PAS 24 Composite Doors Explained
Written by Cornwall Composite DoorsReviewed by Cornwall Composite Doors installersLast updated July 20266 minute read
Short answer
PAS 24:2022 is a British test standard assessing a door set's resistance to physical attack, including forced entry with tools and impact testing. A composite door tested to PAS 24 has proven security performance as a complete unit, including its frame, lock and glazing, not just the slab alone.
PAS 24 comes up constantly in composite door marketing, but few homeowners know what the test actually checks. This guide explains the standard in plain terms and why it matters.
What PAS 24 actually tests
PAS 24:2022 is a whole door set test, meaning the slab, frame, hinges, lock and glazing are tested together exactly as they would be installed. Test methods include manual attack with tools such as screwdrivers and wrenches, applied over a set time, plus a mechanical loading test to simulate leaning and impact forces.
A door only passes if the complete set resists entry for the required time without the tester gaining access. This is why a PAS 24 certificate applies to a specific tested configuration, and swapping components can technically invalidate that certification.
PAS 24 and Building Regulations
Approved Document Q of the Building Regulations requires new-build and some replacement doors in England to meet enhanced security standards, and PAS 24 compliance is the standard route to demonstrating this. It isn't automatically a legal requirement for every door replacement, but many local authorities and housing developments specify it.
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Secured by Design vs PAS 24
PAS 24 is the underlying technical test. Secured by Design is a police-endorsed accreditation scheme that requires PAS 24 compliance plus additional checks on the manufacturer's ongoing quality control and product consistency. A door can be PAS 24 tested without being Secured by Design licensed, but not the reverse.
Why it matters for Cornwall homeowners
For most homeowners, PAS 24 is the clearest independent proof that a door has actually been tested rather than just described as secure by the salesperson. It also tends to matter for insurance purposes and for holiday-let and rental properties where landlords have a duty of care to provide reasonably secure accommodation.
Frequently asked questions
Is PAS 24 a legal requirement for door replacement?
Not universally. Approved Document Q applies to new dwellings and some material alterations in England, requiring enhanced security including PAS 24 compliant doors. A straightforward like-for-like replacement on an existing home isn't always legally required to meet it, but it's strongly recommended regardless.
How do I know if a door is genuinely PAS 24 tested?
Ask the installer for the specific test certificate or the manufacturer's PAS 24 declaration for that exact door and hardware configuration. Reputable manufacturers publish this information, and a genuine certificate will reference the door model, glazing and lock combination that was actually tested.
Does changing the handle affect PAS 24 compliance?
Potentially, yes. PAS 24 certification applies to the tested configuration of slab, frame, glazing and hardware together. Fitting a non-matching handle or cylinder afterwards, especially a lower-rated one, can mean the door no longer performs to the standard it was originally certified against.
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More security advice
- Are Composite Doors Secure?A straight answer on composite door security, covering the standards, locks and construction that matter most.
- Multi-Point Locking ExplainedA plain-English breakdown of how multipoint locks secure a composite door and what to check before you buy.
- Can Composite Doors Be Forced Open?No door is completely unbreakable. Here's an honest look at how composite doors hold up against forced entry attempts.
