How important is it to fit British Standard locks?
Discussion
How important is it to fit British Standard locks? How much difference does it make to security? Insurance requirements? 
For example, I was under the (uninformed) impression that any 5-lever mortice lock would be a tough lock. However, I see that not all are certified to BS3621. What's the difference?
For example, I was under the (uninformed) impression that any 5-lever mortice lock would be a tough lock. However, I see that not all are certified to BS3621. What's the difference?
Insurance companies often ask for locks to meet certain British Standards.
Check out this link, might help explain the different standards:
https://www.locksonline.co.uk/community/2012/10/bs...
Check out this link, might help explain the different standards:
https://www.locksonline.co.uk/community/2012/10/bs...
Edited by AndrewEH1 on Tuesday 28th October 12:51
Many thanks. I can definitely see the value in making sure any new locks are British Standard certified.
However, I'm uncertain whether it's worth the money to upgrade existing 5-lever mortice locks to British Standard locks, because I thought this type of lock was inherently quite secure
However, I'm uncertain whether it's worth the money to upgrade existing 5-lever mortice locks to British Standard locks, because I thought this type of lock was inherently quite secure
SVS said:
Many thanks. I can definitely see the value in making sure any new locks are British Standard certified.
However, I'm uncertain whether it's worth the money to upgrade existing 5-lever mortice locks to British Standard locks, because I thought this type of lock was inherently quite secure
Does your insurance policy state that they must be fitted?However, I'm uncertain whether it's worth the money to upgrade existing 5-lever mortice locks to British Standard locks, because I thought this type of lock was inherently quite secure
BS3621 locks aren't a requirement of the current insurance policy, but I wondered if future policies might have British Standard locks in the small print.
More importantly, what differences are there in security between a typical 5-lever mortice lock vs. a British Standard mortice lock?
More importantly, what differences are there in security between a typical 5-lever mortice lock vs. a British Standard mortice lock?
It's rare that I fit 5 lever locks nowadays but I always fitted BS locks when I did. You can tell by their weight they are better quality and stronger, the keep or striking plate is usually much more robust. For an extra few quid its a no brainer. I also found that the BS locks came with 3 keys while the cheaper lock came with 2, the extra fiver for the lock was almost saved, that may not be the case now though. Slightly off topic but I seen a composite door with a 5 lever multi point lock recently, it does away with the euro cylinder, much better imo.
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