Anti-burglary security: A major challenge for sensitive infrastructures
In a context where burglary and intrusion attempts are increasing, protecting sensitive buildings has become a top priority for businesses, public institutions, and strategic infrastructures. Whether for industrial sites, government buildings, banks, data centers, or high-end residences, implementing certified anti-burglary solutions is essential to prevent intrusion risks and ensure the safety of occupants.
The European standards EN 1627 to EN 1630 define the evaluation criteria for security joinery (doors, windows, partitions) against burglary attempts. These rigorous tests, conducted in specialized laboratories such as CNPP (Centre National de Prévention et de Protection), ensure the resistance of products against various attack methods.
Discover how these standards regulate the security sector, which solutions are best suited to your needs, and how to ensure effective protection against intrusions.
The European standards governing burglary-resistant joinery.
1. The EN 1627 standard: classification of burglary resistance
The EN 1627 standard establishes six resistance classes for doors, windows, and security partitions. Each class is defined according to the type of attack the product must withstand:
| Class | Type of attacker | Some tools used | Total testing time |
|---|---|---|---|
|
RC1 |
Opportunist |
Screwdriver, pliers |
/ |
|
RC2 |
Occasional burlar |
Wooden wedges, saws |
15 min |
|
RC3 |
Medium-level attacker |
Crowbar, hand drill |
20 min |
|
RC4 |
Experienced criminal |
Heavy hammer, axe, portable drill |
30 min |
|
RC5 |
Organized crime equipped with power tools |
Grinder, jigsaw |
40 min |
|
RC6 |
Highly trained organized crime |
Angle grinder, sledgehammer |
50 min |
RC4 to RC6 certified products are recommended for sensitive infrastructures, such as strategic buildings for state security, Defense, luxury stores and high-value businesses, banks, data centers, SEVESO industries, and high-risk sectors (energy, vital resources, etc.). For detailed information on the differences between the various classes and the tool contact times, please refer to our summary table.
2. The EN 1628, EN 1629 & EN 1630 standards: test protocols
Three other European standards detail the test methods applied to security products:
• EN 1628: Resistance to Static Load
This test assesses resistance to static loads, simulating a forced entry attempt using levers or mechanical tools.
Doors, frames, and partitions are subjected to force applied by a machine at various “vulnerable” points.
The pressure applied is 3 kN for classes 1 and 2, 6 kN for class 3, 10 kN for class 4, and 15 kN for classes 5 and 6. For reference, 10 kN is approximately equivalent to a 1020 kg load.
• EN 1629: Resistance to Dynamic Load
This test evaluates resistance to dynamic impacts, replicating a forceful attack with a battering ram or violent shock.
The resistance is tested by dropping a 50 kg mass on three impact points.
For classes 1 and 2, the drop height is 450 mm; for class 3, 750 mm. For classes 4 and above, no dynamic load testing is required due to the high resistance already demonstrated under static load testing.
• EN 1630: Resistance to Manual Burglary Attempts
This test analyzes resistance against manual attacks using mechanical or power tools, based on the targeted Resistance Class (RC).
The standard defines the tools, force, and duration required to create a hole of predefined minimum dimensions. A test is considered successful if, within the allotted time, specific test templates (two rectangles, one ellipse, and one circle) cannot fit through any openings made.
For this test, different sets of tools are provided to the “attackers,” corresponding to each class. Attackers can use tools from their assigned class as well as all lower-class tools for a specified “contact time.” The total test duration includes contact time, rest time, observation time, and tool change time.
These three tests ensure that each certified and validated product meets strict security requirements and can withstand targeted attacks for a specified period.
3. The EN 356 standard: resistance of burglary-resistant glazing
The EN 356 standard defines the resistance of glazing against burglary attempts and violent impacts. Glazing is classified into two main categories:
- P1A to P5A: Resistance to impacts (mass drop test simulating projectile throws).
- P6B to P8B: Resistance to burglary attempts using tools (axes, hammers).
For high-security buildings, it is recommended to use P6B to P8B classified glazing, as it can delay an attack and deter intruders.
4. European standards for hardware compliance
Joinery subjected to **EN 1627-1630** testing is equipped with a series of accessories that must also meet specific resistance levels to be **compliantly installed in burglary-resistant joinery**. Here are some of them:
- EN 1303: Cylinders and keys
EN 1906: Handles and fittings (lever handles with and without return springs, door knobs, push plates, and similar devices combined with backplates or escutcheons)
EN 12209: Mechanical locks (mechanically operated locks and their strikes)
EN 14846: Electric locks (locks, latch bolts, and their strikes operated by electromechanical means)
5. European standards for panic exit functionality
Doors equipped with panic exit devices must ensure quick evacuation while being resistant to burglary attempts. The combination of EN 179, EN 1125, and EN 1627-1630 standards defines security, resistance, and compliance requirements to effectively protect people and property while allowing free-exit locks to be activated and enabling emergency evacuation through escape routes.
- EN 179 specifies the manufacturing, performance, and testing requirements for emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle or push plate.
- EN 1125 defines the same characteristics, but applied to mechanical panic exit devices, such as panic bars.
These standards specify 10 classification and evaluation criteria for these panic exit hardware systems, also known as “keyless locking hardware”.
Additionally, the EN 1627-1630 standard includes a test to verify that an attacker cannot create an opening that would allow them to reach and operate the panic exit hardware from the protected side.
Download our guides on burglary prevention security.
DOIC P010 | Burglary resistance information
DOIC P010 | Burglary resistance information
DOIC P011 | Burglary resistance (EN 1627-1630) and bullet-proof (EN 1522-1523) classification
DOIC P011 | Burglary resistance (EN 1627-1630) and bullet-proof (EN 1522-1523) classification
DOMQ 0003 | RC3-RC4 | Burglar-resistant overhead sectional door
DOMQ 0003 | RC3-RC4 | Burglar-resistant overhead sectional door
Understanding the Threat: The Different Burglary Methods
Intrusion attempts can take various forms, requiring tailored solutions depending on the level of threat:
- Opportunistic break-in: use of simple tools such as a screwdriver, crowbar, or hammer (RC1-RC2)
- Intrusion with specialized tools: sawing, drilling, mechanical levering, or glass cutting (RC3-RC4)
- Attack with power tools: drills, grinders, or electric saws, aimed at penetrating reinforced structures (RC5-RC6).
Given these risks, security equipment must be tested and validated to withstand the most aggressive attack methods.
🎯 Need advice on securing your building? Contact our experts now!
Why choose anti-intrusion solutions tested and validated in laboratories?
Independent laboratories, such as the CNPP (Centre National de Prévention et de Protection), conduct rigorous tests to ensure the reliability of anti-burglary products. These laboratories are themselves accredited according to strict protocols to perform these tests.
Whether you are a project owner, an architect, or a security manager, choosing certified equipment guarantees reliability and compliance.
Do not let any vulnerability compromise the security of your infrastructures: securing your buildings requires tested and approved solutions that meet European standards EN 1627 to EN 1630.
Contact Metal Quartz to benefit from tailor-made protection solutions adapted to your needs.
Advantages of Certified Solutions:
✅ Proven Security – Verified resistance against real-life attacks.
✅ Regulatory Compliance – Adheres to current European standards.
✅ Insurance & Certification – Facilitates approval for insurance and regulatory bodies.
