We bring together all our expertise in burglar-resistant doors under one roof. Architects and specifiers benefit from a comprehensive range of products — from apartment blocks to security-critical commercial buildings.
What is a security door?
The term ‘burglary protection door’ is commonly used to refer to door-sets that make unauthorised forced entry considerably more difficult. Synonyms such as ‘burglary protection door’, ‘burglary protection doors’ and ‘burglary protection doors’ are in common use, as are the designations ‘security door’ or ‘burglar-proof door’. Technically speaking, the correct term is ‘burglar-resistant door’: a break-in can never be completely ruled out, but a certified door forces the intruder to abandon the attempt after a defined resistance time.
A burglar-resistant door is therefore not a single structural element, but a system of coordinated parts: a robust door leaf, a tested door frame, reinforced hinges, a safety lock with a profile cylinder, protective fittings and a safety striking plate. Only the interaction of all these components — and professional assembly within an approved wall — meets the requirements of DIN EN 1627.
Standards, testing and classification
Since September 2011, the European standard DIN EN 1627 has governed the classification of burglar-resistant doors, windows and façades. It replaced the pre-standard DIN V ENV 1627 and defines six resistance classes — RC 1 N to RC 6. ‘RC’ stands for ‘Resistance Class’ and replaces the former resistance classes WK 1 to WK 6.
The classification is based on three interrelated test standards:
- DIN EN 1628 — static loading of the closed and locked door element,
- DIN EN 1629 — dynamic loading through impacts,
- DIN EN 1630 — manual attack using defined tool sets over a specified resistance time.
Testing is carried out at accredited bodies — for example, at ift Rosenheim or by DIN-CERTCO-recognised testing centres. Only after successfully passing the test does the manufacturer receive the test certificate and is permitted to label the door with the corresponding resistance class. The certified components bear a permanently affixed identification plate in the rebate on the hinge side. In Switzerland, reference is made to SN EN 1627; the classifications are identical.
Correlation with the old WK classification
Existing building specifications often still refer to the old resistance classes in accordance with DIN V ENV 1627:1999-04. A correlation table sets out the correspondence with the current standard:
| Resistance class DIN EN 1627 | Resistance class DIN EN 1627:1999-04 |
|---|---|
| RC 1 N | — (no classification) |
| RC 2 N | WK 2 (glazing to be agreed) |
| RC 2 | WK 2 |
| RC 3 | WK 3 |
| RC 4 | WK 4 |
| RC 5 | WK 5 |
| RC 6 | WK 6 (with additional testing) |
An overview of the six resistance classes
With each class, the tools used in the test bench become more effective and the defined resistance time against an attacker increases. For architects and planners, choosing the right class is the key decision — it should be based on the security objective, the building’s location, its use and the value of the contents.
Due to their design, wooden doors can be certified up to a maximum of RC 4. For higher classes, steel doors or steel-wood composite constructions are used.
| Class | Expected type of perpetrator and tools | Recommended location |
|---|---|---|
| RC 1 N | Physical force (kicking, shoulder charges, pushing upwards), low resistance to lever tools — mainly vandalism. | Only recommended if direct access is not possible (e.g. upper floors). |
| RC 2 N | Opportunistic offenders using simple tools — screwdrivers, pliers, wedges. | Residential and commercial properties with low risk; internal doors. |
| RC 2 | As for RC 2 N, but with increased requirements for glazing. | Residential and commercial properties with an average risk of burglary. |
| RC 3 | Experienced intruder with a second screwdriver and crowbar. | Residential and commercial properties with a high risk of burglary; premises of gun shops (CH). |
| RC 4 | Experienced intruder with saws, impact tools (sledgehammer, hammer, chisel) and a cordless drill. | Commercial properties with a high risk — maximum class for wooden doors. |
| RC 5 | Experienced intruder with power tools (jigsaw/reciprocating saw, angle grinder). | Commercial properties with high vulnerability and average risk. |
| RC 6 | As RC 5, but with high-performance power tools. | Commercial properties with high vulnerability and very high burglary risk. |
Construction of a security door
The burglar-resistant properties result from the interaction of several components. At Arbonia, these are optimised within dedicated product ranges and are always tested in conjunction with the corresponding frame.
- Door leaf: reinforced construction with frame timber, stabiliser and a special core layer. The outer layer also meets climatic requirements in the Climate Class 3 version, if required.
- Frame: depending on the model, the following frames are tested: timber-clad, timber block, timber stock, timber corner, steel-clad, steel corner and flush frames. The frame is an integral part of the tested system and may only be used in an approved combination.
- Profile cylinder in accordance with DIN 18252 and security fitting in accordance with DIN 18257.
- Security strike plate, reinforced hinges and hinge mounts, and a PZ security lock — optionally self-locking.
- Optional: Door viewer, bolt switch contact, electronic profile cylinder and digital locking systems enhance security and convenience.
Note on scope of delivery: Security fittings and profile cylinders are not included in all configurations and must be specified on a project-by-project basis. The identification plate is permanently affixed by the manufacturer in the rebate on the hinge side.
