PAS 24 is a UK security standard for doorsets and windows. It sets out test methods and acceptance criteria used to assess whether doorsets and windows provide enhanced resistance to attacks typically associated with casual or opportunistic burglars.
The current standard is PAS 24:2022+A1:2024 – Enhanced security performance requirements for doorsets and windows in the UK. It applies to a wide range of residential doorsets and windows, regardless of whether they are manufactured from timber, uPVC, aluminium or another material.
PAS stands for Publicly Available Specification.
PAS 24 is a product security specification, rather than a general statement that a particular lock, hinge, bead or other individual component is secure.
The standard assesses the security performance of complete doorsets and windows through defined testing procedures. The aim is to determine whether the product can resist attempted forced entry using methods associated with opportunistic burglary.
In simple terms:
PAS 24 is a recognised UK standard for testing the security performance of doorsets and windows against attempted burglary.
PAS 24 specifies test methods and acceptance criteria for the security performance of doorsets and windows.
The testing is designed around realistic attack scenarios rather than simply testing one individual component in isolation. The current PAS 24:2022+A1:2024 standard covers a broad range of window and doorset configurations.
PAS 24 can apply to windows including:
The standard also covers a range of doorsets, including:
The standard applies to complete doorsets intended for pedestrian access, rather than simply testing individual door components.
PAS 24 itself is not a law. However, it is highly important when demonstrating compliance with UK building regulations.
In England and Wales, PAS 24 is a key route for demonstrating compliance with Approved Document Q – Security in dwellings. BSI describes PAS 24 as forming the backbone of Part Q for new dwellings.
This means that manufacturers, fabricators, architects, specifiers and builders may need to consider PAS 24 when specifying or supplying doorsets and windows for relevant new-build residential projects.
For a particular project, the applicable building regulations and specification should always be checked with the relevant building-control or regulatory professional.
PAS 24 is a product assessment specification that defines security testing and acceptance criteria for doorsets and windows.
Approved Document Q provides guidance on how the security requirements in the Building Regulations can be met for new dwellings in England and Wales.
PAS 24 is one of the recognised ways of demonstrating that relevant doorsets and windows achieve the required level of security for Part Q.
A simple way to think about the relationship is:
PAS 24 and Secured by Design are closely related, but they are not the same standard.
PAS 24 defines security performance requirements and testing for doorsets and windows.
Secured by Design is a UK Police initiative and certification scheme focused on crime prevention through appropriate design, products and security measures.
Certification to PAS 24 is one way that a doorset or window can meet the requirements of the Secured by Design scheme.
It is therefore important not to describe PAS 24 and Secured by Design as interchangeable terms.
This distinction is particularly important for manufacturers and component suppliers.
A window bead, door bead, lock, hinge or other individual component should not automatically be described as “PAS 24 certified” simply because it has been used in a PAS 24-certified product.
BSI specifically states that the security performance requirements of PAS 24:2022+A1:2024 are not material-specific and that the PAS does not test component performance or installation requirements.
Instead, individual components contribute to the performance of the complete system.
The requirements are performance-based rather than being restricted to a particular material. This means that timber, uPVC, aluminium and other types of doorsets and windows can be assessed against the requirements of PAS 24, subject to the relevant product and certification requirements.
For timber window and door manufacturers, this makes the design and specification of every component particularly important.
PAS 24 provides manufacturers and fabricators with a recognised way of demonstrating enhanced security performance.
It is particularly relevant to:
BSI identifies manufacturers, fabricators, suppliers, architects, specifiers, certification bodies and test houses among the users of PAS 24.
For manufacturers, achieving the appropriate certification can also provide evidence that a product has been independently assessed against recognised security requirements.
The current version is PAS 24:2022+A1:2024.
The 2024 amendment updated PAS 24:2022 to reflect changing criminal methods and updated references to relevant industry documents. BSI says the amendment was intended to keep the standard aligned with changing criminal practices and to improve the consistency of testing.
This is important when researching older information about PAS 24 because previous versions, including PAS 24:2016 and PAS 24:2022, have now been withdrawn.
A bead is only one part of a complete window or doorset, so it should not be considered in isolation when assessing PAS 24 performance.
However, the design and installation of components such as beads can form an important part of the overall security design of a window or door system.
At Qwood, our window and door beads are used as component parts within complete window and door systems. Qwood beads have been fitted to a number of window and door systems that have successfully achieved Secured by Design requirements.
It is important to distinguish between the certification of the complete system and the performance of an individual component.
Traditional glazing beads can form part of the security strategy of a window or doorset.
For manufacturers developing security-focused products, the bead needs to work as part of the complete system rather than simply being considered as a cosmetic finishing component.
Factors such as:
can all be relevant to the performance of the completed product.
The important point is that PAS 24 compliance relates to the tested product configuration. Changing components or construction details may affect the performance of the complete system and should therefore be assessed appropriately.
PAS 24 is a UK specification for testing the enhanced security performance of doorsets and windows. It assesses their ability to resist attacks associated with casual or opportunistic burglars.
No. PAS 24 is a security performance specification and testing standard. Secured by Design is a Police-led crime-prevention scheme. PAS 24 certification is one route that can help a doorset or window meet Secured by Design requirements.
No. PAS 24 is a product security specification. Approved Document Q provides guidance relating to security requirements in the Building Regulations. PAS 24 is a key method of demonstrating compliance for relevant doorsets and windows.
Yes. PAS 24 is performance-based and is not restricted to a particular material. Timber windows can therefore be designed and tested to meet the relevant PAS 24 requirements.
PAS 24 is concerned with the security performance of the complete window or doorset, not simply an individual bead. A component may be used within a PAS 24-tested system, but that does not necessarily mean the component itself is independently PAS 24 certified.
The current version is PAS 24:2022+A1:2024. It was published in September 2024 and superseded PAS 24:2022.
No. PAS 24 is designed to assess resistance to specified forms of attack associated with casual or opportunistic burglary. It should not be interpreted as a guarantee that a product is impossible to defeat.
If you only remember five things about PAS 24, they should be these:
Qwood manufactures window beads, door beads and bespoke bead solutions for the fenestration industry.
Our products are designed to form part of complete window and door systems, including systems where enhanced security performance is an important consideration.
If you are developing or specifying a timber window or door system and need advice about bead design, glazing beads or bespoke profiles, contact the Qwood technical team to discuss your requirements.
Need a bespoke bead? Request a sample or speak to our technical team about your project.
For the most up-to-date information about PAS 24, refer to the British Standards Institution and the relevant building-regulation guidance for your project.
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