What is RC1 Security Rating?

Navigating the landscape of security standards for doors and windows can be genuinely confusing. PAS 24, RC classes, LPS 1175, Secured by Design — the overlapping British, European, and police-backed frameworks create a complex web that architects, specifiers, and building owners must untangle when selecting the right products for their projects.

 

Two of the most commonly referenced systems are PAS 24 and the RC (Resistance Class) standards derived from European Standard EN 1627. Understanding what each covers, how they differ, and where they overlap is essential for specifying security doorsets and windows with confidence. Equally important, and surprisingly difficult, is finding the actual documentation for these standards.

 

Below, we provide clear practical answers to both challenges. We explain the RC classification system in full, detail exactly where to access RC1 and other RC-class documents, and provide an accurate comparison of PAS 24 and RC standards. 

What Are RC Standards?

RC (Resistance Class) standards originate from EN 1627:2011, the European Standard that classifies the burglar resistance of building components including doors, windows, curtain walling, grilles, and shutters. The system provides a graded hierarchy of forced-entry resistance, organised into six classes ( RC1N through RC6)  based on the tools an intruder might use, the time they would spend attempting entry, and the methods employed.

 

The purpose of this graduated approach is straightforward: it allows specifiers to match a component’s resistance level precisely to the assessed threat for a given building or application. It works alongside three companion standards that define the specific test methods used to evaluate each resistance class:

 

• EN 1628 — Static loading test method
• EN 1629 — Dynamic loading test method
• EN 1630 — Manual attack test method

 

Together, these four standards form a comprehensive testing and classification framework recognised across Europe and widely referenced in UK security specifications.

The Six Resistance Classes Explained: RC1N to RC6

Each resistance class assumes a progressively more determined and better-equipped attacker. The following breakdown covers the threat level, typical tools, resistance time, and common applications for each class:

 

1. RC1N — Resists opportunistic attack using physical force only (kicking, shoulder barging, lifting, pulling). No tools are assumed. This class provides basic protection against casual attempts at forced entry and is typically applied to components in low-risk locations where a visible barrier is the primary deterrent. The “N” suffix indicates that no specific requirements apply to the glazing element.
2. RC2N — Resists opportunistic attack using simple hand tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, and wedges. The assumed attack time is three minutes. RC2N is commonly specified for residential windows and doors in standard-risk areas. As with RC1N, the “N” suffix means glazing is not separately tested for manual attack resistance.
3. RC2 — Identical resistance requirements to RC2N, but with the addition of tested glazing that must resist manual attack. This makes RC2 more appropriate where glass elements form part of the component and could be targeted directly.
4. RC3 — Resists a more determined attacker using an additional set of tools including a second screwdriver and a crowbar or small pry bar, with an assumed attack time of five minutes. RC3 is widely specified for commercial buildings, higher-risk residential applications, and premises where enhanced security is required beyond the opportunistic level.
5. RC4 — Resists experienced attackers using heavy-duty tools including saws, chisels, hammers, and battery-powered drills, with an assumed attack time of ten minutes. RC4 is typically applied to commercial and industrial buildings with significant security requirements.
6. RC5 — Resists experienced attackers using power tools including electric drills, jigsaws, and reciprocating saws, with an assumed attack time of fifteen minutes. RC5 is specified for high-security environments such as banking facilities, secure storage, and certain government buildings.
7. RC6 — The highest resistance class, designed to resist experienced attackers using high-performance power tools including angle grinders and heavy-duty electric drills, with an assumed attack time of twenty minutes. 

 

Understanding this progression is key to accurate specification. Over-specifying wastes budget; under-specifying leaves buildings vulnerable.

Where to Find RC1 Documents and Official RC Standard Resources

One of the most common frustrations for specifiers researching RC standards is finding the relevant documentation. Unlike some British standards which are widely discussed in freely available guidance, EN 1627 and its companion standards are not openly published. 

 

However, several valuable resources provide the information you need. Here are the key sources, with guidance on what each contains and who it serves best:

 

• BSI Shop / CEN National Members — The official route to purchasing EN 1627:2011 and its companion standards EN 1628, EN 1629, and EN 1630 is through the BSI (British Standards Institution) or equivalent national standards bodies across Europe. These are the documents containing the complete technical requirements and test specifications.
• NPSA Forced Entry Standards Guidance Booklet — Available from the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), this is arguably the single most useful resource for understanding how RC classes relate to other UK security standards.
• Secured by Design (SBD) Website and Interpretation Documents — The Secured by Design doors guidance page explains how RC classes relate to SBD’s Police Preferred Specification requirements. 
• BRE Group Façade Security Standards Guide — The BRE Group’s guide provides context on how EN 1627 RC classifications apply to building façade components. 

NPSA Forced Entry Standards Guidance Booklet

The NPSA Forced Entry Standards Guidance Booklet deserves particular attention. Published by the National Protective Security Authority, this document helps security managers and practitioners select the most appropriate forced-entry standard for their specific requirements.

 

The June 2024 update reflects the latest standard revisions and provides comparison tables that map RC classes from EN 1627 against UK-specific standards including LPS 1175 (issued by the Loss Prevention Certification Board) and STS 202 (published by the Security Testing Standards body). 

 

Secured by Design Standards and Interpretation Documents

Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings. SBD publishes detailed guidance on its website explaining which standards and certification levels are accepted under its Police Preferred Specification scheme.

 

It clarifies which RC classes, when achieved through testing at accredited laboratories, satisfy SBD requirements for different building types. This is critical information for specifiers on projects where SBD accreditation is a planning condition or client requirement — increasingly common in residential developments and public sector buildings.

What Is PAS 24?

PAS 24 (Publicly Available Specification 24) is the British standard for enhanced security performance of doorsets and windows. Published by BSI, it provides a pass/fail assessment of whether a product can resist attempted forced entry by an opportunistic burglar — unlike the RC system’s graduated approach.

 

PAS 24 testing evaluates doorsets and windows across four categories:

 

• Manual attack — Simulated forced entry using defined hand tools
• Mechanical loading — Static force applied to test structural resistance
• Impact resistance — Dynamic loads simulating physical impacts
• Lock and cylinder manipulation — Attempts to defeat locking mechanisms through non-destructive techniques

 

PAS 24 holds significant legal status in the UK. Approved Document Q of the Building Regulations references PAS 24 as the primary standard for demonstrating that doors and windows in new dwellings provide adequate resistance to unauthorised access. This applies to new dwellings in England, with equivalent provisions in Wales and Scotland, making PAS 24 certification effectively mandatory for residential doorsets and windows in new-build projects.

PAS 24 vs. RC Standards: Key Differences

While both PAS 24 and the RC system assess resistance to forced entry, they differ in several fundamental ways. Understanding these differences is essential for accurate specification.

 

• Origin and jurisdiction — PAS 24 is a British standard published by BSI. RC standards derive from EN 1627, a European standard published by CEN (European Committee for Standardization).
• Grading structure — PAS 24 is a single-tier, pass/fail standard: a product either meets the requirements or it does not. The RC system provides six graduated resistance classes, enabling specifiers to match security performance precisely to assess risk levels.
• Scope of application — PAS 24 is specifically designed for doorsets and windows. EN 1627 covers a broader range of building components including curtain walling, grilles, and shutters.
• Testing methodology — While both systems include manual attack simulations, the specific tools, attack times, and assessment criteria differ. PAS 24 incorporates lock manipulation testing as a distinct category, which EN 1627 addresses differently.
• Regulatory status in the UK — PAS 24 is directly referenced in Approved Document Q of the Building Regulations as the primary compliance route for new dwellings. EN 1627 RC standards are not directly mandated but are accepted as demonstrating equivalent or superior performance at appropriate levels.

Which Standard Should You Specify for Your Project?

Choosing between PAS 24 and RC standards (or determining whether a higher-tier standard is needed) depends on the project type, assessed risk level, and any specific client or regulatory requirements. Here is practical guidance for the most common scenarios:

 

• New residential dwellings —. For most residential projects, specifying doorsets and windows to PAS 24:2022 +A1:2024 is the most straightforward compliance route. 
• Commercial and industrial buildings — Document Q does not apply to commercial buildings, giving specifiers greater flexibility. The graded nature of the RC system often proves more suitable here, allowing security performance to be matched precisely to the assessed threat level. RC3 or RC4 may be appropriate for standard commercial premises, while higher-risk facilities may warrant RC5 or above.
• High-security applications — For critical infrastructure, data centres, and high-value asset protection, consider standards such as LPS 1175 (which provides its own graded security ratings tested by the Loss Prevention Certification Board) or higher RC classes. 
• Mixed-use developments — Projects combining residential and commercial elements may require different standards across a single building. Residential doorsets will need PAS 24 compliance at minimum, while commercial areas may be specified to RC classes or LPS 1175 ratings. 

 

In all cases, consulting with the product manufacturer and, where appropriate, a security professional ensures the specified standard genuinely addresses the assessed risk rather than simply meeting a minimum compliance threshold.

How Bradbury Group’s Doorsets Meet PAS 24 and RC Standards

Bradbury Group manufactures a range of steel doorsets certified to the standards discussed in this guide, providing options across the security spectrum:

 

• M2M+24 range — Certified to PAS 24, these doorsets satisfy the requirements of Approved Document Q for new dwellings and provide proven resistance to opportunistic forced entry. 
• M2M2 and M2M3 ranges — Certified by the LPCB to LPS 1175 Security Ratings 2 and 3 respectively, these doorsets carry the Secured by Design Police Preferred Specification. They are suited to commercial, industrial, and higher-risk applications requiring independently verified, graded security performance.

 

All products are developed, designed, and manufactured in-house at our 135,000 sq. ft. UK facility, with independent certification by globally recognised testing bodies. Our bespoke manufacturing capability means doorsets can be tailored to specific project requirements without compromising on certification. 

Get Expert Guidance on Security Door Standards

Specifying the right security standard for your project requires understanding both the regulatory requirements and the practical performance characteristics of each framework. Whether you are working on a residential development requiring PAS 24 compliance, a commercial facility needing graded RC-class security, or a complex mixed-use project spanning multiple standards, Bradbury Group’s technical team can help.

 

With over 30 years of manufacturing expertise and products certified across PAS 24, LPS 1175, and Secured by Design standards, we support architects, specifiers, and security professionals with straightforward guidance on even the most complex multi-standard requirements. Contact our team to discuss your project requirements and identify the right doorset specification for your building.