There are many types of screens on the market, so what is the difference between a security screen and a barrier screen? You may have heard some screens being called barrier screens or safety screens. These are not security compliant screens, a security screen is only a security screen if it has been tested and passed the six tests that make up the Australian Standards for security (AS5039) – The Knife Shear Test, Impact Test, Anti-jemmy Test, Pull Test, Probe Test & Corrosion Test.
The difference between a security screen and a barrier screen? Passing the knife shear test, it simulates a knife attack on your security screen. A heavy-duty trimming knife is dragged along a 250 mm line with a force of 150 N (15 kg) vertically and up to 350 N (35 kg) horizontally. The test is repeated three times – each time with a new blade – along the same line.
The difference between a security screen and a barrier screen? Passing the dynamic impact test, it is designed to simulate an intruder trying to kick their way through a security door or window. The test is performed with a bag full of lead shot and sand, weighing more than 40 kg. The bag is smashed into the security screen with a force of either 100 or 200 joules, dependant on the screens Security Level SL100 or SL200. The test is repeated five times.
The difference between a security screen and a barrier screen? Passing the jemmy test, it is designed to simulate an intruder using a lever to get past the security door or window. The test is performed with a large screwdriver at all locking, hinging and fastening points. The force applied is up to 450 N (45 kg) for 20 seconds – way beyond the capability of most potential intruders.
Imagine an intruder trying to pull out your security screen…that’s what the pull test is all about. The security door or window must be able to withstand pulling forces of up to 2 kN (200 kg) for 20 seconds at various positions.
The difference between a security screen and a barrier screen? Passing the probe test, it simulates an intruder, having created a gap, trying to get their hand inside to unlock a door or a window. A deflecting force of 1.5 kN (150 kg) is applied to each opposite side of the opening to increase the space enough to get a hand through.
As part of the standards, each product needs to have passed the neutral salt spray test to show corrosion-resistance. All Prowler Proof products have undergone and past this testing.
All screens that have undergone and passed ALL of the tests can then be called a security screen, and must be labelled with an Australian Standards compliance label. It’s your proof that you have or will be receiving a security screen. To be allowed to continue to use the label the manufacturer must also undergo and pass a manufacturing audit by the industry’s peak national body the National Security Screen Association. This audit ensures that the manufacturing standards remain at the same level as they were for the screens that were tested, and that no components that go into the security screen are be substituted with inferior parts.
Prowler Proof’s security products – ForceField, Protec and Diamond have been tested, passed, and exceed the security testing requirements, and Prowler Proof has undergone and passed its manufacturing audit, so you can feel safe knowing that all of the screens manufactured in-house, at out PROBE World Class factory, are made using a consistent process, ensuring that you will get a quality product each and every time.
Just another way Prowler Proof is creating a safer place.
Sometimes you’ll see or hear the wording barrier screens or safety screens. These are not compliant security screens. A security screen is only a security screen if it has been tested and passed the six tests that make up the Australian Standards for security (AS5039). When you need your security screen to perform, that’s when the differences between barrier and security screens really matter.
We understand sometimes it’s difficult to tell the difference between a barrier screen and a security screen. As a homeowner, there’s one very simple way for you to tell the difference, ask the person quoting or installing to show you the Australian Standards Compliance label. EVERY security door or security window should have this label, otherwise it is not compliant.