Understanding MoJ Specification STD/X/SPEC/063 – What it Means for Secure Heating

When a product is approved for use in safer cells, it means more than just passing a quality check. It means it has been assessed against one of the strictest specifications in the custodial sector: the Ministry of Justice’s STD/X/SPEC/063 Testing Process for Fixed Furniture Intended for Use in Cells (Including Safer Cells).

This specification is the reason the DeepClean Extra+ anti-ligature radiator becoming the first of its kind to receive MoJ approval is such a landmark moment. But what exactly is STD/X/SPEC/063, and why does it matter so much for those specifying prison heating solutions?

How the DeepClean Extra+ Meets the Standard

To achieve approval, the DeepClean Extra+ radiator was tested against every requirement of STD/X/SPEC/063, including:

• Destruction testing – verifying the guard and radiator could not be dismantled or broken under force.
• Anti-ligature design – including sloping tops, IP3X compliant grilles, 10mm radius corners, and internal strengthening struts.
• Tamper resistance – with Contour Secure cam locks and Pin Torx screws across the unit.
• Hygiene – thanks to BioCote® anti-microbial protection and full-height access doors that allow thorough cleaning.

The result? Approval for use in safer cells up to 1200mm (W) x 960mm (H) x 260mm (D). (Larger sizes are available but must be signed off at local level.)

Why STD/X/SPEC/063 Matters for Specifiers

For architects, M&E consultants, and contractors, this specification is more than just a technical detail. It is a benchmark that ensures:

• Products meet the highest level of custodial scrutiny
• Safer cell projects comply with MoJ requirements
• Confidence when specifying prison cell heating solutions

By understanding STD/X/SPEC/063, specifiers can make informed choices, avoid compliance issues, and deliver safer custodial environments.

Beyond Strength: Hygiene and Maintenance

MoJ testing isn’t only about strength. It also considers practicality, hygiene, and safety in day-to-day use. For example:

• BioCote® anti-microbial protection helps reduce bacterial contamination, vital in secure facilities where infection control is essential.
• The sloping top design and IP3X compliant grilles reduce concealment opportunities while ensuring consistent airflow.
• The full-height access door means estates teams can clean thoroughly without compromising security.

These features helped the DeepClean Extra+ meet the MoJ’s comprehensive evaluation process.

Why This Matters for Safer Cells

It’s worth emphasising that this approval applies specifically to safer cells – areas under the most intense scrutiny within the prison estate. That’s what makes this approval so significant: if a radiator system can withstand the challenges of safer cells, specifiers can be confident it will perform in other high-risk environments too.

This includes:

• Young Offender Institutions (YOIs)
• Police custody suites
• 136 mental health assessment suites
• Immigration detention centres
• Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)

Beyond Safer Cells

Although the approval applies to safer cells, the design principles of STD/X/SPEC/063 make the DeepClean Extra+ radiator equally suited to other challenging environments, including:

• Young Offender Institutions (YOIs)
• Police custody suites
• 136 mental health assessment suites
• Immigration detention centres
• Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)

Are You Specifying for Safer Cells or Custodial Environments?

The MoJ-approved DeepClean Extra+ anti-ligature radiator is a proven solution for prison cell heating, combining safety, strength, and infection control.

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