European Standard BS EN 12600 – What is it?

European Standard BS EN 12600 – What is it? Although not all window films are equal in quality, durability, or longevity, there are certain industry standards that are set by the government to act as the minimum standards to which window films must be held. Knowing the basics of these standards can help you understand more about the quality to which ADS Window Films holds our products, as we strive to meet or exceed all European Standards and British Standards such as BS EN 12600 and its predecessor BS 6202. 

What is BS EN 12600 and how does it differ from BS 6206?  

BS 6206 is now an outdated standard that was used to regulate the amount of impact that glass with window film must be able to withstand, measured through pendulum swing forces and drop heights. Although it has now been replaced by the more updated BS EN 12600, occasionally you will still see BS 6206 referenced in documents and products and knowing what it is can be helpful. BS EN 12600 is the more updated version, and it regulates the amount of impact that the glass must withstand from three different drop heights. This mean that, at each of the drop heights in the standard, the window film should be able to remain intact and hold the pieces of the broken glass secure. In actual practice, this increases the safety of the environment in which the glass is placed as the film protects bystanders in the area from being injured by the broken glass, as well as helps to act as a secondary barrier against intruders. The levels of drop protection which are part of a BS EN 12600 classification are as follows:  

• Class 3: The glass breaks at a 190mm drop height 
• Class 2: The glass breaks at a 450mm drop height 
• Class 1: The glass breaks at a 1200mm drop height 

All three of these classes are designed to quantify the amount of resistance against impact that the glass can withstand, and safety glass that has been tested to meet the standards of BS EN 12600 is required to bear an identifiable marking identifying the class level achieved during tests. Each class designates the force at which the glass is still able to be held together without loose fragments.

Window films are an excellent way to upgrade your space, be it commercial or residential, and knowing that ADS Window Films adheres to the quality standards and regulations put into place by rulings such as BS 6206 and the more updated BS EN 12600 can give consumers peace of mind and let them know what they can expect from the products in their home, industrial building, or workplace.

Although it can be important to understand what the standards and regulations are in order for you to be informed about the specifics for your projects and upgrades, when you work with ADS Window Films, we take care of all of this for you. No more worrying about deciphering the differences between BS 12600 and BS 6206. Our team takes the time to explain these standards and any other questions that you may have while also ensuring that our products all meet or exceed the basic security standards set by BS 6206 and BS 12600.

If you would like to start a project to install new window film or upgrade your existing film, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to answer any questions that you may have and help you create the commercial or residential space of your dreams. Call us today on (01752)252583 or email us at info@adswindowfilms.co.uk. We also have a general enquiry form available on our website for you.