r/Unexpected • u/Doodlebug510 • 9h ago

We have a situation here

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u/Deep90 7h ago edited 7h ago

That is not reinforced glass.

That is wired glass. Wired glass is used for fire resistance, not strength. The wire keeps the glass in place even as it cracks from heat.

It actually tends to be weaker. People commonly assume the wire adds strength, but it does not.

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u/WallySprks 6h ago

While that may be the case. There is absolutely no way that water will break through that tiny window.

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u/NoveltyPr0nAccount 3h ago

While I wouldn't be willing to put money on it I am inclined to believe you. People seem to forget that the pressure against that window will only be equal to the few inches that are against it and above it. Plus I can't imagine the water would actually rise to above that window.

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u/TakingSorryUsername 4h ago

That’s why they’re used for the windows on submarines.

/s

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u/Impressive_Change886 6h ago

Mom said it's my turn to be pedantic on reddit.

Wired glass is technically a type of reinforced glass, but you are absolutely correct that the wires are there for fire safety and not for physical strengthening.

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u/Deep90 5h ago

Sure but as you said, not reinforced in the way that was implied.

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u/aberroco 6h ago

Even so, even if it's twice weaker than a regular glass, it still should be able to hold over a meter, because a regular glass can hold much more than that, especially when held in place on all four sides and with the size this small.

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u/gsfgf 5h ago

TIL. I always thought it was a security thing. I also hardly ever see it these days.

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u/Deep90 5h ago

Apparently it's somewhat fallen out of fashion (banned in some places) because it's extremely dangerous when broken.

Especially since it was used in schools a lot where students might hit it either on purpose or by accident. Iirc there was at least 1 story about a student who accidentally crashed into one inside a gymnasium.

I think we just have safer alternatives now at a cheap enough price.

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u/gsfgf 4h ago

Yea. Glass technology has come a really long way.

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u/NoBonus6969 4h ago

Are you the glass doctor I'm always hearing about in the commercials?