Types of British Standard Locks You Should Know About

There were 276,000 burglaries in England and Wales in the past year. Naturally, this scary figure has homeowners extra alert. It also underscores the importance of home security, starting with selecting the right locks.

Would you like to know what really works? British Standard locks provide consistent defence against attackers. They’re considered the gold calibre for home security in the UK.

The British Standards Institution (BSI) certifies and tests locks, ensuring rigorous standards for resistance to tampering, durability, and strength. However, selecting the appropriate one can be confusing, given the wide variety available in the market.

This article reviews different types of British Standard locks you should know about, helping you decide how to secure your house.

1. British Standard Mortice Deadlocks

Mortice deadlocks are quite a popular choice in British Standard locks and are commonly seen on the front and back doors of homes. Its almost unbreakable feature, coupled with the ability to fit perfectly into the door frame, is what makes it stand out.

The mortice deadlock cannot be opened without the key once it is locked. It is powerful, but it has a few limitations and works better when combined with other security devices, such as a night latch.

The BS 3621 certification guarantees the lock’s compliance with stringent security criteria. It shows that the lock has anti-pick, anti-drill, and anti-saw characteristics, so it staunchly resists typical break-in techniques.

Mortice deadlocks include five-lever locks with a sophisticated mechanism that offers a high degree of security. That’s why insurance firms usually demand the installation of these locks. It’s also often a necessary part of their home insurance regulations.

2. British Standard Night Latches

Another common lock on wooden doors is the night latch. It’s typically added as a supplementary one for extra security.

Night latches, unlike mortice deadlocks, are installed on the inside surface of the door. They have an automatic locking mechanism when closed, which comes in handy for daily use since the door can be locked without using a key every time.

British Standard night locks, certified under either BS 3621 or BS 8621, satisfy stringent security criteria. They often feature deadlock capabilities that provide additional security. For example, it prevents latch retraction, even in cases of lock tampering.

Consequently, they are an excellent choice for front doors where security and usability are the main concerns.

Furthermore, night latches are especially helpful in busy households, where doors are used all the time, because they provide quick and safe locking.

However, for optimal security, it’s advisable to pair them with a mortice deadlock. Night latches by themselves can be an insufficient defence against determined burglars.

3. British Standard Euro Cylinder Locks

These locks are widely used throughout the UK. You’ll see them installed on uPVC and composite doors. They're extremely common in modern homes. Their ease of installation and replacement makes them a popular choice for both landlords and homeowners.

The ability to swiftly swap out the cylinder within the lock mechanism allows for quick upgrades without replacing the entire lock system. 

The BS EN 1303 British Standard euro cylinder locks are anti-snap, anti-pick, anti-bump, and anti-drill. They have a clear advantage over standard euro cylinders, which are more prone to lock snapping.

Robbers generally resort to that method for cracking a lock and gaining access to a property.

It’s essential for modern residences, especially those in locations with a high burglary risk, to upgrade to a British Standard euro cylinder lock with anti-snap technology. These locks come in several security levels, so you have many options.

Safeguarding your home effectively relies on choosing a high-security option with multiple anti-tampering characteristics. A professional locksmith can help you navigate these features and select the best lock for your security needs.

4. British Standard Multipoint Locks

These locks are normally used on uPVC, composite, and patio doors. Multipoint locks offer increased security through several locking points running the door's length.

When the key is twisted or the handle raised, the lock engages bolts, hooks, or rollers at numerous points. This complex mechanism makes it far more difficult for intruders to push the door open.

Users choose this lock because it provides higher security, is more convenient, and distributes the locking power throughout the door frame.

British Standard multipoint locks compliant with PAS 3621 certification satisfy high-security criteria and withstand common break-in techniques. Typically, these locks are equipped with anti-snap cylinders. This feature maximises the door's resistance to burglary.

French doors and sliding patio doors are often targeted by robbers. That’s why many homeowners install multipoint locking systems to keep these entrance points secure.

Regular maintenance is also important to keep your multipoint locks functioning as intended. Ensuring correct engagement of all locking points and lubrication of the internal mechanical parts can extend the lock’s lifespan.

With this lock’s enhanced performance, you can rest assured that your house is well protected.

5. British Standard Rim Locks

Rather than being placed inside like a mortice lock, they are fixed on the door's surface. These locks are usually used on internal doors, but can also provide additional security on doors located outside. In that case, they should be paired with a primary lock, such as a mortise deadlock.

Rim locks are simple and easy to use. They operate with a key on the exterior side of the door and a latch on the inside.

British Standard rim locks that meet BS 3621 or similar standards offer exceptional security features. These include resistance to picking, drilling, and other tampering techniques.

They are a great solution for homeowners wishing to add more protection without significant door changes.

Although rim locks are not as secure as mortice or multipoint locks, they are a flexible choice for places requiring supplemental security or easy access. They are for sheds, garages, and other outbuildings that benefit from rapid and dependable locking solutions.

Choosing the Right British Standard Lock for Your Home

The type of door, the degree of security required, and your taste all influence which British Standard lock you should choose.

While euro cylinder locks are perfect for modern homes, a combination of a mortice deadlock and night latch offers outstanding security for both front and back doors.

On the other hand, Rim locks provide a handy option for internal doors or extra security on external doors.

If that’s not enough, multipoint locks are ideal for doors requiring high protection, including sliding or French doors.

In all cases, always seek British Standard certification marks, including BS 3621, BS 8621, or PAS 3621. This is the best way to make sure that the lock has passed thorough security tests.

Conclusion

Learning about the different types of British Standard locks and their uses will help you secure your home. They guarantee the safety of your family and adequate defence against common break-in tactics.

For the highest security, always choose certified British Standard locks, whether you're putting in new locks or updating your present ones.

You can always use a combination of locks or solicit the services of a professional locksmith to fully secure your property.