The AR708HS TS 008 tested letterplate from ARRONE, a HOPPE Group brand, addresses evolving threats such as‘ letterbox fishing’ and offers third-party Certifire certification when fitted with its associated intumescent kit. However, recent certification updates and product adaptations highlight the importance in educating the market on fire compliance and when it is required.

Security is no longer a‘ nice-to-have’; it’ s a regulatory necessity. The AR708HS has been tested to TS 008:2022, the latest and most robust standard for enhanced security and general requirements applicable to letterplate assemblies. All new doors fitted with a letterplate must meet this standard to be compliant with PAS 24 and Approved Document Q.

Beyond security, fire safety remains a defining issue in new builds and retrofits, especially in multi-occupancy dwellings such as flats and apartment buildings. To

meet these needs, the AR708HS can be fitted with an ARRONE-specific intumescent kit, enabling it to carry Certifire certification for use on 30- and 60-minute timber fire doors. The fire-rated solution is available as a package with the AR708HS and intumescent kit.

The journey to Certifire certification involved real-world fire testing and product

modification. To meet performance criteria, the letterplate was updated with two stabilising pins. This addition provides strength while ensuring structural integrity in fire conditions, enhancing overall strength, Crucially, the ease of fitting has not been compromised with these stabilising pins.

High security that looks good The AR708HS offers a design that proves high-security products can also be visually appealing. At just 21mm projection, its internal cover maintains the aesthetics of any door while allowing full, non-restrictive door opening. Internally, the adjustable stepped sleeve restricts full flap opening, preventing key fishing or manual manipulation; a technique still used by opportunistic burglars. In fact, 72 % of burglaries in England and Wales( April 2022 – March 2023) involved entry via a door, underscoring the importance of physical deterrents.

A common misconception is when to specify a fire-rated letterplate.

• Required: Flat / apartment entrance doors that open onto shared escape routes( internal corridors or stairwells).

• Not Required: External front doors of new-build houses, where the door opens directly to the outside and is not a designated fire door.

This distinction is critical. Using a non-rated letterplate in a required fire-resistance scenario may compromise safety, while over-specifying can introduce unnecessary cost or complexity.

Accessories are purchased separately where fire-rated letterplates are required. To simplify this process, HOPPE( UK) has identified four options for obtaining the additional components needed for AR708HS fire compliance. Door manufacturers can source components separately( option 1) to suit their production facilities or opt for a compliance kit( option 2), with both options offering an optional fitting tool for multiple uses. For online sales, small orders are available, with a fitting tool included for single-use: a 44mm tool( option 3) and a 54mm tool( option 4), neither of which are part of a factory manufacturing system.

The fit and the kit

Despite these features, the AR708HS remains installer-friendly. It is crucial that the intumescent kit supplied by AR- RONE is used for fire-rated installations. Third-party certification is only valid when the correct kit is fitted, ensuring that all components have been tested together under Certifire standards. Specifiers, fabricators, and merchants must ensure that the letterplate and intumescent kit are supplied together when required.

And, to‘ finish’...

With seven finishes available, anthracite, black, chrome, graphite, satin chrome, white, and brass, the AR708HS matches ARRONE’ s broader hardware range, including handles, numerals, and knockers. The option for split finishes, e. g., white internal with black or brass external, offers even more flexibility to suit modern interiors and traditional exteriors.

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