British Standard Locks
How To Check If Your Locks Are British Standard Approved
You can check if your current locks have British Standard certification by looking for a Kite Mark stamped into the lock. Some older locks may be BS approved but the stamp may not be on the face of the lock. These will have to be removed to check if they are BS certified. It is always best to have a locksmith check as they are up to date with the relevant standard.
If you have a Euro cylinder lock you can usually see the Kite Mark stamped into the face of the lock. These locks are common on UPVC and Composite doors.
Your Insurance and Locks
Most people don't like paying a lot for insurance and often shop around for the best deals, you should be aware however that telling your insurance provider that you have British Standard locks can invalidate your insurance if you don't have them.
When you fill out your insurance details always be honest and ensure you are giving the correct information about your locks. If you are unsure then call a locksmith to have them checked.
I can help you identify and replace/upgrade any locks that are not to the relevant standards required for your insurance policy. Call me today if you are unsure.
How BS3621 Locks Affect Insurance
By looking at a lock, unless you are a specialist, you can never tell how secure it is. The British Standard Institute tests and assesses locks to see if they are made to a relevant quality and security. This is called BS3621. A lock that has been submitted for BSI testing will be run through a series of tests to ensure it works properly over a given period of time and that is does not become insecure when its worn or old. They are tested to see if they can be easily defeated using tools that a burglar would use. Locks that have passed this in depth testing are then certified to BS3621 and carry the Kite Mark. A certified lock will also show the standard on the body of which it has passed within the overall BS6321 standard.
Other BSI Standards for Locks
There are three main BSI standards for locks other than being certified with to BS3621, these are BS8621 and BS10621. BS6321 is the most common on domestic and residential locks.
BS3621 – For Mortice and Cylinder locks where a key can be used in both sides of the lock. Usually found on back doors. This lock must be secure without the key in it and not able to be operated by someone reaching through a broken pane or letterbox.
BS8621 – For thumb turn locks, opened from the outside by a key but can also be opened from the inside. Often found in bedsits and flats. These locks are fitted to allow emergency exit without a key.
BS10621 – Relevant for locks that can only be locked from the outside with a key. The lock can be opened from the inside without a key using a lever unless the lock has been stopped from being turned by using a key from the outside. These are generally fitted to domestic front doors.
