In the US, window security is often described in vague terms: "reinforced," "heavy-duty," "impact-resistant." There is no US standard equivalent to Europe's RC (Resistance Class) system — a rigorous, independently tested certification where a window must actually withstand a real burglary attempt to earn its rating. This article explains what RC ratings mean and why all our VEKA and Schüco windows include RC2 hardware as standard.
In This Article
1. What Are RC Security Ratings?
RC (Resistance Class) is a European standard (EN 1627) that defines six levels of burglary resistance for windows, doors, and shutters. Unlike marketing claims, RC certification requires testing by an accredited independent laboratory — a trained tester actively attempts to break through the window using defined tools and methods for a defined time period. If they succeed, the window fails.
The test evaluates the complete window system — frame, sash, glazing, hardware, and fixings — because a burglary attempt attacks the weakest link. A high-security frame with poor glazing or poor locking hardware will fail at the weak point.
2. RC1 Through RC6: What Each Level Means
European Resistance Class (RC) Rating System
| Class | Threat Level | Tools Allowed in Test | Min. Resistance Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| RC1 | Physical body force | Kicking, shoulder charging, levering by hand | N/A — just resist physical force |
| RC2 ✅ Our Standard | Opportunistic burglar | Screwdriver, pliers, wedge | 3 minutes |
| RC3 | Experienced burglar | Crowbar, second screwdriver | 5 minutes |
| RC4 | Experienced with power tools | Hammer, chisel, angle grinder | 10 minutes |
| RC5 | Highly skilled with power tools | High-powered tools | 15 minutes |
| RC6 | Organized attack | All tools, including specialized | 20 minutes |
Research by European insurers shows that the majority of residential burglaries are attempted by opportunistic intruders who spend less than 3 minutes trying to access a building before abandoning the attempt. RC2 is specifically designed to defeat this profile — the most common residential burglary threat.
3. How US Windows Compare
Standard American double-hung windows have no burglary resistance rating equivalent to RC1. A determined adult can typically lever open a standard double-hung window with a screwdriver in under 30 seconds — the sash lock provides no structural resistance, and the sash slides freely once the simple lock tongue is bypassed.
Some US manufacturers market "security windows" with additional hardware, but these are not independently tested to a defined standard and should not be compared with RC-rated European systems.
4. Multi-Point Locking: The Hardware Behind RC2
The key to RC2 certification is the multi-point locking system — a set of locking bolts, hooks, and mushroom-headed cams that run around the full perimeter of the sash and engage simultaneously when the handle is turned.
All VEKA and Schüco tilt & turn windows include peripheral locking hardware with 8–14 locking points depending on sash size. When locked (handle pointing down), every one of these points is engaged and loaded against the frame. To force entry, a burglar would need to simultaneously overcome all locking points — which cannot be achieved with a single levering tool.
The locking hardware on our VEKA windows is supplied by Winkhaus or ROTO — two of Europe's most established hardware manufacturers — and is tested to 100,000+ operation cycles without degradation in locking force.
5. Laminated Safety Glass: The Other RC Component
RC2 certification also requires the glazing to resist penetration. Standard float glass — even in a triple-glazed unit — will shatter when struck with a screwdriver. The inner pane on RC2 glazing is made of laminated safety glass (two panes bonded with a PVB interlayer).
When struck, laminated glass fractures into a web of cracks but the PVB interlayer holds the pane together — preventing penetration through the glass and buying additional time. This glass is standard on our RC2 window specification.
All VEKA and Schüco tilt & turn windows we supply include RC2 hardware as standard. RC2 laminated glazing is available as an upgrade — we recommend it for ground-floor windows, basement-level openings, and any window within reach from the exterior.
6. Why RC2 Is Our Standard
RC2 is the appropriate security level for residential use in US urban and suburban environments. It addresses the realistic burglary threat (opportunistic entry with basic tools) without the cost and weight penalty of RC3 or higher systems.
For most US homes, the standard VEKA peripheral locking hardware already provides RC2-equivalent security even without formal certification — the mechanism is the same. For projects where formal RC2 documentation is required (insurance requirements, high-value homes, urban properties), we supply RC2-certified window systems with full test certificates on request.
Browse our VEKA uPVC windows and Schüco aluminum windows — all include multi-point locking hardware as standard. Contact us to discuss RC2 glass upgrades for your project.
