A major concern for detention and correctional administrative officials is the reliable operation of sliding devices used in their facilities. These test methods aid in assigning a level of physical security and performance to devices for sliding door assemblies.

These test methods evaluate the resistance of a sliding door assembly to attacks using battering devices, prying devices, smoke, and fire. These test methods also evaluate the performance of a sliding device under simulated operating conditions. These test methods do not provide a measure of the resistance or performance of the device subjected to attack by chemical agents, ballistics, explosives, or other extreme methods of attack. These test methods do not measure the resistance or performance of the device when subjected to environmental elements such as humidity, temperature, rain, snow, or wind-carried dust or sand. Where such elements may be a factor the manufacturer should be consulted for proper application.

The primary purpose of these test methods is to approximate the levels of abuse and operating conditions to which devices are subjected in detention and correctional institutions. The result of these test methods will provide a measure of assurance of protection to the correctional personnel, public, and inmates.

Preventative maintenance programs shall be provided in accordance with the manufacturer’recommendation to enable sliding device assemblies to function as intended throughout the expected service life.

These test methods do not measure the performance or cycle life of the local or remote mechanical emergency release mechanism, or both, due to their design variables and low user requirements.

1.1 These test methods cover the apparatus, procedures, and acceptance conditions for evaluating the normal operational performance and the performance characteristics under assault, smoke, and fire conditions of sliding device assemblies in detention and correctional institutions. These test methods give an indication of the performance characteristics of devices in actual service. Such variables as installation and maintenance conditions are not considered.

1.2 It is the intent of these test methods to help ensure that detention sliding devices perform at or above minimum acceptable levels to control passage to unauthorized or secure areas, to confine inmates and to delay and frustrate escape attempts and resist vandalism. However, these test methods do not address door construction. It is recognized that in order to meet the intent of these test methods, door assemblies shall be compatible with the level of performance required by Test Methods F 1450.

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.