Burglar protection: glass, locks and security classes

A window or door is no longer sold solely on appearance and energy consumption. For many customers—both private and business—burglary resistance has become an independent requirement, and as a glazier you should be able to advise on what level makes sense.

The standard series DS/EN 1627-1630 covers doors, windows, curtain walls, grilles, and shutters and establishes how break-in resistance is tested and classified. The element is classified into resistance classes (RC classes) that indicate which tool and how long an intrusion must be able to resist when the entire element – frame, hardware, lock, and glass combined – is tested.

The education includes a module on mechanical break-in security, where you learn the rules for security in general, the connection between mechanical security and electronic surveillance, and how insurance companies' requirements are converted into applicable documentation for installation.

• 01Security products must never block escape routes fire doors or rescue openings — it is one of the building regulations fire requirements.
• 02The choice of security product must therefore weigh burglary resistance against personal safety in case of fire.
• 03Documentation for the installation must be able to be presented to both customer and insurance company.

Insurance companies — collectively described in the security catalogue at sikringsguiden.dk — often require a specific level of security before the customer can get full cover or discount on insurance. As a glazier you are therefore part of translating an insurance requirement into a concrete documented solution the customer can rely on.

“A window that looks ordinary can conceal an entire assembly of glass, frame, and hardware tested to keep a burglar out for minutes that count.”