Security Screens and the National Construction Code – What Architects and Builders Need to Know

May 29th, 2026

What is the National Construction Code 

The National Construction Code (NCC) is Australia’s primary set of technical design and construction provisions for buildings. Published by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), the NCC sets minimum requirements for the safety, health, amenity, accessibility and sustainability of buildings across Australia

The current version is NCC 2022 Amendment 2, which came into effect on 29 July 2025. The states and territories are adopting amendment overtime, for further information click the link here.

What does the NCC say about security screens?

The NCC does not mandate security screens as a general requirement for all buildings. However, security screens became a compliance consideration under the NCC in several specific scenarios:

• Bushfire prone areas – BAL rated construction requirements
• Cyclone regions – structural wind loading requirements
• Fall prevention – window opening restrictors for buildings over certain heights
• Condensation and ventilation – openable window requirements

In each of these scenarios, the security screen specified must meet the relevant Australian Standards to satisfy NCC performance requirements.

What Australian Standard must security screens meet?

Any product classified as a security screen must meet Australian Standards AS5039-2023, the current standard for the design and performance of security screen doors and security window grilles.

AS5039-2023 introduced two new dynamic impact testing categories:

• SL100 – product must withstand five impacts of 100 joules
• SL200 – product must withstand five impacts of 200 joules

AS5039-2023 also introduced new corrosion testing requirements, replacing the old shear test applied to diamond grille products. This means products must now demonstrate corrosion resistance as part of standard compliance.

All installations must comply with AS5039.2:2024 – the current installation standard, superseding AS5040-2003.

When are security screens required under the NCC?

Bushfire prone areas: For properties in designated bushfire prone areas, the NCC requires construction to meet the relevant Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating under AS3959:2018. Security screens used in BAL rated construction must satisfy the relevant BAL requirements.

CommandeX SecureView EclipX and SaltWaterSeries satisfy bushfire requirements for BAL 12.5, 19, 29 and 40, independently tested under AS3959:2018.

Cyclone regions: In designated cyclone regions, building elements including security screens must meet structural wind loading requirements under AS/NZS1170.2:2021 Category 3.

CommandeX SecureView EclipX and SaltWaterSeries surpass this requirement, independently tested resisting a 4kg timber projectile at 30 metres per second.

Fall prevention: Under NCC Volume Two, openable windows above certain heights must incorporate fall prevention measures. Security screens and Kids Fallsafe Screens meeting AS5039-2023 satisfy this requirement, providing a certified fall prevention solution without restricting ventilation.

CommandeX Kids Fallsafe Screens are specifically designed for this purpose, withstanding 25kg of outward force at three points, meeting NCC fall prevention requirements.

Ventilation and condensation: NCC 2025 introduces strengthened provisions for water management and condensation. Security screens that allow full natural ventilation while maintaining weather resistance support NCC ventilation performance requirements.

What about coastal construction?

NCC 2025 introduces new durability provisions for coastal environments, recognising that marine atmospheric conditions dramatically accelerate corrosion in building materials.

For properties in coastal environments, specifying a standard security screen is not sufficient. The aluminium frame, powder coating and fixing system must all be engineered for the conditions they will face.

The SaltWaterSeries from CommandeX is the only security screen in Australia specifically engineered for extreme coastal environments, independently tested to 3,000 hours under AS2331.3.1 and backed by a 20 year extended warranty. For properties within 500 metres of the coastline or up to 2 kilometres on escarpments, the SaltWaterSeries is the appropriate NCC compliant specification. 

For further information read our blog about coastal builds here.

How does CommandeX comply with NCC requirements?

CommandeX security screens are independently tested by AZUMA Design & Testing, a NATA approved laboratory and meet or exceed all relevant Australian Standards:

Xceed surpasses Australian Standards (AS5039-2023) when fitted with an approved three-point locking system*

NATSPEC specification wording

For architects preparing NATSPEC documentation, CommandeX products can be specified using the following wording:

Security screens shall be independently tested and comply with Australian Standards AS5039-2023. For coastal environments within 500 metres of the coastline, screens shall additionally comply with salt spray testing to a minimum of 3,000 hours under AS2331.3.1. All installations shall comply with AS5039.2:2024 by a licensed installer. No substitutes accepted.

CAD drawings are available – contact CommandeX on 1300 720 838 or fill out the online enquiry form.

For specification support, product samples or technical documentation contact CommandeX on 1300 720 838 or fill out the online enquiry form at commandex.com.au/contact/.