Security Rated Buyers Guide

Security rated products are doors, shutters, and grilles that have been independently tested to resist forced entry for a defined period of time.

Unlike standard products, they are designed to:

• Delay or prevent unauthorised access
• Withstand physical attack using tools
• Provide a visible deterrent

They are commonly used in:

• Retail and commercial premises
• Warehouses and industrial buildings
• Public sector buildings
• High-value storage areas

These products are often required to meet insurance or compliance requirements.

Understanding Security Ratings (LPS1175 & PAS 24)

Security products are tested against recognised standards to measure how well they resist attack.

LPS1175 (Loss Prevention Standard)

LPS1175 is one of the most widely recognised UK security standards, developed by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB). It tests how long a product can resist forced entry using specific tools.

There are two main versions currently in use:

LPS1175 Issue 7 (Legacy Standard)

• Uses Security Ratings (SR) such as SR1, SR2, SR3
• Each level increases in attack resistance
• Commonly referenced by insurers and existing specifications

LPS1175 Issue 8 (Current Standard)

• Updated and more rigorous testing standard
• Uses A, B, C tool classifications and timed attack categories
• Provides a more detailed and realistic assessment of attack methods

What This Means in Practice:

• Higher ratings = greater resistance to attack
• Higher ratings are typically required for higher-risk environments
• Insurance companies may specify a minimum rating

PAS 24

PAS 24 is a security standard focused on resistance to opportunistic attack, commonly used for doors and windows.

It tests:

• Locking systems
• Door strength
• Resistance to forced entry using basic tools

When is PAS 24 Used?

• Residential and light commercial applications
• Lower to medium risk environments
• Where insurance-approved high-security ratings are not required
  
  
  

There are three main types of security rated products, each suited to different applications.

Security Rated Roller Shutters

• Ideal for large openings such as shopfronts and warehouses
• Provide a strong physical barrier
• Available in steel or aluminium

Security Rated Grilles

• Provide protection while maintaining visibility
• Suitable for retail and internal applications
• Often retractable for flexible access

Security Rated Steel Doors

• Used for controlled access points
• Provide high levels of security and durability
• Suitable for internal and external use

Combined Security Products

• Some products combine security with fire resistance or insulation
• Suitable for more complex requirements
  
  
  

Choosing the correct product depends on your building and level of risk.

Key considerations:

Level of Risk

• Low, medium, or high-risk environment

Type of Opening

• Large openings, doorways, or internal spaces

Security Requirements

• Standard or insurance-approved

Usage

• Frequency of access and operation

Visibility

• Whether you need to see through the product

Matching the product to the application ensures the correct level of protection.

Operation varies depending on the type of product.

Roller Shutters

• Manual or electric operation
• Electric recommended for larger or high-use shutters

Security Grilles

• Typically manual operation
• Sliding or folding systems

Steel Doors

• Hinged manual operation
• Can include electronic access control

Automation Options

• Remote control systems
• Access control integration
• Automated opening and closing

The correct operation method depends on how the product is used daily.

Security rated products are manufactured using robust materials designed for strength and durability.

Common Materials:

• Steel for maximum strength
• Aluminium for lighter weight and corrosion resistance

Build Quality Considerations:

• Thickness of materials
• Locking systems
• Reinforcement and design

Higher quality construction improves:

• Security performance
• Durability
• Resistance to attack
  

Security products can be customised to suit both functional and aesthetic requirements.

Configuration Options:

• Different sizes and opening types
• Internal or external installation

Additional Features:

• Vision panels or open designs
• Integration with access systems
• Combination with fire-rated features

Colour and Finish:

• Powder coated finishes in a wide range of colours
• Custom finishes available

Customisation allows security to be achieved without compromising design.

Correct installation is essential for security performance.

Installation Types:

• Face fix or reveal fix
• Installed into masonry or structural steel

Key Considerations:

• Strength of the supporting structure
• Correct fixing methods
• Alignment and operation

Improper installation can reduce the effectiveness of the security rating.

Security products require regular maintenance to ensure continued performance.

Typical Maintenance:

• Checking locks and fixings
• Inspecting moving parts
• Ensuring smooth operation

Life Span Factors:

• Frequency of use
• Environmental conditions
• Quality of installation

Well-maintained systems provide long-term protection and reliability.

The cost of security rated products depends on:

• Type of product (shutter, grille, or door)
• Security rating level
• Size and specification
• Operation and control system

General Pricing Guidance:

• Security grilles are typically the most cost-effective
• Roller shutters provide mid-range solutions for larger openings
• Steel doors offer high security for access points
• Higher security ratings increase cost

The cost of security rated roller shutters varies primarily according to the required LPS 1175 certification level, as higher ratings require reinforced curtain profiles, upgraded guide rails, enhanced locking systems, and heavier structural components. Prices below are indicative and exclude VAT unless stated.

Lower-Level Certification (Issue 7 SR1 / Issue 8 A1–B3 Equivalent)

Designed to resist opportunistic attacks using basic tools.

• From £1,800 – £2,800 supplied and installed
• Typically suitable for lower-risk commercial units or where insurers require entry-level certification.

Often available in reinforced aluminium or steel depending on specification.

Mid-Level Certification (Issue 7 SR2–SR3 / Issue 8 C3–D5 Equivalent)

Provides protection against more determined attacks using a broader range of tools.

• From £2,500 – £4,000 installed
• Commonly specified for higher-value retail, pharmacies, and commercial premises in moderate-risk areas.

Usually manufactured in reinforced steel with upgraded locking and guide systems.

Higher-Level Certification (Issue 7 SR4+ / Issue 8 E and Above)

Designed for high-risk environments with resistance to aggressive and sustained attack methods.

• From £4,000 – £7,500+ installed
• Suitable for high-value retail, data centres, critical infrastructure, and locations with strict insurance requirements.

These shutters feature heavy-duty steel construction and enhanced structural fixings.

Security rated grilles are priced based on the LPS 1175 security level, grille type (fixed bars, mesh panels, or retractable), opening size, and installation requirements. Higher security levels require heavier materials, reinforced frames, and certified fixing methods.

LPS 1175 Security Level 1

Protection against opportunist attacks using minimal tools.

Typical applications: low risk commercial sites or residential security upgrades.

• Supply only: From £500 – £900 per opening
• Supplied and installed: From £800 – £1,400 per opening

LPS 1175 Security Level 2

Higher resistance against forced entry using more capable tools.

Typical applications: offices, schools, and commercial premises.

• Supply only: From £875 – £1,500 per opening
• Supplied and installed: From £1,375 – £2,375 per opening

LPS 1175 Security Level 3

Heavy duty protection designed to resist sustained attack.

Typical applications: retail premises, warehouses, utilities, and infrastructure.

• Supply only: From £1,125 – £2,000 per opening
• Supplied and installed: From £1,750 – £3,000 per opening

Retractable security grilles certified to Level 3 are commonly used across doorways and internal openings.

LPS 1175 Security Level 4

Very high resistance to forced entry using advanced tools.

Typical applications: critical infrastructure, government buildings, and high-risk commercial environments.

• Supply only: From £1,500 – £2,750 per opening
• Supplied and installed: From £2,250 – £4,375+ per opening

Typically supplied as fixed steel window bars or reinforced mesh systems.

• Choosing a product without understanding the risk level
• Not meeting insurance or compliance requirements
• Selecting the wrong product for the type of opening
• Under-specifying security to reduce cost
• Ignoring how the product will be used daily

Choosing the correct security solution ensures effective protection and long-term performance.