About locks

About locks

Here you will find basic information about the most common types of locks. We can supply and fit or repair any of the lock types shown below. For UPVC locks go to theUPVC locks page.

Mortice locks

Mortice locks are commonly fitted to wooden doors. The pictures show a mortice sashlock, the type of key it uses and the type of handles. The one shown is a 5 lever lock. Some mortice locks use a cylinder instead of levers and these are called cylinder mortice locks. If it only has a keyhole and no handle then it is called a mortice deadlock.

Cylinder locks

The pictures show two common types of cylinders and the type of key they use. On the left is a rim cylinder and on the right is a euro cylinder of the types usually fitted to UPVC doors. Cylinder mortice locks can also use a euro cylinder.

Rim latches

Also called Yale locks or night latches. They have a cylinder on the outside of the door. On the left is a basic traditional Yale latch which give a low level of security. Other well known brands include ERA and Union. There are many makes of rim latches which provide a large range of different levels of security. The one on the right conforms with British Standard and gives a high level of security.

Pad locks

Padlocks are used for sheds, garages, gates, bikes and many other uses. There are many different brands, designs and levels of security.

Digital locks

The photos show mechanical digital locks. They can be used in conjunction with a tubular latch or a more secure rim latch.

Lock standards and British Standard locks.

Insurance companies usually state that a property should be fitted with British Standard locks. The mortice lock shown above is a British Standard 5 lever mortice lock which is commonly specified by insurance companies. It complies with BS3621.

British Lock Standards
BS 3621 - This lock standard relates to mortice and cylinder rim locks for doors where a key is required for entry or exit. Such locks are most commonly identified by the BSI ‘kitemark’ marked on the lock face or packaging.

Some other UK standards include:-
BS 8621 - A version of BS3621 that applies to locks requiring a key for entry but not for exit. Such locks are intended for use in upper floor flats with a single entry/exit door which is required to have an emergency thumb release on the inside.
PAS 23 - Applies to the build and wear quality of single leaf domestic doorsets, plus a basic test to check that any glazing/security devices cannot be removed from outside.
PAS 24 - Applies to manual attack testing of single leaf domestic doorsets, including locks (but excluding picking/sawing) and hinges. Any glazing must be laminated if the door could be opened from inside without a key, otherwise no requirements for glazing beyond stating that any windows adjacent to the door must meet BS 7950.
BS 7950 - Applies to manual attack testing of hinged/tilt and turn domestic windows and their locks (but excluding picking/sawing). All glazing/security devices must be incapable of being removed from outside. Glazing must be laminated if the window could be opened from inside without a key.
European Lock Standards
Various European lock standards exist, those adopted within the UK being given a BSEN coding. Sometimes called ‘CEN‘ standards they are particularly complicated, with CEN compliant locks having an eleven digit code to indicate various product features, the 7th digit usually indicating the security ‘Grade’.
The CEN standards require the code to be shown on the lock packaging, but not the lock itself; and don’t usually require testing against lock picking, sawing or an expert review. As a result of these weaknesses, CEN standards are infrequently referred to in the UK, except for padlocks (where there is no comparable British standard) and lock cylinders.
The CEN lock standards are:-
BSEN 12209 - This applies to mechanically operated locks, and locking mechanisms if an integral part of the lock assembly, e.g. a lever lock. If the lock has a removable locking mechanism, e.g. a cylinder lock, the lock requirements refer to BSEN 1303. Security Grades range from 1-7, 7 being the highest.
BSEN 1303 - This applies to mechanically operated lock cylinders. Two separate Grades relating to security are specified, comprising 6 key Grades, 6 being the highest, and 3 attack Grades, 2 being the highest. As a result the CEN code will have two fields for security information, the 7th digit = key Grade and the 8th digit = attack Grade.
BSEN 12051 - This applies to window & door bolts, testing strength and saw resistance, but not locking mechanisms. Security Grades range from 1-5, 5 being the highest.
BSEN 12320 - This applies to padlocks and staples (padbars) of all types, i.e. open and closed shackle. Security Grades range from 1-6, 6 being the highest.
BSEN 179 & BSEN 1125 - These apply to emergency escape door mechanisms at premises where, respectively, no panic is likely to occur, e.g. a factory/office and those where it might, e.g. a shop or club/pub. Where an external keylock is incorporated, it should be tested to a security level chosen from BS EN 12209 (for external attack only).


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