Why do I need a secure letter box product if I already have CCTV or intruder/fire alarm?
The unprotected letterbox offers an easy and attractive route into a property for perpetrators whatever locks, alarms and CCTV may be installed. Those systems and warning signs cannot substitute the physical security in the letterbox and are powerless to stop vandals, arsonists, thieves, burglars and terrorists who will use any opportunity to attack your property.
CCTV has only proved effective for police work after the crime has happened and the effectiveness of CCTV is also questioned as burglars can easily mitigate the risk of being caught by wearing hoods and caps.
Why is it crucial to install a genuinely secure anti-arson letter box?
Fitting the genuine secure anti-arson letter box is the key. Anti-arson letter boxes are not regulated and there is a widespread common misconception that all it takes to prevent arson is to install one of the so-called “anti-arson” letter boxes, which are boldly advertised as having the ability to capture and contain hazards that can be pushed or poured in through the letter plate.
It is obviously a bit strange idea to install such gadgets that allow nearly anything — especially liquids at any volume that could endanger safety and security or be used to cause harm — to fall through your letter plate inside your house or place of business. Some of these products come with a small inbuilt fire extinguisher that can extinguish a burning piece of paper but useless against a real fire.
This situation is particularly concerning considering the TS008 requirement for testing such products against an unsubstantiated 500ml of petrol. It leaves an arsonist with a great opportunity because, according to the Fire & Rescue Service, the typical letterbox arsonist uses one to five litres of petrol, and it might be much more. Igniting flammables in a sealed container can lead to an explosion inside your property. For these reasons, these products give a false sense of security.
Why having protection from liquids is so important?
A disproportionate share of accidents with a devastating effect on the property and the occupants resulted from fires started with inflammable liquid accelerants. According to the police, 95% of arson in dwellings are caused by pouring flammable liquids through the letter plate aperture.
Such accidents are especially dangerous, as liquid accelerants give out twice as much heat from the same mass as solid ones, burn twice as fast and may produce large quantities of flammable vapours, which may lead to an instantaneous explosion.
Can I fit IdealGuard™ product myself by DIY?
Guided by the detailed IdealGuard™ Fitting Instructions and User Manuals that come with the product, most DIY persons can fit IdealGuard™ products. Alternatively, get a handyman or a similar contractor to do the work easily.
How IdealGuard™ products were tested?
Despite being referred to as letter boxes, IdealGuard™ products are letterbox security attachments for simple, non-invasive fixing, or face-fixing behind the mail slot as remotely installed security hardware, like letterbox security cowls, which are not for fire resistance and not regulated.
They are independent of the type of letter plate or door, not meant to be used in isolation, and cannot be certified independently to meet standards.
IdealGuard™ products were tested using the available aspects of BS EN Standard 13724 and TS008:2022. Additional tests included expulsion of liquids and filtering out solid hazards at the letter plate point, ingress protection, perimeter seal fire resistance, resistance to abuse, and smoke resistance (Smoke Test).
If testing is necessary for a letter plate assembly, including the IdealGuard™ product, it will meet or surpass TS 008:2022 and BS EN Standard 13724:2013 criteria very easily.