EN 12209

EN 12209 classifies mechanically operated locks, latches and locking plates using an 11 digit coding system.

Each digit refers to a particular feature of the product measured against the standard's performance requirements.

Digit 1 - Category of use
Three categories of use are identified:

1. grade 1: low frequency of use by people with a high incentive to exercise care and a small chance of misuse, e.g. internal residential doors
2. grade 2: medium frequency of use by people with some incentive to exercise care but where there is some chance of misuse, e.g. internal office doors
3. grade 3: high frequency of use by public or others with little incentive to exercise care and with a high chance of misuse, e.g. public doors

Digit 2 - Durability
Twelve grades are identified with minimum figures for deadbolt and snib operation, and latch bolt operation with and without side load, as shown. The side load is applied to the latch bolt when it is being withdrawn

Digit 3 - Door mass and closing force
Nine grades are identified with maximum figures for closing force at various door masses as shown. Note: closing force is from a standing start: i.e. fully extended latch bolt in contact with striking plate at start of test

Digit 4 - Fire resistance
Two grades are identified: -

1. grade 0: not approved for use on fire/smoke door assemblies
2. grade 1: suitable for use on fire/smoke door assemblies tested to EN 1634-1 etc.

Note 1. A grade 1 classification means only that the lock has been designed for use on fire/smoke control doors; the actual fire performance achieved (e.g. fire integrity of 30 minutes on a partially glazed timber door etc.) will be contained in a separate fire test report.

Note 2. Where a product is intended for fire/smoke door use (i.e. a “1” in box 4), it must be possible to demonstrate compliance with the Essential Requirements of the Construction Products (Amendments) Regulations. It is recommended that the product should bear the CE mark (see section on CE marking).

Digit 5 - Safety
No requirement, but note: a lock or latch conforming to this standard can, at the same time, also be part of an exit device conforming to EN 179 or EN 1125.

Digit 6 - Corrosion resistance
Eight grades are identified with neutral salt-spray (NSS) corrosion resistance grades from EN 1670:1998, with and without temperature resistance as shown: -

Digit 7 - Security and drill resistance
Seven grades are identified with minimum figures for requirements relating to physical attack, with or without drilling of the lockcase, as shown: -

Digit 8 - Field of door application
Fifteen grades are identified for differing applications – hinged or sliding doors with rim or mortice locks with either keyless egress from inside or key locking from both sides. The grading determines which application is appropriate. In addition, there is a requirement that lock/latch should not be removable from outside or, for grades K to R, from inside using “standard” tools. Grades H and P require support for the lockcase when installed.

Digit 9 - Type of key operation and locking
Nine grades are identified for differing types of key operation. The grading determines how the lock is assessed for deadlocking requirement as shown. In addition, there is a maximum key torque operating requirement of 1.5 Nm and a minimum key strength requirement of 2.5 Nm:-
- grade 0: not applicable;
- grade A: cylinder lock or latch; manually locking;
- grade B: cylinder lock or latch; automatically locking;
- grade C: cylinder lock or latch; manually locking with intermediate locking;
- grade D: lever lock or latch; manually locking;
- grade E: lever lock or latch; automatically locking;
- grade F: lever lock or latch; manually locking with intermediate locking;
- grade G: lock or latch without key operation; manually locking;
- grade H: lock without key operation; automatically locking.

Digit 10 - Type of spindle operation
Five grades are identified:-
- grade 0: lock without follower
- grade 1: lock with sprung lever or knob
- grade 2: lock with light unsprung lever
- grade 3: lock with heavy unsprung lever
- grade 4: lock with manufacturer’s own specification furniture

Digit 11 - Key identification
Nine grades are identified relating to the number of differs and levers. Grade 0 relates to a latch with no locking action.

EXAMPLE

This indicates a mechanically operated lock and locking plate intended for use in situations where there is an incentive to exercise care; that will withstand a durability of 200,000 cycles with a 10N side load on the latch bolt on a door of up to 200 kg in mass; that will close with a maximum force of 25N; that is suitable for use on a fire/smoke resisting door; that has no safety requirement; that has moderate corrosion resistance over a temperature range of -20°C to +80°C; that has high security and drill resistance; that is a lever mortice lock with manual locking; that is suitable for unsprung furniture; and that has five detaining elements with a minimum of 10,000 differs.