A comprehensive guide to domestic external door security has been published by the Door & Hardware Federation and the Glass & Glazing Federation.
Aimed at security and building professionals, installers and locksmiths, the Best Practice Guide for Specifying Security Hardware for Doors details all security standards applying to domestic entrance and exterior doors.
It describes the various products available that meet the standards. These include all types of locks (including multipoint locks and the latest generation of electro-mechanical keyless locks) and cylinders, and also door security handles, door viewers, door restrictors, letterboxes and security glazing.
The guide can be downloaded from the DHF website, www.dhfonline.org.uk or from the GGF website. www.ggf.org.uk.
The DHF represents all the key players in building hardware, locks and architectural ironmongery. The GGF represents companies which make, supply or fit glass and glazing related products.
Michael Skelding, DHF general manager and secretary said: "In recent times, huge strides have been made in improving door security. In particular, the security of domestic entrance doors has been transformed. This is due to the introduction of a raft of new standards and the launch of greatly improved locks and associated hardware products.
"It's vitally important that the trade is brought up to date with these developments so building professionals and installers can give expert and accurate advice on door security to their customers. To that end we have published this guide which is a concise and factual summary of the latest security measures available for domestic and commercial entrance doors."
The publication of the guide is the latest initiative being carried out by the UK's building hardware industry in response to criminals taking advantage of the publication on the internet of methods of lock attack.
Security standards described in detail within the Best Practice Guide for Specifying Security Hardware for Doors include PAS 24 (complete door assembly including security hardware); Technical Standard DHF TS 007 (lock cylinder which will resist snapping, bumping and other forms of attack); BS 3621 (five lever locks); PAS 3621:2011 (multipoint locks); TS 621 (smart or key-free locks operated by remote fobs or other keyless entry methods such as keypads); TS 002 (door viewers); TS 003 (door restrictor such as a chain or limiter); TS008 (door letter plate); TS 009 (free standing letter box sited externally); and BS EN 1260:2002 Glass in building; pendulum test; impact test method and classification for flat glass (security glazing).
