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What are BS3621 Locks?

What are British Standards (BS)

British Standards are technical standards for products and services, as advised by the British Standards Institute (BSI). These help to promote best practice within a variety of industries, such as security, and to reassure end users about the quality and suitability of products. 

What is BS3621?

BS3621 is the thief-resistant basic standard required for all external ground floor locks on residential properties, usually relating to mortice and cylinder rim locks. BS3621 sets out minimum standards, which these locks must meet in terms of performance and composition. 

The Importance of BS3621 Certified Locks

Most insurance policies will require a property to have BS3621 locks on all ground floor external locks, and they are important as it specifically refers to thief-resistant locks. BS3621 certified locks have been tested against the most common forms of break-ins, such as drilling and picking.

Features of a British Standard 3621 Lock

Tested against the most common forms of burglary, BS3621 locks must have at least five lever or pin tumblers, as well as a hardened metal plate covering the lock. The bolt on these types of locks must protrude from the faceplate by a minimum of 20mm when the door is locked and in addition the screws which fix the lock to the door must not be accessible when the door is shut. 

How can I tell if my locks meet the BS3621 standard?

The easiest way to tell if your lock meets BS3621 is to identify the Kitemark symbol on the faceplate. This is normally engraved into the lock and is visible when the door is open. In addition, look for the BS number BS3621 stamped into the lock. If you’re still unsure, then you can always contact an MLA approved locksmith who will be able to tell if your lock is certified. 

Do all locks on exterior doors need to be BS3621 standard?

BS3621 applies to Mortice and Euro deadlocks and sash locks and cylinders such as nightlatches. Multi-point locks comply to a different standard. BS3621 standard is not suitable for properties with only one exit door.

Requirements that must be met by Locks to be BS3621 Approved

For a lock to be BS3621-approved, it must have five levers, as opposed to three, and at least 1,000 key differs. The lock should also have anti-picking and anti-drilling qualities. The bolt throw must also be a minimum of 20mm. All these contribute to making a lock BS3621 approved. 

View our range of locks here

  • Mortice locks

    Mortice locks offer excellent reliability and security, and they can withstand high usage so are ideal for buildings that have a heavy footfall. They require a cavity to be cut into the edge of the door to fit the lock, and are mainly used on external doors as they require a certain thickness to accommodate them. We offer a comprehensive range of mortice locks, so you're sure to find the right product for your installation.
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  • Pushbutton locks

    Need to control who has access to an area, but don’t want the hassle of cutting and distributing keys? A push button lock could be just what you need.The code on a push button lock can be updated at any time, so access is only permitted to authorised individuals.Whether it’s a standard, hold back or key override solution, we offer an extensive range of push button lock products to choose from, including the easy to use, design-led Code Handle®, and CodeGUARD 5, which meets the highest security standards for push button locks.
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  • Padlocks

    Strong, durable and built to last, our padlocks can help secure external or remote buildings. You can choose from open and closed shackle options, as well as anti-drill padlock base plates, and all products have been developed to meet the highest security standards.When selecting a padlock, think about the value of what’s being protected, the material it’s made from, whether the padlock is being used outside or inside, and whether a key or combination padlock is better suited to meet your needs.
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  • Surface Mounted Locks

    Whether it’s a door, shed, gate, cabinet or cupboard, surface mounted locks are easy to fit because – as their name suggests – they surface mount onto a door, providing proven protection.From a night latch, which is a latch that’s operated by a cylinder, to a cabinet lock, which helps secure personal items and confidential information away, we have an extensive range of surface mounted locks that can help you achieve the security you need.
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