Security Rated Steel Doors in the UK
Samson offer a wide range of security rated steel doorsets, with various or multiple test certifications for the relevant customer or site requirements. So much more emphasis is being put on fully compliant doors when used in commercial applications and this means tested, certified and compliant doorsets are in greater demand. Our security rated steel doorsets provide independently tested protection for commercial, industrial and public sector buildings throughout the UK, combining certified performance with robust construction.
Working with leading manufacturers, we offer LPS 1175 security doors in a wide range of sizes, configurations and hardware options to suit everything from plant rooms and substations to retail back-of-house and office entrances. Every doorset is supplied as a complete unit with frame, hardware and threshold, helping you meet insurer, specifier and building security requirements with a single, fully certified solution. Options include solid leaf and glazed security doors, single and double leaf configurations, and a variety of locking, access control and panic escape hardware to match your risk level and use type.
Security or Security Rated Steel Doors?
There is a large difference between the quite overused word ‘security’ when it comes to a door of any kind and yet what does anyone mean when they ask for a ‘security door’? To combat what, protect against what, and for how long? Security rated and certified steel doors will have a rating based on a third party testing, which proves the door can provide security and offers various levels based on the various controlled tests carried out. Independent test houses within the UK provide the testing and certification to ensure you are getting a tested, compliant and proper door for security and peace of mind.
The tests are mainly based on time taken to withstand a sustained physical attack, always using a set specification and number of tools. The longer the time taken and the more aggressive the tools are used on the door, then the higher the security rating achieved. A door described as a ‘security door’, with just a bigger lock or more locking points may not serve your security needs in reality; it needs to prove its worth for the prevention of forced entry. A large padlock on a paper bag isn't secure at all, as an analogy. See some of the many certifications possible on our compliance pages.
SR2 and SR3 Security Door Ratings
Our range includes multiple LPS 1175 SR2 and SR3 steel security doors designed for medium to high-risk applications where enhanced resistance to forced entry is required. SR2 rated steel doors are tested against opportunistic attacks using a defined toolkit over a specified time, making them ideal for areas such as plant rooms, stores, school service doors and low-profile external access points.
SR3 rated steel doorsets are tested to withstand more determined attacks using heavier and more advanced tools, providing a higher level of protection for higher-risk locations. Typical uses include cash offices, data and communications rooms, utility and infrastructure buildings, sensitive back-of-house retail areas and access points to restricted zones where longer delay times are required.
Across the Defender, SecurGuard and Robust Tuff-Dor ranges you will find clearly labelled SR2 and SR3 options, enabling you to match the security rating to your risk assessment, insurer guidance and site requirements. Many models can also be specified with fire ratings, acoustic performance and environmental sealing, allowing you to combine multiple performance characteristics in a single doorset where needed.
Choosing the Right Security Rating
Selecting the correct security rating starts with understanding the likely threat, the tools an intruder may use and the delay time you need the doorset to provide. SR1 or non-rated doors may be suitable for low-risk internal areas, while SR2 steel doors are generally chosen for medium-risk locations where you need tested resistance to opportunistic forced entry.
SR3 steel security doors are typically specified where there is a higher risk of targeted attack, higher-value contents or critical services to protect, or where insurer or client specifications call for a higher LPS 1175 rating. For complex projects or mixed-use sites, our team can review drawings, talk through usage and advise on suitable SR2 and SR3 door options, hardware configurations and any additional standards such as fire or acoustic performance you may need to consider.
Security Standards
Not all the various possible standards give the same category of attack method and resistance, but they all address the same issue of tools used and time taken to gain entry through the door.
The standards also address the type of attack – LPS 1175 categorises attacks, regardless of the noise made while attempting, whilst LPS 2081 categorises attacks made with minimal noise, in other words, “stealth” attacks.
BS EN 1627-1 categorises for stealth on RC2 & RC3 and RC4 regardless of noise. There is still a mixture of UK and European standards for steel doorsets used in the UK with many European standards providing higher levels of resistance than some UK standards.
Generally in the UK now, more and more building projects, either domestic or commercial, require a ‘Secured by Design’ status and other levels of testing under LPS1175, PAS24, STS202 and other ratings.
When any steel door states it is a ‘security door’ then you have to ask yourself to what degree is it secure and not just see multiple locking points, because if the outer sub frame, or door panel is weak, or the lock cylinder itself is weak, then it is irrelevant how many locking points are used.
Security Rated Steel Doors FAQs
What is a security rated steel doorset?
A security rated steel doorset is a complete door, frame and hardware package that has been independently tested and certified to a recognised security standard, such as LPS 1175. The doorset is supplied as a fully engineered, factory‑prepared unit so that the performance achieved in testing can be replicated on site when correctly installed.
What is the difference between SR2 and SR3 steel security doors?
The main difference between SR2 and SR3 steel security doors is the level of protection they provide against forced entry. SR2 doors are tested to resist opportunistic attacks using a defined toolkit for a set period of time, while SR3 doors are tested against more determined attacks using heavier and more advanced tools for longer, giving a higher level of security.
When should I specify an LPS 1175 SR2 door instead of SR1?
An LPS 1175 SR2 steel door is usually specified where there is a medium level of risk and you need proven resistance to opportunistic forced entry. Typical applications include plant rooms, stores, school service doors and external access points where tools such as screwdrivers, pliers and basic hand tools might be used in an attempted break‑in.
When do I need an LPS 1175 SR3 security door?
You should consider an LPS 1175 SR3 security door where there is a higher risk of targeted attack, higher‑value contents or critical services to protect, or where insurers, clients or security consultants call for a higher rating. Common examples include cash offices, data and communications rooms, sensitive back‑of‑house retail areas and access points to utilities or critical infrastructure buildings.
Are SR2 and SR3 steel doors available with fire ratings?
Many SR2 and SR3 steel doorsets can be specified with additional fire ratings, allowing you to combine certified security performance with tested fire resistance in a single door solution. Availability depends on the specific product range and configuration, so it is important to check the fire certification and discuss your fire and security requirements at quotation stage.
