EN 12400:2002

Overview

EN 12400:2002 - "Windows and pedestrian doors - Mechanical durability - Requirements and classification" (CEN) defines a classification scheme for the mechanical durability of opening windows and pedestrian doors when subjected to repeated opening and closing. The standard provides performance classes based on cyclic testing and is intended for use in product specification, testing and compliance documentation. It does not cover long‑term static loading.

Key topics and requirements

• Purpose: Classify windows and pedestrian doors according to performance under repeated operation, reflecting normal and intended use.
• Test basis: Classification is applied after testing according to EN 1191 (Resistance to repeated opening and closing - Test method).
• Performance classes: Specimens are assigned classes by the number of cycles endured. Key cycle counts (Table 1) include:
  • Class 1: 5 000 cycles
  • Class 2: 10 000 cycles
  • Class 3: 20 000 cycles
  • Class 4: 50 000 cycles (pedestrian doors only)
  • Class 5: 100 000 cycles
  • Class 6: 200 000 cycles
  • Class 7: 500 000 cycles
  • Class 8: 1 000 000 cycles
• Functionality requirement: After testing the specimen must remain functional - initial and final operating forces must remain within the same classification band referenced to EN 13115 (racking, torsion, operating forces) or prEN 12217 (doors - operating forces).
• Damage limits: No damage or deformation (including hardware loosening, closing devices, connections, joints, weather seals, intumescent or smoke seals) that would render the product unfit for purpose is permitted.
• Closing device requirement: At test end, pivoted door closers must close unaided from an opening angle of ≤ 5°; sliding doors with counterweights must close from an opening distance of ≤ 200 mm.
• Double leaves: For double‑leaf doors the primary (most used) leaf is classified at full cycles; the secondary leaf is classified at half the number of cycles.
• Informative guidance: Annex A maps performance classes to general duty categories (e.g., light to severe use).

Applications and users

EN 12400:2002 is used by:

• Manufacturers for product development, durability claims and labeling
• Test laboratories performing cyclic durability tests
• Specifiers, architects and building owners defining required durability levels
• Certification bodies and procurement teams assessing suitability for intended duty (occasional to severe)
• Regulators and compliance assessors referencing harmonized European classification

Practical uses include specifying thresholds for commercial, residential or high‑traffic installations, informing warranty terms, and aligning product selection with expected operational frequency.

Related standards

• EN 1191 - Test method for resistance to repeated opening and closing
• EN 13115 - Classification of mechanical properties (racking, torsion, operating forces)
• prEN 12217 - Doors - Operating forces - Classification

Keywords: EN 12400:2002, mechanical durability, windows and pedestrian doors, durability classification, repeated opening and closing, EN 1191, operating forces, performance classes.