Doors & Windows
Improve the security of your windows and doors with PAS 24
Are you confident that your windows and doorsets can resist attack from an opportunist burglar ? Recently revised by the British Standards Institute ( BSI ), PAS 24:2022 Enhanced security performance requirements for doorsets and windows in the UK is a test standard that shows users how to measure the security performance of windows and doorsets .
This one-of-a-kind Publicly Available Specification ( PAS ) covers how to test and assess the security performance of doorsets and windows . It does so by providing methods to test and assess the enhanced security performance of doorsets and windows that are designed to resist attacks from casual or opportunistic burglars .
PAS 24 has undergone several important revisions since it was first published , to ensure that its guidance is up to date with the latest industry regulations and criminal practices .
The most recent update to PAS 24 happened this year , with changes to the content including : the clarification of existing and new test methods , the introduction of widely available tools in Tool Group B and updated references to industry standards .
It is advised that all current and new users of this standard familiarise themselves with the guidance in the latest version , so they can ensure consistent compliance .
Who needs to use PAS 24 ?
According to the UK Building Regulations , all new build properties must be able to ‘ resist unauthorised access to any dwelling ; and any part of a building from which access can be gained to a flat within the building ’.
This means that any window or doorsets manufacturer wanting to put their products into a new building must have passed the security test in PAS 24 ( or an equivalent industry standard ) first . Its use in the industry not only ensures that regulations are met and that windows and doorsets are manufactured to a high quality , but that occupants feel safe in their homes .
How do you comply with PAS 24 ? To achieve PAS 24:2022 , a manufacturer must submit their window products to an independent testing company certified by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service ( UKAS ).
To maintain full third party certification to PAS 24 , the certification body will then regularly visit the manufacturer and re-test the products to make sure they are still performing as required . This ensures that the doorset and window manufacturing process is consistently meeting the standard .
In order to meet and comply with the full requirements of the standard , windows and doorsets must also be submitted for test to the appropriate fitness for purpose and weather resistance standards .
PAS 24 Security Tests
To ensure their security , each window & door product undergoes security tests in accordance with the methods set out in PAS 24 . For windows , these tests include :
• Glazing frame test – the corner of a window is the weakest point , so pressure is applied to each of the four corners to test the strength of the glazing bead and the tensile strength of the glazing itself .
• Mechanical loading test – replicates the action of someone trying to prise open the window and tests the strength of the profile pieces along with the locking mechanisms and other security features .
• Manual test – an engineer has 15 minutes to try and break the window frame , using a combination of standardised tools to ‘ attack ’ the window to test for vulnerabilities . This replicates a ‘ real life ’ example and uses the methods a burglar would use to get into a property .
Doors also undergo the following additional security tests :
• Solid impact test – to test the door ’ s resistance to shock forces .
• Hard impact test – to test the doors individual components resistance to shock forces .
PAS 24 Weather Resistance Test
Window and door products are also tested to ensure they can withstand strong winds and rain , without damage or leakages . This involves placing the product in a pressure chamber with varying levels to simulate wind pressure pressing against the glazing . The window or door is then also sprayed with water to test for water tightness and check for leakages .
Using PAS 24 ultimately ensures that your windows and doorsets are built to the highest standard for security , weather resistance and endurance . Get this standard from BSI Knowledge today : https :// knowledge . bsigroup . com /
58 JANUARY 2023 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM