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RC2 security doors | Dörrguide

1 April 2023
Security doors RC2 Door guide
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How long does the RC2 door resist a burglary attempt?

RC2 doors, also called RC2 security doors, are tested according to the European standard EN 1627. The RC2 door is a security door built to withstand planned burglary attempts using tools and a higher degree of force for a longer period of time, compared to an RC1 door. To obtain RC2 certification, a door must be able to withstand burglary attempts for at least 3 minutes.

The EN 1627-1630 standard consists of four classes: RC1 to RC6, with RC6 being the highest class. RC2 is one of the most common and requested door classes. The doors are used in many different contexts, such as office buildings, public buildings, shops and homes.

This type of door has undergone rigorous and realistic testing. It is rated to withstand attempted break-ins using small tools such as screwdrivers, hammers, wedges and the like. The door can withstand a load of up to 6 kN on the lock and 1.5 kN on the corner. In addition, the door should withstand a greater number of repetitions of impact over a longer period of time. RC2 is tested for a simulated burglary with a total attack time of 15 minutes and an effective attack time of 3 minutes. Total attack time means that time for resting and planning the next step has been taken into account. During the effective attack time there is active tapping, kicking and filing. Since this is extremely energy-intensive, a realistic distribution is that the effective attack takes place in 3 minutes out of 15 minutes of total burglary attempts.

As with an RC1 door, exactly how long an RC2 door can resist a burglary attempt depends on several factors. In general, it can be said that an RC2 door can resist a burglary attempt for several minutes, up to half an hour or more, depending on how equipped and skilled the perpetrator is. An RC2 door is a security solution for those who want a door that is one level more secure than RC1. RC1 doors are usually standard in, for example, apartment buildings or storage rooms.

How is the door tested?

The doors are tested by accredited laboratories and must meet certain specific requirements to obtain an RC2 certification. The tests are carried out by attempting to break open the door using a variety of tools and techniques. During the tests, a number of impacts are performed to assess its resistance. For example, they look at the time it takes to open the door, the type of tool used and the type of damage caused to the door.

Finally, the door is also assessed on the basis of its stability and locking function, which includes lock cases, cylinders, handles, hinges and general door construction. Whether or not the door can still be locked after an attack is an important control function.

Where are the doors referred to as "RC2 security doors"?

RC2 doors are commonly used in residential areas with a higher risk of burglary, such as in metropolitan areas or in areas where there is a higher concentration of valuable property. They are also used in commercial buildings, such as shopping centers, stores and connecting stairwells. There is no real limit to the uses of an RC2 door, but rather it is a matter of need. In some cases, an RC1 door is sufficient, for example where there is a higher class external door that provides sufficient overall protection. In other cases, a higher protection class is required to extend the time of a possible break-in. But it can also be a case of wanting greater security or cheaper insurance through a higher-rated door.

Is an RC2 door fireproof?

Doors under the designation "Security doors RC2" are not necessarily fire resistant. Fire safety is usually measured by another standard, such as EI30, EI60 or EI90, which assesses the ability of doors to keep out fire and smoke. An RC2 certification focuses primarily on burglary protection. Usually, however, an RC2 door is fire rated at EI30, which provides good overall protection. Even a non-fire-rated steel door is relatively fireproof compared to other door types, due to its robust steel construction.

What is an RC2 door made of?

It consists of several layers of high-quality materials, including an external coating of steel or aluminum that provides additional protection against attack. The door is usually equipped with high-quality locking systems, hinges and other security components, and usually has a minimum thickness of 40 mm. Any glazed openings in the door, both large and small, usually have safety glass to prevent anyone from entering by breaking the glass.

The door leaf consists of a core of insulating material, such as mineral wool or foam, which provides thermal and acoustic insulation. To increase the stability and strength of the door leaf, the inside can be covered with an MDF panel.

The door frame is made of reinforced steel to prevent it from being broken or unscrewed. The lock case is made of high-strength steel to prevent it from being broken or drilled open. The lock cylinder and door handle are made in the highest quality and in materials such as steel or brass.

Equipment and function

The door leaf of an RC2 class security door can have a steel or aluminum coating on the outside for increased resistance. MaxiDoor's RC-2 door IB-BD has a door leaf built in 1.25 mm steel plate with internal stabilization bars and 4 mm breaking protection. The door leaf insulation consists of form-cut mineral wool with a total door thickness of 54 mm. The inside of the door can be reinforced with a combination of materials, such as steel, wood or aluminum, for increased stability.

The locking system of an RC2 class security door is also of utmost importance for its security properties. This can include a cylinder lock and lock case made of high quality material such as boron steel or brass, which provides extra protection against tampering and breakage.

The door handle of an RC2 security door can have an anti-tampering function and additional protective features to prevent or complicate physical attacks. This can be achieved through a special design of the handle, choice of materials and finishes, as well as through advanced locking systems. All with the aim of reducing or eliminating weaknesses in the door structure. Examples include lock protection, push handles and emergency handles that only allow the door to be opened in one direction.

In addition to this, there are several other features that can enhance security features. Common options include, for example, a door viewer that allows you to inspect who is standing outside the door before opening it, a security chain that prevents the door from being opened from the outside, or a door stop that prevents the door from opening unexpectedly. All these features contribute to creating a more difficult-to-penetrate door.

Variations and benefits

RC2 class security doors can have different design features and be adapted for different applications. But whatever the type of door, the most important thing is that it meets the security requirements. Here are some examples:

  • Single door

    Simple RC2 class security door that can be used, for example, to protect an entrance or a room.

  • Double door

    Double doors can be used to protect a wider entrance or a larger opening.

  • Fire door

    The RC2 class security door can also have fire-retardant properties to protect against fire and smoke.

  • Soundproof door

    RC2 class security doors can have high sound insulation to reduce sound transmission. 35 dB is standard.

  • Door with glass inserts

    An RC2 class door can have glass inserts with different security levels. Reinforced protective glass is standard.

  • Door with ventilation

    An RC2 rated door may have ventilation facilities for improved air circulation. An example is the ventilation hatch.

What are the material types of "Security doors RC2"?

RC2 class security doors can be made from different materials such as steel, aluminum, wood and glass. The choice of material depends on the customer's preferences and the manufacturer's design and security requirements.

  • Steel

    A durable and strong material often used to manufacture RC2 class security doors. Steel doors can be covered with a surface of wood, plastic or other material to provide an aesthetically pleasing design.

  • Aluminum

    Aluminum is a light and strong material that can also be used to make RC2 class security doors.

  • wood

    A traditional material often used to make doors. RC2 class security doors can be made in solid wood or with a steel core covered with wood for extra strength.

  • Glass

    Protective glass is often used as a window material in RC2 class security doors. It can be used as a fully or partially glazed panel on the door and reinforced with laminated or tempered glass.

A summary

In summary, RC2 is a standard for security doors that sets out the requirements that must be met for doors to receive certification. RC2 doors are an effective barrier to burglary and are made from robust materials such as steel or aluminum, with extra reinforcements in the structure, locking system and hinges. Simply put, a good choice for those who care about security.

 

FAQ

What is the most common type of lock on an RC2 door?

Typically, a multi-point lock is the most common type of lock on an RC2 door. This locks the door at multiple points around the frame, providing increased protection.

How does the thickness of the door leaf affect the security of an RC2 door?

The thicker the door leaf, the more resistant the door is to burglary attempts. A typical door leaf for an RC2 door is usually between 42-50 mm thick.

What types of tests are performed on an RC2 door to check its security?

RC2 doors are often tested through various burglary tests using tools such as screwdrivers, hammers and wedges. The doors are also tested to see how well they resist fire, sound and water pressure.

What is the difference between an RC2 door and a regular door?

The difference between an RC2 door and an ordinary door lies in its resistance to burglary. An RC2 door has a higher level of security and has been designed and tested to withstand a tougher level of burglary attempts and other threats.

Can I customize my RC2 door according to my wishes and style?

Yes, there are a variety of options for material, color, design and accessories such as locks and handles to create a door that suits different types of building design.