Which Australian Standards apply to security screens?
AS 5039 and AS 5041 are the Australian Standards for security screens. They relate directly to the manufacture of security screens for doors and windows in Australia.
AS 5040 apples to the installation of security screens and window grilles.
AS 5039 Security Screen Doors And Window Grilles
For screen doors and window grilles to be classed as true security products, they must meet Australian Standard AS 5039.
AS 5039 sets out the minimum requirements for the performance of hinged and sliding security screen doors and security window grilles used primarily in residential situations.
The Standard is concerned mainly with resistance to forced entry. It does not address the important issues relating to egress in the case of emergency.
The Standard includes movable and removable security window grilles for use in such instances.
AS 5039 is intended for use by regulatory authorities and all persons concerned with the manufacture, installation and general requirements of security screen doors or window grilles. It also gives protection to consumers.
National Security Screen Association
ASI Security are proud members of the National Security Screen Association (NSSA). As such, we attach labels to all the security screening products we manufacture at our Holden Hill factory in Adelaide, signifying that they comply with AS 5039. These products are:
Amplimesh SupaScreen® Security Doors and Screens
Amplimesh IntrudaGuard® Security Doors and Screens
Amplimesh Privacy Plus® Security Doors And Screens
AS 5041 Methods of Test – Security Screen Doors and Window Grilles
This Standard sets out methods for testing security screen doors and window grilles used in residential structures in accordance with AS 5039.
There are six tests that make up the Australian Methods of Test – Security Screen Doors and Window Grilles.
- Impact Test
- Jemmy Test
- Pull Test
- Probe Test
- Shear Test
- Knife Shear Test
Impact Test – created to imitate an intruder attempting to kick, shoulder or otherwise force their way through the security screen.
To replicate the impact an intruder is capable of exerting, a 40kg bag of lead is swung into the security screen exerting 100 joules of energy. This test is carried out concurrently five times.
To pass this test, no gap greater than 150mm can be generated around the frame, between the infill material/frame for grille type doors a 65mm probe must not pass.
Jemmy Test – created to imitate an intruder using a levering object, such as a screwdriver, to force their way past the security screen. A mechanical winch is used to apply a standard force to a screwdriver, in an attempt to pry the door open to all hinging and locking locations.
To pass this test, hinge and locking locations need to resist this attack and no gap greater than 150mm can be generated.
Pull Test – created to imitate an intruder attempting to pull out the security screen.
To replicate and exceed the pulling power of an intruder, up to 2kN (200kg) is applied to the top, bottom and sides of the security screen for 20 seconds.
To pass this test, the security screen must resist the pulling attempts and not allow a gap for intrusion to be made.
Probe Test – created to imitate an intruder having made a gap in the security screen and then attempting to get their hand inside to unlock the door or window.
To replicate the probing power of an intruder, a deflecting force of 1.5kN (150kg) is exerted on each side of a breach in an attempt to increase the space and allow entry.
Shear Test – created to simulate an intruder attempting a cutting plier attack on a security screen. The tool applies increasing pressure until the sample strand breaks. To pass this test, the force required to break one strand must be at least 3 kN (300 kg).
Knife Shear Test – created to imitate an intruder using a knife or other sharp object in an attempt to cut through the security screen.
In order to replicate the power of an intruder a special machine is used to make three passes across the screen with a heavy-duty trimming knife. Each pass is made with a new blade.
To pass this test a security screen mustn’t tear more than 150mm.
AS 5040 Installation of Security Screen Doors and Window Grilles
While security screens must be manufactured to meet AS 5039, Australian Standard AS 5040 provides installation guidelines and requirements that need to be followed when installing security screen products.