For Greater Security in Your Own Home

Doors and patio doors with resistance classes of RC2 and above according to DIN EN 1627 are eligible for funding.

Funding Opportunities
(Information provided without guarantee and/or claim to completeness)

• KfW Funding Program
  Further information on funding opportunities through KfW Bank
• Regional Funding Programs
  Available for burglary protection from individual federal states
• Potential Grants from Cities and Municipalities
  Some offer their own funding programs
• Tax Benefits
  Depending on your personal situation and investment volume
• Funding Through BAFA
  In connection with energy-efficient renovations
• More Information on Funding Options
  Available from the K-Einbruch initiative

When we look at the table of resistance classes, the first noticeable differences are the resistance time and the intruder profile. For RC2, an opportunistic intruder will need at least 3 minutes to attempt a break-in, whereas for RC3, a more experienced intruder will be at work for at least 5 minutes. In fact, the total testing time for RC3 elements in the laboratory is significantly higher!

The most important difference lies in the tools used: For RC2, the primary tool is a 365 mm screwdriver. For RC3, a 710 mm crowbar (pry bar) is added, allowing the intruder to apply enormous leverage. With such tools, an RC2 element can be forced open relatively quickly. In contrast, an RC3 element is expected to withstand an attack with a screwdriver indefinitely.

The level of burglary resistance increases exponentially from one RC class to the next. We achieve this through the use of different materials. For RC3, hardwood such as oak is required, whereas for RC2, softwoods like pine, larch, or fir are generally sufficient. Additionally, RC3 elements have significantly more locking points in the perimeter hardware, much stronger anchoring to the masonry, and additional metal reinforcements in the frame.

The glazing also differs: At RvE, we typically use P4A impact-resistant glazing for RC2 elements. Starting from RC3, we recommend break-in-resistant security glass of class P6B or higher, according to DIN EN 356. Visually, you won’t be able to tell the difference between RC2 and RC3 elements from our manufactory. Even with the thicker glass, we can offer very slim profiles and extremely narrow sightlines.

We strongly advise against using RC2N elements in accessible areas. The “N” indicates that no security glazing is installed, creating a weak point that an intruder can easily exploit.

Wood is a natural, renewable high-tech material with outstanding physical properties that are hard to match. It naturally offers high strength and excellent insulation values in both thermal and acoustic performance. Thanks to its natural oils, wood has antibacterial properties, is breathable, and helps maintain a healthy indoor climate and balanced humidity. Plastic and metal elements simply can’t compete with these advantages!

We harness these positive characteristics of wood for our security elements. Softwoods like pine or larch are used for RC2 elements, while hardwoods like oak are required for RC3 and above.

Wood also has significant advantages in the event of a fire: it doesn’t release toxic fumes or corrosive acids that can damage flooring. Unlike plastic components, wooden fire protection elements retain their shape longer during a fire and are less likely to warp, ensuring that escape routes remain unobstructed.

In general, wooden windows and doors stand out for their exceptional durability. Plastics can become brittle, fade over time, and are difficult to repair. Wood, on the other hand, can be restored and refurbished repeatedly—as evidenced by countless historical and listed buildings.

Although plastic elements are typically much cheaper to purchase, wooden windows and doors offer significantly greater value and should be seen as a long-term investment. In addition, wood allows for extensive design and customization possibilities. It can be shaped and finished in a variety of ways, enabling us to create not just a standard product but a unique piece tailored to your specifications, including customized surfaces, profiles, and formats.

Unfortunately, no. An alarm system offers no mechanical protection against a break-in and should always be used in combination with security windows and doors. While today’s alarm technology is incredibly advanced, professional burglars often have access to the latest tools and technology as well—and can potentially disable even top-of-the-line alarm systems. If that happens and your windows and doors don’t have burglary-resistant features, intruders can break into a house or apartment within seconds and cause significant damage. By the time the police arrive, the perpetrators are often long gone.

Security elements are the last physical barrier an intruder must overcome. The longer it takes them to get through, the higher the likelihood that they will give up and leave.

Not at all. Our team has been working successfully with heritage conservation authorities in Germany and across Europe for many years. Together, we’ve developed special solutions, such as box-type windows with RC3 certification. In these cases, the listed window is either preserved or faithfully reproduced by us—including historic profiles, finishes, and more. To ensure the necessary level of security, we install a secondary security window on the interior side of the box construction. This not only increases protection against burglary but also improves thermal insulation and soundproofing. The outer window maintains the historical appearance, while the inner window meets modern technical standards and enhanced security requirements.

Working on listed buildings often presents special challenges and unexpected surprises—but as a manufactory, we are well-prepared to handle them with our comprehensive planning expertise and skilled craftsmanship.

FB is a classification for bullet-resistant elements according to DIN EN 1522. In Europe, we differentiate between ballistic resistance classes FB1 to FB7. The higher the number, the greater the resistance against attacks with firearms—ranging from handguns and rifles to automatic weapons.

During a so-called ballistic test, a laboratory evaluates whether the window, as a complete construction, can withstand an attack with a firearm. For example, in an FB4 test, the wooden security window is shot at from a distance of five meters at predefined target points using a Remington Magnum .44 handgun. In our case, the window had to withstand 42 projectiles! These projectiles strike the frame, connection points, and glazing at speeds of 450 m/s and from various angles. The test is only passed if none of the bullets penetrate and no splinters or fragments break loose on the interior side.

This is why bullet-resistant glass alone is not sufficient. For true protection, the frame, fittings, and glazing must be precisely coordinated. Always make sure that any bullet-resistant elements you choose come with an official FB certificate!

NS stands for “non-splintering,” and it’s an important specification not to be underestimated. Glass in this category is especially beneficial if you have children in the home, as it helps protect them from injuries. However, splinter protection is absolutely essential in the field of bullet resistance. If a pane stops a bullet but splinters on the inside, those shards can become potentially life-threatening, razor-sharp projectiles traveling at high speed.

The “NS” designation can, in some cases, save lives.

Security elements with an RC certificate according to DIN EN 1627 have been tested by an independent German institute for their resistance to break-in attempts. The entire element, including professional installation, undergoes a comprehensive three-part test.

A door or window can only provide reliable burglary resistance if all components meet DIN standards and are perfectly coordinated. During laboratory testing, the institute simulates an actual break-in attempt using tools specified for each RC class. If the element withstands the attack for the required minimum time, it receives certification.

At RvE, we don’t just have individual standard sizes tested by the PfB in Rosenheim—we carry out what’s called a system test for our RC products. This means we have entire product systems certified in different versions (sizes, shapes, number of sashes, features).

Be cautious of manufacturer claims like “tested in accordance with” a resistance class. These often mean that only individual security components—such as mushroom-head locking bolts or lockable handles—are used. However, the complete element does not comply with RC certification standards and therefore cannot offer reliable protection.

Yes, security elements have a positive effect on energy consumption. The security materials used also offer excellent thermal insulation properties. So, if you are planning an energy-efficient renovation of your property, it makes sense to consider security at the same time. This way, you address both aspects in one step.

In our experience, insurers place great importance on security certificates according to DIN standards when it comes to discussing the possibility of adjusting insurance premiums. However, this varies from one insurer to another and depends on the individual circumstances of each property owner. You should definitely check with your insurance provider in advance to understand their specific requirements before choosing a manufacturer.