Security Doors
Summary
Security doors are heavy-duty door and frame assemblies tested for resistance to forced entry, prying, battering, or gunfire, in steel, composite, and glazed versions. Match the threat and test standard to the opening, and keep egress and fire-door requirements in view, since security hardware must still release for escape.
Cols
Terminology
- Forced-entry resistance: ability to withstand attack by tools and body force for a set time
- Detention door: door for correctional and secure facilities tested for abuse
- Ballistic (bullet-resisting): door tested for stopping specified firearm threats
- Grade 40: the highest forced-entry grade assigned under ASTM F476
- Security grille: sliding or folding grille that closes an opening after hours
Standards
Test standards
- ASTM F476: forced-entry resistance of swinging door assemblies; assigns a grade, with Grade 40 the highest (2023 edition current)
- ASTM F1450: detention swinging doors, tested for battering, handgun fire up to .44 Magnum (UL 752 Level 3), and prying
- UL 752: bullet-resisting equipment; the 12th edition has been issued, with ratings by firearm type and caliber
- SDI 117 and ANSI/SDI A250.8: steel door and frame tolerances and levels
Materials
- Heavy-gauge steel: most forced-entry and detention doors
- Ballistic-rated cores: doors with composite or steel ballistic layers
- Frames and hardware: matched to the door's tested assembly
Detailing
- Define the threat and the required test standard and grade before selecting a door
- Use the tested frame, anchors, hinges, and lock; substitutions void the rating
- Keep egress hardware able to release without a key; security grilles must open from inside while occupied
- Coordinate fire ratings and security hardware on the same opening
- Specify wall construction that matches the door's strength
Uses
Specific uses
- Detention and correctional facilities
- Banks, courthouses, and government offices
- Secure rooms and storage
Pros and cons
Pros
- Tested resistance to defined attack
- Third-party grades make products comparable
- Available with vision panels and electrified hardware
Cons
- Heavy and costly
- Must be installed with matched frames, anchors, and walls
- Security needs can conflict with egress and accessibility
Manufacturing and cost
Construction
- Steel faces are welded to internal stiffeners or ballistic cores and fitted to reinforced frames with heavy hinges and locks
Main manufacturers and suppliers
Trade association: Steel Door Institute.
Sources
- Steel Door Institute: SDI 117 manufacturing tolerances, https://steeldoor.org/sdi-117/
- ASTM International: F476 swinging door forced-entry test, https://store.astm.org/f0476-14.html
- ASTM International: F1450 detention swinging doors, https://store.astm.org/f1450-12ar19.html
- TSS Bulletproof: UL 752 12th edition and ASTM F3561-22, https://www.tssbulletproof.com/blog/ul-752-12-ed-and-astm-f3561-22-what-you-need-to-know
- Pup N Mag: testing matters, door security, https://pupnmag.com/?p=2430