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RC6 security doors | Dörrguide

6 April 2023
Security doors RC6 Door guide
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RC6, highest safety class according to European standards

RC6 security doors is a term that corresponds to the absolute highest security class for doors according to the European standard EN 1627. These doors are designed to resist the most advanced burglary attempts and are ideal for protecting high-security environments such as banks, government buildings, military buildings, prisons, detention centers, data centers and other sensitive locations.

RC6 security doors are constructed with high-strength steel plates and extra reinforcements at the corners and sides to prevent the doors from being broken open with heavy tools or other methods. These doors have multiple locking points, including cylinder locks and multi-point locks, which further enhance their security.

To achieve the RC6 classification, the doors undergo rigorous testing by independent test institutes such as RISE or SBSC. To achieve the RC6 classification, the door is required to withstand a 40-minute attack with heavy tools such as chisels, hammers and drills, as well as additional tools such as jigsaws and angle grinders. The attack consists of 15 minutes of effective attack time which means active sawing, breaking and bolting.

How is the testing of RC6 doors done?

The tests are carried out by test institutes accredited by CEN, the European standardization organization. These tests include different types of attacks, such as mechanical manipulation, physical impact and the use of tools to break locks and hinges. The test procedures are carried out by people who have extensive experience in breaking open doors and are therefore well aware of their weaknesses. Strict protocols ensure the highest possible quality and reliability.

RC6 security doors are also tested for fire protection where the door is exposed to high temperatures for a certain period of time to measure its fire safety. This is done in accordance with European standards for fire safety, such as EN 1363-1 and EN 1634-1, to ensure that the door meets the requirements for fire protection classification. The most common fire classes are EI30 and EI60 which provide fire protection in the number of minutes indicated by the number. E stands for tightness or integrity against fire and I stands for insulation.

Testing RC6 security doors in this way ensures the highest possible level of security and protection against intrusion. The tests also allow a comparison between different types of security doors and help customers choose the door that best suits their security needs.

Where do doors under the designation "Security Doors RC6" occur and what are their uses?

Here are some examples of buildings and contexts where RC6 security doors can be used:

building types:

  • Public buildings such as town halls, courts, police stations and fire stations where high security is necessary to protect staff and important documents and equipment.
  • Military buildings and facilities such as barracks and stores where there is a need for high security to protect dangerous as well as sensitive equipment and information.
  • Sensitive infrastructures such as nuclear power plants and airports where high security is necessary to protect against sabotage and terrorist attacks.
  • Public institutions such as hospitals and nursing homes where high security is necessary to protect patients and staff.
  • Commercial buildings such as banks, jewelry stores, casinos and hotels where high security is necessary to protect against robbery and burglary.
  • Private homes where high security is desirable, for example for people with high protection needs or where high values are present in the home.

Facilities:

  • Military facilities such as armouries and command centers
  • Data centers where sensitive information is stored.
  • Prisons and forensic institutions where high security is necessary to protect staff, users and prisoners.
  • Security areas such as borders, ports and airports where high security is necessary to protect against unauthorized access.
  • Public events such as concerts and sports events where high security requirements are needed to prevent sabotage and terrorist attacks.

Types of activities:

  • Companies with high security requirements producing defense or weapons-related products.
  • Businesses with a high risk of burglary or sabotage, such as luxury shops and goldsmiths.
  • Financial institutions such as banks, securities firms and safe deposit boxes where high security is required to protect against burglary and robbery.
  • Authorities with high levels of sensitive information, such as intelligence agencies and the armed forces.

Is an RC6 door fireproof?

When it comes to fire protection, it can vary depending on the manufacturer and specifications of each door. However, most RC6 doors are constructed with fire-resistant materials and tested to withstand a certain period of fire resistance. Typically, the doors are rated to a standard called EI60, which means they can withstand a fire for 60 minutes while being insulated from heat and smoke. An RC6 door should be able to withstand heat of at least 1000°C for a certain period of time. It is therefore important to choose a reliable manufacturer who tests their doors according to European fire protection standards.

What are the main differences between an RC3 and RC6 door?

RC3 and RC6 are classes for security doors that are tested according to European standards to assess their resistance to burglary. The differences between these classes are mainly related to the mechanical properties and construction of the doors.

An RC6 door is constructed with higher safety standards and harder materials than an RC3 door. For example, a thicker steel plate is used in RC6 doors, making them more resistant to mechanical impact. The door frame is also reinforced and attached with several bolts to provide extra stability.

Another important difference is the number of locking points used to secure the door. An RC6 door has a minimum of 5 locking points, while an RC3 door has a minimum of 3. The locks in an RC6 door are also much more advanced than those in an RC3 door, with a combination of mechanical and electronic features to increase security.

What are these doors made of?

RC6 security doors are made from a combination of different materials to achieve high security and fire protection and should meet the following requirements:

  • The door should have a construction classified as RC6 according to the standard SS-EN 1627:2011+A1:2014.
  • The door frame should be made of steel or aluminum.
  • The filling of the door should be of a fire-retardant core such as mineral wool or ceramic material, with an external coating of steel or aluminum.
  • The door leaf should have a design that allows for fire protection properties according to the EI classification.

In addition, the doors may contain other materials such as glass, reinforcing bars and mechanical locks. The choice of materials can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific needs of each project. When using glass, tempered safety glass is used which is rated for RC6.

What variations can I get my RC6 door in?

RC6 doors are available in a range of variations depending on the manufacturer and its specifications. These variations can include different materials, door leaf thickness, fire and sound insulation, color and finish.

According to Boverket, a government agency responsible for building regulations and standards, RC6 doors are usually made of steel and can have a door leaf with a thickness of up to 90 mm. The doors can also be fitted with different types of locking mechanisms, such as multipoint locks or electronic locks.

These doors can also have different levels of fire and sound insulation, which is particularly important in high-risk environments where safety and protection are crucial. RC6 doors are recommended to have required fire resistance, such as at least EI30, EI60 but preferably EI90 and EI120 based on the environments the doors in most cases are installed in.

In addition, RC6 doors can be designed to withstand different levels of explosion pressure, such as 50 kPa or 100 kPa, which is important in environments where there is a higher risk of terrorism or other forms of violence.

RC6 doors can vary in materials, door leaf thickness, locking mechanisms, fire and sound insulation, color and finish, and levels of explosion safety. Note that different manufacturers may have different specifications, so it is important to verify each individual door's specification to ensure that it meets the requirements needed for your application.

Buzzer

An RC6 security door is by far one of the most secure doors on the market. It is made of high quality materials that provide strong protection against burglary, sabotage and terrorism. The door also has a high level of fire safety and is usually equipped with a classification such as EI60, which means that it can withstand a fire for 60 minutes while insulating from heat and smoke. RC6 doors are available in different variants and can be adapted to your needs. With an RC6 door, you get an extra reliable and durable solution for security and protection.

FAQ

Why choose RC6 classification?

RC stands for Resistance Class and is a standard used to assess the security level of a door or window. RC6 is the highest level and means that the door is designed to have a very high resistance to burglary and sabotage. An example of what this means is that it can withstand burglary attempts by experienced thieves with heavy tools for 30-40 minutes. Another example is that the door is very thick, around 90 mm, which is about 20 mm thicker than an RC5 door. The thickness of the door leaf is not everything, but it goes without saying that a thicker door will be more difficult to replace.

Are there any limitations or disadvantages of an RC6 door?

A disadvantage of an RC6 door is that it can be relatively heavy and require a stronger door frame and options. It can also be difficult to find a manufacturer that can meet the requirements for the highest level of security. Finally, it is a sophisticated product that is equipped with exclusive materials in addition to an advanced manufacturing process. Hence, the cost is also naturally higher than for lower-rated doors.

How do I maximise the life of an RC6 door?

The finish of an RC6 door can be an important factor in its burglary resistance and durability. Various surface treatments, such as powder coating, anodizing and paint coating, can provide additional protection against corrosion, wear and tear and external influences, which can increase the lifespan of the door and also affect its burglary resistance.

How do different locks and locking mechanisms affect the burglary resistance of RC6 doors?

There are different types of locks and locking mechanisms that can be used in RC6 doors, such as cylinders, code locks, mechanical latches and electronic locks. The choice of lock and locking mechanism depends on the desired security level and application.

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