12.19.2025

Recommendations for Secure Doors

In addition to ensuring doors and equipment are in working order, different types of facilities inherently require different levels of security. While there are no national standards dictating specific security levels or equipment requirements for different buildings, the Door Security and Safety Foundation (DSSF) and the Door and Hardware Institute (DHI) formed a task force to recommend levels of security required for building openings.

Guidelines are provided for overall openings, as well as interior openings, perimeter openings, and specific opening types for each security level. An excerpt from the DSSF and DHI of the overall levels is below.

 

3 Levels of Secure Openings:

The security levels provided below are outlined as general in nature to account for all structures or building types as a basis of design for your reference.

 

Level 1: Basic control and security

Openings are flush and may or may not have a visible glass area within the door. They are securely latched, locked, and have some form of controlled or monitored access, either mechanical or electronic. When monitoring is used, monitoring should cover the door position within the opening and the latch position.

 

Level 2: Intermediate control and security

Openings are flush or have a visible glass area within the door. They are securely latched, locked, and have some form of electronic access control and monitored access. At a minimum, monitoring will cover door position within the opening and latch position.

 

Level 3: High control and security

Openings are flush or have a visible glass area within the door. They are securely latched, locked, and swing out. The doors are made of UL-rated construction for bullet resistance with appropriate core material and glazing, in accordance with the UL 752 Standard, if applicable. They have some form of electronic access control and monitored access. At a minimum, monitoring must cover the door position and latch position.

 

For more information on security recommendations specific to the interior or perimeter of your building, or based on your opening type, building type, or industry, contact us today.