Changes to Canadian Wired Glass Standards

Canada to Enforce Safety Standards on Wired Glass – But What about Radiant Heat?

In January of 2016, the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) released a draft of the updated national standard for wired glass in an effort to prevent further injuries stemming from the accidental impact with type of glazing. The updated standard is expected to be similar to what is currently enforced in the USA: that all glass – including wired glass – must meet safety glazing standards when used in doors, sidelites and all applications subject to human impact. The latest draft is currently in the public comment stage, and with recent news stories on the dangers of wired glass is any indicator, it is likely that the updated safety standards will be adopted by the National Building Code of Canada (NBC).

With the use of wired glass likely to be restricted, new fire rated glazing options that meet both fire and impact safety standards must be used. Ceramic manufacturers are quick to jump on board, but it’s important to realize that ceramics are no better than wired glass, and would have to be either filmed or laminated to meet safety standards, which adds to its already high cost. Ceramics also have an amber tint, and no matter how much polishing the more expensive versions undergo, it will never have the same appearance and optical clarity as tempered glass. And just like wired glass, ceramics do not protect against dangerous radiant heat.

SuperLite II-XL 45: The Clear and Economical Product that Outperforms Wired and Ceramic Glass

SuperLite II-XL 45, clear fire resistive tempered glass, meets the maximum impact safety standard and protects against fire, smoke and dangerous radiant heat. This product can be used in any 20-45 minute application and is listed and labeled by UL and Intertek/WHI for 20-45 minute applications with hose stream.

Unlike wired and ceramic glass that are imported from Asia or Europe and available through middle-man distributors, SuperLite II-XL 45 is proudly made in North America and available directly from the manufacturer. This is why SuperLite II-XL 45 is competitively priced while offering the optical clarity and performance that wired and ceramic glass cannot match.

Contact us today to see how SuperLite II-XL 45 can meet your project needs, or reach out to our Canadian Architectural Representatives for assistance. We will be happy to assist you!