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LPS 1270 Security Glazing Explained
Specifiers often assume that an LPS 1175 rated door or screen automatically covers the glass within it to the same standard. In most cases the glazing has been tested as part of the complete assembly, but it has not necessarily been assessed against its own dedicated glazing standard. That standard is LPS 1270, and understanding the difference matters when the security performance of the glass itself needs to be demonstrated independently.
LPS 1270 is the LPCB standard covering intruder resistant security glazing, tested against attackers who use planning and specialised tools rather than relying on force alone.
Glazing, Tested Separately
LPS 1270 assesses the glass on its own, independent of the frame or fixings it sits within.
Aligned With LPS 1175
Tool categories and attack levels correspond to those used in LPS 1175, so ratings can be read consistently across both standards.
Suited To Glazed Façades
Particularly relevant wherever glass carries a significant share of the security load, not just the surrounding frame.
Attack Categories Covered By LPS 1270
Testing under LPS 1270 covers a graduated range of attack methods, from opportunist attempts through to sustained, well-equipped forced entry.
Category A
An opportunist attack using physical force and stealth with minimal tools, such as knives, levers, glass cutters and punches.
Category B
A more determined opportunist attack using tools with greater mechanical advantage, such as claw hammers, hand drills and small hacksaws.
Category C
Deliberate forced entry against well-protected premises using a wider range of options, including axes, cold chisels, crowbars, cordless drills and wood chisels.
Category D
Experienced, sustained forced entry using power tools and heavy equipment such as disc grinders, fire axes, hooligan bars, cordless jigsaws and sledgehammers.
Category D+
A further escalation on experienced forced entry, extending to circular saws, reciprocating saws and 18-volt cordless drills.
Reading An LPS 1270 Glazing Rating
LPS 1270 glazing is given a three-digit code, with each digit reflecting resistance to a different scale of opening an intruder might try to create.
1st Digit
Local Penetration
Resistance to a small rectangular opening, around 8mm by 25mm, of the kind used to pass through a wire or lever to interfere with hardware.
2nd Digit
Hand Hole
Resistance to a hole roughly 60mm in diameter, large enough to reach through and operate an unprotected thumb-turn or release mechanism.
3rd Digit
Complete Access
Resistance to a full-size elliptical opening of around 400mm by 225mm, matching the aperture used in LPS 1175 and representing complete passage through the glazing.
Why This Matters
The distinction is most relevant wherever glazing carries a significant share of the security responsibility rather than sitting within a heavily framed opening. Reception areas, MMR vestibules and internal compartmentation in office buildings, transport hubs or data centre environments often use extensive glazed screens and doorsets for visibility as well as security. Curtain walling and façade applications raise the same question, since large expanses of glass may be the primary barrier a specifier is relying on. In these settings, being able to speak to the glazing's own tested performance, alongside the certified performance of the doorset, screen or walling system it sits within, gives specifiers a clearer and more complete picture of what they are actually procuring.
Specifying Security Glazing?
If your project needs glazing performance considered alongside a certified door, screen or curtain walling system, our team can talk through the options for your specification.
Speak To Our Team