Shower Door Safety Requirements: What the Law Requires

Shower door safety isn't optional—it's federal law. According to the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), specific safety standards apply to all shower and tub enclosures to prevent serious injuries.

The Federal Standard

According to CPSC regulations (16 CFR 1201):

All glass used in shower and bathtub enclosures must be safety glazing material that meets specific impact requirements:

Category I: Glass up to 9 square feet
Category II: Glass larger than 9 square feet

Both categories must pass impact testing without creating dangerous fragments.

What Qualifies as Safety Glazing

According to CPSC and ANSI Z97.1:

Tempered Glass

• Heat-treated to shatter into small granular pieces
• Most common for shower doors
• Must be marked with manufacturer and standard

Laminated Glass

• Plastic interlayer holds broken pieces together
• Less common in showers (cost, weight)
• Option for certain applications

Plastic (Acrylic/Polycarbonate)

• Won't shatter at all
• Sometimes used in tub enclosures
• Less premium appearance

Testing Requirements

According to ASTM testing standards:

Impact test: Pendulum with specified weight dropped from specified height

| Category | Minimum Impact Required |
|----------|------------------------|
| Category I | 150 ft-lbs |
| Category II | 400 ft-lbs |

Glass must either not break, or break into safe pattern.

Marking Requirements

According to CPSC regulations, all safety glazing must be permanently marked with:

• Manufacturer identification
• Safety standard reference (CPSC 16 CFR 1201 and/or ANSI Z97.1)
• Category designation (I or II)

Marking must be:

• Legible and visible after installation
• Etched, sandblasted, or otherwise permanent
• Located on glass surface (not on frame)

What Happens with Non-Compliant Glass

According to CPSC enforcement:

• Installing non-safety glass in shower enclosures is illegal
• Manufacturers/installers face fines and liability
• Homeowners may face insurance issues
• Injury lawsuits often cite code violations

Older Homes

According to CPSC guidance:

Pre-1977 shower doors may not meet current standards. If your shower door doesn't have visible safety markings, it may be:

• Made before requirements took effect
• Non-compliant glass installed improperly
• Worn marking that needs inspection

The Bottom Line

Safety glazing requirements exist because shower glass breakage has caused serious injuries and deaths. According to CPSC, always verify that shower door glass is properly marked and certified—it's required by federal law.

*For complete safety information, see: [Shower Door Safety](/guides/shower-door-safety)*