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LPS 1175: The Definitive Guide To Physical Security Standards

Built to last. Built to the highest security standard
LPS 1175 is the primary UK certification standard that defines the resistance of physical security products against unauthorised forced entry.

It measures the delay time a product provides against intruders using specific tool kits, offering a verified performance rating that insurers and specifiers use to assess risk mitigation.

What Is The LPS 1175 Standard?

The Loss Prevention Standard (LPS) 1175 specifies the testing procedures and performance requirements for intruder-resistant building components. The Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB), part of BRE Global, administers this standard to ensure products perform reliably in hostile environments.

The standard creates a benchmark for physical security. It tests perimeter barriers, shutters, and doors against simulated attacks. The LPCB audits the manufacturing process to confirm that production units match the tested specimen. This process guarantees that the security rating remains valid throughout the product's lifecycle. Insurers recognise this certification as the most robust proof of due diligence in facility protection.

The current version, Issue 8, introduces a matrix approach. It defines performance based on two variables: the tool kit used and the delay time achieved. This flexibility allows specifiers to match security layers to specific threat assessments. A site might need high resistance against power tools at the perimeter but lower resistance against hand tools internally.

How Are Security Ratings (SR) Determined?

Security Ratings (SR) classify a product's resistance based on the maximum tool category used and the minimum delay time achieved during testing. The ratings progress from SR1, indicating resistance to opportunist attacks, to SR8, indicating resistance to extreme force and terrorism.

The rating depends on "Working Time." Working time measures the actual duration an attacker applies tools to the product. It excludes rest breaks, tool changes, or strategic pauses. A rating of 10 minutes (SR4) therefore represents a significantly longer real-world attack duration. This distinction helps security teams plan response protocols accurately.

The Security Rating Matrix

Rating Tool Category Delay Time Attacker Profile
SR1 / A1 Category A 1 Minute Opportunist: Minimal noise, easily concealed tools.
SR2 / B3 Category B 3 Minutes Determined Opportunist: Higher noise, mechanical tools.
SR3 / C5 Category C 5 Minutes Deliberate Attack: High noise, gas/battery power tools.
SR4 / D10 Category D 10 Minutes Experienced Professional: Heavy duty, mains power tools.

Understanding The Tool Categories

Category A represents basic hand tools that an opportunist attacker can easily conceal.

This kit includes levers, screwdrivers, spanners, and pliers. The attacker uses these tools to exploit visible weaknesses such as hinges or locks. The attack generates minimal noise. Products rated SR1 withstand these tools for at least one minute of working time.

Category B represents a determined attack using more aggressive hand tools and light mechanical tools.

This kit includes bolt cutters, claw hammers, hand drills, and hacksaws. The tools are still relatively portable but generate more noise and damage. Products rated SR2 withstand these tools for at least three minutes of working time.

Category C represents a deliberate forced entry attempt using gas torches and battery-powered tools.

This kit includes axes, chisels, crowbars, and gas torches. The attacker accepts a higher risk of detection due to noise and visual disturbance. Products rated SR3 withstand these tools for at least five minutes of working time.

Category D represents an experienced, professional attack using heavy-duty power tools.

This kit includes sledgehammers, high-powered drills, jigsaws, and disc grinders. The tools require strength and skill to operate effectively. Products rated SR4 withstand these tools for at least ten minutes of working time. This level is often specified for high-value commercial assets and critical infrastructure.

How Is LPS 1175 Compliance Tested?

BRE engineers conduct physical attack tests in a controlled environment to verify compliance. They study the product design to identify vulnerabilities and then attempt to breach the product using the specified tool kits within the allowed time.

The testing process is rigorous and adversarial. The testers are experts who know how to exploit physical weaknesses. They attack joints, locking mechanisms, and the fabric of the material itself. The product passes only if it prevents the creation of a man-sized aperture for the entire duration of the test. This "fail-safe" methodology ensures that LPCB certified products offer genuine protection against real criminal intent.

The Importance Of The Red Book Listing

The LPCB maintains the "Red Book," a live directory of all approved products. A listing in the Red Book serves as definitive proof of current certification. It allows insurers and risk managers to verify that a product specification meets their security requirements. Regular audits ensure that manufacturers continue to produce goods that match the tested standard.

Applying LPS 1175 To High Speed Doors

LPS 1175 certification ensures that operational doors can also serve as secure perimeter defences. At Arrow, we specialise in engineering ArrowGuard High Speed Roller Shutter Doors that achieve these rigorous security ratings without compromising on speed or efficiency.

Traditional high-speed doors often lack physical security, while traditional security shutters lack speed. This creates a vulnerability where doors are either left open for efficiency or closed, slowing down logistics. By applying LPS 1175 standards to high-speed door technology, we provide a unified solution. Our ArrowGuard range demonstrates that a facility can maintain fluid logistics flows during the day while ensuring certified, insurance-approved protection against forced entry.

Arrow is the UK’s leading independent industrial door supplier.

Since 1986, we have been manufacturing, supplying and installing specialist doors and services for industrial, retail and commercial applications.

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