Do Steel Security Doors come with Different Levels of Security Ratings?

Steel security doors are widely used to protect commercial, industrial and public buildings but not all offer the same level of protection. Different doors are designed to resist different types of attack and this is where security ratings become important.

Understanding security door ratings helps businesses and property owners choose a solution that matches their level of risk, operational needs and budget, rather than over or under-specifying a door.

Why Security Ratings Matter for Steel Security Doors

Security ratings provide an objective way to measure how well a door performs against forced attack. A rated door has been independently tested to confirm how long it can resist specific attack methods. An unrated door may still provide a physical barrier but it has not been verified through formal testing.

These ratings are especially important for:

• Insurance compliance

• High-risk commercial premises

• Sites storing valuable stock or equipment

• Buildings with repeated security incidents

Common UK Security Door Ratings Explained

LPS 1175 Security Ratings

LPS 1175 is a widely recognised UK standard, testing doors against physical attacks using defined tools over set time periods. Higher ratings indicate resistance to more determined or prolonged attacks:

• SR1–SR2: Deters opportunistic entry using basic hand tools.
• SR3–SR4: Resists moderate, determined attack attempts.
• SR5–SR6: Protects against sustained, planned attacks on higher-risk sites.
• SR7–SR8: Designed for very high-risk locations facing organised criminal threats.

Some steel security doors are LPCB certified without a specific LPS 1175 attack rating. This confirms independent third-party verification of build quality and manufacturing standards and is often sufficient for insurer approval in lower-risk applications.

Other UK Security Door Ratings Explained

While LPS 1175 is the most widely recognised UK standard for high-security doors, other ratings may also be relevant depending on your building type, risk level and insurance or regulatory requirements.

Key alternative ratings include:

• Secured by Design (SBD): A police-backed initiative focused on crime prevention. Commonly used for residential and public buildings.
• PAS 24: Tests resistance to manual forced entry. Often referenced in UK Building Regulations for residential and light commercial properties.
• EN 1627–1630 (RC ratings): European resistance classes for doors and windows. Higher RC levels indicate greater resistance, though they are less common for UK industrial applications.

The table below summarises the main standards, their typical security levels and common applications.

Balancing Security Level Risk and Cost

Choosing the right security door is not about selecting the highest rating available. It is about balancing:

• The value of what is being protected
• The likelihood of attack
• The type of threats faced
• Budget and operational requirements

For example, a low risk industrial unit may only require an unrated or lower-rated steel security door. A retail environment storing high value items may require a higher-rated solution such as an LPS 1175 certified door.

Correct specification helps avoid unnecessary cost while still delivering effective protection.

Types of Steel Security Doors Available From Excel

Excel Industrial Doors and Shutters provide a range of steel security doors to suit different environments and risk levels, from unrated doors up to LPS 1175 Level S3.

High Security Steel Doors

The Atakdor range is built to withstand sustained, professional attacks rather than opportunistic entry. These doors are ideal for high-risk retail, distribution and storage environments where valuable stock needs strong protection.

Steel Louvre Security Doors

Steel louvre security doors provide airflow while maintaining a secure barrier. The Louvidor range is commonly specified for plant rooms, service areas and industrial environments where solid doors would restrict ventilation.

Steel Security Doors for Sports Facilities (Sportdor Range)

Excel’s Sportdor balances safety, durability and regulatory compliance. Designed for sports halls and leisure facilities, they can incorporate flush panels and rebound protection to reduce impact injury risks while maintaining security. These features make them suitable for both new builds and refurbishment projects.

Security Door Installation and Ongoing Performance

Even the highest rated steel security door will only perform as intended if it is installed correctly. Professional security door installation ensures:

• Correct fitting and alignment
• Secure fixing into the surrounding structure
• Compliance with building regulations
• Regular maintenance to preserve performance and reliability

Choosing the Right Security Door for Your Property

Steel security doors do come with different levels of security ratings and understanding those ratings is key to making the right choice. By matching the door specification to your actual risk level, it is possible to achieve strong protection without unnecessary cost.

Whatever security door you need, get in touch with Excel for expert guidance on choosing the right solution to ensure long-term value and effective protection.