Importance of PAS24 Doors
This year SWD have carried out numerous tests on our PAS24 doors to ensure we have the highest standard of products which are fully certified with high security performance levels. We are proud to say that our doors were able to withstand fire for 43 minutes in a 30-minute test and therefore received an approved document of certification against fire testing.We also carried numerous rigorous tests to see the operation and strength characteristics of our PAS24 doors. We used a high-level specification door which was 2.7 metres tall and had enhanced security features such as a spy hole, secure hinges and a high security locking system.The first test was manipulation testing and manual cutting testing took place. Using a cutting knife, the testing house had 3 minutes to try and cut away at the lock and cylinder and remove it which was unsuccessful. They then tried to cut a hole in the face and panels of the door, again using a cutting knife and a chisel and could not get through the core of the door. Another test method was attempting to lift the door off the hinges using various devices, but they gained no access. Another access point for opportunistic criminals other than the door is the door frame; the secured frame underwent some rigorous testing using crow and nailbars to attempt to pull the frame away from the opening to create a gap between the opening and edge of the door but were unable to gain entry.The last test was loading tests and impact testing. Half a ton of weight was applied to the hinge side of the PAS24 door to try and break the hinges however they did not break. The same test methods using mechanical loading testing were carried out on the non-hinge side and they did not gain entry.The SWD team is pleased with the level of security performance that our finished product and range of doors achieved and are proud to meet the UK and British standards of enhanced security performance requirements.
What is PAS24 certification?
PAS24 certification is a standard measure of testing to ensure windows and doors meet security standards and can resist a high level of attack from an opportunistic burglar. On the 23rd January 2023, the Fire Safety Regulations 2022 came into force after the Grenfell Tower Inquiry report required the law to change. These new regulations seek to improve the fire safety of blocks of flats in ways which are practical and proportionate to the risk of fire. All apartment entrance doors must now be fire doors with the minimum standard and legal requirement needed.The testing and certification process of products tested ensures the manufacturing processes are consistently meeting all security standards. The testing house will regularly visit the manufacturers to check and re-do tests carried out to such products to ensure security levels are met.
The Building Regulations in brief:
High Rise Residential Buildings and Commercial Buildings:
- Provide local fire services with up-to-date electronic building plans.
- Provide local fire services information about design standards and materials of the buildings external wall system.
- Provide information about the level of risk to external wall structure.
- Undertake monthly checks and testing on the operation of lifts and fire equipment.
Residential Buildings with Storeys Exceeding 11 metres:
- Undertake annual checks and testing of flat entrance doors and quarterly checks on all fire doors in common parts to ensure they meet security standards.
If you would like a quote for a PAS24 door in your project, call us on 01932 851081 or email sales@swdbespoke.com