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Why Door Certifications Matter More Than Marketing Claims
Every door manufacturer claims their products are “high security.” Certifications cut through marketing language with independently tested, standardized performance data. Understanding what EN 1627 Resistance Classes actually mean—and how they’re tested—is essential for anyone specifying or purchasing a luxury entrance door.
What Is EN 1627?
EN 1627 is the European standard for Pedestrian doorsets, windows, curtain walling, grilles and shutters — Burglar resistance. It defines six Resistance Classes (RC1–RC6) and mandates standardized testing of the complete door assembly—leaf, frame, hinges, lock, and seals—not individual components in isolation.
Resistance Class Breakdown
| Class | Attacker Profile | Tools Used | Minimum Resistance Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| RC1 | Physical violence (kicking, shoulder charge) | None | N/A (withstands brute force) |
| RC2 | Casual opportunist | Screwdrivers, wedges, pliers | 3 minutes |
| RC3 | Experienced opportunist | 2nd crowbar, hammer, chisel | 5 minutes |
| RC4 | Experienced professional | Angle grinder, reciprocating saw | 10 minutes |
| RC5 | Highly skilled professional | High-power tools | 15 minutes |
| RC6 | Expert team with specialist equipment | High-power tools (extended) | 20 minutes |
What RC Rating Do You Need?
Insurance bodies and security consultants typically recommend the following minimums:
- Standard residential: RC2
- Luxury residential / high-value homes: RC3
- Commercial, jewelry, or high-risk retail: RC4
- Government, financial, embassies: RC5–RC6
The Importance of Third-Party Certification
Only purchase doors tested and certified by accredited third-party laboratories—such as ift Rosenheim (Germany), BRE (UK), or Secmark (Netherlands). Self-declared RC ratings without independent certification are meaningless and should be treated as a red flag.
All KINGSHIELD luxury entrance doors carry independently verified EN 1627 certification. Download product certification sheets directly from our product pages.
