Understanding Ballistic & Forced Entry Protection

Why Certified, Engineered Security Matters

It’s common to hear terms like “bullet-proof” or “burglar-proof” used loosely when describing doors or windows. But in reality, there is no such thing as completely impervious protection—only tested, certified levels of resistance matched to realistic threats.

Whether you're safeguarding your home during civil unrest or designing a fortified facility for sensitive assets, the right security solution depends on more than just thick steel. It requires validated performance to withstand real-world attacks—delivered through tested products designed to meet international standards like EN 1522 and EN 1627–1630.

This article provides a breakdown of what these resistance ratings mean, how they’re tested, and how to match them to real-life threat scenarios. We also explain how these standards apply to doors —the most common (and weakest) points of entry—and why choosing certified solutions is essential.

What Do EN Ratings Actually Mean?

Forced Entry Resistance – EN 1627–1630 (RC Ratings)

EN 1627 outlines the classification of burglar resistance for doors, windows, grilles and shutters. It is part of a suite of standards (EN 1627 to EN 1630) used to determine how long and with what tools a product can withstand a break-in attempt.

Testing involves:

• Static Load Tests (EN 1628): Simulates brute force from kicks, shoulder barges, or bodyweight using hydraulic rams and jigs.

• Dynamic Load Tests (EN 1629): Involves a 30kg steel ram dropped from increasing heights to replicate blunt force impact.

• Manual Attack Tests (EN 1630): Performed by trained professionals using specific toolsets for each RC level. Tools include screwdrivers, pry bars, crowbars, hammers, drills, grinders and saws—applied in defined sequences over a set period of active attack time.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the RC levels:

RC Class	Attacker Profile	Tools Used	Active Attack Time	Total Test Duration	Real-World Notes
RC1N	Opportunist using body force	None	0 min	3 min static loads	Only delays casual or impulsive intruders
RC2N	Opportunist with basic hand tools	Screwdrivers, pliers, wedges	3 min	15 min	Low-grade protection, no glass test
RC2	As above + tested glazing	As above	3 min	15 min	Entry-level residential protection
RC3	Determined burglar	Crowbars, screwdrivers, small power drills	5 min	20 min	Stops entry with basic cordless tools
RC4	Experienced attacker	Axes, chisels, hammers, pry bars, cordless saws	10 min	30 min	Suitable for delaying targeted attacks
RC5	Skilled attackers with power tools	Angle grinders ≤125mm, jigsaws, drills	15 min	40 min	Resists professional forced entry efforts
RC6	Professionals with advanced tools	High-power angle grinders ≤230mm, saws, heavy drills	20 min	50 min	Designed for critical infrastructure or high-value targets

In real-world incidents, most attackers expect visible progress within a couple of minutes. If doors resist tools they brought (e.g. a pry bar or hammer), they often abandon the attempt—especially if noise or alarms increase the risk of discovery.

Important Note: EN 1630 tests only consider the tools and attack time specified. A product certified to RC4 will not necessarily withstand tools from an RC5 or RC6 test. Certification must match your specific threat profile.

Ballistic Resistance – EN 1522 (FB Ratings)

EN 1522 defines ballistic (bullet) protection for windows, doors, and shutters under controlled test conditions. Doors are tested as a complete system—including leaf, frame, hinges and locks—to ensure real-world reliability.

Ballistic protection is categorised from FB1 to FB7, based on the calibre, energy and velocity of the rounds used:

FB Class	Weapon Type	Ammunition	Velocity	Use Case
FB1	Small-calibre rifles	.22 LR	360 m/s	Low-threat, non-lethal deterrent
FB2	Common handguns	9mm Luger	400 m/s	Residential handgun protection
FB3	High-energy handgun	.357 Magnum	430 m/s	Moderate threat scenarios
FB4	Large-calibre handgun	.44 Magnum	440 m/s	High-threat VIP or asset protection
FB5	Military rifle	5.56×45 NATO	950 m/s	Protection from M4/AR15 style rifles
FB6	High-powered rifle	7.62×51 NATO	830 m/s	Sniper or military rifle threats
FB7	Armour-piercing military rounds	7.62×51 NATO AP	820 m/s	State actor / high-level threat
SG1 / SG2	Shotguns	12-gauge solid slug	420 m/s	Shotgun-specific threat protection

 

Choosing the Right Protection Level

We strongly recommend conducting a threat-based risk assessment to define the necessary protection class for your situation. The highest threat level from any realistic scenario should inform the specification of your secure door.

1. Target Profile

What are you protecting?

• Life Safety: Family members, VIPs, at-risk individuals

• Valuables: Cash, precious metals, IP, crypto wallets

• Infrastructure: Servers, secure comms, surveillance

2. Threat Actor Profile

Examples of various potential threats are given in the table below. These should be used as guidelines only, and adapted to the specific circumstances.

Threat Actor	Forced Entry Tools	Firearms
Opportunistic thief	Screwdrivers, knives	None
Mob / riot crowd	Sledgehammers, crowbars, axes	Rare in Australia
Organised crime	Pry bars, drills, power saws	Handguns, shotguns
Lone attacker	Hammer, crowbar, power tools	Hunting/sniper rifle
Professional team	Power tools, angle grinders	Military rifles

3. Response Time Planning

• Onsite Security: Immediate deterrent

• Private Response Team: 10–15 minutes

• Police (Urban): 15–30+ minutes

• Police (Regional/Rural): 30–60+ minutes

Even low-level resistance (RC3–RC4) will stop most attackers using household tools. Determined attackers may persist, but audible alarms and visible delay often force retreat.

4. Site-Specific Considerations

• CCTV, early warning systems

• Whether evacuation is possible or shelter is required

• Line-of-sight to sniper-prone areas

• Safe room proximity to bedrooms or exits

5. Human Factors

• Accessibility for children, elderly, or disabled

• Internal mechanical override

• Locking method: biometric, keypad, remote control

• Redundant power and ventilation

Threat Scenarios: Real-World Examples

Civil Unrest

Scenario: Post-disaster, power outages, supply shortages and panic lead to widespread looting and violent home invasions. A family in a suburban area seeks a safe fallback room if intruders breach the house.

• Likely tools: Hammers, axes, pry bars

• No firearms or low-calibre handguns only (Australia-specific)

• Help may not come for hours with police and emergency services overstretched or unable to respond to individual callouts

Recommended Specification:

• Door: RC4 (optional FB4 for reassurance)

• Locks: Motorised with manual override

Public Figure – Lone Attacker

Scenario: A well-known online personality and commentator receives credible threats and lives alone in a rural property with delayed police response.

• Threat: A lone gunman with a scoped hunting rifle

• Tools: Minimal (blunt force and small tools)

• Response: 30+ minutes likely

Recommended Specification:

• Door: RC2 + FB6 (sniper resistance)

• Windows: FB6 glazing in office/bedroom

Embassy Compound – Coordinated Assault

Scenario: A Western embassy in a geopolitically unstable region faces the risk of a complex militant assault with automatic weapons, explosives, and coordinated breaching tactics.

• Attackers: 5–20 militants with rifles, grenades, IEDs

• Response: 30–60+ minutes

• Objective: Capture and personnel, destruction, propaganda

Recommended Specification:

• Door: RC6 + FB7, blast-rated

• Walls: Ballistic armouring to FB6/FB7

Hybrid & Custom Solutions

We offer engineered, certified systems that combine RC5+, FB6+ and blast resistance into a single assembly. These are ideal for embassies, data centres, military contractors and ultra-high-risk environments.

Need to specify a secure room or hardened facility?

We provide full-spectrum support—from design consultation and threat assessment through to provision of certified systems. All products are backed by international standards.