The Most Common British Standard Locks
In short, British Standard locks are a type of lock that meets specific security and quality standards set by the British Standards Institution (BSI). Those types of locks are often used in homes, businesses, and other facilities.
There are a variety of British Standard locks available on the market, each with its own unique benefits. Here is a rundown of some of the most popular British Standard locks to help you choose the right one for your needs:
BS 3621 is the most popular door lock standard. This standard covers a range of locks, including mortice locks, rim locks, and night latches. It has a five-lever mechanism which makes it very difficult to pick and is also very resistant to forced entry. this lock standard is not suitable for properties with only one space to exit. If you are looking for a lock that is approved by insurance companies, then you should consider a British Standard lock that conforms to BS 3621. This standard is recognized by most insurance companies and will help to ensure that your property is adequately protected.
types of Locks to conform to this standard
- Mortice locks (with a five-lever mechanism) are one of the most popular types of British Standard locks. They are installed in the door frame, and the key is inserted into the lock from the outside to open it. Mortice locks are typically used on front doors, and they come in a variety of styles to suit your needs.
- Rim Locks are locks that are fitted to the inside of a door and are usually used on internal doors. They are not as secure as mortice locks but are much easier to install.
- Night Latches are locks that are fitted to the outside of a door and are usually used on external doors. They have a bolt that is operated by a key and are very secure.
The Most Popular Lock Brands That Conform to BS 3621
- Union
- A Yale
- Chubb
- Eagle
- ERA
- Insignia
- Legge
- Mul-T-Lock
- Squire
BS 8621 is the latest British Standard for locks. It covers a range of locks, including mortice locks, rim locks, and night latches. It has a six-lever mechanism which makes it very difficult to pick and is also very resistant to forced entry. This lock standard is suitable for all properties but is usually used in commercial properties.
Locks that can conform to BS8621 will have an easy-to-use thumbturn on the inside, so you can exit in an emergency. The key can also be left in the lock on the inside, so you don’t have to worry about losing it.
types of Locks to conform to this standard
- Mortice Sashlock & Mortice DeadLock These are two of the most popular types of locks that can be used to conform to BS 8621. They are very secure, and the key must be inserted into the lock from the outside to open it. The mortice sashlock is fitted into the door frame, and the mortice deadlock is fitted to the inside of the door.
- Euro Deadlock & Sashlock This is a type of lock that is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. It is a combination of a deadlock and a sashlock, and is very secure. The key must be inserted into the lock from the outside to open it, and there is also a thumbturn on the inside so you can exit in an emergency.
- Rim Cylinder locks such as Night Latches & Rim Locks are also suitable for BS 8621. this is the least secure option.
- Night Latches are locks that are fitted to the outside of a door and are usually used on external doors. They have a bolt that is operated by a key and are very secure.
The Most Popular Lock Brands That Conform to BS 8621
- Yale Union
- Ingersoll
- Union
- Abloy
- Cisa
- Ebac
- ERA
- Mul-T-Lock
more locks standards:
BS 8300:2015 is a British Standard that specifies requirements for doors, windows, and other glazed openings. This type of lock is not as common as BS 3621:2004 locks but is still used in some homes and businesses.
BS 7261-1:2011 is a British Standard that specifies requirements for security grilles, gates, and barriers. This type of lock is not as common as BS 3621:2004 locks but is still used in some homes and businesses.
BS 7412:2007 is a British Standard that specifies requirements for locks used on garage doors. This type of lock is not as common as BS 3621:2004 locks but is still used in some homes and businesses.
BS 8300:2015 is a British Standard that specifies requirements for doors, windows, and other glazed openings. This type of lock is not as common as BS 3621:2004 locks but is still used in some homes and businesses.
It’s also worth mentioning those European standard locks:
BS EN 12209:2003 is a European standard that specifies requirements for locks used on internal doors. This type of lock is not as common as BS 3621:2004 locks but is still used in some homes and businesses.
BS EN 14450:2005 is the European standard for safes and vaults. This type of lock is not as common as BS 3621:2004 locks but is still used in some homes and businesses.
BS EN 14450:2005 is the European standard for safes and vaults. This type of lock is not as common as BS 3621:2004 locks but is still used in some homes and businesses.
BS EN 13209-2:2005 is a European standard that specifies requirements for locks used on vehicles. This type of lock is not as common as BS 3621:2004 locks but is still used in some homes and businesses.
