Compliance & Ratings Hub: UK Security Standards Explained for Shutters, Doors & Grilles

When choosing security shutters, doors, or grilles, it’s no longer just about strength or appearance—compliance is critical. Insurers, architects, and building control officers expect proof that products meet UK standards such as LPS 1175, PAS 24, BS 8524, and Secured by Design. The wrong choice could leave your building non-compliant with regulations, void your insurance, or compromise safety in an emergency.

This hub has been designed to help you cut through the confusion. We explain the key UK certifications, show how Security Direct’s products map to them, and provide simple comparison tables versus the wider market. Whether you’re a facility manager, contractor, or business owner, this guide will give you the clarity needed to specify the right product.

Why Compliance Matters in Security Products

Compliance isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it protects you legally, financially, and operationally:

• Legal obligations: UK Building Regulations (Part B: Fire Safety, Part M: Accessibility, Part Q: Security) set minimum requirements.
• Insurance conditions: Many insurers require products tested to LPS 1175 or PAS 24 for cover.
• Safety assurance: Fire shutters and doors certified to BS 8524 or EN 1634 ensure safe evacuation.
• Reputation protection: Non-compliance can delay projects, increase liability, and damage trust.

By selecting certified products, you ensure your premises meet regulations and reassure stakeholders that safety and security are taken seriously.

Key UK Standards Explained

LPS 1175 (Loss Prevention Standard)

• Measures burglary resistance of doors, shutters, and grilles.
• Ratings SR1–SR8 (Security Rating 1 to 8) indicate how long a product withstands forced entry attempts with different tool kits.
• Often required by insurers for high-risk premises.

Secured by Design (SBD)

• A police-backed accreditation scheme.
• Recognises products tested against recognised security standards (often PAS 24 or LPS 1175).
• Favoured for residential and commercial planning approvals.

PAS 24

• Focused on doors and windows for dwellings.
• Tests burglary resistance, including manual attack and mechanical load tests.
• Mandatory for new-build homes under Part Q of Building Regs.

BS 8524

• UK standard for fire curtains.
• Assesses performance, reliability, and durability during fire conditions.
• Key in schools, hospitals, and public buildings.

UKCA / EN 13241

• Marks compliance for industrial doors and shutters.
• Covers safety features (anti-drop devices, photocells) and structural performance (wind load, durability).
• Required for all doors sold in the UK post-Brexit.

Building Regulations

• Part B: Fire resistance and egress.
• Part M: Disabled access and usability.
• Part Q: Security of dwellings, requiring PAS 24 compliance.

DDA / Equality Act

• Ensures doors, shutters, and access points are usable by all, including disabled users.
• Often requires low-threshold access and panic hardware.

How Security Direct Products Map to Compliance

Here’s how our product range aligns with key UK standards:

Side-by-Side Comparison with Market Competitors

(Comparison based on publicly available specifications at time of writing. Always confirm latest test certificates.)

Choosing the Right Standard for Your Use Case

• Retail security: LPS 1175 SR2–SR3 shutters deter smash-and-grab attacks.
• Industrial facilities: EN 13241 compliance ensures safe operation and wind load resistance.
• Residential properties: PAS 24 and Secured by Design approved doors are required under Building Regs Part Q.
• Healthcare and education: Fire shutters certified to BS 8524 ensure safe compartmentation.
• Public buildings: DDA-compliant steel doors with panic hardware allow safe egress.

Tools & Resources

• Download our product spec sheets for compliance data.
• Coming Soon: CPD seminars for architects and specifiers.
• Coming soon: Configurator tool to filter by compliance, rating, and use case.

Summary 

Compliance with UK standards is not just a regulatory hurdle—it’s a cornerstone of safe, secure, and insurable buildings. By aligning products with LPS 1175, PAS 24, BS 8524, and Secured by Design, Security Direct ensures you can meet your legal, insurer, and operational obligations with confidence.

Ready to specify the right compliant product for your project? Contact Security Direct today for tailored advice and a free quote.

FAQ for UK Security Standards Explained for Shutters, Doors & Grilles

What is LPS 1175?

LPS 1175 is a UK standard that tests burglary resistance. Products are rated SR1–SR8 depending on how long they withstand forced entry.

Do I need PAS 24 doors for my business?

PAS 24 is primarily for residential use, but some commercial projects also specify PAS 24 for added security.

What’s the difference between Secured by Design and LPS 1175?

SBD is a police accreditation scheme that endorses products tested to recognised standards (often PAS 24 or LPS 1175). LPS 1175 is the technical test itself.

Are fire shutters required under UK Building Regulations?

Yes. Building Regulations Part B requires fire-resisting barriers in certain buildings. Fire shutters tested to BS 8524 or EN 1634 meet these needs.

How do Security Direct products meet insurer requirements?

Many insurers require LPS 1175 certified shutters and doors. Security Direct offers products tested to SR2–SR4, with Secured by Design approval where required.