The guidelines established by a European standards commission regarding the requirements and test procedures for door handles and door knobs are reflected in DIN EN 1906, December 2012 edition. These guidelines, which have been ratified at European level, are defined in a classification key that aims primarily to ensure comparability through the standardisation of various product features.
This 8-digit classification key, see example below, only includes categories that are found in the performance description of the respective fittings. The tests are carried out in authorised testing institutes, under simulated real-time loads, with locks and profile cylinders that are also standardised and coordinated.
If the tested fittings meet the requirements of the individual categories, this is certified by a corresponding test certificate (here). The placement within the classification key is decisive for the significance of the individual categories. Here is a rough overview:
1st place
Usage category
- Class 1: Average frequency of use by persons who are motivated to take great care and who pose a low risk of incorrect use, e.g. interior doors in residential buildings.
- Class 2: Medium frequency of use by persons who are motivated to take care, but where there is a certain risk of incorrect use, e.g. interior doors in office buildings. The tensile force is 1,500 N, with safety class 0.
- Class 3: Frequent use by the public or other persons with little motivation to exercise care and where there is a high risk of incorrect use, e.g. interior doors in office buildings with public access. The tensile force is 2,500 N, with safety class 1. 40 Nm is required at the handle.
- Class 4: For use in doors that are frequently exposed to force or damage, e.g. in football stadiums, on oil rigs, in barracks or public toilets. 60 Nm is required at the handle.
4th digit
Fire resistance class (indicates suitability for buildings)
- Class 0: no performance specified
- Class A: suitable for installation in smoke protection doors
- Class B: suitable for installation in smoke and fire protection doors
- Class C: suitable for installation in smoke and fire protection doors with requirements for fire protection inserts in the plate and rosette
- Class D: suitable for installation in smoke and fire protection doors with requirements for a special lever core in the door handle/knob
6th digit
Corrosion resistance
- Class 0: No specified corrosion resistance
- Class 1: Low corrosion resistance, 24 hours of salt spray, e.g. products for indoor use
- Class 2: Moderate corrosion resistance, 48 hours of salt spray
- Class 3: High corrosion resistance, 96 hours of salt spray, products for external use, e.g. entrance doors
- Class 4: Extremely high corrosion resistance, 240 hours of salt spray, products located in marine air or industrial regions with high air pollution
7th place
Security – Burglary protection
- Class 0: Fittings for non-burglar-resistant doors
- Class 1: Low burglary resistance – Basic protection against break-in attempts using physical force such as kicking, shoulder charging, pushing up and tearing out (vandalism)
- Class 2: Moderate burglary resistance – The opportunistic perpetrator also attempts to break open the locked and bolted component using simple tools such as screwdrivers, pliers and wedges.
- Class 3: Strong burglar resistance – The perpetrator attempts to break open the locked and bolted component using a second screwdriver and crowbar (pry bar).
- Class 4: Extremely burglar-resistant – The experienced perpetrator also uses sawing tools and striking tools.