it harder and more time consuming for someone to break through a window or door.
Typical threats include
Hammers
Crowbars
Bricks
Repeated blunt force
How it works
These systems rely on:
Laminated glass
Security interlayers
Surface applied films
They hold together after impact, but they are not designed to stop high energy ballistic threats.
Given enough time and force, forced entry systems can fail.
What Is Ballistic Protection
Ballistic protection is built for one purpose—stop the threat.
This is not about slowing someone down. This is about preventing a bullet from entering the protected space.
How it works
Ballistic systems use:
Polycarbonate laminates
Glass clad polycarbonate
Advanced materials such as UHMWPE (LytArmor)
These materials absorb and disperse energy, preventing penetration.
How it is tested
Ballistic products are tested under UL 752, which defines protection levels based on:
Caliber
Velocity
Number of shots
Examples:
Level 1 through Level 3 address handgun threats
Higher levels address rifle threats and repeated impacts
If it passes, the bullet does not go through. That is the difference.
The Biggest Misconception in the Industry
One of the most dangerous assumptions we see is this:
If it is hard to break, it must stop a bullet.
That is completely false.
Forced entry glass may resist impact, but it is not engineered to handle ballistic energy. In many cases, it will fail quickly under firearm testing.
On the other hand, true ballistic systems often provide strong forced entry resistance as a secondary benefit.
But the reverse is not true.
Component Testing vs System Testing
This is where most people get misled.
Many products on the market are tested as individual components, not as full systems.
That means:
The glass may be tested
But the frame is not
The anchoring is not
The full assembly is not
A real ballistic system includes:
Framing
Glazing
Anchoring
All tested together under live fire conditions.
If the system is not tested as a whole, it is not proven protection.
Where Each System Should Be Used
Forced entry protection is best for
Retail storefronts
Shopping centers
Low risk commercial buildings
Theft deterrence
Ballistic protection is critical for
Schools
Government buildings
Police stations
Financial institutions
High risk facilities
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Threats today are different. Expectations for safety are higher. The margin for error is zero.
If your goal is to slow someone down, forced entry systems may be enough.
If your goal is to protect lives, there is only one option:
Ballistic protection that has been physically tested.
Anything else is a compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between forced entry glass and ballistic glass?
Forced entry glass is designed to delay physical break ins from tools like hammers, crowbars, bricks, and repeated blunt force. Ballistic glass is engineered and tested to stop bullets from penetrating the protected space.
Does forced entry glass stop bullets?
No. Forced entry glass is not designed to stop bullets unless it has also been specifically tested and rated for ballistic protection under a standard such as UL 752.
What does UL 752 mean?
UL 752 is a bullet resistant standard that tests materials and systems against specific firearm threats, calibers, velocities, and shot patterns.
Can security film make glass bulletproof?
No. Security film can help hold glass together after impact, but it does not turn standard glass into bullet resistant glass.
Is ballistic glass also forced entry resistant?
In many cases, ballistic glazing can provide strong forced entry resistance as a secondary benefit, but the system should still be reviewed based on the exact threat and test requirements.
Why does full system testing matter?
A bullet resistant opening is more than just the glass. The frame, glazing, anchoring, and hardware must work together. If only the glass is tested, the full opening may not provide proven protection.
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