Anyone looking into security technology quickly comes across a wealth of abbreviations and standards: EN 50131, EN 54, VdS, ISO 9001, CE. What at first glance appears to be an impenetrable jungle of letters serves a very concrete purpose: certifications guarantee that your security technology really does what it promises. They are objective proof that a product or system has been tested by an independent body and found to be effective.
In this article we explain the most important certifications in the field of security technology – clearly, understandably and without unnecessary jargon. You will learn what the individual standards mean, whom they are relevant for and why your insurer insists on certain certifications. A complete overview of all the standards fulfilled by Protexium can be found on our certifications page.
Why certifications matter
Certifications perform three central functions in security technology. First, they represent binding quality assurance: a system certified to EN 50131 must meet defined minimum requirements for detection, signal processing and alarming. Second, certifications are often an insurance prerequisite: without the right standard, your insurer may cut or refuse payment in the event of a claim. Third, they provide consumers with reliable orientation in a confusing market with countless suppliers and products.
EN 50131 – Intruder and hold-up alarm systems (grades 1–4)
EN 50131 is the central European standard for intruder and hold-up alarm systems (I&HAS). It defines requirements for the planning, installation, operation and maintenance of alarm systems and is by far the most important standard when it comes to intrusion protection. The standard classifies alarm systems into four security grades, each corresponding to a different threat level.
| Grade | Risk level | Threat profile | Typical application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | Low | Opportunist offenders with little knowledge of alarm systems | Apartments, small offices without valuables |
| Grade 2 | Medium | Experienced burglars with basic knowledge and simple tools | Single-family houses, retail, medical practices, SMEs |
| Grade 3 | High | Professional offenders with electronic equipment and expertise | Jewellers, museums, pharmacies, high-value properties |
| Grade 4 | Very high | Organised groups with extensive resources and planning ability | Banks, weapons stores, critical infrastructure, data centres |
The difference between the grades lies not only in the quality of individual components but also in the system architecture: higher grades require redundant transmission paths (for instance radio plus fixed line), tamper-protected housings, shorter alarm times and stricter requirements for self-monitoring of the system itself. A Grade 3 system must, for example, detect and report tampering with individual sensors – a Grade 1 system does not.
For most private households and small to medium-sized businesses, Grade 2 is the recommended and insurer-required minimum. For high-value properties, businesses with elevated risk or industrial facilities, Grade 3 or higher is necessary.
EN 50132 / EN 62676 – Video surveillance systems
The EN 50132 series of standards (now largely superseded by EN 62676) governs the requirements for video surveillance systems (VSS). The standard defines standards for cameras, recording equipment, transmission paths and image quality. The aim is to ensure that recorded images are of sufficient quality to identify persons, reconstruct events and provide evidence for investigations.
EN 62676 defines different requirement levels for image resolution, depending on the purpose. For simple overview surveillance, lower resolutions suffice, while for person identification significantly higher requirements apply. The standard also considers aspects such as lighting, glare protection, compression and the minimum frame rate for smooth video recording.
EN 54 – The family of standards for fire alarm systems
EN 54 is not a single standard but an extensive family of standards with more than 30 parts covering all components of a fire alarm system. Each part governs the requirements for a specific component or function of the overall system. The most important parts at a glance:
- EN 54-1: Introduction and general requirements for fire alarm systems
- EN 54-2: Fire alarm control panel – the heart of the system that receives and processes all messages
- EN 54-3: Audible alarm devices (sirens and sounders in the event of fire)
- EN 54-5: Heat detectors – respond to a rise in temperature
- EN 54-7: Point-type smoke detectors – the classic for offices and living spaces
- EN 54-10: Flame detectors – for areas in which open flames may occur
- EN 54-11: Manual call points – the red boxes on the wall
- EN 54-12: Line-type smoke detectors – for large halls and warehouses
- EN 54-23: Visual alarm devices (strobe lights for noisy environments or those with hearing impairment)
Compliance with EN 54 is mandatory for commercial fire alarm systems in most German federal states, particularly if a direct connection to the fire brigade control room is required. Insurers also often require EN 54 conformity before issuing a fire insurance contract.
EN 14604 – Smoke alarms in buildings
EN 14604 governs the requirements for smoke alarms used in residential buildings. In contrast to EN 54, which addresses commercial fire alarm systems, EN 14604 concerns the individual smoke alarms installed in private households and apartments. In Germany there is a smoke alarm obligation in all federal states – although the precise requirements for placement vary from state to state.
The standard requires, among other things, that a smoke alarm must emit an alarm tone of at least 85 decibels three metres away within 120 seconds of smoke appearing. Devices must also have a battery life indicator and allow regular function tests. Smart, networked smoke alarms such as those used by Protexium go far beyond these minimum requirements: they not only report smoke locally but also alert via the smartphone app, the occupants and, if necessary, the monitoring centre.
EN 300 220 – Radio technology on 868 MHz
Modern wireless security systems communicate via the 868 MHz frequency band, which in Europe is reserved specifically for short-range devices (SRD). EN 300 220 defines the technical requirements for these radio devices – including maximum transmission power, permitted bandwidth and electromagnetic compatibility.
The advantage of the 868 MHz band over Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) lies in significantly greater range and better penetration of walls and ceilings. Whereas Wi-Fi-based security systems in large buildings often struggle with dropouts, 868 MHz systems provide stable, interference-free communication. In addition, the frequency band is less congested than the usual Wi-Fi channels. You can learn more in our article Radio system instead of Wi-Fi.
CE marking and RoHS
The CE marking is mandatory for all electronic devices sold within the EU. It confirms that a product meets the applicable European directives – in particular the Low Voltage Directive (electrical safety), the EMC Directive (electromagnetic compatibility) and the Radio Equipment Directive (RED). CE marking is not a quality award in the strict sense, but a statutory minimum requirement for market access.
The RoHS Directive (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment – including lead, mercury, cadmium and certain flame retardants. RoHS-compliant security technology is not only more environmentally friendly but also particularly suited to use in sensitive environments such as children’s rooms or food businesses.
ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 – Quality and information security
ISO 9001: Quality management
ISO 9001 is the world’s most widely used standard for quality management systems. Manufacturers and installers certified to ISO 9001 have demonstrated that their processes – from product development through manufacturing to customer service – are systematically controlled, monitored and continuously improved. For you as a customer this means consistently high quality, traceable processes and a reliable point of contact in the event of servicing.
ISO 27001: Information security
In a world in which security systems are increasingly networked and cloud-based, ISO 27001 for information security management systems (ISMS) is gaining enormous importance. The standard ensures that the data generated by your security system – video recordings, access logs, alarm notifications – are protected from unauthorised access, manipulation and loss. This is particularly relevant for companies deploying cloud-based monitoring solutions. The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) recommends ISO 27001 as a reference framework for IT baseline protection.
What insurers require
The requirements of insurers regarding security technology are a decisive factor when selecting the right system. Anyone who cuts corners here or chooses the wrong components risks unpleasant surprises in the event of a claim. The most important insurance requirements at a glance:
- Grade 2 as the minimum standard: most residential building and contents insurers require at least EN 50131 certification to Grade 2 before accepting an alarm system. Simple, uncertified alarm systems are generally not recognised.
- Grade 3 for high-value properties: for properties above a certain insurance value or with elevated burglary risk (such as ground-floor apartments in large cities), insurers often require Grade 3.
- Monitoring centre (ARC) connection: many insurers grant higher discounts if the system is connected to a certified alarm receiving centre.
- VdS approval: VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH, a German certification body affiliated with the GDV, issues its own approvals for security products. A VdS approval is accepted by many German insurers as particularly trustworthy evidence.
- Regular maintenance: most insurers require a documented maintenance contract with a certified installer.
Speak with your insurer before installing a security system. This ensures that your system meets the required standards and that you receive the maximum premium discount. On request, Protexium coordinates the system design directly with your insurer.
TRAS 120 and KAS – Industry and major-hazard operators
For industrial facilities and in particular for operators falling under the German Major Accidents Ordinance, additional security requirements apply. The Technical Rule for Plant Safety TRAS 120 defines requirements for security measures and safeguards against unauthorised intervention in safety-relevant parts of the plant.
The Commission for Plant Safety (KAS) additionally issues specific recommendations for operators handling dangerous substances. The KAS guidelines define detailed requirements for perimeter protection, access control, surveillance technology and alerting for various plant categories. Protexium has extensive experience in implementing TRAS- and KAS-compliant security concepts for high-security environments.
How Protexium ensures compliance
Protexium Security uses exclusively products and systems that meet the relevant European standards and certifications. Our alarm systems are certified to EN 50131, our fire alarm components meet EN 54 and our radio technology complies with EN 300 220. In addition, we work only with manufacturers that hold ISO 9001 certification and whose products meet the CE and RoHS requirements.
When planning and installing a security system, we take account of the requirements of your insurer and the standards relevant to your sector from the outset. In this way we ensure that your system is not only technically flawless but also on a sound footing in terms of insurance and regulation. Our certified technicians are regularly trained and are always informed about the latest updates to standards.
Do you have questions about certifications, or would you like to know which standards are relevant to your property? Arrange a free security analysis – our experts will advise you comprehensively and individually.
