Security barriers and gates are essential for protecting entrances and preventing unauthorized access or damage from accidental vehicle impacts. These systems play a crucial role in modern industry, public infrastructure, and defense. To ensure their effectiveness, standardized crash ratings have been developed in the U.S., offering an unbiased way to evaluate the strength of these security solutions. Understanding crash ratings is vital when selecting the right barrier or gate for your needs. These ratings help determine how well a structure can withstand a collision, whether it's a deliberate ramming attempt or an accident. In this guide, we'll walk you through the key factors that influence crash ratings, the difference between K-ratings and M-ratings, and what terms like "tested," "certified," and "engineered" really mean. Three primary factors are used to assess a barrier’s crash rating: Some rating systems only certify barriers up to a certain distance. Anything beyond that is not considered certified. Together, these three elements define the crash rating classification of a barrier. You may come across different types of ratings, such as K-ratings and M-ratings, so understanding the differences is important. K-ratings, also known as Department of Defense (DOD) ratings, have been in use since 1985. They measure how far a 15,000-pound vehicle can travel past a barrier at a given speed. A K-rating is only awarded if the vehicle travels 50 feet or less beyond the barrier. Higher K-ratings correspond to higher test speeds, with the same vehicle weight and type. Common K-ratings include: K-ratings are further divided into L1, L2, and L3 classifications based on how far the front of the vehicle traveled beyond the barrier: The strongest K-rated barrier would be K12:L3, meaning a 15,000-pound vehicle moving at 50 mph penetrated the barrier by less than 3 feet. When interpreting K-ratings, the “K†number indicates the test speed, while the “L†number shows the penetration distance. M-ratings have largely replaced K-ratings in recent years, following guidelines set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Unlike K-ratings, which focus on the front of the vehicle, M-ratings consider how far the vehicle’s payload travels beyond the barrier. These ratings still depend on vehicle weight, speed, and penetration distance. M-ratings are similar to K-ratings in that the numbers correspond to test speeds. For example: M-ratings are classified into P1, P2, P3, and P4 based on how far the vehicle traveled beyond the barrier: M-ratings allow for greater distances compared to K-ratings, making them more precise. An equivalent of K12:L3 would be M50:P1. Meanwhile, an M50:P2 rated beam could withstand a 15,000-pound vehicle at 50 mph without allowing it to travel more than 23 feet. It's important to understand the distinction between “tested,†“certified,†and “engineered†when evaluating crash-rated products: For maximum reliability, always look for “certified†M- or K-rated products. If you encounter “tested†or “engineered†labels, ask whether the product actually met the standards or underwent real-world testing. Without this information, there’s no guarantee it will perform as expected in real-life scenarios. ASTM standards provide a structured approach to classifying anti-ram tests based on vehicle speed, weight, and penetration distance. Here are some common codes: Penetration ratings vary depending on the speed: These codes help ensure consistency and clarity when evaluating crash ratings, making it easier to choose the right security solution for your needs. When security is a top priority, it's essential to invest in high-quality, certified barriers. At TYMETAL, all our security gates and crash barriers meet prestigious ASTM standards. Our products have been rigorously tested and certified to ensure they provide the highest level of protection against potential threats. Shop durable and reliable crash barriers and commercial gates from TYMETAL today. With our commitment to quality and safety, you can trust us to provide the best solutions for your security needs. Reviewed By Chris Herold on 4/29/2021 4 In 1 Food Processor,Multifunctional Food Processor,Cooks Multi Function Food Processor,4 In 1 Multi Functional Food Mixer Jiangmen Sanxin Appliances Co.,Ltd , https://www.sanxinfty.comA Guide to Understanding Crash Ratings
The 3 Factors That Determine Crash Ratings
K-Ratings: Traditional Standards
M-Ratings: Modern Standards
Tested vs. Certified vs. Engineered
Understanding ASTM Models and Codes
Choose Certified Security Gates and Barriers from TYMETAL
