Resume of what constitutes a BS3621 Thief resistant lock

[pinky]

there follows a basic guide on what constitutes a BS3621 Lock for all those interested in the standard. i plan on adding other threads regarding access control , fire doors and panic hardware etc.

Scope

the british standard specifies design requirements,test methods, and performance requirements for thief resistant locks operated by keys with mechanical patterns and intended for fixed mounting on hinged or sliding doors, to provide reasonable security against unauthorised entry.
provision is made within the specification for locks having claw or hook bolts mounted on hinged or sliding doors and for locks having spring bolts or dead bolts of either single or multiple throw mounted on hinged doors.

Design Requirements

fixing screws for the locks, staples or striker plates to be concealed or locked when the door is locked and the key removed.

where the security bolt is controlled by handles or knobs they shall be disconnected from the security bolt/deadlocked or capable of being rendered inactive.

The throw of the main bolt shall be no less than 20mm ( this doesnt apply to hook or claw bolts)

Locks shall provide a minimum of 1000 key differs, these differs shall be obtained by 1 of the following;
a ) at least 5 moveable detainers or levers independant of any fixed obstructions, locks with 8 levers or less shall include some device to increase the resistance to picking ( false notching is such a device as is a curtain)

b ) a pin tumbler mechanism with at least 6 pins at least 4 pins or drivers shall include some device to increase the resistance to picking ie mushroom drivers.

c ) a disc tumbler with at least 6 sliding or rotating tumblers, at least 4 of the tumblers shall include some device to increase resistance to picking ie false notching.

all vulnerable parts of locks shall be protected against attack from the outside of the door and an anti drill plate or plates shall be fixed to the locks

locks using a cylinder to contain the key mechanism shall be designed or protected to provide no purchase for a wrench attack

no locks shall be used in a master keyed suite in such a way that its security is less than the minimum provided by this specification. master key to have a higher step than the servant key to prevent easy alteration from servant to master.

Performance requirements
a) corrosion restistant, a humidity test

b) operation of security mechanism, 60,000 operations of the key( not exceeding 70 cycles per minute). after which it should not be possible to unlock the lock with a key that is different from its own keys by one internal up or down on any 1 step.

c) security against cutting. using a 300mm long high speed steel blade in a padsawoperated by hand for 5 minutes with a new blade inserted after 2.5 minutes.the lock to withstand a force of 13.500N for 1 minute ( side pressure) after cutting test. A pull test of 12.000N shall apply to lock and claw bolts for sliding door locks.

d ) strength of bolt detention, an applied force of 1200N on the end of the bolt, hooks and claws in the locked position for 1 minute. an applied force of 9000N to the staple on locking box sustained for 1 minute.

e ) strength of cylinder mechanisms where the mechanism projects beyond the face of a 40mm door, it should resist a torque of 100N for 1 minute.

f ) strength of staples striker plate and fixing screws. an applied force of 13500N for 1 minute against the edge of the staple. for hook or claw bolt locks apply a pulling force of 12,000N for 1 minute.

g ) strength of striking plate ( hook bolts only) an applied force of 12000N to the strike plate in a direction to shear the striker plate from the lock.

NB : one newton ( N) = 0.22 lbs force approx

This is an old resume of what constitutes a lock getting a bs3621 rating, it has probably improved more since this guide, but it gives you some idea of what a lock goes through to obtain a BS3621 rating.

link guys for fuller info

http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/pdf/homeSec ... 0insurers'

[GateTwelve]

Sounds very much like the UL rating system of a high security lock. Very impressive specifications.

[Al]

Great post Martin.
As per 2004 update bolt throw now 20mm.

[Don Braidwood]

Good post Martin.

My question is though what type of door should a BS lock be fitted to ?

Would it have to be 44mm thick, dog bolts, hardwood frame, lamanted glass etc etc.

Its one thing having a good lock but are there limits to when it can be fitted ?

Don

[pinky]

most limits don would be set by the ABI and individuals insurers as to their requirements as im sure your aware within the upvc market.

[Don Braidwood]

What I mean is should we put a bs door lock on any door under 44mm, I think its states in the mla guidlines that a bs lock to be rated has to be fitted to a 44mm door.

What Iam trying to say is we can sometimes fit a bs lock to a door that would not benefit by it, ie if is a narrow softwood door it would still be easily kicked in, all locks are only as good as what they are fitted to.

Don

[nhughz]

This kind of post is really useful, look forward to the other threads.

nathan.

[toomush2drink]

If the customer doesnt want to change the door nd still have the lock fitted then its time to offer a kickstop protector.

[Al]

By the very nature it's only the lock that can be tested so it's only the lock that carries a Kitemark. Generally as long as the door is 1.75" and the gap is no more than 0.25" then you will be safe from any comeback from the insurance company.
If you feel that the particular installation or location needs more security then give them the benefit of your professional advice on the whole house.

[Don Braidwood]

Thanks Al

Thats what I do , if I go to a house and they ask me for locks etc I will advice them on their security , and give my honest opinion as to whats best to fit etc.

Don

[workstation]

So is there any actual reason why a multi-point lock shouldn't be BS3621 rated? Is it just that no one's ever submitted one?

[xlr8ed1]

it should be stated that only a locksmith should instal BS locks - because i've seen some instal jobs that would make old Mr. Chubb turn in his grave (i.e 24mm holes cut for 3g114's lock body)

(of course not all locksmiths are wonderful lock installers - but i would argue they are still better than any builder or the like)!!

[LOCK--MAN]

it should be stated that only a locksmith should instal BS locks - because i've seen some instal jobs that would make old Mr. Chubb turn in his grave (i.e 24mm holes cut for 3g114's lock body)

(of course not all locksmiths are wonderful lock installers - but i would argue they are still better than any builder or the like)!!

ok lets seesome pictures then please ill start a new thread for it

[quicklocks]

if you are not a great lock installer i suggest that you buy the souber mortice jig. its a great tool i use mine all the time but i can do it with out its just alot quicker to use one for me
good value at £107+vat

[mhole]

The problem with BS ratings and MPL (Mulit-point-locking) systems is that to achieve a BS3621 rating, the cylinder and lock must be tested together, and as such, supplied together. EG: you can buy BS rated cylinder mortice lock cases, but only with the cylinder included.

In theory, a company could supply a MPL system with a 6 pin high security, drill resistant cylinder, and get it BS rated, but as soon as the cylinder is swapped for something other than the original cylinder or an identical replacement, the BS rating is invalidated, and the kitemark is meaningless.

Supplying a BS rated cylinder and MPL would also require knowing what door and handle set is going to be fitted, to allow provision of the correct cylinder size and finish. This isn't going to be too hard for a door manufacturor, but is going to be a real challenge for anyone making a MPL to retrofit to existing doors.

In short, it's too much trouble for anyone to have done it, and I don't see that changing anytime soon, especially as most insurance companies allow for this by requiring final exit doors to a property to be fitted with either a 5-lever BS deadlock, a lock conforming to BS 3621, or a MPL with 3 or more locking points.