“Passive security” is an umbrella term under which we can find all the methods, technologies and solutions to physically protect the home from unwanted break-ins. Passive security devices contribute to preserving the valuables contained in the house and safeguarding the psychophysical well-being of the inhabitants. At the same time, they ensure the highest emotional comfort and tranquility derived from our growing need for security.
Passive security comprises physical barriers that separate what is outside from what is inside the house. They include armored doors, burglarproof windows, metal grills, railings, locking systems for shutters, fences (also electrified), and climbing bollards on downspouts and gutters.
Passive and active security systems for the home: different yet complementary
Clarifying the difference between active and passive security is essential to understand their validity. The so-called “active safety systems” include electronic and electrical devices that actively signal a dangerous situation, very often managing to discourage intruders and causing them to flee. Typically, these systems can consist of classic burglar alarms or video surveillance systems and motion-detection light points to be installed along the property’s perimeter.
When active security systems are associated with physical anti-intrusion barriers, the risk of unwanted entry into your home drops, thanks to a synergistic solution that seeks to prevent or solve any break-in attempt. On the other hand, it is equally true that each setting has different protection needs, depending on several discriminating factors (from the specific location to the presence of valuable goods in the home, for example). That means that passive or active security for the home must be calibrated on the client’s individual needs.
Properly designing a home’s security system will involve carefully analyzing the place and identifying its main “weak points“. A typical example is the front gate, which intruders could try to use to enter the property. Only after all the weak points have been identified can you intervene with proper passive safety systems and solutions.
Other vulnerable spots for break-ins include lower-floor windows, entry doors in condos, and all access points (doors, windows and French doors) from gates to single-family homes.
In these cases, specialized companies such as GINKO will suggest the solutions most aligned with the customer’s protection needs. These experts will also pay attention to the style and design of the building, presenting their range of anti-burglar windows and doors, anti-intrusion sliding doors, armored shutters and armored doors.
The main benefits of passive security systems for your home
The main benefit of passive security systems, such as burglarproof doors and windows, anti-intrusion locks, shatterproof doors and similar tools, is the presence of actual physical barriers.
The second benefit is the wide variety of solutions currently available. Today, passive security can provide different degrees of safety and also various designs and styles, with a range of armored doors and windows that are high performing and offer great aesthetic value. These solutions contribute to the architectural prestige of the building, regardless of its stylistic canons.
An example is GINKO’s armored sliding doors and windows for total anti-burglary security and outstanding modern design. In our IKONA Slide series, the high-level steel armoring combines with great practicality creating armored sliding aluminum fixtures that perfectly integrate into contemporary design settings or spaces with specific scenic needs.
Wood lovers find in GINKO’s Ikona Wood armored windows an effective response to the need for space safety and the material charm given by the liveliest and most beloved material. Our product is the new reference point in high-security fixtures, as it guarantees excellent anti-burglary and thermo-acoustic insulation qualities in a single solution with an extraordinary modern design.
Finally, let’s not forget the benefit of not having to depend on electricity and electronics for passive security systems. Since they are solid physical barriers, they will be able to perform in the most diverse conditions, even in the absence of energy.
An optimal passive security system for the home starts with the armored door
Armored doors are one of the most requested solutions in passive home security systems, and the reason is practical and psychological. These devices aim to discourage unwanted entry from the main access route. An anti-burglary door increases the safety of valuables and people and helps to increase the tranquility of the house’s inhabitants.
Naturally, there are different types of burglarproof doors for both indoor and outdoor settings. Their difference is both aesthetical and in performance. In the latter case, anti-burglary doors are classified according to a precise standard, with safety classes ranging from 1 to 6.
The first two classes include doors with different and increasing degrees of solidity, which cannot be defined as armored. On the contrary, classes 3 and 4 refer to armored doors specifically designed for residential buildings, while classes 5 and 6 refer to “special armor“.
Let’s see in more detail the security classification of the doors:
- Security class 1 (RC1): the door withstands forced entry attempts by pushing, shouldering, pulling and lifting, but it is not suitable for use as an entrance door.
- Security class 2 (RC2): the door withstands break-in attempts of the previous class, plus those perpetrated using tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, and wedges. It is considered “sufficient protection” for the entrance door.
- Security class 3 (RC3): in addition to the break-in attempts listed above, the door withstands more aggressive tools such as crowbars. It can be installed as an entrance door because it offers excellent protection.
- Security class 4 (RC4): the door withstands intrusion attempts by expert burglars who, in addition to what has already been listed, also attempt unwanted entry with hammers, saws, hatchets, chisels and battery-operated drills. Its level of protection as an entrance door is considered excellent.
- Security class 5 (RC5): the door withstands electric tools, such as drills, saws, grinders and similar tools. It is generally used to secure banks, jewelers, military environments, and embassies.
- Security class 6 (RC6): the door withstands the action of high-power electric tools and, again, it is suitable not for residential environments but for banks, jewelers, nuclear plants, military settings, and embassies.
Usually, those who live in a condo obtain adequate passive protection by installing class 2 or 3 burglarproof doors. In contrast, those who live in a detached house or single-family house are advised to install class 3 or 4 armored doors.
GINKO provides a complete range of certified armored doors (both for indoor and outdoor settings). Our solutions meet the highest aesthetic requirements while ensuring uncompromising performance.
You can learn about our line of INVISIO armored doors by visiting the dedicated section or contacting us for advice.