Australian Standards Explained AS 5039-2023: Security Screen Doors and Security Window Grilles

May 21st, 2026

Security screen doors and security window screens must pass stringent testing to comply with Australian Standards 5039-2023 and achieve security status.

What is Australian Standards 5039-2023?

Australian Standards 5039 is made up of the following 6 tests to assess the strength and structural integrity of security screen doors and security window screens.

• The Knife Shear Test
• The Impact Test
• The Anti-jemmy Test
• The Pull Test
• The Probe Test
• The Shear Test

We have put together a brief description of each test carried out in an independent accredited laboratory.

The Knife Shear Test

The Knife Shear Test is designed to test the strength of the security mesh and simulate an intruder using a knife or sharp object. This test involves applying mechanical force with a heavy duty knife to the security mesh being tested. This is carried out three times with a new blade for each strike. In order to pass the Knife Shear Test, the mesh must not allow the blade to make an incision greater than 150mm.

The Impact Test

The Impact Test is designed to simulate a physical attack on a screen – ie kicking, shoulder charging or using a heavy object. To perform this test, a large pendulum weight is used to generate 100j of impact energy at a specified point. To pass this test, the door or window screen must withstand a series of five impacts.

The Jemmy Test

The Jemmy Test simulates an intruder attempting to lever the screen open with a screwdriver or jemmy. During this test, a lever is wedged between the security door lock and hinge and the door frame to which the security screen is mounted. A mechanical winch is used in an attempt to pry the door open. In order to pass the Jemmy Test, the security door must remain securely closed.

The Pull Test

The Pull Test simulates an intruder attempting to pull the screen out. When testing type 3 products, a pull test can only be carried out if a sufficient gap is achieved following the Jemmy Test. If no gap is formed, there is nowhere to mount the Pull Test bracket, or hold onto in a real scenario.

Because SecureView Eclipx and Xceed products performed so well in each preceding test, the Pull Test could not be carried out and SecureView and Xceed security doors and windows automatically passed.

The Probe Test*

The probe test simulates an intruder creating a gap in the security screen so they can get their hand in to unlock the door or window. This test is conducted by applying deflecting force of 1.5 kN (150 kg) to each side of the opening, attempting to increase the space enough to get a hand through.

The Shear Test*

The shear test simulates an intruder attempting a cutting plier attack on a security screen. The tool applies increasing pressure until the sample strand breaks.

CommandeX’s range of SecureView and Xceed security screens doors and security screens for windows passed these tests with ease.

*It is important to note that the probe and shear test is not required if the whole aperture of the mesh is smaller than the test requirement – SecureView and Xceed’s whole aperture is smaller than the testing requirements.

What’s the difference between a security door and a safety door?

For a security screen door to be labelled a ‘security screen door’ it will have passed the tests mentioned above. A barrier door or safety door may look like a security door, but it has not been tested to meet the Australian Standards, and therefore unknown as to whether it would withstand a break in. A lot of Diamond Grille and mass produced doors from hardware stores fall into the latter category.

We’ve put together a comparison table to outline the key differences between a security screen door and a screen door that hasn’t been tested to comply with AS5039.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between AS5039-2023 and AS5039.2:2024?

AS5039-2023 is the product standard, it covers the design and performance requirements that a security screen door or window must meet to be classified as a security screen. This includes the knife shear, impact, anti-jemmy, pull, probe and shear testing requirements. AS5039.2:2024 is the installation standard, it includes how a security screen must be correctly fitted to a door or window frame by a licensed installer. AS5039.2:2024 superseded the old installation standard AS5040-2003. Both standards must be satisfied for full compliance, a correctly tested product incorrectly installed does not meet the full requirements.

What is the difference between a security screen and a safety screen?

A security screen has been independently tested and certified to meet Australian Standards AS5039-2023 across all required categories including knife shear, impact, anti-jemmy, pull, probe and shear testing. A safety screen also called a barrier screen has not been tested to AS5039-2023 and has no certified resistance to forced entry. Safety screens provide insect protection and a visual deterrent but should not be relied upon for home security. Diamond grille screens and most hardware store screen doors fall into the safety screen category. If a security screen door does not display independent AS5039-2023 certification it is a safety screen regardless of how it is marketed. For more information about difference read the blog Security Screens or Safety Screens here.