Whether you are seeking a replacement for your property or specifying for a new building or development, it is essential that the correct standard of lock is used in order to meet the requirements of your insurers, as well as provide you with the functionality needed for your premises.
In this series of articles we will explore the types of lock that are best suited to a variety of different doors, whether wooden, uPVC, or those used on commercial properties; addressing both the functionality and security standards they offer.
Choosing a lock for a wooden door
Commonly used for exterior entrances and exits on residential properties, wooden doors can be secured with a variety of different locks, with the most frequently used falling within the mortice and rim lock family; ranging from the familiar and more traditional five lever mortice locks and cylinder mortice locks, to cylinder rim nightlatches.
Complying with BS 3621 standards, Mortice and rim locks will usually feature the well known Kitemark symbol and are generally recognised to be the gold standard of single point locks. So what are the main security standards included in this group that should be considered, and which locks fall within these categories?
BS 3621 – Perhaps the most common form of lock used, those complying with this standard can be deadlocked or unlocked from both sides of the door using a key. Once the door has been locked and the key has been removed, no one will have the ability to enter or exit the building without the reinsertion and use of that key.
Best used when: There are other fire exits available and when high security is essential.
Example of this standard of Night Latch:
Yale Pbs 60Mm Brasslux Bs Night Latch door lock with 2 keys
Union Strongbolt 2100S SC 76MM 5 Lever BS Mortice Deadlock Door Lock
Example of this standard of Mortice Deadlock
Union Strongbolt 2100S SC 76MM 5 Lever BS Mortice Deadlock Door Lock
Union (Chubb At Heart) B-3G114E 80Mm 5 Lever Bs 3K Deadlock Door Lock
Union Strongbolt 2200S SC 76MM 5 Lever BS Mortice Sash Door Lock
Example of this standard of Mortice Sash Door Lock:
Union Strongbolt 2200S SC 76MM 5 Lever BS Mortice Sash Door Lock
BS 8621 – Providing the same level of security as the standard above, locks conforming to BS 8621 standards require a key when locking or unlocking the building from the outside, whilst providing the user with the ability to exit the building from inside with the simple use of a lever.
Best used when: Emergency exit use may be required and there is no danger of an intruder having the ability to reach through and unlock the door from the inside (e.g. there are no letter flaps or windows in close proximity to the lock that could allow access to the lever).
Examples of this standard of Deadlock:
Satin Stainless 63mm Euro Deadlock Complete Set
Satin Stainless 76mm Euro Deadlock Complete Set
Examples of this standard of Sashlock:
Satin Stainless 63mm Euro Sashlock Complete Set
Satin Stainless 76mm Euro Sashlock Complete Set
With an estimated two thirds of UK residential doors currently vulnerable to attack from burglars, it is now more important than ever to safeguard against the most common methods of ‘lock attack’ that are now freely available on the internet, in order to maintain security levels and avoid any costly break ins.
With over 60 years of experience, Doorfit has both the knowledge and expertise available to find the perfect lock for your needs. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to call us on 0121 418 3415 or drop into our sales department to speak to one of our staff members on a one to one basis.