What is SKG?
SKG stands for Stichting Kwaliteit Gevelbouw (Foundation for Quality in Facade Construction), now part of SKG-IKOB: an independent Dutch testing and certification institute that rates locks, cylinders and other door and window hardware for burglar resistance, strength and durability. Its star logo appears on hardware sold in the Netherlands. It is a Dutch mark, so you will mainly meet it on Dutch products or when building or renovating in the Netherlands.
What the stars mean
Hardware is certified under assessment guideline BRL 3104, which refers to the Dutch standard NEN 5089. Since 1 March 2010 the stars mean:
- 1 star (SKG*): does not make a door or window burglar resistant on its own, for example lockable window restrictors used in pairs. There is no longer a 1-star class for cylinders.
- 2 stars (SKG**): suitable on its own for resistance class 2, tested for 3 minutes with tool set A.
- 3 stars (SKG***): suitable on its own for resistance class 3, tested for 5 minutes with tool set B. 3-star cylinders include core-pulling protection.
The complete door or window set is tested in the Netherlands to NEN 5096, which SKG describes as equivalent to the European standards EN 1627 to 1630.
European and UK equivalents
Across Europe, burglar resistance of doors and windows is classified under EN 1627 in resistance classes (RC). An RC2 element must resist simple tools such as screwdrivers and wedges for at least 3 minutes; RC3 adds heavier tools such as a crowbar for at least 5 minutes. Lock cylinders are tested to EN 1303. In the UK, doors and windows are commonly tested to PAS 24 and cylinders are rated under the Kitemark TS 007 star system; those stars are not the same as SKG stars.
Application
- On Dutch products, choose at least 2 stars, and 3 stars for front and back doors.
- Elsewhere, look at the RC class of the whole door set and a cylinder with attack protection.
- Fit security escutcheons that shield the cylinder.
- Common mistake: fitting a high-rated cylinder in a weak door with short screws. Ratings only apply to the tested system as a whole.
Related terms
- The Politiekeurmerk Veilig Wonen
- Anti-burglar hardware
- Burglar resistant
- Anti core-pulling protection
- Multipoint lock
- Anti-burglar bolt
Want to know more about building terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.