Class 5 vs Class 3: What Level of Security Does Your Facility Really Need?
In Australia and New Zealand, ASIAL defines five classifications that separate standard protection from mission-critical performance. And while Class 3 might tick the box for most commercial projects, Class 5 is designed for environments where compromise simply isn’t an option.
Let’s take a look at how you know which level your site really needs.
Understanding AS/NZS ASIAL Security Standards
ASIAL (the Australian Security Industry Association Limited) sets out clear performance and reliability requirements for alarm and monitoring systems. Each class, from 1 through to 5, represents an increasing level of resilience, redundancy, and response.
Class 3 systems are typically used in commercial or industrial facilities that need reliable, professionally monitored protection. Alternatively, class 5 is the higher security intruder option. It’s designed for high-risk applications such as government agencies, banking institutions, correctional facilities, and data centers where even a few seconds of downtime could have serious consequences.
The difference between class 3 and class 5 security
Class 5 systems use ELM (End of Line Modules), which are devices placed at the end of a circuit to monitor its integrity. These modules ensure the system can detect issues such as tampering, device removal, or faults like wiring breaks. Systems below class 5, however, rely on a simpler setup using resistors to monitor the circuit. This approach is more vulnerable, as it can be easily bypassed or “tricked”.
Class 3 systems are well suited for environments where minor disruptions won't significantly impact or stop operations. Class 5, however builds on this foundation to deliver a system designed for resilience under pressure, with high frequency polling every 20 seconds to ensure constant connection with the monitoring station and backed by full redundancy across communication paths, power, and hardware.
Every interaction is protected through end-to-end encryption and tamper detection, ensuring complete data integrity. Support for both PIN, card and biometric access provides flexible authentication for high-risk zones. With 99.95% guaranteed uptime, Class 5 systems are designed to keep critical facilities secure and online, even in the most demanding conditions.
Learn more about an ASIAL Class 5 security solution
When Class 5 becomes non-negotiable
Some environments simply can’t afford uncertainty. Data centers rely on Class 5 systems to protect uptime and maintain service continuity. Government and defense facilities depend on them to safeguard sensitive information and critical operations.
Correctional facilities, utilities, and financial institutions all rely on Class 5 to mitigate risk and maintain compliance. If a system failure would mean operational downtime, financial loss, or public exposure, Class 5 is essential.
Simplifying Class 5 compliance with ICT
At ICT, we make achieving ASIAL Class 5 compliance straightforward. Our high-security solution delivers the polling, redundancy, and encryption required by certification, within an open and flexible technology stack that integrates easily with existing infrastructure.
That means no complexity, no compromise - just a reliable, ready-to-deploy solution designed to meet the highest industry standards. With comprehensive guides and local support, you can specify Class 5 with confidence, knowing that compliance is already built in.
Book a one-on-one consultation
Ready to take the next step? Book a one-on-one consultation with ICT and discover how our Class 5-certified solution can simplify your next high-security project.
