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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 how well a physical security product resists forced entry. It is administered by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) and is recognised by insurers, police and specifiers.

Rather than a simple pass or fail, it measures the delay a product provides against an attacker using a defined toolkit, which gives a verified, comparable performance rating.

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, fencing, shutters, grilles and doors against simulated attacks. The LPCB audits the manufacturing process to confirm that production units match the tested specimen. This process keeps the security rating valid throughout the product's lifecycle. Insurers recognise the certification as robust proof of due diligence in facility protection.

The current version is Issue 8, in effect since January 2019. It replaced the older single-digit rating system with a two-part classification, which lets specifiers match security layers to a specific threat assessment. A site might need high resistance against power tools at the perimeter but lower resistance against hand tools internally.

How LPS 1175 Issue 8 Classifications Work

An LPS 1175 Issue 8 classification has two parts: a letter from A to H for the toolkit and number of attackers used in the test, and a number for the minimum delay in minutes the product achieved. A product rated C5, for example, resisted Category C tools for at least five minutes.

The delay figure is based on "Working Time." Working time measures the actual duration an attacker applies tools to the product. It excludes rest breaks, tool changes and strategic pauses, so a rating of 10 minutes represents a longer real-world attack. This distinction helps security teams plan response protocols accurately.

Issue 8 replaced the older SR1 to SR8 ratings used in Issue 7. The single-digit system had become a poor fit for the tools criminals now use, so the standard moved to the more flexible two-part classification. You will still see SR ratings on legacy and mixed-standard product ranges, so the table below maps the two systems against each other.

The LPS 1175 Classification Table

Issue 8 Classification Legacy SR (Issue 7) Tool Category Minimum Delay Threat Profile
A1 SR1 Category A: basic hand tools 1 minute Opportunist: minimal noise, easily concealed tools
B3 SR2 Category B: heavier hand and light mechanical tools 3 minutes Determined opportunist: more noise, mechanical advantage
C5 SR3 Category C: battery tools and gas torches 5 minutes Deliberate attack: accepts a higher risk of detection
D10 SR4 Category D: heavy-duty mains power tools 10 minutes Experienced, professional attack
E, F, G and H (with 10, 15 or 20 minute delays) SR5 to SR8 (legacy) Categories E to H: the most capable tool sets up to 20 minutes Sustained, well-equipped attacks, specified for critical infrastructure and the highest-risk sites

The A1, B3, C5 and D10 equivalences to legacy SR ratings are those commonly used across the industry. Always check a product's official certificate for its exact classification.

Understanding The Tool Categories

The toolkit letter is the heart of the classification. Categories A to D are described below; the standard continues to Categories E to H for the higher classifications, using progressively more capable equipment.

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 classified A1 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 classified B3 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 classified C5 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 classified D10 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 means LPCB certified products offer genuine protection against real criminal intent.

The Importance Of The RedBook Live Listing

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

LPS 1175 Compared To PAS 24 And EN 1627

When researching security standards you are likely to come across PAS 24 and EN 1627. Both are valid, but they differ from LPS 1175 in scope and structure.

LPS 1175 and PAS 24

PAS 24 is a British standard for the security of doors and windows, used mainly in residential settings. The key difference is that it is a minimum standard. A product either passes or fails, with no grading. It also reflects a residential burglary threat, with shorter attack times, where LPS 1175 grades performance across a wide range of threat levels and tougher toolkits.

LPS 1175 and EN 1627

EN 1627 is a European standard structured in resistance classes, RC1 to RC6. It is similar in shape to the legacy LPS 1175 SR system, but it focuses on burglary resistance and lower-noise, stealth-based attacks. It does not cover the higher-threat scenarios, the noisier power tools, or the perimeter products such as fences, gates and turnstiles that LPS 1175 addresses.

In short, LPS 1175 has the widest scope of the three and a graded performance structure, which is why insurers and specifiers tend to prefer or require it for higher-risk sites. PAS 24 and EN 1627 remain valid standards in their own contexts.

Applying LPS 1175 To High Speed Doors

LPS 1175 certification matters most where a product has to be both operational and secure. At Arrow, we manufacture ArrowGuard LPS 1175 rated high speed roller shutter doors that provide certified intruder resistance without sacrificing speed.

Traditional high-speed doors prioritise speed and offer little physical security. Traditional security shutters offer security but are slow. That gap leaves sites choosing between efficiency and protection, with doors either left open for logistics or closed and slowing the operation down.

Our ArrowGuard range closes that gap. It keeps logistics moving during the day while providing certified, insurance-recognised protection against forced entry. If you are specifying for a site and want to know which classification suits your risk profile, our team can talk it through with you.

LPS 1175 - frequently asked questions

What is LPS 1175?

LPS 1175 is the primary UK certification standard for the intruder resistance of physical security products such as doors, shutters, grilles and fencing. It is administered by the Loss Prevention Certification Board and is recognised by insurers, police and specifiers as evidence that a product resists forced entry for a verified length of time.

What does an LPS 1175 security rating mean?

Under the current Issue 8 standard, a rating has two parts: a letter from A to H for the toolkit used in the test, and a number for the minimum delay in minutes the product achieved. A C5 rating, for example, means the product resisted Category C tools for at least five minutes. The older SR1 to SR8 ratings are legacy Issue 7 classifications still seen on some products.

What is the difference between LPS 1175 and PAS 24?

PAS 24 is a minimum pass-or-fail standard for residential doors and windows, with no grading. LPS 1175 grades performance across a wide range of threat levels and tougher toolkits, and covers a far broader range of products. LPS 1175 is generally specified for commercial and higher-risk sites.

What is the RedBook Live listing?

RedBook Live is the official online directory maintained by the LPCB. It lists every currently certified LPS 1175 product, allowing insurers, architects and risk managers to verify that a product holds valid certification. Regular audits confirm that manufacturers continue to produce goods matching the tested specimen.

Which LPS 1175 rating do I need?

The right rating depends on the value of the assets, the likely threat to the site, its location, and how long you need to delay an attacker. Higher classifications suit critical infrastructure and high-value commercial sites; lower ones suit lower-risk applications. A specialist can assess the risk profile and recommend a suitable classification.

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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