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Key Lock Standards for Ultimate Vehicle Security

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03.12.2024

When it comes to your vehicle's security, understanding lock standards is crucial. These standards ensure that locks meet specific criteria for security and durability, providing peace of mind for car owners. Here's a breakdown of key lock standards relevant to vehicle security:

BS3621: The British Standard for Locks

BS3621 is commonly known as the "British Standard" for locks, often recognized by the BSI Kitemark logo. This standard applies mainly to mortice locks and some high-security night latches, ensuring that the door can be secured and requires a key to open from either side. Introduced in 1963, BS3621 has undergone multiple updates to maintain its relevance, with versions such as BS3621:1980, BS3621:1998, and BS3621:2007.

BS8621: Facilitating Emergency Exits

Similar to BS3621, the BS8621 standard differs in that a key is not required to open the lock from the inside. This feature facilitates quick exits during emergencies, making it ideal for rented offices, flats, and similar settings.

BS10621: External Locking Capability

BS10621 combines features of BS3621 and BS8621, allowing the lock to be secured from the outside without the ability to lock it from the inside. This standard is less common but useful when the building needs to be secured externally once vacated.

TS007: Enhanced Security for Cylinders

TS007 is a technical specification developed by the Door and Hardware Federation and the Glass and Glazing Federation. It enhances BS EN1303 to provide a higher level of security. A 3-star cylinder under TS007 includes multiple layers of built-in protection and can withstand rigorous attack tests. These locks are commonly found on uPVC and composite doors and feature the BSI Kitemark logo.

BS EN 1303: Classification of Cylinder Locks

BS EN 1303 classifies cylinder locks using an 8-digit coding system, with each digit representing a specific feature measured against the standard's performance requirements.

Sold Secure SS 312: The Diamond Standard

Developed by Sold Secure (Master Locksmiths Association), the SS 312 Diamond Standard is an enhanced security standard for cylinders. It surpasses TS007, offering several layers of built-in protection and withstanding rigorous attack tests.

Secured by Design: Police-Endorsed Security

Secured by Design (SBD) is a UK Police initiative that promotes "designing out crime" through effective crime prevention and security standards across various applications.

PAS 24: Comprehensive Door Set Security

PAS 24, created by the Door and Hardware Federation, ensures that every component used within a door set complies with relevant British Standards, providing comprehensive security.

PAS 3621, PAS 8621, PAS 10621: Standards for Multi-Point Locks

These standards are equivalents of BS 3621, BS 8621, and BS 10621, respectively, but specifically apply to uPVC multi-point locks.

CEN Grades: Padlock Classification

The Central European Norm (CEN) grading system classifies padlocks, starting from Grade 1 (low security) to Grade 6 (high security), helping you choose the appropriate padlock for your needs.

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