Burglar-resistant doors
It is important to know the extent to which a door can withstand a physical break-in, but how do you measure burglar resistance? There are various standards and test methods, such as the Dutch NEN5096, the British LPS1175 and the Danish SKAFOR. These days, however, the EU tries to create uniformity in rules, ensuring that a good directive and quality guarantee is available throughout Europe.
Most countries in Europe, including the Netherlands, implement the European standards: EN1627, EN1628, EN1629 and finally EN1630. These standards describe different aspects of the regulations:
- EN1627 contains all the requirements for the classifications, which are described for each burglar resistance test
- EN1628 contains the test method used to indicate the resistance under a static load
- EN1629 contains the test method used to indicate the resistance under a dynamic load
- EN1630 contains the test method used to indicate the resistance to manual attempted burglaries.
Various classifications and the requirements for the classification are described in the European EN1627 standard. There are a total of six classifications, also called resistance classes. These are classified as followed:
- Resistance Class 1 (RC1), can only withstand physical force
- Resistance Class 2 (RC2), physical force using a few (small) tools
- Resistance Class 3 (RC3), physical force using tools such as a crowbar
- Resistance Class 4 (RC4), physical force using tools such as axes, hammers and levers
- Resistance Class 5 (RC5), physical force based on specific expertise and using small electric tools
- Resistance Class 6 (RC6), physical force based on specific expertise and using electric and hydraulic tools
In the test, these tools are used under predefined conditions, such as period and knowledge of the doors, to break in. The test results ultimately translate into a certification, guaranteed by the associated classification.
Regulations for burglar-resistant windows
The burglar-resistant windows must also comply with various rules according to the standards. For example, it must not be possible to remove the filling on the burglary side. Additionally, the sectional filling of materials other than glass must comply with the resistance class matching that of the door.
The resistance class of the glazing in accordance with NEN EN 356 must be adjusted to match the resistance class requirement for the door. Resistance class 4 yields a resistance class of P6B for the glazing, resistance class 5 yields a resistance class of P7B for the glazing and resistance class 6 yields a resistance class of P8B for the glazing.