By Adam Dixon, senior technical manager, UAP.

In today’s construction landscape, compliance with PAS 24 is no longer optional; it is essential. Developed as a benchmark for enhanced security performance, PAS 24 provides a rigorous testing method to ensure that doorsets can withstand opportunistic and forced-entry attempts commonly encountered in the UK.

However, one of the most important, and often misunderstood, aspects of PAS 24 is that it tests the entire doorset as a complete system, not just individual components. This means that every element, from the locking mechanism to the letterplate, plays a critical role in achieving compliance.

UAP’s integrated approach to hardware specification addresses this challenge, ensuring that all components work together seamlessly to meet and exceed PAS 24 requirements.

Understanding PAS 24
PAS 24 has been developed to assess how doors and windows resist attack methods typically used by opportunistic intruders. These attacks are often low-skill but highly effective if weak points exist within the doorset.

Unlike component-level standards, PAS 24 evaluates the combined performance of hardware, glazing, locks, and accessories. A failure in any one component, no matter how small, can result in the entire doorset failing the test. This approach makes hardware selection critical. Manufacturers and specifiers must ensure that every piece of hardware is not only individually robust but also compatible within a tested configuration.

The role of multipoint locks in PAS 24 testing
At the core of any secure doorset is the locking system. Fullex’s multipoint locks are engineered to deliver exceptional performance across multiple attack points.

Multipoint locks distribute the locking force across several positions along the door frame, significantly increasing resistance against forced entry. Features such as opposing hooks, anti-lift bolts, and reinforced keeps provide enhanced security, helping doorsets withstand the physical attack elements of PAS 24 testing.

Crucially, these locks are designed for both durability and security. PAS 24 testing includes repeated mechanical operations and attack simulations, meaning locks must maintain performance throughout these tests. Fullex locks are built with long-term reliability in mind, ensuring consistent operation even under demanding test conditions.

Freezeguard 3 Star cylinder
Alongside the locking system, the cylinder plays a critical role in both security and operational reliability. UAP’s Freezeguard 3 Star cylinder is designed to perform in challenging environmental conditions, helping to ensure that doorsets remain functional even in extreme cold.

As part of a PAS 24-compliant doorset, consistent cylinder performance is essential not only to resist attack but also to maintain usability during testing and in real-world applications. By combining enhanced security credentials with durability and resilience, the Freezeguard cylinder supports the overall integrity of the door system, ensuring that environmental factors do not compromise compliance or performance.

TS008 letterplates
While often overlooked, letterplates are a common vulnerability in residential doors. PAS 24 testing specifically evaluates whether intruders can exploit openings, such as letter plates, to gain access.

UAP’s TS008 Soterian letterplates are designed to mitigate this risk. TS008 certification refers to enhanced security standards developed to resist manipulation techniques such as fishing and tool-based attacks through the letterplate aperture.

When incorporated into PAS 24-compliant doorsets, TS008 letterplates provide resistance against intrusion attempts through the door aperture, robust construction to withstand physical attack, compatibility with fire-rated and security-rated door systems.

UAP’s range includes TS008 fire-rated letterplates, ensuring that both security and fire performance requirements can be met in a single solution.

Because PAS 24 assesses the full doorset, the inclusion of a compliant letterplate is essential. Even the strongest lock can be undermined by a weak or poorly specified auxiliary component.

Supporting hardware
Beyond locks and letterplates, PAS 24 compliance depends on a complete ecosystem of hardware. UAP offers a comprehensive portfolio of complementary products including: high-security escutcheons, door handles engineered for durability, cylinders and masterkey systems, door viewers, and door chains.

Each of these elements contributes to the doorset’s overall performance. For example, security escutcheons protect cylinders from attack, while reinforced handles prevent forced entry attempts from compromising access points.

Importantly, many UAP products are also accredited by recognised schemes such as Secured by Design and BSI Kitemark, providing additional assurance of quality and performance.

Right first time
One of the biggest challenges for door manufacturers is achieving PAS 24 compliance on the first test attempt. Failure can result in high costs, delays, and reputational impact.
UAP addresses this by taking a customer-led approach, working with manufacturers to specify complete hardware packages that have already undergone extensive testing and validation.

In an environment where security expectations continue to rise, choosing the right hardware partner is essential. With UAP, every component contributes to a stronger, more resilient doorset, ready to meet the demands of PAS 24 testing and beyond.