Home security

British designed hardware solutions for the home, which are easy to install, high-quality and look good

Residential door hardware not only needs to perform as expected but look good too. Our homes should be where we feel most safe and protected, which is why there’s no room to compromise when it comes to selecting secure door locks or other door hardware for the home. In the UK, it’s estimated that a burglary takes place every 40 seconds, with jewellery, watches, purses, wallets, money, computers and computer equipment being some of the most commonly stolen goods.

Home security is important all year round, but studies have shown that burglaries in the UK spike by as much as 25% in the autumn and winter months. While there are simple steps that homeowners can take to help keep their homes safe, such as keeping doors and windows locked at all times, fitting motion detecting security lights, and closing the curtains at night, the most important measure is to make sure high-quality and high-performance home security door locks are fitted.

In the UK, it’s estimated that a burglary takes place every 40 seconds.

Crimestoppers UK

Understanding the main types of locks

There are a number of different locks that are specified in home insurance policies. Here, we outline the main differences between each of these.

Five-lever mortice deadlock

A five-lever mortice deadlock is key operated and fitted on and into the side of a timber door. These locks are often fitted halfway up the door, and the faceplate of the lock will have the British standard kitemark logo visible. Homeowners may also have a five-lever mortice sash lock, which is the same as a mortice deadbolt in that the key operates the deadlock, but it also features a handle to retract the latch bolt.

Key-operated multi-point locking systems

If a home has a uPVC or composite door, then it will likely have a key-operated multi-point locking system. This is fitted into the side of the door and runs the full height. It will have multiple locking points along the length of the lock, which lock into the door frame when closed. The cylinder that locks the door is fitted through the door. If the cylinder has the British standard kitemark visible then it meets the required security rating for cylinder locks – TS007.

Rim nightlatches

Rim nightlatches are usually fitted on timber doors at about head height. These locks are fitted on the inside of the door with a rim (round cylinder) fitted through the door connecting to the rim nightlatch, which is visible on the outside of the door. These can be locked or unlocked with a key from the inside or outside of the door. If the nightlatch lock has a kitemark showing on its face plate, then the lock has been tested to BS 3621.

Setting the standard

The British Standards Institution (BSI) undertakes security testing and certification services for doors and locks. Understanding the British standards that home security door locks need to meet is critical.

Here, we explain the top ones that you need to look out for when choosing home security products.

BS 3621 for thief-resistant locks on doors

One important standard for home security is BS 3621: 2017, as it’s the most common lock standard for mortice and cylinder rim locks. The Door & Hardware Federation advises that locks for all external timber doors must be rated to BS 3621. This is the benchmark that insurance companies use when looking to measure the robustness of a door lock. If a home is burgled and the locks fitted do not meet this standard, then a homeowner may not receive the level of cover they expect when making a claim. There should be a clear Kitemark symbol on the front of high-quality mortice locks and cylinders, as this lets you know the lock has undergone the necessary tests to protect your home against a range of attacks.

EN 1303 for cylinder locks

This standard grades cylinders against 8 key measures and makes sure the product meets a minimum quality level. For example, its durability to make sure it is a long-lasting product for daily use, whether it has been fire tested and can be used on fire and smoke resistant doors, and how secure the cylinder is against physical attack. Another important point to note is the number of combinations (also known as differs); the higher the combinations the more secure the cylinder. These features help make sure you choose the right cylinder lock to meet your needs.

EN 12320 for padlocks

When choosing padlocks to secure outdoor gates around a property, it’s important to consider the value of the goods being protected, the physical attributes of the item being protected, and the environment where this item is being stored. You will see padlocks graded from level one to six, six being the highest and most secure product. This grading and standard will help you find a solution that can deliver the right level of protection.

Secured By Design

Another accreditation to look out for is Secured By Design (SBD). A UK Police initiative that supports ‘designing out crime’, the scheme promotes the use of security standards and products receive the stamp of approval once they have met SBD’s rigorous testing guidelines. Research has shown that homes using products that meet SBD standards are 75% less likely to be burgled.

Total peace of mind in the home

When installing door security for a home, you don’t want to be under any illusions about whether a lock meets a critical standard such as BS 3621. You want a brand that you can depend on; a leader in residential door hardware that has the knowledge and experience to back it up. We pride ourselves on offering a complete range of British designed hardware solutions for the home, which are easy to install, high-quality and look good. From locks to cylinders, door controls to handles, latches to hinges, and much more, we’re able to meet all your home security needs. And by choosing one of our products, you can be safe in the knowledge that we’ve gone above and beyond to make sure hardware meets safety and security standards, for total peace of mind.