What PAS 24 Actually Means for Your Home Security
If you are buying new windows or doors, you may see the term PAS 24 used in product descriptions and building regulations. PAS 24 is a UK testing standard that assesses how well windows and doors resist physical attack by a burglar. It is not a product brand but a performance test that doors and windows must pass to achieve certain security ratings.
The standard is referenced in Approved Document Q of the Building Regulations for new homes in England (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2026). Products that meet PAS 24 have been tested against specific tools and techniques used by intruders, including screwdrivers, crowbars, and hammers. The test measures how long a product can resist a simulated break-in attempt before being breached.
PAS 24 applies to complete window and door assemblies, not just individual locks or hinges. This means the frame, glass, locking mechanisms, and hinges are all tested together as one unit.
How PAS 24 Differs from Other Security Standards (BS 7950, Secured by Design)
Several security standards exist for windows and doors, and they are not interchangeable. PAS 24 requires more rigorous testing than the older BS 7950 standard for windows. BS 7950 tests individual components, whereas PAS 24 tests the complete assembly under timed attack conditions.
Secured by Design (SBD) is a police-led certification that often requires PAS 24 compliance as a minimum (Secured by Design official website, 2026). SBD goes beyond PAS 24 by also requiring additional physical security measures like laminated glass in ground-floor windows and specific hinge protection. PAS 24 tests complete door or window assemblies, not just individual components, which gives a more realistic measure of how the product will perform in a real break-in attempt.
Another standard, LPS 1175, tests security products against higher levels of forced entry by professional burglars. PAS 24 is designed for the typical domestic burglar using common tools, while LPS 1175 covers more sophisticated attacks.
Quick Numbers PAS 24 Testing Requirements and Performance Metrics
| Testing category | PAS 24 requirement | Comparison to BS 7950 | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual attack time | 3 minutes minimum | BS 7950 requires 3 minutes only for Class 3 products | BSI PAS 24:2022 |
| Tool types used | Screwdrivers, crowbars, hammers, and glazing tools | BS 7950 uses fewer tool types | BSI PAS 24:2022 |
| Load testing force | Up to 2 kN (approximately 200 kg of force) | BS 7950 maximum is 1.5 kN | BSI PAS 24:2022 |
| Locking point requirements | Minimum 3 for doors | BS 7950 does not specify locking point numbers | Approved Document Q Table Q1 |
| Glass impact resistance | Class 2 or higher (EN 356 standard) | BS 7950 requires Class 1 minimum | BSI PAS 24:2022 |
The Exact Tests Your Window or Door Must Pass for PAS 24 Certification
To achieve PAS 24 certification, a product must pass three distinct tests conducted in a laboratory. Test 1 is a manual attack using specified tools for a timed period. The product must remain secure for 3 minutes while the tester uses screwdrivers, crowbars, and hammers to try to force entry (BSI PAS 24:2022).
Test 2 is static load testing where force is applied to vulnerable points like hinges and locking points. A hydraulic or mechanical device applies up to 2 kN of force to test whether the frame or hinges will distort or break under pressure. Test 3 is dynamic impact testing with a swinging pendulum to simulate kicks and shoulder charges. The pendulum strikes the product at specific points to see if it remains closed and locked.
Products must be tested as complete assemblies including the frame, glass, locks, and hinges. If any part of the assembly fails during testing, the entire product fails the certification. This means a PAS 24 certified window cannot have a standard lock swapped for a cheaper version without losing its certification.
How to Verify a PAS 24 Certified Product (MCS, Certificates, and Documentation)
Do not rely on a manufacturer’s general claim that their products “meet PAS 24.” Look for third-party certification from UKAS-accredited bodies like BSI, BM Trada, or Wintech. The certification should be for the specific product model, not just the manufacturer’s general claim (MCS website, 2026).
Check that the certification document includes the PAS 24:2022 standard reference (or the relevant year). Older certifications using PAS 24:2016 may still be valid for existing stock, but new products should be tested to the 2022 version. For new-build homes, ask for the product’s Certificate of Conformity showing PAS 24 compliance. Your installer should provide this as part of the building regulations sign-off process.
You can also check the product against the Secured by Design online product database, which lists all certified products and their test reports. If a product is listed there, it has passed third-party verification.
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PAS 24 and Building Regulations When You Must Use It
Approved Document Q (Security) applies to all new-build dwellings in England since October 2015 (GOV.UK, 2026). PAS 24 is one of three ways to demonstrate compliance with Document Q, along with Secured by Design certification and LPS 1175 standard. Your builder or developer must provide evidence that all external windows and doors meet one of these standards.
Replacement windows in existing homes are not legally required to meet PAS 24, but it is recommended. Some local planning authorities may require PAS 24 compliance for certain home improvement projects, particularly in conservation areas or for listed buildings. Check with your local planning department before ordering windows if you are unsure.
For landlords, there is no specific legal requirement to fit PAS 24 certified products, but the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) considers security as a factor in assessing property hazards. Fitting PAS 24 certified products can help demonstrate that you have taken reasonable steps to protect tenants.
The Real Cost Difference Between PAS 24 Certified and Standard Windows
PAS 24 certified windows typically cost 15–30% more than standard non-certified equivalents. A standard uPVC casement window (600x900mm) costs approximately £250–£350 installed without PAS 24 certification (Checkatrade, 2026). The same window with PAS 24 certification costs approximately £320–£450 installed as of 2026.
The additional cost comes from reinforced frames, multi-point locking systems, and certified glass. Standard uPVC frames use simple single-point locks, while PAS 24 frames require reinforced internal chambers and at least three locking points for doors. The glass must meet Class 2 impact resistance, which costs more than standard float glass.
For a typical three-bedroom semi-detached house with 10 windows and one door, the total cost difference is approximately £700–£1,200 extra for PAS 24 certified products. This cost is lower if you are building a new home, as the builder can source certified products in bulk at a smaller premium.
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Frequently Asked Questions
PAS 24 is a UK testing standard that measures how well windows and doors resist forced entry by a burglar. It tests complete assemblies, including the frame, glass, locks, and hinges, under timed attack conditions.
PAS 24 is not a legal requirement for all homes but is referenced in Approved Document Q of the Building Regulations for new dwellings in England (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2026). Many new-build properties must meet this standard.
PAS 24 tests complete window and door assemblies, while BS 7950 tests individual components like locks or hinges. PAS 24 also requires more rigorous timed attack simulations. That makes it a higher security standard.
Secured by Design is a police-led certification that often requires PAS 24 as a minimum (Secured by Design official website, 2026). SBD goes further by requiring additional measures like laminated glass in ground-floor windows and specific hinge protection.
Yes, PAS 24 applies to complete window and door assemblies. The standard tests the entire unit, including the frame, glass, locking mechanisms, and hinges, to assess its resistance to forced entry.
