The two CPSC categories: 16 CFR 1201.2(a)(4)
Two impact levels:
- Category I (Class B): impact-tested at 150 ft-lb
- Category II (Class A): impact-tested at 400 ft-lb
100 and 300 ft-lb are not test levels. Tempering does not set the category. Product type and lite size do.
The 9 sq ft dividing line: IBC Table 2406.2(1)
Category I covers doors in which no single piece of glazing exceeds 9 sq ft (16 CFR 1201.2(a)(3)). Any door with a piece larger than 9 sq ft is Category II, and Table 2406.2(1) requires Category II for anything larger than 9 sq ft. There is no 12 sq ft limit.
A swinging door lite 3 ft by 3.5 ft is 10.5 sq ft, so it is Category II; being a swinging door does not help.
For glazing of 9 sq ft or less, the table gives:
- Category I for doors and for glazed panels under Section 2406.4.2 (next to a door), whether exterior or interior
- Category II for hot tub and wet-surface enclosures and for sliding glass doors
- no requirement for glazed panels under Section 2406.4.3 (windows) of 9 sq ft or less
Sliding patio doors are always Category II
16 CFR 1201 places patio-type sliding glass doors in Category II at any lite size. A 7 sq ft sliding door lite still needs Category II. Picking Category I because the lite is small is the listed error; the 9 sq ft line applies to ordinary doors and storm doors, not sliding patio doors.
Wired glass: 16 CFR 1201.1 findings
The CPSC findings state that traditional wired glass is unlikely to pass the Category II impact test and is kept only for fire doors under special provisions. A non-fire entry door lite over 9 sq ft needs Category II, so wired glass fails there. The mesh does not make it safety glazing. An OH — XXX label marks fire-protection-rated glazing for fire and hose-stream performance and says nothing about impact safety.