Intruder Resistance

Between the moment when an intruder commences his attack, and the moment when someone responds to this, delaying the intruder is the only way to keep them out.  Sound physical security is therefore one of the most important conditions for ensuring successful intrusion prevention.

We advise clients and contractors on physical intruder resistance and can also manufacture, supply and install all the intruder-resistant products that are needed in accordance with the applicable specifications.  If you wish, they can also be offered in combination with ballistic, blast and fire resistant properties.

Attack Testing

The majority of international test standards involve a mechanical attack of the test item.  This has the advantage of allowing an identical test attack being replicated upon a different test item, to enable comparable results.   Ideally, tests are conducted by independent testing laboratories not associated with any manufacturer.

When testing windows and doors, it is important to ensure that there is no weak point in the total construction (frame, glazing, door leaf, edge, lock).

Australian standard AS3555  stipulates that humans are used to carry out the test.  This enables the attacker to test, analyse and adapt his method and focus of attack to exploit apparent weaknesses, as he would in a real attack.  The introduction of the ‘human factor’ may have some advantages but makes comparison of test results very difficult.

USA standard ASTM and European standard EN employ test methods that can be consistently duplicated using mechanically controlled materials having specific weight, material, force, frequency and duration criteria in a controlled laboratory environment.

AS3555.1-2003 Tools Duration
One man manual attack with handtools tools as listed in standard Duration (minutes) as stated in standard
Two men manual attack with handtools tools as listed in standard Duration (minutes) as stated in standard
Two men attack with powertools tools as listed in standard Duration (minutes) as stated in standard
ASTM F1915-05 (2012) – Glazing for Detention Facilities Tools Duration and Number of Impacts = Grade 1-4
Physical Attack Mechanically controlled Simulated Fireman’s Axe and Sledge Hammer As specified in Standard
Fire Test Exposure Laboratory controlled Propane Torch and simulated Ball Peen Hammer As specified in Standard
European Standard EN 1627: 2011 applies to doors, windows and curtain walls and defines the resistance classes, resistance time (the time period in which a product can resist a break-in), types of offenders and the procedure.

Resistance Class: EN1627 Glazing DIN EN 356 Perpetrator and method Manual Test Time DIN V ENV 1630: 
RC1 Composite glass recommended Vandalism:
Kicking, pressing, jumping against. Little protection against levering		 –
RC2 P4 A Opportunist:
Bodily force, simple tools e.g. screwdriver, shim, pliers		 3 – 15 mins
RC3 P5 A Opportunist:
With add’l second screwdriver and crowbar		 5 – 20 mins
RC4 P6 A Experienced perpetrator:
Add’l use of saw and tools such as axe and chisel, hammer, electric drill		 10 – 30 mins
RC5 P7 B Experienced perpetrator:
Add’l use of electric tools, such as drill, jigsaw or saber saw		 15 – 40 mins
RC6 P8 B Experienced perpetrator:
Add’l use of more powerful electric tools than WK5		 20 – 50 min
When burglar resistance is required, the following should be noted:
Glass is tested separately in accordance with DIN EN 356, for so-called breakthrough resistance.  Breakthrough resistance is principally tested using a mechanically operated axe.   There is a discrepancy in both standards, if burglar resistance and breakthrough resistance are mixed together, as is the case with glazed doors and windows.  Please ask us if you have any questions.

Marking of safety glass according to EN 356
Resistance against hand stroke (axe test).

Class according to
EN 356		 Resistant to axe strokes Approx. Thickness
(mm)
P6B 30-50 15 -:18
P7B 51-70 ~ 23
P8B >70 28 -: 50

Exactly what constitutes a failure will be defined within each test standard – generally it be will the creation of a hole of a certain size.