What are security screens?

To be able to call a product a ‘security screen’ the screen must have undergone and passed the testing for the Australian Standards for Security Screens.

What Australian Standard does a security screen need to meet?

There are three Australian Standards that need to be met for security screens to be compliant. AS5039: Security Screen Doors and Window Grilles, AS5040: Installation of Security Screen Doors and Window Grills and AS5041: Methods of Test – Security Screen Doors and Window Grilles.

The Australian Standard has also just undergone a review, and this change has meant that when security screens retest to the new standard, they will need to be compliant to AS5039.1, AS5039.2 and AS5039.3.

If you would like to understand these standards more, the National Security Screen Association has some excellent resources available here.

What kind of security screen door or security window do I need?

At Prowler Proof we have a range of security screen products to meet all requirements and budgets. ForceField is our top of the range marine grade stainless steel mesh product, with high airflow and visibility. Protec provides an excellent solution for Australia’s coastal environment, with its aluminium frame and aluminium perforated mesh. And we offer two Diamond security screen options – Welded Diamond and SnapLock, depending on the look you are after.

Are all diamond grille screens security?

This is one of the biggest surprises for people. MOST diamond grille products in Australia ARE NOT security screens. They are barrier or safety screens, because they have not passed AS5041 testing.
Prowler Proof Diamond products are different. Both Welded Diamond and SnapLock have been tested and passed the Australian Standard for security. When you choose Prowler Proof Diamond, you know you’ve made a safe choice for your family.

How are security window screens and security doors made?

Many brands supply parts for their installers to manufacture the screens themselves. Prowler Proof manufactures all our products in our PROBE rated factory, in Banyo Queensland. This allows us to keep the manufacture of every screen consistent, so we can be confident that every screen is constructed to the Standard.

What’s the easiest way to know you’ve received a security screen?

It’s easy to know if the screen you’ve received is a security screen. Look for the Australian Standards compliance label. You wouldn’t buy a helmet or a baby car seat that didn’t have an AS sticker. It’s the same for security screens. Make sure before you accept your quote, you confirm you’ll be receiving a compliant security screen, and when they arrive, check for the label.
Australian Standards AS5039 compliance label

What tests do security screens undergo?

IMPACT TEST – 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. The bag is smashed into the security screen with a force of 100 joules five times.
JEMMY TEST – 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.
PULL TEST – designed to simulate someone trying to pull out your security screen. The security door or security window must be able to withstand pulling forces of up to 2kN (200kg).
PROBE TEST – designed to simulate an intruder, having created a gap, trying to get their hand inside to unlock a door or a window.
SHEAR TEST – designed to simulate a cutting plier attack on a security screen.
KNIFE SHEAR TEST – designed to simulate a knife attack on your security screen. A heavy-duty trimming knife is dragged along a 250mm line with a force of 150N (15kg) three times on the same line, with a new blade each time.