Premier Security Launches Live Blast Resistant Glazing Testing Programme at Spadeadam

Premier Security Ballistic & Blast Ltd is launching an extensive live blast testing programme for its range of blast resistant glazing systems, with real-world arena testing scheduled to take place at Spadeadam Test Range in Cumbria this September. Rather than relying on modelled or simulated data, the programme puts finished products through genuine explosive loading, giving specifiers verified, real-world performance data rather than predicted outcomes.

A Real-World Test of Blast Resistant Curtain Walling

The centrepiece of the programme is Premier Security's advanced glazed curtain walling system, which will be tested against a 100kg TNT-equivalent charge at 15m standoff, the ISO 16933 EXV15 classification. This is one of the more severe vehicle-bomb test conditions within the standard, reflecting the pressures and impulse loading a facade might realistically face in a close-standoff attack scenario. Full details on how these classifications work, including the EXV number and hazard rating system, can be found in our guide to blast resistance ratings and standards.

As with all ISO 16933 arena testing, the result will be expressed as both the EXV number and the hazard rating letter (A to F) once testing is complete, since the letter describes the actual consequence to occupants and is as important as the pressure classification itself.

Full Scope of the Testing Programme

Alongside the curtain walling system, several further glazed assemblies will be tested at 19m standoff (ISO 16933 EXV19):

• Fully glazed single and double sliding doors
• Portal door systems
• Revolving door assemblies
• Multiple window configurations

All products in the programme are configured to meet a minimum LPS 1175 SR3/C5 forced entry rating, meaning the systems under test combine certified attack resistance with blast performance rather than being evaluated against explosive loading in isolation. This dual approach reflects a growing requirement among architects, security consultants and government procurement teams for products that can demonstrate resilience against more than one threat type in a single certified assembly.

Event Details

Why This Matters for Specifiers

Live arena testing at a recognised facility remains the most rigorous way to validate blast performance, since it uses genuine detonations rather than shock tube simulation. For architects and security consultants working on projects where blast resistant glazing, blast resistant curtain walling or blast resistant door systems are being specified, independently verified test data of this kind provides a stronger basis for specification decisions than manufacturer claims alone.

Premier Security will be publishing full results as the data becomes available, including the confirmed EXV classifications and hazard ratings once testing at Spadeadam is complete.