When selecting a window it is important to make sure the window meets safety standards, such as the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). The tables below break down the seven basic standards which affect transit bus vehicles.
All glazing must be labeled according to the requirements imposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT label identifies the glazing manufacturer and the standard to which the glazing was manufactured.
Glazing materials covered under this standard include (but are not limited to) laminated glass, tempered glass, and safety glazing plastics (including sacrificial protection shields). This standard also covers new as well as replacement glazing and sacrificial protection shields. A manufacturer or distributor, who cuts a section of glazing material to which this standard applies, must mark that material in accordance with Section 7 of ANSI/ SAE Z26.1-1996. Each section cut from the original piece of glazing marked by the manufacturer shall be marked using the same words, designation, characters, and numerals as the piece from which it was cut. CFR data is current as of June 30, 2011.
Table 1: Acceptable Applications of DOT Glazing Standards
| Applications | Glazing Standard | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS-1 | AS-2 | AS-3 | AS-4 | AS-5 | AS-14 | AS-15B | |
| May be used anywhere in the vehicle | x | ||||||
| May be used anywhere in the vehicle, except windshields | x | ||||||
| May be used anywhere in the vehicle, except windshields and certain specified locations (those required for operator driving visibility) | x | ||||||
| May be used anywhere in the vehicle, except windshields and certain specified locations (those required for operator driving visibility) | x | x | |||||
| May be used anywhere in the motor vehicle | x | ||||||
| May be used anywhere in the motor vehicle except windshields | x | ||||||
Table 2: Glazing Type
| Glazing Type | Glazing Standard | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS-1 | AS-2 | AS-3 | AS-4 | AS-5 | AS-14 | AS-15B | |
| Laminated Glass | x | ||||||
| Laminated or Tempered Glass | x | x | |||||
| Rigid Plastics | x | x | |||||
| Glass Plastics (interior film lamination) | x | ||||||
| Tempered Glass-Plastics (interior film lamination) | x | ||||||
Table 3: Permissible Light Transmittance
| Glazing Type | Glazing Standard | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS-1 | AS-2 | AS-3 | AS-4 | AS-5 | AS-14 | AS-15B | |
| Greater than or equal to 70% | x | x | x | x | x | ||
| No restriction | x | x | |||||
Water Testing
At AROW Global, we ensure that every product produced is capable of withstanding our rigorous water test program. Each design is thoroughly tested using our state-of-the-art in-house testing facility to ensure the product meets our high-performance standards. Statistical test sampling ensures adherence to design performance.
- Dual-pump design with comprehensive pressure monitoring ensures consistent flow and pressure.
- Multi-nozzle spray bar results in comprehensive coverage and saturation.
- Adjustable test plane permits vehicle hill simulation.
- Upper cascade rail ensures steady flow and coverage throughout the test.
- Standard test parameters exceed normal OEM specifications and can be adjusted for more rigorous requirements.
