In an era where security is a top priority for homeowners, developers, and regulators alike, PAS 24 sets the benchmark for the security performance of doors and windows in the UK.
But what exactly does PAS 24 mean, and why is it so crucial across the construction and fenestration industries?
Understanding PAS 24
PAS 24 stands for Publicly Available Specification 24. It is a document that defines the enhanced security performance requirements for doorsets and windows intended for use in domestic and residential buildings.
The PAS was introduced to support the UK Police initiative, Secured by Design (SBD), which promotes the use of products that meet recognised security standards and help reduce crime through effective design.
At its core, PAS 24 testing helps demonstrate how well a doorset or window can withstand a break-in attempt by an opportunistic intruder using readily available tools. It's not about defeating determined or professional burglars with advanced equipment, but about preventing most real-world, opportunistic attacks.
How PAS 24 Testing Works
PAS 24 testing evaluates a product's resistance to forced entry through a series of manual and mechanical tests.
These tests simulate common attack methods such as levering, cutting, or manipulating hardware to assess the strength and integrity of the product's frame, locking points, glazing, and fixings.
Testing must be conducted on complete, working samples (not components), meaning performance is assessed as it would be in use. Products that pass are deemed to meet the enhanced security performance requirements of PAS 24.
The current version, PAS 24:2022 (Amendment 1:2024), includes refinements to testing methods to reflect evolving criminal techniques and modern manufacturing materials.
Why PAS 24 Matters
PAS 24 is not just a technical document; it's a cornerstone of modern building compliance and consumer confidence. Here's why it matters:
Supports Building Regulation Compliance
PAS 24 is referenced in Approved Document Q of the Building Regulations (England and Wales).
For new residential builds, this means that external doors and windows accessible to intruders must comply with PAS 24 or an equivalent standard.
Aligns with Secured by Design (SBD)
Products tested to PAS 24 are recognised by the Secured by Design initiative, which is backed by UK Police forces.
This alignment helps developers and manufacturers demonstrate that their designs contribute to safer communities and lower crime risk.
Promotes Product Credibility
Achieving PAS 24 compliance sends a clear message to customers and specifiers: your products have been tested against real-world break-in attempts and meet a trusted national security standard.
Encourages Continuous Improvement
With consistent updates that reflect changing crime trends, PAS 24 drives innovation and ensures the industry keeps pace with the latest security expectations and manufacturing techniques.
Who Should Consider PAS 24?
PAS 24 is relevant for anyone involved in the design, specification, or manufacture of windows and doors, including:
Manufacturers and fabricators producing new residential products- Developers and building specifiers ensuring compliance on projects
- Architects designing to the Secured by Design standards
- Installers and contractors working on housing and refurbishment projects
By integrating PAS 24 compliance into early design and specification stages, stakeholders can reduce the risk of non-compliance and improve long-term product reliability.
The Bigger Picture: Security, Standards, and Trust
In recent years, the emphasis on building security has expanded beyond locks and alarms. Security through design, supported by standards like PAS 24, ensures that safety is built into products from the ground up.
This proactive approach benefits not only homeowners but also developers, insurers, and regulators who depend on demonstrable, tested performance.
As part of a broader ecosystem that includes BS 6375 performance testing and SBD accreditation, PAS 24 forms a key link in delivering safer, more secure buildings across the UK.
PAS 24 matters because it bridges the gap between design, regulation, and real-world performance.
It provides confidence that a doorset or window can withstand likely break-in attempts, ensuring compliance and peace of mind for everyone involved, from the manufacturer to the end user.
Whether you're developing new products or specifying systems for upcoming projects, understanding PAS 24 is essential for maintaining quality, compliance, and trust in the built environment.
Explore our PAS 24 testing services or contact us for a quote.