Prison security:specific tests for joinery dedicated to the prison environment
The AE20 standard, established by the Federal Public Service (FPS) Justice in Belgium, defines the burglary resistance requirements specific to joinery intended for penitentiary institutions. This standard aims to ensure an optimal level of security within the prison environment by imposing strict criteria for doors, grilles, frames, and other joinery elements used in prisons.
Prison security and AE20 standard framework
The FPS Justice, both judge and client
The AE20 performance is not a standardized European performance; it is specific to the prison sector in Belgium, supervised, tested, and validated by the FPS Justice in collaboration with the Buildings Agency.
Importance of the AE20 standard for penitentiary institutions
The strict application of the AE20 standard is crucial to ensure the security of penitentiary establishments. It guarantees that the installed joinery offers adequate protection against escape attempts, thereby contributing to the safety of the staff, inmates, and the public.
Moreover, compliance with this standard is essential to meet the legal security obligations within the Belgian prison environment. Prison authorities must ensure that all installations conform to the criteria defined by the FPS Justice in order to prevent incidents related to security breaches.
Requirements of the AE20 standard
The AE20 standard specifies the minimum performance levels that joinery must achieve in terms of burglary resistance. It considers various factors, such as the strength of materials, the quality of locks, resistance to sabotage attempts, and durability in the specific environmental conditions of prisons.
Conformity tests for the AE20 standard are carried out by the FPS Justice itself, where the joinery is subjected to trials simulating break-in attempts. These tests assess the products’ ability to withstand tools and techniques commonly used during escape attempts.
It is a specific application of burglary resistance performance for penitentiary buildings, characterized by the fact that attackers are allowed two drilling attempts. In each trial, two individuals attempt to breach the joinery for 20 continuous minutes, either alternately or simultaneously.
Static pressure tests
Static pressure tests are always conducted in the direction of the door opening. A force of 5, 25, 35, or 75 kN (depending on the perimeter class) is applied to the center of the joinery. The pressure is applied using a hydraulic pump.
The test is deemed successful if no opening is created when the required pressure limit is reached. The success of the test is confirmed by the issuance of a test report. If the tested object is a door, it must still be able to open, close, and lock properly after the test. The door is tested under normal locking conditions (with the deadbolt engaged or not).
Download our guides designed for penitentiary institutions
FTMQ 0201 | AE20-P1 | Prison fixed frame – Glazed or barred
FTMQ 0201 | AE20-P1 | Prison fixed frame – Glazed or barred
FTMQ 0009 | RC3 | Cell door
FTMQ 0009 | RC3 | Cell door
FTMQ 0008 | AE20-P0-P1 | Single and double prison door | Solid, glazed or barred
FTMQ 0008 | AE20-P0-P1 | Single and double prison door | Solid, glazed or barred
Perimeter classes in penitentiary institutions
The AE20 performance is divided into 4 different classes, from P0 to P3, depending on the security perimeter level of the prison.
The further one moves away from the core of the prison building, the higher the expected performance level. Metal Quartz specializes in high-security prison joinery at P1 and P0 levels.
Perimeter wall in concrete, doors and gate within this wall. This is the primary protection of the prison against the outside world.
Static pressure 75 kN
Refers to possible exit points from buildings, access to more secure areas, or locations where extreme assaults may occur.
Static pressure 35 kN
Refers to areas where inmates may be present alone or in groups, but where perimeter breaches or escapes from buildings are not possible.
Static pressure 25 kN
Refers to areas where inmates may transit or work in small groups, always under supervision.
Static pressure 5 kN
