Burglar-proof windows and doors fall into the large category of passive home security systems, which includes solutions, products, technologies and methods to protect living spaces from thieves and intruders. When added to so-called active security systems such as electrical and electronic devices that can identify, signal and interrupt active attacks in the home(two examples: perimeter alarm systems and video surveillance systems), anti-burglary windows create a complete ecosystem that promotes comfort and serenity within the residential space.
Often also called security or armored windows (and at times bulletproof windows), high-quality burglar-proof windows also perform numerous other complementary functions: they improve the aesthetics of the building, they contribute to people’s well-being thanks to their thermo-acoustic insulation characteristics, they provide natural light and air indoors and, with their style, enrich (or even characterize!) the interior design of the house.
The preliminary choice parameter in the purchase phase of armored doors, however, always concerns their security class: understanding and identifying it represents the starting point for equipping oneself with a reliable, effective anti-intrusion system that aligns with the security needs of the home and the people living in it.
Burglar-resistant windows and doors: discovering RC burglar-proof classes
Anti-burglary classes refer to a categorization that allows the security level of windows and doors to be precisely determined based on their ability to resist an intrusion attempt made with different burglary tools. This means that, when purchasing your armored or bulletproof windows, you must be clear about your home’s security needs and identify the most appropriate class.
First, it’s important to remember that anti-burglary classes are determined according to exponentially higher security levels. Specifically, there are “degrees of resistance to forcing of closing systems or safety devices”. Each class is regulated through specific principles and is based on static, dynamic and manual attack load tests compliant with a real break-in attempt: we are not talking about hypothetical classes, but realistic ones!
The classes that determine the resistance of windows and doors to break-in attempts are called RC security classes (Resistance Class) and allow us to obtain a complete picture of the different attacks the window can discourage. They also comply with univocal and objective criteria established by the UNI EN 1627-1628-1629-1630 regulations of the European Community.
Let’s discover the six RC classes relating to fixtures and what type of aggression they refer to.
- RC1: refers to physical break-in attempts without the use of particular tools.
- RC2: relates to intrusion attempts involving simple manual tools, such as knives or screwdrivers.
- RC3: in this case, the fixture can resist break-in attempts, which include using tools such as perforators and crowbars.
- RC4: the window can resist an intrusion attempt with battery-powered drills and saws. This anti-burglary class is ideal for high-security areas.
- RC5: refers to the window’s resistance to attacks perpetrated not only with all the tools listed so far but also with aggressive electrical devices such as drills and specific saws.
- RC6: is the last class foreseen and the highest ever. It refers to break-in attempts that are complex and prolonged over time. It involves using all the tools indicated so far, plus other particularly offending electrical devices.
It is also essential to remember that, on average, burglars attempt to force windows and doors for a limited period: two to five minutes of “work” are sufficient for an expert thief to break into a standard window frame. If the intruder finds himself dealing with an armored window, this time can go up to twenty minutes.
This is no small detail if you consider that time is crucial during an attempted home burglary: the longer the windows and doors can rebuff the thief’s intrusion attempts, the safer they will prove to be and the greater the possibility that the burglar will walk away and interrupt the attack.
Security classes of burglar-proof windows and doors: criteria for a suitable choice
Having clarified what RC classes refer to and what level of safety they provide, how should the security class be chosen when purchasing your windows and doors?
First and foremost, we suggest contacting a company specializing in armored doors, windows, and passive security systems. These professionals will evaluate the most suitable RC class for each customer based on the analysis of the settings and the context in which the property is located (geographical area, percentage of break-in and intrusion attempts in the area, type of building, assets to be protected, etc.). In this sense, GINKO experts are always available to support you!
However, there are certainly some general considerations that are worth making. For example, an RC1 security class window is relatively simple for an attacker to break into. And although an RC2 class window is undoubtedly more robust and resistant and may be suitable for particular contexts, an expert burglar could still neutralize it if they had the right tools of the trade.
Therefore, you will have to make specific considerations for each space and application: you can choose an RC1 or RC2 class for an internal door that delimits the entrance to a room containing valuable items or install an RC2 burglar-resistant window if its exposure is on an internal courtyard in a building where a perimeter defense system is already installed.
Although absolute impenetrability does not exist, we still recommend equipping yourself with RC3 class armored windows if the home is in an isolated but quiet area. We instead recommend the RC4 burglar-proof class to protect properties in areas subject to home theft.
The windows and doors that fall into the last two classes, RC5 and RC6 respectively, are used only sporadically in residential contexts: their extreme safety makes them ideal for the challenging needs of public or military environments. However, it is still possible to install armored windows of this type – or even bulletproof windows – in your home.
Whatever your security needs, GINKO provides a complete range of security and bulletproof windows and doors that are unrivaled in terms of performance or design: explore our product catalog in detail to learn more about armored shutters, security windows (also available in a sliding version), armored doors and even bulletproof windows which, with their formidable resistance and advanced aesthetics, revolutionize industry standards.