IMPORTANT SAFETY DETAILS
Initially, it should be understood and understood by everyone that there is no frame that provides absolute security and cannot be broken into. When we refer to the resistance of frames to burglary, we mean how long a frame will withstand until a potential burglar enters through it. The behavior of a frame is determined by time (in minutes), but also the tools required to break it. Older frames did not have security specifications because there was no need and corresponding demand from the purchasing public. Classic examples of such constructions are old wooden frames. Due to the increased incidence of burglaries, in recent years the security requirements for frames have increased and are now an important factor that shapes the final decision of consumers.
So if we choose to install an opening frame, we should prefer it to include a multi-locking mechanism, which is inserted around the perimeter between the leaf and the frame. Also, sliding frames must have internal locks. In addition to windows and balcony doors, it is very important and crucial for the security of the house to make the right choice of the entrance door as it is the main point of violations in burglaries.
It is therefore important to prefer a security door, such as aluminum doors, which prevent burglars from accessing it. But not just any aluminum door… We should prefer the flush aluminum door, that is, with glued sheet metal, as it provides greater security compared to a door with a simple panel. A panel door is very easily broken with a crowbar and a very strong kick…. While in the case of the flush door, the burglar needs to break the door at the point of the recess between the leaf and the frame, which will take a lot of time.
Finally, security doors should always have multi-point security locks. Also, if your door includes a fixed section or skylight, the glass should be triplex security so that it is very difficult to break.
* The N for resistance classes RC1N and RC2N represents the respective «National Provisions» and this means that the required type of glass can be defined at national level
| Resistance Class | Endurance Time | Type of attack and procedure applied during testing |
| RC 1N* | Resistance to the use of physical force, such as kicking, pushing with the shoulder, pulling outwards. The test is also carried out with small burglary tools trying to open, destroy the frame | |
| RC 2N* – | The burglar tries with additional simple tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers and a wedge to break the locked and screwed frame in the structural elements. A direct attack on the glass panes is not possible. The test only works with standard glass in the window (i.e. without safety glass) | |
| RC 2 | 3 minutes | The burglar tries with additional simple tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers and a wedge to break the locked and screwed frame in the building elements. A safety glass according to EN 356 is required for class RC2 |
| RC 3 | 5 minutes | The burglar tries with additional tools, such as a second screwdriver and a crowbar to breach the locked and screwed frame in the structural elements. |
| RC 4 | 10 minutes | The experienced burglar uses, in addition to the saw, additional tools such as a crowbar, hammer, chisel and a cordless drill. |
| RC 5 | 15 minutes | The experienced burglar uses, in addition to hand tools, also power tools such as a drill, jigsaw and circular saw with a disc diameter of max 125mm. The frame has bulletproof glass according to standard EN 356 |
| RC 6 | 20 minutes | The experienced burglar uses, in addition to hand tools, powerful power tools such as a drill, jigsaw and circular saw with a disc diameter of max 230mm. The frame has bulletproof glass according to standard EN 356 |
TIPS ON RESISTING THEFT
- 42% of the tested intrusions are currently prevented by mechanical security devices.
- Proper use of devices should be the No. 1 priority for users: burglar-resistant components can only do their job if they are closed and locked. A tilted window is still an open window for burglar-resistant purposes.
- Lockable doors and window handles should be locked. The key should also be removed to prevent manipulation from the outside.
- An RC 2 category window with a lockable window handle and safety glass on the inside also has benefits in terms of child safety.
- With burglar-resistant components, special attention must be paid to ensuring proper installation and assembly, as well as adjusting the equipment to exactly the right setting.
- Ideally, take into account anti-theft considerations from the design stage and use tested, certified components.
It is important to mention that even today most frames are in class 1 or 2, while we rarely find frames in class 3 or 4. Security doors, of course, provide better performance and are often classified in classes 3 or 4. To confirm the classification class, the frame must be accompanied by a certificate from an accredited Body (laboratory), which has conducted the necessary test and has classified the frame in one of the above classes. The certificates must be delivered to the consumer together with the relevant Declaration of Performance.