There is a set of rules relating to technical security for almost every field of application within the construction industry. These rules focus on the benefits of the product in relation to its function.
But technical security is about far more than that – ideally, it covers all life cycle phases of a product: from planning and design to manufacture and use to demolition and disposal. Technical security is an aspect to which Jansen attaches great importance during the development and manufacture of steel profile systems for doors, windows, facades and fixed glazing.
Usability of structural elements
Fire and smoke protection, intrusion prevention, bullet-proofing and blast resistance: Windows and doors in security-related constructions must function reliably in all situations even after many years of use. They are therefore subjected to a wide variety of stress tests. Windows have to be tested with regard to their mechanical strength according to EN 14608 and EN 14609. Manually operated windows must be tested according to EN 12046-1 (operating forces) before and after these tests.
The results have an influence on EN 13115: Windows – Classification of mechanical properties. The window systems Janisol HI and Arte 2.0 are placed in the highest class (class 4) in terms of usability and Janisol HI is also in the highest class (class 2) in terms of operating forces.
Long-term functionality of windows, French windows and doors
In order to determine their long-term functionality, windows, French windows and doors are opened and closed thousands of times. If a component has several functions, e.g. rotation and tilting, each function is tested individually. Windows and French windows are categorised into classes 0 to 3 (20,000 cycles) in accordance with EN 12400. The Janisol HI single-sash casement window system has been shown to withstand 50,000 cycles, which is two and a half times the required amount.
VOC – volatile organic compounds
VOCs are substances that easily turn into a gas. VOCs come from a variety of sources; in outdoor environments, these include gases from biological decomposition processes and exhaust gases from industrial processes and road traffic. Sources in indoor environments include furniture, but above all products used in building shells and in interior finishing, e.g. floor, wall and ceiling materials, paints, varnishes, glues and sealants. These can all release substances that are harmful to health. Because only low-emission products ensure a safe indoor climate, Jansen exclusively uses seals and coatings for steel window, door and facade profiles that have been tested in accordance with DIN EN ISO 16000 ‘Indoor air’. In this way, we ensure that everything is just right, even on a small scale.
Impact resistance vs. fall prevention
Impact resistance as per DIN EN 14351-1 is a feature required for glazed external doors that pose a risk of injury. In other words, it is the ability of a door to hold the glass in place in the event of an impact, i.e. the glass must not break. Barrier glazing should prevent people from falling to a lower level if they strike it. Furthermore, this lower level must not be at risk from falling shards of glass.
Load capacity of safety devices
This somewhat cumbersome phrase refers to the requirement that all parts used to keep a door leaf or window sash open (for example stays and detents) must be designed to protect the user from potential hazards: falling through the gap between the leaf/sash and the frame, appendages being crushed or cut off, the leaf/sash unexpectedly closing during cleaning and the leaf/sash falling out. The requirements and test for these aspects are described in product standard EN 14351-1 and must also be taken into consideration as an ‘essential feature’ during CE certification. Jansen provides all documents and updates relating to the product in a timely manner in the comprehensive ATD (Appropriate Technical Documentation) – which saves the user the onerous task of searching for and checking the applicability of specifications.
