Burglar resistant means that facade elements such as doors, windows and their associated hardware resist a break-in attempt. The longer an element holds off a burglar, the smaller the chance the break-in succeeds.
Requirements and resistance classes
In the Netherlands, building regulations (the Bouwbesluit, succeeded by the Besluit bouwwerken leefomgeving) set requirements for the burglar resistance of new-build homes. The key points:
- Resistance class RC2 (also WK2): The reachable facade elements of a new-build home must meet at least resistance class 2 according to NEN 5096.
- Reachable: What counts as “reachable” is defined in NEN 5087. In short, it concerns elements whose bottom edge is lower than 5.5 m above the adjoining ground.
- Classes RC1 to RC6: The resistance classes (NEN-EN 1627) run from RC1 to RC6; the higher the class, the more resistance the element offers.
- About 3 minutes: RC2 roughly corresponds to about 3 minutes of resistance against a burglar using simple tools.
Hardware and quality marks
- The quality of door and window hardware is indicated with SKG stars: more stars means higher burglar resistance.
- The Politiekeurmerk Veilig Wonen (PKVW), the Dutch police quality mark for safe living, sets additional requirements for the whole home, not just individual elements.
Related terms
- Door and window hardware
- Anti-burglary hardware
- Builders’ hardware
- Frame
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