ᐅ Security ratings RC2, RC2N, and electronic intruder protection
Created on: 17 Jan 2020 08:51
B
Bauherr am L
Dear building professionals,
The topic of burglary security comes up here from time to time. Our house will be fitted with about 8-10 tilt-and-turn windows accessible at ground level, and we are wondering how to make it more difficult for burglars. Our window supplier offers fittings rated RC2 or similar to RC2, priced at around 275 euros per tilt-and-turn sash plus lockable window handles for about 50 euros each.
As far as I understand the security classes, this would be RC2N since the glass itself does not yet meet the higher requirements. For that, the outer pane would need to be P4A, right? Would this then even be laminated into the frame? If you use RC2 fittings, is it strongly recommended to also use P4A glass?
In addition, we have two lift-and-slide units that we could also upgrade with RC2 fittings. However, I wonder how burglars would be able to pry open a lift-and-slide door sash weighing several hundred kilograms?
There is also the option to install electronic window contacts: ROTO MVS VdS C at approximately 175 euros each and locking contact sensors VdS C for multipoint locking at about 160 euros each.
That adds up quite a bit. Regarding the electronic contacts, I still don’t fully understand what would be sensible. Has anyone here dealt with this topic and could provide advice?
In general: the area where we are building is considered to have an average risk of burglary. There are about 70 houses on the street, most of them older, where a burglar might get in more quickly, but our house will clearly be one of the newer and more expensive-looking ones, which might make it more attractive as a target?
Thanks and best regards with a stuffy head
The topic of burglary security comes up here from time to time. Our house will be fitted with about 8-10 tilt-and-turn windows accessible at ground level, and we are wondering how to make it more difficult for burglars. Our window supplier offers fittings rated RC2 or similar to RC2, priced at around 275 euros per tilt-and-turn sash plus lockable window handles for about 50 euros each.
As far as I understand the security classes, this would be RC2N since the glass itself does not yet meet the higher requirements. For that, the outer pane would need to be P4A, right? Would this then even be laminated into the frame? If you use RC2 fittings, is it strongly recommended to also use P4A glass?
In addition, we have two lift-and-slide units that we could also upgrade with RC2 fittings. However, I wonder how burglars would be able to pry open a lift-and-slide door sash weighing several hundred kilograms?
There is also the option to install electronic window contacts: ROTO MVS VdS C at approximately 175 euros each and locking contact sensors VdS C for multipoint locking at about 160 euros each.
That adds up quite a bit. Regarding the electronic contacts, I still don’t fully understand what would be sensible. Has anyone here dealt with this topic and could provide advice?
In general: the area where we are building is considered to have an average risk of burglary. There are about 70 houses on the street, most of them older, where a burglar might get in more quickly, but our house will clearly be one of the newer and more expensive-looking ones, which might make it more attractive as a target?
Thanks and best regards with a stuffy head
B
Bauherr am L17 Jan 2020 10:32So far, delaying the intruder with RC2 seems to be positively regarded by you. How does P4A glass fit into this context? Are the fittings sufficient, or is it necessary to use the corresponding glass as well?
How do you see the use of electric contacts? Are they more for home automation, or are they genuinely useful for an alarm system, or both?
How do you see the use of electric contacts? Are they more for home automation, or are they genuinely useful for an alarm system, or both?
It always comes down to personal feelings of security and budget. Getting inside is always possible.
Burglary protection is always a combination of individual components and requires a comprehensive approach.
Window contacts (open/closed monitoring) are useful for the alarm system when arming and for home automation.
Glass break sensors are only for the alarm system and are usually not very aesthetically pleasing.
Whether RC2n is sufficient or RC2 is necessary depends on the points mentioned above. Most homeowners I currently know opt for RC2n to save costs. In general, the duration of a break-in attempt and the likelihood of detection are significantly higher compared to older or standard windows. Burglars usually look for easier targets.
Lighting with motion sensors and cameras (with person detection) also act as deterrents. Dogs are the most effective, and attentive neighbors also help.
I always say: fear is a bad advisor. A fortress or cage won’t help you. Live as openly as possible.
Better to have a small, well-anchored safe for irreplaceable items (photos are mostly digital nowadays and can be easily backed up externally…), and leave the rest to insurance.
Of course, the situation is different if you have art or similar valuables in your home. I’m assuming this is not the case here.
Burglary protection is always a combination of individual components and requires a comprehensive approach.
Window contacts (open/closed monitoring) are useful for the alarm system when arming and for home automation.
Glass break sensors are only for the alarm system and are usually not very aesthetically pleasing.
Whether RC2n is sufficient or RC2 is necessary depends on the points mentioned above. Most homeowners I currently know opt for RC2n to save costs. In general, the duration of a break-in attempt and the likelihood of detection are significantly higher compared to older or standard windows. Burglars usually look for easier targets.
Lighting with motion sensors and cameras (with person detection) also act as deterrents. Dogs are the most effective, and attentive neighbors also help.
I always say: fear is a bad advisor. A fortress or cage won’t help you. Live as openly as possible.
Better to have a small, well-anchored safe for irreplaceable items (photos are mostly digital nowadays and can be easily backed up externally…), and leave the rest to insurance.
Of course, the situation is different if you have art or similar valuables in your home. I’m assuming this is not the case here.
We opted for RC2N certification at a reasonable additional cost, so at least a casual burglar can't just break in with a screwdriver. Without mushroom-headed locking bolts, it is often enough for one or two adults to forcefully push against a patio door. Additionally, we have planned lighting and motion detectors around the house.
Snowy36 schrieb:
Burglars rarely enter through doors anyway.... What did I write? I said you should have mushroom head locks on your windows. The main points of entry for burglars ARE windows and patio doors, but only because without mushroom head locks, they can be opened almost silently in under 20 seconds with a simple screwdriver.
IF you have RC2N security, then it’s no longer possible to open them quickly and silently, but only quickly and noisily, or quickly and silently by attacking the lock.
Which of you have multipoint locking doors with anti-drill cylinders?
Here as well, including RC2 window contacts, AA, and all the extras.
But everything is relative. There are still areas where people do not lock their houses. After two direct neighbors of ours were robbed, everyone more or less stepped up their security. As strange as it sounds, you need to make it more effort for the burglar than the neighboring house. That increases the chance of being caught, and most will then choose the easier target.
But everything is relative. There are still areas where people do not lock their houses. After two direct neighbors of ours were robbed, everyone more or less stepped up their security. As strange as it sounds, you need to make it more effort for the burglar than the neighboring house. That increases the chance of being caught, and most will then choose the easier target.
At €175 per window contact, switching service providers seems more important to me than discussing details right now.
Otherwise, what rick says applies. It’s an individual matter. Everyone will also tell you something different that supposedly helps.
In reality, the likelihood of becoming a victim of burglary is extremely low. Damage and theft are covered by building/home contents insurance. What remains is the uneasy feeling that someone was in your house.
How much is that worth to you?
Otherwise, what rick says applies. It’s an individual matter. Everyone will also tell you something different that supposedly helps.
In reality, the likelihood of becoming a victim of burglary is extremely low. Damage and theft are covered by building/home contents insurance. What remains is the uneasy feeling that someone was in your house.
How much is that worth to you?
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