Prison security

Prison security requires solutions that combine certified performance with robust reliability and predictable installation. Metal Quartz develops and supplies a complete range for this purpose: cell doors, prison doors, prison windows, fixed grilles, and armored parcel transfer hatches.

Each element is designed and tested according to the relevant European standards, with clear classifications for burglary resistance and – where applicable – ballistic resistance. The result is a set of building blocks with which new construction and renovation of detention and justice environments can be carried out consistently. In related contexts – such as police stations (including interrogation or Salduz rooms) and juvenile institutions – finishes and configurations make it possible to apply the same security logic without forcing an explicitly “cellular” look.

Normative basis: EN 1627–1630 and EN 1522–1523 / EN 1063

The European standards EN 1627–1630 define six resistance classes (RC1 to RC6) for doors, windows, curtain walls, grilles, and shutters. They provide for static (EN 1628), dynamic (EN 1629), and manual tests (EN 1630) with defined tool sets and test durations; for higher classes, the load and complexity increase. The link with glazing classes from EN 356 (P6B–P8B) is explicit: up to RC4, the glazing is not attacked directly; from RC5 onwards, both the glazing and the fixing system are tested.

For ballistic performance, EN 1522–1523 (FB classes for the complete element) and EN 1063 (BR classes for glazing) apply. The closed classes FB1–FB7/BR1–BR7 correspond to increasing ballistic threats; in addition, there is an open AK47 class. The ballistic tests for Metal Quartz products were carried out in recognized laboratories: the Banc National d’Épreuve in Saint-Étienne and the Department of Weapons Systems and Ballistics of the Royal Military Academy in Brussels. These official test facilities ensure that the results fully comply with European standards.

Prison security: tailor-made solutions for every context

Prison security requires an integrated approach with doors, windows, grilles, and transfer systems that meet the strictest European standards. Metal Quartz offers a complete range of products that can be used not only in prisons, but also in police stations, Salduz rooms, and juvenile institutions. Thanks to customization, RAL-color finishes, and various configurations, solutions can be integrated both functionally and contextually, without an explicitly cellular appearance where this is not desired.

RC3 cell doors for police and prison security

The RC3 cell door was developed “specifically for police and prison security” and combines high mechanical robustness with compliant ventilation (RC3-compatible grille solutions) and option packages for locking systems and access control. The service life was tested at 1,000,000 cycles (door) and 200,000 cycles for the automatic closer.

Available configurations include, among others, a handcuff hatch, various types of security locks, and integration with access control (fail safe/fail secure). The datasheet also specifies the maximum dimensions per configuration.

Prison doors AE20 (P0/P1)

For indoor and outdoor applications, AE20-P0/P1 prison doors are available as single or double doors, with solid, glazed, or barred execution. The basic equipment includes steel profiles, RAL-color finishing, and a 200 mm recessed steel frame. Locking equipment can include both mechanical and electric prison locks.

The same family of doors can – depending on project requirements – be combined with additional performance such as thermal insulation and ballistic steel armor (FB4 or FB6).

Prison windows AE20-P1 (glazed or with bars)

The AE20-P1 fixed window is available in a glazed version (with thermal break, suitable for exterior use) and in a barred version (typically for interior compartmentalization or doubling). Standard frame sizes: minimum 500 × 500 mm; maximum 500 × 1500 mm (vertical) or 1500 × 500 mm (horizontal). Installation can be tunnel-mounted; RAL-color finishing is provided. Optionally, ballistic steel armor FB4 or FB6 can be integrated.

Fixed grilles (RC3–RC5)

For openings where intrusion or damage must be prevented, fixed grilles are available in RC3, RC4, and RC5. These are explicitly positioned for “prisons” and other high-security environments.

Armored parcel transfer hatch (RC4–FB6)

The armored parcel transfer hatch is a controlled transfer solution that can be executed simultaneously in RC4 burglary resistance and FB6 ballistic resistance. The equipment includes, among others, BR6S/P6B glazing, 12 or 24 V power supply, and cylinders according to EN 1303. Interlocking with PLC control and status LEDs ensure sequential operation and observation. RAL-color finishing is provided.

Prison security: clarity on document types and test reports

For ballistic performance, it is crucial to distinguish between material certificates, orientation tests, and official homologation test reports. Only the homologation report confirms that the fully tested element – including connections – complies with the standard.

Hardware and cylinders

Where cylinders are required, the documentation refers to EN 1303:2015 with criteria regarding performance, durability, and security; for higher burglary resistance classes, additional requirements apply and the fittings themselves are also tested.

Quality assurance

Metal Quartz operates within a certified quality management system (ISO 9001:2015), providing process assurance from design to delivery.

Integration into projects: prisons, police stations, juvenile institutions

In prison projects, the components mentioned above are combined to form a coherent security shell: cell doors in the cell wing, AE20 prison doors for compartmentalization and access, AE20 windows as the exterior envelope or in interior compartments, fixed grilles where ventilation and anti-intrusion protection are combined, and transfer hatches for controlled logistics. The same components are suitable for police stations (including cells and interrogation rooms) and institutions with strict access control. In juvenile institutions, the choice of finishing (RAL paint), glazing, or covering panels can create a less “cellular” appearance, without compromising the required performance. (Finishing options and RAL colors: see AE20 doors and windows.)

Prison security: selection and dimensioning

The choice of RC or FB class depends on the risk analysis: type of aggressor, method and tools, and desired response time. The Icomet documentation links risk typology to the EN classes and explains how the test methods are structured. This ensures that the correct class for a door, window, grille, or transfer hatch is documented and reproducibly chosen.

Maintenance and service life of prison security

Cell doors and prison windows are passive security products. As long as their structural integrity is preserved and the fittings are properly maintained, performance remains within the limits defined in the test reports. The RC3 cell door has been intensively tested for cycles; this durability test supports predictable use in 24/7 environments. For all elements, the official test reports and homologations serve as reference documentation.

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