Hurst launches industry-first PAS 24 TS008 letterplate for 28mm PVC-U panels

Hurst has launched a new TS008 compliant letterplate designed specifically for 28mm PVC-U panels – the first solution of its kind available for this panel thickness.

The new letterplate has been developed to be used as part of a fully tested doorset configuration incorporating Hurst’s Securicore™ reinforced panel. While a PAS 24 compliant doorset can be achieved without a letterplate, this new design provides an option for projects where a letterplate is required, without compromising security performance.

Until now, there has been no TS008 accredited letterplate suitable for standard 28mm PVC-U panels. This meant that where a letterplate was specified, installers were unable to include one within a PAS 24 test because the letterplate element could not meet the required security criteria.

Hurst’s new design addresses this challenge by offering a TS008 compliant letterplate option that can be incorporated into a full PAS 24 doorset test, rather than removing the letterplate entirely.

“Another true ‘Hurst first’. We’re pleased to be able to offer a TS008 compliant letterplate designed specifically to work alongside our Securicore™ reinforced panel as part of a PAS 24 tested doorset,” said Kevin Wheatman, Director & General Manager at Hurst. “This is a genuinely unique development for the PVC-U panel market.”

One of the key challenges in achieving TS008 compliance is allowing a standard DVD-sized package to pass through the letterplate while preventing so-called ‘fishing’ attacks. For 28mm panels, the addition of a TS008 security cowl has historically made this combination unworkable using existing letterplate designs.

Hurst’s solution overcomes this issue, allowing the required package size to pass through while still meeting the enhanced security performance demanded by TS008.

“The letterplate was developed because, quite simply, one didn’t exist for this application,” Kevin added. “Where a letterplate was required, it previously prevented a full PAS 24 doorset solution on 28mm PVC-U panels which in turn were previously unavailable as a PAS 24 compliant option. This design removes that barrier.”

When included within a complete doorset test incorporating the Securicore™ reinforced panel, the new letterplate allows the doorset to achieve PAS 24, subject to full testing by the fabricator or installer. This opens up new possibilities for projects where higher security specifications and a letterplate are both required such as in New Build and social housing applications.

The development strengthens Hurst’s wider security offering, building on the structural performance of the Securicore™ reinforced panel and supporting compliant, high-performance PVC-U panel solutions without compromising panel design or practicality.