When planning the security infrastructure of sensitive commercial, institutional, and residential buildings, developers are tasked with adhering to stringent European standards to ensure stakeholder confidence.
One critical aspect of this process involves certifying security doors according to Resistance Class (RC) ratings – a system that benchmarks the protective performance necessary for high-security environments.
Introduced in 2002 as part of the EN 1627 standard by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), RC classifications offer a systematic approach to gauge the resistance of physical barriers, such as doors, windows, shutters, and grills, against attempts at forced entry.
This standard, alongside EN 1628, EN 1629, and EN 1630, provides a detailed methodology for testing and evaluating the performance of these barriers under various attack scenarios.
RC ratings and SR (Security Rating) ratings are both systems used to assess the security performance of physical barriers against forced entry attempts. While they serve similar purposes, there are some key differences between the two:
RC ratings are pivotal in security door solutions, offering a clear, graded system that reflects the time a barrier can resist an intruder attack. From RC1, indicating minimal resistance, to RC6, representing the highest level of security, these classifications guide developers in selecting appropriate materials and products that align with the security requirements of a project.
Knowing the exact resistance time of installed barriers allows for effective security planning and the implementation of complementary security measures.
The RC classification system, recognised across the EU, provides a uniform standard that facilitates the specification of security features in multi-site or international projects.
The RC rating system assesses the resilience of structural elements against forced entry techniques, ranging from manual attacks to more sophisticated methods:
This tiered system allows for precise security planning, enabling the strategic reinforcement of vulnerable points within a building’s design.
RC ratings are invaluable for the construction industry, offering clarity and confidence in the security measures implemented within buildings. By adhering to these standards, developers can ensure that their projects meet the rigorous security expectations set forth by European regulations.
At Bradbury Group, we pride ourselves on offering bespoke, security-rated steel doors, including our M2M2 doorsets that meet the stringent requirements of LPS 1175 SR2 to SR4 classifications. Our products are rigorously tested to confirm their resistance to physical attacks, providing reliable security solutions that comply with UK standards.
Contact our security experts today to find the optimal security rated door that meets your unique property risks, aesthetic preferences, performance needs and budget.
