LPS1175 doesn't need to be that complicated.

Excuse me, could you provide me with a high security shutter?

Of course. Which level of security are you looking for?

Erm, one that stops anyone breaking in. Isn't there just one level?

And then the fun begins.

Legislations are constantly evolving and sometimes these changes slip under the radar, leaving confusion for the customer and sometimes, lack of awareness for the supplier.

Here at Arrow however, we're constantly monitoring the changes and making sure we're up to speed on the latest developments and LPS1175 is something very important to our business.

So what is LPS1175?

According to the Secured by Design website, LPS 1175 stands for ‘Loss Prevention Standard’ and is one of many LPS standards that are published by the LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board).

LPS 1175 focusses on the physical security of a range of intruder resistant building components.

Issue 8 is the latest version of LPS 1175, which replaces, and includes important updates, from Issue 7. The changes to Issue 8 reflect the scope of tools now available to criminals, size of tools they use, access to the tools, portability of the tools, power and effectiveness of the tools.?

Issue 8 of LPS 1175 also uses a new matrix to define the security ratings, meaning they can be applied to a far wider scope of threat scenarios. It also supports the use of a layered approach by security specifiers to deliver extended delays to criminals who are prepared to use force to get into a facility. In determining the Security Rating the classifications take account of the risk and investment that criminals, terrorists, activists or protestors will consider in planning activity.

Understanding what acronyms have been replaced.

The most common acronyms in relation to LPS1175 are SR1, SR2, SR3, SR4, SR5, SR6 and SR7 with the SR standing for "Security Rating" and then in ascending order of level of security protection from 1 to 7.

Now there are up to 48 levels mainly due to the evolution of tools would be intruders have at their disposal. Starting at a base level of A1 and then going all the way up to H20, choosing the right product could be a minefield of confusion for the customer.

But it really doesn't need to be.

How to choose the right product for your needs.

For the purposes of this article, we're going to concentrate on the the 4 levels of security Arrow can offer as part of our in-house manufactured range of LPS1175 accredited security products. In "old money" that would be SR1, SR2, SR3 and SR4. In todays vernacular, that is now A1, B3, C5 and D10.

Looking at the chart below, you can see how selecting a product is actually an easy process. Simply decide what level of toolkit you are trying to deter, then choose the delay time which relates to the minimum delay in minutes provided by the physical security product and you can identify the correct code for your preferred product.

Understanding the tool kits.

We've also built some LPCB test specification sheets which cover all the tools from category A to D. These can be downloaded from our site by clicking here.

These tech sheets are extremely useful when it comes to understanding what tools are commonly in use by intruders and the test criteria for each level of security we can support.

If there's still uncertainty, who you gonna call?

Arrow!

We've tried to make it simple to understand but we also recognise that sometimes a voice of authority is always welcome. Our teams are based across the entirety of the UK and there's always someone on the end of a phone ready to assist you when we can. Please visit our website to locate your nearest branch.