The Australian Standard for Security Doors Explained

Last updated: May 2026

Key Insights

• Genuine security doors must comply with the AS 5039 series (AS 5039.1, AS 5039.2 and AS 5039.3), which replaced older standards AS 5039, AS 5040 and AS 5041.


• A compliant security door must pass six forced-entry and durability tests including impact, knife shear, jemmy and corrosion testing.


• Without compliance to AS 5039 series, a product is not legally considered a security door in Australia.


• Melbourne homeowners should always verify compliance labels, certification documents, locking systems and installation quality before buying.


• My Security Door products meet or exceed Australian Standards, with Crimsafe security doors delivering impact resistance far above minimum compliance levels.

Walk into almost any hardware store in Australia and you’ll find products marketed as “security doors.” The problem is that many of these doors have never actually passed the Australian Standard. Some are little more than reinforced flyscreens, designed to look secure without being independently tested against forced entry. A genuine security door must comply with the AS 5039 series. This is what separates a properly tested security door from a standard barrier screen.

This guide explains what each part of the standard covers, why AS 5039 matters, the six tests a compliant security door must pass, and how Melbourne homeowners can verify whether a product is genuinely compliant before buying.

The Australian Standard for security doors refers to the compliance requirements set out under the AS 5039 series, which includes:

• AS 5039.1-2023 – Classification and performance


• AS 5039.2-2024 – Installation requirements


• AS 5039.3-2023 – Methods of test

These updated standards replaced the older:

• AS 5039-2008 (Design and Manufacturing)


• AS 5040-2003 (Installation)


• AS 5041-2003 (Testing Methods)

This update brought Australia’s security door standards in line with modern testing methods by consolidating all requirements into one unified framework.

Australian security door standards exist to ensure products can withstand genuine forced-entry attempts. If you’re comparing security doors for your home, it’s important to ensure the products you are considering are properly tested and certified, to avoid buying doors that are not secure.

Many products sold as “security doors” are actually barrier doors, designed primarily for insect protection and airflow rather than resisting forced entry. But without compliance to AS 5039 series, a product is not legally considered a security door in Australia.

Melbourne is known for its “four seasons in one day,” with frequent rain, temperature swings, and varying humidity levels. All these conditions can take a toll on lower-quality materials over time.

The corrosion and durability requirements in AS5039.3:2023 ensure that security screens are tested to withstand environmental stress and coastal conditions, not just look good when installed. High-quality systems like Crimsafe, which use advanced materials and protective finishes, are designed to maintain strength and performance for years, even in demanding conditions.

AS 5039.1-2023 sets the requirements for how a security door must be designed and perform under testing conditions. This part of the standard governs the structural integrity of the door and ensures all components work together under forced-entry scenarios. It includes security level ratings, SL100 and SL200 which measure how much impact force a door can withstand during testing. An SL100 door must survive repeated impacts of 100 Joules, while SL200 products must withstand 200 Joules of force.

To comply, the door must be manufactured using materials and construction methods capable of passing independent testing.  It covers critical areas including:

• Frame strength


• Mesh integrity


• Locking mechanisms


• Corner reinforcement


• Hinges and fixings


• Impact resistance

Even the strongest security door can fail if it is installed incorrectly. AS 5039.2 specifies the correct installation requirements for compliant security doors and screens. The standard covers:

• Frame alignment


• Fixing methods


• Structural anchoring


• Hinge placement


• Lock positioning


• Gap tolerances

Poor installation can create weak points that allow intruders to:

• Pry the frame away from the wall


• Lift the door from its hinges


• Create gaps large enough to reach locks


• Compromise the strength of the entire system

DIY installations rarely meet AS 5039.2 requirements because compliant installation requires specialist fitting knowledge regarding correct anchoring points, appropriate fixings for the wall type and precise frame tolerances.

Many manufacturer warranties are also void if the product is not installed by a qualified professional. For this reason, installation quality is just as important as the door itself, as it is why My Security Door provides installation by trained professionals free of charge.

AS 5039.3 defines the testing methodology used to determine whether a security door complies with the Australian Standard. These tests simulate the most common forced entry methods used during attempted break-ins.

Here are the six major tests a compliant security door must pass:

Before paying a deposit, homeowners should verify whether the product is genuinely compliant with Australian Standards. Here is a practical buyer checklist.

• Compliance Label – NSSA members must label compliant products with manufacturer and standard details.


• Certification Documentation – Ask for AS 5039 certification and test reports. No documentation is a red flag.


• Hinges – At least three fixed‑pin hinges to prevent removal.


• Locking System – A three‑point lock (top, centre, bottom) should be standard.


• Cylinder Lock – Minimum 5‑pin cylinder for better resistance.


• Frame Corners – Corners should be welded or reinforced. Weak corners are common failure points.


• Terms like “security style” or “heavy duty screen” often indicate non‑compliant products.

Learn more about what separates a strong security door from a weak one.

At My Security Door all our security doors meet the AS 5039 series at a minimum and our Crimsafe security doors go even further.

Crimsafe products exceed the Australian Standard by approximately 5 to 7.5 times depending on the product range. The system uses 0.9mm 304-grade stainless steel mesh and this mesh is approximately 26.5% thicker than the minimum required under the standard. Crimsafe also passes the knife shear test comfortably due to its advanced screw-clamp retention system which locks the mesh deep into the frame. For impact resistance, Crimsafe Regular and Classic stand up to 550 Joules of force and Crimsafe Ultimate withstands up to 750 Joules of force. This is significantly higher than the SL100 minimum benchmark.

For Melbourne homeowners wanting maximum protection, this provides an additional layer of confidence well beyond baseline compliance.

Browse our Crimsafe security doors or learn more about Crimsafe security door testing results.

The Australian Standard exists to protect homeowners from products that only look secure. All our security screens at My Security Door are installed and built to meet or exceed Australian Standards. We specialise in Crimsafe security doors and steel security doors and are a member of the NSSA as well as an Authorised Crimsafe Licensee with over 35 years experience in the industry.

Choosing a compliant, professionally installed door provides real protection, durability and peace of mind.

Sources

National Security Screen Association (NSSA)

Standards Australia

Crimsafe Testing