PAS 24 for premium doors
Written for Windows Active May 2008 issue
Carl F Petersen Ltd advise that quality hardware and manufacturing are key to achieving PAS 24. In this report for Windows Active, Bruce Bradshaw, Business Development Manager for Carl F, an established distributor of window and door hardware, reports on why the standard is important and what hardware products help to create a secure door.
"For some, legislation and regulations might seem to be tiresome protocol. However, a number of standards impact the hardware market and are important to both suppliers and customers. Taking the example of PAS 24, it is significant to the home owner as it offers peace of mind, a safe/secure environment and provides protection for all living in the dwelling.
But the benefits of PAS 24 extend beyond those in 'residence', there are important reasons why doors should carry the endorsement. Most importantly, by demonstrating that the standard has been met, a premium door is created and this presents the opportunity to add value and differentiate the offer.
Before expanding on benefits and outlining the product lines available from Carl F, it will be beneficial to summarise the standard. PAS 24 is an attack test standard which certifies that a particular door, frame, lock and hardware set has withstood a series of physical tests based on common methods of burglary.
Getting physical: Physical tests for PAS 24 assess the ability of a complete door to resist forced entry by a variety of means: examples include mechanically applying a load to distort the door in order that entry could be gained. Other test procedures are heavy weight impact and attempted 'break in' using a variety of readily available tools.
There are two key components required to achieving PAS 24. First, appropriate hardware should be chosen and at Carl F we have devoted considerable technical resource to sourcing fittings that will help to create a secure door. Second, premium manufacturing processes are essential: this is achieved through identifying quality profiles and manufacturing to meet the profile company's guidelines.
A complementary Carl F portfolio: With regard to hardware, a complementary portfolio of hardware lines has been identified by Carl F including a door lock, hinge, handle and anti-bump cylinder. The products presented in Carl F Petersen's new edition hardware catalogue, and summarised in a specific PAS 24 brochure, include Fuhr multi-point door locks. With a patented dual action mechanism, in normal use the one piece lock will continue to operate smoothly for at least 200,000 cycles. Other selling points of the Fuhr lock are its ten year guarantee, Secured by Design endorsement, the fact that it is BBA assessed and that it has MLA approval.
The Simonswerk 3-D hinge is the second product in Carl F's PAS 24 portfolio. With a security pin as standard, the hinge prevents the sash from being lifted off and is crucial for opening out doors. Benefits include high pull out strength, no maintenance, extensive single hand adjustment and no requirement for packers.
Third in our PAS 24 line up of products is the HOPPE Enhanced Security Handle. This is possibly the most secure handle currently available. Even well after withstanding the three minute test, the handle could not be removed from the door - actual damage was minimal which was clear evidence of its strength and security.
Anti-bump cylinders are also presented in Carl F's PAS 24 range. Cylinder bumping has caused considerable concern and, in response, BSI introduced a Kitemark scheme (BS EN1303). The cylinder available from Carl F is the first to achieve the Kitemark licence. Other benefits of the anti-bump cylinder are its availability in a wide range of sizes and the fact that it is anti-bump on both sides therefore avoiding any installation errors.
It is important to emphasise that the role of hardware distributor goes beyond simply providing access to pre-selected product lines. And, while PAS 24 is important, it is understandable that not everyone can be an expert in legislation. The distributor needs to provide competent and informed technical support that is available from one port of call. With this in mind, we offer an advisory service at Carl F that provides a one-stop information source. "
