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Written by Callum Thornton, Hinge Technology - Product Manager at SFS Group Fastening Technology Ltd.
Hinges for windows and doors (more specifically, doorsets) should, as a minimum, be tested to PAS 24. Products successfully tested in accordance with PAS 24 can then go on to claim compliance with national building regulations. By achieving the police preferred specification, manufacturers can also register with Secured by Design (SBD).
Certifications and accreditations demonstrate the quality and durability of products, as well as their compliance with relevant standards and regulations. Thorough product testing plays a crucial role, and this blog post explores the key aspects of both testing and accreditation to help you make informed decisions when it comes to hinge specification.
Part Q of the Building Regulations in England and Wales, and section 4.13 of the Scottish Building Standards, deal with security. The requirements of all three relate to both windows and doorsets and apply to new dwellings only.
In both the English and Welsh versions of Approved Document Q, a window or doorset is said to be capable of resisting unauthorised access if it is "sufficiently robust" and "fitted with appropriate hardware." Windows and doorsets "should be shown...to meet the full security standards and requirements of British Standards publication PAS 24."
The Approved Documents also say that further advice is available in the New Homes document published by Secured by Design (SBD).
Meanwhile, the domestic Building Standards technical handbook in Scotland describes Secure by Design as a "comprehensive solution to the security of dwellings" and doors or windows should meet the recommendations for physical security in section 2. PAS 24 is also a recognised standard for security.
The current version of Publicity Available Specification (PAS) 24 was published in 2022. The document's full title is - Enhanced security performance requirements for doorsets and windows in the UK. Doorsets and windows intended to offer a level of security suitable for swellings and other buildings exposed to comparable risk.
The specification details test methods for enhanced security performance in newly manufactured windows and doorsets. Revisions to the PAS seek to keep it up to date with known criminal practices, and the testing incorporates new tools and techniques where possible.
Testing PAS 24 is done on the window or doorset as a complete unit, rather than individual components. The unit therefore incorporates the preferred hinge technology. Among the different tests carried out, the ones most relevant to hinges are impact testing (both hard and soft body) and mechanical loading testing (applying pressure).
Once tested to PAS 24, a product can then be registered with the police preferred specification.
As the official police security initiative, SBD aims to improve the security of all buildings - not just domestic buildings, as current regulatory requirements cover. The scheme uses a product-based accreditation scheme called 'the police preferred specification', which goes beyond the requirements of Part Q.
When a product meets the police preferred specification, the manufacturer can become a SBD member company and use the Secured by Design logo. SBD maintains an Accredited Product database, as well as a searchable list of member companies.
Like other respected third-party schemes, SBD doesn't focus on the product testing alone. In addition to retesting, the manufacturer's production facility and process control are also assessed to ensure the product meets the necessary levels of quality consistently and reliably.
So far, this post has focused on hinges as part of complete window units or doorsets. However, BS EN 1935 is a hinge-specific test standard. The current version is the 2002 version, and the document's full title is - Building hardware. Single-axis hinges. Requirements and test methods.
As a harmonised standard, complying with the requirements of BS EN 1935:2002 and producing a Declaration of Performance allows a manufacturer to affix the CE mark to the product.
Among the standard's eight-digit classification system for hinges (which is similar to classifications used for all hardware, allowing complementary items to be specified) is a 'burglar resistance' component.
Two grades of security are identified:
The classification system also includes an assessment of the hinge's durability and resistance to corrosion. For a detail explanation of what each digit in a hinge classification means, see our blog on BS EN 1935 classifications.
The Dynamic Hinge range from SFS is designed to exceed the requirements of product testing and certification. The hinges not only meet PAS 24 and therefore the police preferred specification, but our own processes involve testing to the point of failure so that we fully understand our products.
Meeting PAS 24's mechanical loading test requires applying a force of 'just' 4.5kN to the locking points. Testing showed that one Dynamic 2D Hinge was capable of resisting a 13.7kN force before failure occurred. Although that additional strength isn't reflected in the different accreditations, it is noticed by people installing and using doorsets.
The performance of a doorset hangs, quite literally, on the hinges, as any movement over time has a knock-on effect on the result of the doorset.
SFS Dynamic hinges feature the best possible design and engineering, delivering a true 'fit and forgot' product. Installers use SFS hinges with confidence, knowing they won't be called back to a project; end users get long-lasting, high-quality performance thanks to the flawless operation.
Visit the SFS Hinge Technology pages for more information. Or download our resources.
PAS 24 is a standard test for window and door security products in England. Using PAS 24 compliant windows and doorsets meets the minimal safety requirements and may be suitable for homes or commercial buildings exposed to a similar risk.
2. What is the BS EN 1935 standard?
This standard provides details on the classification of single-axis hinges. It provides detail on door mass, test cycles, corrosion resistance amongst others in an eight-digit codifier.
For a more detailed breakdown on this codifier, please see our additional Jargon Buster blog.
3. What is a doorset?
A doorset is the overall name given to the whole door system; it includes door leaf, door frame and all relevant additional hardware mechanism such as hinges. It is defined under BS EN 12519 as supplied complete with all essential components from one place where the main use is the access of pedestrians.
What Product Testing and Accreditation should Hinges for Windows and Doorsets have?
Hinges for windows and doors (more specifically, doorsets) should, as a minimum, be tested to PAS 24. Products successfully tested in accordance with PAS 24 can then go on to claim compliance with national building regulations. By achieving the police preferred specification, manufacturers can also register with Secured by Design (SBD).
Certifications and accreditations demonstrate the quality and durability of products, as well as their compliance with relevant standards and regulations. Thorough product testing plays a crucial role, and this blog post explores the key aspects of both testing and accreditation to help you make informed decisions when it comes to hinge specification.
What do National Building Regulations Require of Hinges?
Part Q of the Building Regulations in England and Wales, and section 4.13 of the Scottish Building Standards, deal with security. The requirements of all three relate to both windows and doorsets and apply to new dwellings only.
In both the English and Welsh versions of Approved Document Q, a window or doorset is said to be capable of resisting unauthorised access if it is "sufficiently robust" and "fitted with appropriate hardware." Windows and doorsets "should be shown...to meet the full security standards and requirements of British Standards publication PAS 24."
The Approved Documents also say that further advice is available in the New Homes document published by Secured by Design (SBD).
Meanwhile, the domestic Building Standards technical handbook in Scotland describes Secure by Design as a "comprehensive solution to the security of dwellings" and doors or windows should meet the recommendations for physical security in section 2. PAS 24 is also a recognised standard for security.
What is PAS 24?
The current version of Publicity Available Specification (PAS) 24 was published in 2022. The document's full title is - Enhanced security performance requirements for doorsets and windows in the UK. Doorsets and windows intended to offer a level of security suitable for swellings and other buildings exposed to comparable risk.
The specification details test methods for enhanced security performance in newly manufactured windows and doorsets. Revisions to the PAS seek to keep it up to date with known criminal practices, and the testing incorporates new tools and techniques where possible.
Testing PAS 24 is done on the window or doorset as a complete unit, rather than individual components. The unit therefore incorporates the preferred hinge technology. Among the different tests carried out, the ones most relevant to hinges are impact testing (both hard and soft body) and mechanical loading testing (applying pressure).
Once tested to PAS 24, a product can then be registered with the police preferred specification.
What is Secured by Design and Police Preferred Specification?
As the official police security initiative, SBD aims to improve the security of all buildings - not just domestic buildings, as current regulatory requirements cover. The scheme uses a product-based accreditation scheme called 'the police preferred specification', which goes beyond the requirements of Part Q.
When a product meets the police preferred specification, the manufacturer can become a SBD member company and use the Secured by Design logo. SBD maintains an Accredited Product database, as well as a searchable list of member companies.
Like other respected third-party schemes, SBD doesn't focus on the product testing alone. In addition to retesting, the manufacturer's production facility and process control are also assessed to ensure the product meets the necessary levels of quality consistently and reliably.
What is BS EN 1935?
So far, this post has focused on hinges as part of complete window units or doorsets. However, BS EN 1935 is a hinge-specific test standard. The current version is the 2002 version, and the document's full title is - Building hardware. Single-axis hinges. Requirements and test methods.
As a harmonised standard, complying with the requirements of BS EN 1935:2002 and producing a Declaration of Performance allows a manufacturer to affix the CE mark to the product.
Among the standard's eight-digit classification system for hinges (which is similar to classifications used for all hardware, allowing complementary items to be specified) is a 'burglar resistance' component.
Two grades of security are identified:
- Grade 0 - for hinges that are not suitable for burglar-resistant assemblies
- Grade 1 - for hinges that are suitable.
The classification system also includes an assessment of the hinge's durability and resistance to corrosion. For a detail explanation of what each digit in a hinge classification means, see our blog on BS EN 1935 classifications.
How are SFS Dynamic Hinges Tested and Certified?
The Dynamic Hinge range from SFS is designed to exceed the requirements of product testing and certification. The hinges not only meet PAS 24 and therefore the police preferred specification, but our own processes involve testing to the point of failure so that we fully understand our products.
Meeting PAS 24's mechanical loading test requires applying a force of 'just' 4.5kN to the locking points. Testing showed that one Dynamic 2D Hinge was capable of resisting a 13.7kN force before failure occurred. Although that additional strength isn't reflected in the different accreditations, it is noticed by people installing and using doorsets.
The performance of a doorset hangs, quite literally, on the hinges, as any movement over time has a knock-on effect on the result of the doorset.
SFS Dynamic hinges feature the best possible design and engineering, delivering a true 'fit and forgot' product. Installers use SFS hinges with confidence, knowing they won't be called back to a project; end users get long-lasting, high-quality performance thanks to the flawless operation.
Visit the SFS Hinge Technology pages for more information. Or download our resources.
FAQs
1. What is a PAS 24 certificate?PAS 24 is a standard test for window and door security products in England. Using PAS 24 compliant windows and doorsets meets the minimal safety requirements and may be suitable for homes or commercial buildings exposed to a similar risk.
2. What is the BS EN 1935 standard?
This standard provides details on the classification of single-axis hinges. It provides detail on door mass, test cycles, corrosion resistance amongst others in an eight-digit codifier.
For a more detailed breakdown on this codifier, please see our additional Jargon Buster blog.
3. What is a doorset?
A doorset is the overall name given to the whole door system; it includes door leaf, door frame and all relevant additional hardware mechanism such as hinges. It is defined under BS EN 12519 as supplied complete with all essential components from one place where the main use is the access of pedestrians.
