Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 24 is a quality assured standard of testing to measure the security performance of windows and door to ensure they can resist a level of attack from an opportunist burglar.
When customers buy windows and doors from SolarFrame, they can rest assured that their windows and doors meet this standard and leave their homes best protected.
PAS 24 can only be achieved once a product has undergone thorough testing and has been assessed for high security performance levels. Designed to be able to withstand specific break-in methods of burglars in the UK, the reasoning behind PAS24 is to help to ensure that homes are sufficiently protected against the threat of opportunistic criminals.
How is PAS 24 tested?
When a product is PAS24 tested, it will go through rigorous tests to assess the door or window as a whole, instead of individual components. This is so that it can be certified that the finished product which the customer receives offers a high level of security. The window or door will undergo a range of tests carried out by a PAS 24 assessor designed to highlight the weakness and vulnerabilities in the door or window’s design in order to identify where it could be strengthened.
The testing for PAS24 includes:
Glazing frame test: The corner of a window is the weakest point, so pressure is applied to each of the four corners to test the strength of the glazing bead and the tensile strength of the glazing itself.
Manipulation testing: During this test, the assessor will attempt to gain entry by disengaging the locks or hinges on the door or window.
Manual test: The engineer has 15 minutes to try and break the window frame. The engineer will use a combination of standardised tools to 'attack' the windows and doors to test for vulnerabilities.
Mechanical loading testing: In order to simulate the amount of pressure that would be placed on a door or window if nail bars were used, a sequence of loading tests will be applied.
Weather resistance test: The door is placed in a pressure chamber where varying levels of air pressure are exerted on the opening sash to simulate wind pressure pressing against the door. The door is then tested for water tightness by spraying the exterior face with a jet of water and checking for leakages.
Is PAS 24 the same as Secured By Design?
A common confusion when it comes to PAS24 is it is often mistaken for Secured By Design (SBD).
Although both PAS24 and Secured by Design are accreditations that test and certify that products meet their comprehensive security standards, they are different standards. Designed to test that windows and doors can endure break-in methods used by intruders, PAS 24 can only be obtained after a product has been put through rigorous testing against high security standards. Secured by Design is a police security initiative, operated on behalf of the UK Police. It is intended to not only improve the security of homes and their environments and reduce the level of crime but its objective is also to ensure that products will help to keep homeowners safe.
Products have to be first certified by the PAS 24 accreditation before they are to be considered by Secured by Design.
SolarFrame windows and Doors are approved by both accreditations.
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SolarFrame Windows and Doors are tested to PAS 24 standards by TÜV Rheinland Nederland B.V.
Find out more about our Accreditations