Understanding Security Door Ratings in the UK: A Guide for Businesses

When it comes to securing commercial properties, choosing the right security-rated door is essential. In the UK, security doors are classified based on rigorous testing standards to ensure they can withstand forced entry attempts, fire hazards, and other security threats. Understanding these ratings can help businesses select the most suitable protection for their industry. 

In this guide, we have broken down the most common security ratings you’re likely to see when researching doors for your retail and business needs.

Key Security Ratings for Doors in the UK

LPS 1175 (Loss Prevention Standard) 

This rating, developed by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB), measures resistance against physical attacks. Doors are graded into Security Ratings (SR), from SR1 to SR5: 

• SR1 & SR2 – Suitable for residential properties, offices, and retail units with low to moderate risk. 

• SR3 – Ideal for high-risk retail environments, data centres, and commercial premises. 

• SR4 & SR5 – Designed for critical infrastructure, banks, and government buildings where security is paramount. 

PAS 24 (Enhanced Security Performance) 

This standard is commonly applied to residential and commercial doors to ensure they resist common burglary methods. It is a minimum requirement for Secured by Design (SBD) accreditation and is recommended for: 

• Apartment blocks and housing developments 

• Office buildings and small businesses 

EN 1627-1630 (European Security Standard) 

European security ratings classify doors from RC1 to RC6 based on resistance to burglary tools and attack duration: 

• RC1-RC2 – Basic protection against casual intrusion, suitable for homes and small offices. 

• RC3 – Offers protection against more experienced intruders, ideal for retail stores and warehouses. 

• RC4-RC6 – High-security protection used in banks, government buildings, and military installations. 

FD Ratings (Fire Door Resistance) 

While not strictly security-related, fire-rated doors are essential for safety. Ratings such as FD30, FD60, FD90, and FD120 indicate how many minutes a door can withstand fire. These are crucial for: 

• Hospitals and care homes 

• Schools and public buildings 

• Industrial and manufacturing facilities 

Which High-Security Door Should I buy? 

Choosing the right security door for your business can be a bit of a maze, with so many different options and ratings to pour through. While each circumstance is individually unique, the following can be useful as an indicative guide.

• Retail & Warehousing – SR2-SR3 or RC3 doors to protect against theft and break-ins. 

• Banking & Finance – SR4-SR5 or RC4+ doors to prevent forced entry. 

• Data Centres & IT Facilities – LPS 1175 SR3+ doors to safeguard sensitive information. 

• Government & Military – RC5-RC6 doors for national security and restricted access. 

• Healthcare & Education – FD-rated doors for fire protection and safety compliance. 

Ultimately, selecting a door with the appropriate security rating depends on the level of risk your industry faces. Consulting a security specialist can help ensure your business meets compliance requirements and maintains a high level of protection. 

Choosing the Right Security Door for Your Business 

For expert advice and high-security solutions, visit Secure Safe today and safeguard your premises with industry-certified doors.