Robert Rossell, Managing Director of Gretsch-Unitas UK talks to Locksmith Journal about the recently revised developments in the new British Standards for PAS 24:2016 for doorsets and windows.
The changes in PAS 24:2016 Enhanced security performance requirements for doorsets and windows in the UK has recently been revised with the new revisions having a significant impact on the door market to ensure it continues to offer users the highest level of security suitable for dwellings and other buildings exposed to comparable risk.
As the standards of security in the manufacture of doors and windows has increased over the last decade, high security hardware products such as the G-U’s Secury, Secury Europa and GU 3000 MPL ranges have been developed alongside the Uni-Jet TBT systems to enhance security and aid in the prevention of entry through attack whilst meeting the requirements of Document Q, Pass 24 and SBD.
However, we should never become complacent and as much as the OEM’s are looking at providing a high level of security at the point of installation, intruders will still continue to gain distance, hot on the tail of trying to overcome innovations and the efforts provided by suppliers.
The new improved revisions to the standard are particularly significant for the door market and mean that testing of a complete doorset to achieve PAS 24:2016 has to replicate that of a casual or opportunistic burglar, not only attempting attack by levering and pushing/pulling against the door unit, but also trying to enter the door using a hand tool, such as a screwdriver or another sharp objects.
The new cutting test for doors has now officially been applied to all types of entrance doors extended to doors using a euro cylinder locking barrel; previously this had only been in place for doors using a key/thumb-turn cylinder.
Ongoing, the standard does have a period of grace and manufacturers, installers and aftersales providers are still able to abide to the current Approved Document Q, which still refers to PAS24: 2012 until it changes in 2018.
As a Global manufacturer and supplier of security products and locks, G-U has already tested our products to ensure that they are able to suffice the demands of the revisions for both the OEM and aftermarket now.
And, with the recent launch of our new Secury 3 Star euro-cylinder, this has enhanced our existing multi-point locking offering in terms of security. One aspect of the new test, means more inferior locks will fail to achieve the new revisions, which in my opinion is a good thing for the market and the homeowner: giving confidence in the hardware products which are fitted.
G-U are in the process of developing more products for launch in the commercial and domestic markets in the next few months, and with these product launches we like to ensure we offer our customers the best service and the latest up-to-date information ensuring they don’t need to worry when it comes to ensuring they are offering the highest in quality to customers.
For more information on the new revisions of PAS24:2016, G-U UK or its products visit www.gu-secury.com
What’s covered in PAS 24:2016?
PAS 24 covers test methods and acceptance criteria for:
Windows – singular and multi-light:
Top hung, side hung, bottom hung, butt hinged
Top and side hung projected
Top hung and side hung fully reversible
Tilt and turn and turn and tilt
Vertical and horizontal sliding
Fixed and fixed casements (dummy vents)
Parallel opening
Double opening (French windows)
Vertical and horizontal pivot
Doorsets:Single and double leaf
Single and double swing
Hinged
Sliding (single and multi-track)
Pivot
Folding sliding (single and multi-track)
Stable
With or without integral side panels and fanlights
What’s new in PAS 24?
A wider scope, increasing the range of security doorsets and windows covered.
Building Regulations Approved Document Q1 primary reference is PAS 24 and the intended wider scope effectively enables more products to use this option to demonstrate compliance.
A number of test methods have been simplified.
More robust requirements for letter plates.
Addresses the requirement for easy egress from all new build dwellings instigated by the NHBC (National House building Council), by ensuring all doorsets are suitable for use with thumb turn cylinders and other easy egress hardware.
Single option to ensure all doorsets can be used with easy egress hardware.
Information Source: BSI Group