System to certify windows/doors with burglary-resistant characteristics

With the increased occurrence of burglaries, buyers of windows/doors are interested in certified burglaryresistant products according to EN 1627. EN 1627 defines the resistance category (ranging from class RC1 to RC6) against burglary based on the standardized test process, forces applied, tools used, and resistance durations. Various parameters such as the construction, the dimensions, the types of glass, the glass fixation into the windows/door, the closure mechanisms used including the fasteners employed and how a window/door is being installed on-site are important determinants of the strength properties of the component. Yet, designing and testing individual windows/doors for certification according to EN 1627 is time consuming and costly. For these reasons, the University of Applied Sciences Bern (BFH) in collaboration with the Swiss Windows Association (Schweizerischer Fachverband Fenster- und Fassadenbranche, FFF) researched the interrelationship of various existing windows/doors systems including different design specifications, hardware, wood species and specifications (lamellas, fingerjointed, solid), glass insertion methods, fastener type and location, and windows/doors geometry to evaluate their performance in respect to burglary protection. Using the data, a construction manual for the designing and manufacture of certified burglary-resistant windows/doors according to EN 1627 class RC2 windows/doors was created. This construction manual will facilitate the production of certified EN 1627 class RC2 burglary resistant windows/doors and thus help windows/doors manufacturers save cost.