Your home’s security begins at your door.
The quality of your locks plays a crucial role in protecting your property and loved ones. Understanding lock grades is essential for making informed decisions about your home security. These grades and standards provide a measure of a lock’s strength, durability and resistance to various forms of attack.
This guide aims to demystify the UK’s most common lock grades and standards. We’ll explore British and European standards, thief-resistant ratings and independent certifications.
By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to choose the right locks for your home, ensuring optimal security and peace of mind.
British Standard (BS) locks
BS3621 is the most recognised standard for door locks in the UK. Insurance companies often require it for external doors. Locks meeting this standard offer high security against common burglary techniques such as picking, drilling, bumping and prising.
BS3621 locks must be key-operated from both sides, require a minimum of 1000 differs (key combinations) and must be able to withstand a three-minute attack test.
BS8621 is similar to BS3621 but with a crucial difference. These locks can be opened from the inside without a key, making them ideal for fire escape routes.
They offer similar security to BS3621 on the external side, but are key-operated from the outside and handle-operated from the inside to meet fire safety regulations.
BS10621 locks offer an additional layer of security. They can be locked from the inside, preventing unauthorised exit and entry. They’re ideal for homes in high-risk areas, offering maximum security. But, they may pose fire safety concerns.
European lock standards
EN 1303 is a European standard for cylinder locks. It rates locks on various criteria, including key security, attack resistance and durability. EN 1303 provides a comprehensive grading system, focusing on key-related security and attack resistance. EN 1303 grades key-related security from 1 to 6 and attack resistance from 0 to 2. Higher grades indicate better security.
The EN 12320 standard grades padlocks on criteria similar to door locks. While not typically used for main doors, padlocks are important for sheds, gates and other external structures. EN 12320 padlocks are graded from 1 to 6 for corrosion and temperature resistance and 1 to 6 for security. They undergo rigorous testing, including cutting, sawing and impact resistance.
Thief-resistant standards
TS007 is a three-star rating system developed by the Door & Hardware Federation and the Glass & Glazing Federation. It’s designed to be easily understood by consumers.
One-star-rated TS007 locks provide basic security, while three-star-rated locks provide enhanced security, which can be achieved by the cylinder alone or a combination of cylinder and door furniture.
Independent lock testing and certification
Sold Secure is an independent testing organisation. Their SS 312 standard for door locks uses a three-tier rating system. Silver-rated locks provide a basic level of security. Gold-rated locks provide enhanced security and are suitable for most homes. And diamond-rated locks offer the highest level of protection for high-risk properties.
Secure by Design is a police initiative that promotes the use of security standards in building design. They endorse locks that meet specific security criteria.
Secure by Design products undergo rigorous testing, are endorsed by UK police forces and often exceed minimum insurance requirements.
Additional security ratings
PAS 24 is a specification for door assemblies that provides enhanced security performance requirements for the UK. The PAS standard tests the entire door set, not just the lock. It includes manual and mechanical security tests and is often required for new-build properties.
And CEN grades provide a Europe-wide standard for lock security, with grades from 1 to 6.
Grade 3 locks are suitable for residential properties, grades 4-5 are best for high-security residential or commercial use, and grade 6 locks provide the best security, typically for high-risk locations.
Choosing the right lock grade for your home
When selecting locks for your home, it’s essential to consider several key factors to ensure you choose the most appropriate lock grade. First and foremost, check your insurance policy for specific lock standards. Many insurance companies require certain types of locks on external doors. Failing to meet these requirements could invalidate your policy in the event of a break-in.
The type of property you live in also plays a crucial role in determining the most suitable lock grade. For instance, apartments may have different security needs compared to detached houses. In apartment buildings, you might need to consider the overall security system of the building in addition to your individual unit’s locks.
Your location is another factor. If you live in an area with higher crime rates, you may want to invest in more secure locks to provide additional protection for your home and belongings. On the other hand, if you’re in a low-crime area, you might be able to opt for standard security locks without compromising safety.
While choosing your locks, it’s essential to strike a balance between security and convenience. High-security locks undoubtedly offer better protection, but they may also be more complex to use. Consider the needs and capabilities of all your household’s members, including children and elderly relatives, who may struggle with overly complicated locking systems. Remember, the goal is to find locks that provide robust security while still being practical for everyday use.
Upgrading existing locks
Upgrading your existing locks is essential for maintaining optimal home security. You should think about replacing your locks if they no longer meet current security standards, which evolve over time to counter new burglary techniques. Another crucial time to upgrade is when you’ve recently moved into a new property. You can’t be sure who might have copies of the old keys, so changing the locks ensures you have sole control over access to your home. Additionally, if there’s been an attempted break-in at your property, it’s wise to upgrade your locks, as they may have been damaged or compromised during the attempt.
While the costs of upgrading can vary depending on the lock grade you choose and the complexity of installation, it’s important to view this expense as a vital investment in your home’s security and your family’s peace of mind.
Professional installation and maintenance
Professional lock installation is crucial to ensure they function as intended and provide the level of security you expect. Even the highest-grade lock can be compromised if it’s not installed correctly, which is why it’s always recommended to use the services of a qualified locksmith. Once your locks are correctly installed, regular maintenance is vital to keeping them in optimal condition. Clean and lubricate your locks annually to prevent a build-up of dirt and ensure smooth operation. It’s also important to regularly check your locks for any signs of wear or damage.
Look out for things like loose fittings, stiff mechanisms or visible damage to the lock body. If you notice any of these issues or if your lock is showing general signs of deterioration, it’s time to consider a replacement. Staying on top of lock maintenance can extend the life of your locks and ensure they continue to provide the best possible protection for your home.
How can Grays Locksmiths help?
Choosing the right locks can be complex. At Grays Locksmiths Nottingham, we offer expert guidance on selecting and installing the best locks for your home.
Get in touch today for a free consultation to explore how we can help you choose the right locks to enhance your home’s security.