Plastic for Emergency Break Glass

emergency break glass

Emergency break glass can be made from a variety of materials.  We always recommend Safeglass as the first choice since it was specifically designed for this purpose.

Other plastics are too strong to be used as break glass since it would be extremely difficult to break.  For this reason, we need to weaken the plastic.  We often cut scores into the part so that it will break along the scores.  Using plastic is much safer than real glass.

If the scores are undesirable or the plastic does not break as required, perhaps an alternative could be a pull out part.

Using Plastic for Emergency Break Glass

There are a variety of plastics which can be used depending on the desired properties.  The most popular is acrylic (such as Perspex).  On larger parts over 100g, the fire safety standard needs to be observed.  A specialised polycarbonate would be the better option to conform to EN45545.

Plastics are extremely versatile, durable and flexible, so there is likely to be a suitable one for your needs.

Benefits:

  • Safe – The weakened areas of the plastic assist the panel to break in a specified way, leaving minimal sharp edges. It is therefore much safer than glass.
  • Flexible & Versatile – The diversity in plastics available means there will be one to suit your needs. Plastic parts can be made to most shapes, colours sizes and configurations.
  • Strong – Strength is highly controlled via the weakened areas.

Disadvantages:

  • The clarity of the weakened areas is impaired
  • If incorrectly specified, it can be unbreakable making it unsuitable in an emergency.

Make Contact

Plastic which has been weakened is the answer to some emergency break glass problems. For more advice about which plastic may be suitable for you, please contact us with details of your project.