What Does an SKG Certification Mean on Sliding Door Components?
When you are looking for secure parts for your sliding patio door or lift-and-slide door, you will often come across the designation SKG, SKG*, SKG**, or SKG***. But what exactly does this certification mean, and why is it important when choosing hardware?
What is SKG?
SKG-IKOB is an independent Dutch certification body that tests hardware for burglary resistance.
Products that meet the required standards receive an SKG certification. This certification indicates how much resistance a product offers against a burglary attempt using tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, and crowbars.
The Different SKG Classifications
SKG* (1 star)
A product with one star offers a basic level of burglary resistance.
✔ Delays a burglar for about 3 minutes.
✔ Often used as additional security.
✔ Does not always independently meet the requirements of the Police Quality Mark for Safe Living.
SKG** (2 stars)
This is the most common classification for windows, doors, and sliding patio doors.
✔ Delays a burglar for at least 3 minutes.
✔ Can provide sufficient security on its own.
✔ Widely used in modern sliding patio and lift-and-slide doors.
SKG*** (3 stars)
The highest classification.
✔ Delays a burglar for at least 5 minutes.
✔ Offers extra protection against heavy burglary methods.
✔ Often equipped with additional security features.
Why is SKG Important for a Sliding Patio Door?
A sliding patio door is often a favored entry point for burglars due to the large glass surface and the often less visible rear side of a home.
Choosing SKG-certified components makes it significantly harder to:
✔ Pry open the sliding door.
✔ Force the lock.
✔ Pull the door out of the locking mechanism.
✔ Manipulate the hardware via the operating mechanism.
Which Sliding Door Components Can Have an SKG Certification?
Various components for sliding patio doors are available with SKG certification:
✔ Lift-and-slide door handles with cylinder protection.
✔ Security cylinders.
✔ Strike plates and keeps.
✔ Multipoint locks.
✔ PSK hardware (Parallel-Slide-Tilt hardware).
✔ Additional anti-burglary features.
Note: An SKG Lock Alone Is Not Enough
A common mistake is replacing only the handle or cylinder with an SKG-certified version.
The final burglary resistance is determined by the complete combination of:
✔ Handle.
✔ Cylinder.
✔ Lock case.
✔ Strike plates.
✔ Frame construction.
✔ Installation.
If any one of these components is insufficiently strong, the overall security may still be limited.
SKG and the Police Quality Mark for Safe Living
Many SKG products are used within the guidelines of the Police Quality Mark for Safe Living.
This mark considers not only the lock itself but the complete security of the home and its openings.
Which SKG Products Can You Find at Openingstechnieken.com?
At Openingstechnieken.com, you will find various sliding door components available with SKG certification, including:
✔ Lift-and-slide door handles with cylinder hole.
✔ Security cylinders.
✔ Strike plates.
✔ Various GU, Siegenia, Maco, and AGB components.
✔ Components for both wooden and plastic sliding patio doors.
Unsure which part is suitable for your sliding patio door? Send photos of the existing hardware or the part’s model number. This way, the best SKG-certified solution for your situation can be determined.
Conclusion
An SKG certification indicates that a sliding door component has been independently tested for burglary resistance. The more stars the certification has, the greater the resistance to burglary. For sliding patio and lift-and-slide doors, it is wise to consider not only the handle or cylinder but the complete security of the hardware and the door’s construction.
With the right combination of SKG-certified components, you not only increase the safety of your home but also the ease of use and reliability of your sliding patio door.