Standards & Certification

This section provides detailed information on compliance, testing standards and certifications; supporting professionals in delivering trusted and high-performing security installations.

BS EN 10621:2017+A1:2024 specifies requirements for locks with dual operating modes: a standard mode compliant with BS 8621 (which permits keyless egress for safety) and a secure mode that restricts exit. This makes it useful for high-security zones where controlled access is necessary. The standard addresses design, operational, and safety specifications, classifying these locks under building accessories (ICS 91.190). Applicable in various security-sensitive settings, it helps architects and builders balance safety with restricted access needs. This 2024 update enhances guidelines for lock functionality in regulated building environments.

EN 1125 is a European standard specifying requirements for panic exit devices with horizontal push bars used in emergency situations, such as in public buildings where people unfamiliar with exit mechanisms may need to exit quickly. This standard ensures that the devices allow safe and efficient egress, requiring minimal effort and no prior knowledge of the locking mechanism. EN 1125 covers aspects like durability, corrosion resistance, and consistent performance under fire conditions, promoting both safety and reliability in emergency exits.

BS EN 1154 is a British and European standard for controlled door-closing devices, such as overhead door closers, ensuring they provide reliable, safe, and durable operation. This standard sets out requirements for the performance, durability, and corrosion resistance of door closers, emphasizing that doors can close effectively after each use, even in high-traffic or fire door applications. Compliance with BS EN 1154 is essential for maintaining security, fire safety, and energy efficiency in various building types.

BS EN 1155 is a European standard that specifies requirements for electrically powered hold-open devices for swing doors, primarily focusing on safety and reliability for fire and smoke control applications. It ensures that these devices can hold doors open under normal conditions but release them automatically in emergencies, contributing to effective fire protection and safe evacuation routes.

BS EN 12209 is a British and European standard detailing requirements and testing methods for mechanically operated locks and their locking plates. It ensures that locks provide effective security, durability, and corrosion resistance, especially in high-traffic or demanding environments. The standard covers a range of performance aspects, including strength, endurance, and suitability for use on fire and smoke doors, supporting overall building security and safety compliance.

BS EN 1300 specifies the security and performance requirements for high-security locks used in safes, vaults, and secure storage containers. This standard focuses on ensuring these locks are resistant to various tampering techniques and manipulation, while also maintaining reliable functionality. It includes a series of rigorous testing methods to validate the lock's durability and effectiveness in protecting high-value assets.

BS EN 1303 is a British and European standard that specifies requirements for cylinder locks, focusing on security and durability. This standard evaluates cylinder locks for resistance to picking, drilling, and other forms of forced entry, as well as their durability in high-use environments. It also includes tests for corrosion resistance, key security, and functionality under different environmental conditions, ensuring that cylinder locks meet rigorous safety and reliability standards for both residential and commercial applications.

BS EN 13126 sets out the performance standards for building hardware, specifically focusing on window fittings such as handles, hinges, and locking devices. It ensures these components operate efficiently and maintain durability over time, even under repeated use and exposure to harsh environmental conditions. The standard helps manufacturers and installers guarantee that window hardware meets safety, usability, and quality benchmarks.

BS EN 13141 defines the testing methods and performance criteria for mechanical ventilation systems used in residential buildings. The focus is on ensuring adequate air quality and energy efficiency, with testing that covers parameters such as airflow rate, pressure, noise levels, and overall system performance. The standard helps ensure that these systems create a healthy and comfortable indoor environment while minimizing energy consumption.

BS EN 13637 is a European standard for electrically controlled exit systems on doors in emergency situations, ensuring quick, safe evacuation. It sets guidelines for components like electric locks, control units, and emergency exit buttons, specifying requirements for reliability, durability, reaction time, and backup power. This standard ensures that doors unlock efficiently in emergencies, balancing building security with occupant safety. Compliance is crucial in high-traffic public spaces, providing a dependable escape route and aligning with modern building codes.

BS EN 13724 is a British and European standard that sets requirements for letter plates and mailboxes, ensuring secure and efficient mail delivery. This standard specifies dimensions, weather resistance, and security features to prevent tampering and unauthorized access, as well as ease of use for postal workers and recipients. BS EN 13724 helps ensure that mailboxes provide reliable protection for mail in both residential and commercial settings, supporting safety and accessibility.

BS EN 14450 is a British and European standard that specifies requirements for secure storage units, such as safes and cabinets, intended for use in homes or offices. This standard classifies storage units into resistance grades based on their ability to withstand attacks, ensuring a specified level of protection for valuables against burglary. BS EN 14450 covers criteria for security, construction quality, and durability, supporting reliable safeguarding of cash, documents, and valuables in both residential and light commercial environments.

BS EN 1634 is a British and European standard that specifies testing methods for the fire resistance and smoke control of doors, shutters, and windows. This standard assesses how well these elements prevent the spread of fire and smoke, ensuring they can withstand specified fire conditions for a determined period. BS EN 1634 is critical for verifying that fire doors and other protective barriers provide effective separation during emergencies, supporting safety and regulatory compliance in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

BS EN 1670 is a British and European standard that defines requirements for the corrosion resistance of building hardware, such as locks, handles, hinges, and other door and window fittings. This standard tests hardware under different environmental conditions to ensure durability and long-term performance, especially in corrosive or high-humidity environments. BS EN 1670 helps ensure that building hardware maintains functionality and appearance over time, supporting reliability and aesthetic quality in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

BS EN 179 specifies the requirements for emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle or push pad, designed for use in buildings where occupants may need to exit quickly in an emergency. The standard ensures that these devices are easy to operate, providing a fast and reliable means of escape for people familiar with the building layout. It covers aspects like durability, strength, and consistent performance to guarantee safety in critical situations.

BS EN 1906 outlines the performance requirements for door handles and knobs, used in both residential and commercial settings. The standard addresses the strength, durability, and security of these components, categorizing them based on the frequency of use and the level of security needed. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers ensure that door hardware is reliable, long-lasting, and capable of withstanding physical stress and wear.

BS EN 3621 is a British and European standard specifying requirements for thief-resistant mechanically operated locks, commonly used in entrance doors for residential and commercial buildings. This standard ensures locks provide a high level of security by testing resistance to drilling, picking, and other forms of forced entry. BS EN 3621-certified locks are designed to withstand attempted break-ins, offering reliable protection for properties and meeting insurance requirements for secure locking systems.

BS EN 476 Part 22 defines the criteria for the fire resistance of various building components, including doors, walls, and partitions. It specifies testing methods to verify that these elements can effectively contain and resist the spread of fire and smoke for a designated period. This standard ensures that fire-resistant components perform as intended, providing essential protection in the event of a fire.

BS EN 8621 specifies the requirements for keyless emergency exit locks, ensuring that occupants can easily and safely exit a building during an emergency without the use of a key. The standard emphasizes intuitive operation, reliability under stress, and the ability to withstand abuse or misuse while maintaining functionality. It is crucial for ensuring safety in residential and commercial buildings where rapid and unobstructed escape is a priority.

The CE Marking is a certification symbol indicating that a product complies with European Union (EU) safety, health, and environmental protection standards. It is required for certain products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA) and demonstrates that the manufacturer has ensured the product meets all relevant EU directives and regulations. CE Marking facilitates the free movement of goods within the EEA and assures consumers of a product’s conformity with essential safety requirements.

CEN Grade is a classification system developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) to indicate the security and durability levels of locks and hardware based on standardised testing. Each grade reflects the performance of a product in terms of strength, resistance to wear, and ability to withstand forced entry, with higher grades representing greater security and durability. CEN Grades provide a benchmark for quality, helping consumers and professionals select appropriate hardware for various security needs across residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Certifire is a third-party certification scheme for fire protection products, primarily focused on doors, windows, hardware, and other fire-resistant building materials. It ensures that certified products meet rigorous fire safety, performance, and quality standards, including durability and reliability during a fire. Certifire certification provides confidence to architects, specifiers, and building owners that products will perform as required in fire situations, supporting building code compliance and enhancing overall fire safety in residential, commercial, and industrial environments.

DHF TS 001:2013 defines requirements for anti-ligature hardware in high-risk environments like healthcare and corrections. The standard emphasizes safety, durability, and tamper-resistance, ensuring products prevent ligature risks while remaining functional and compliant. It includes rigorous testing for load resistance, durability, and corrosion, guiding design and implementation. Regular maintenance and staff training are also crucial for compliance. By adopting this standard, organizations enhance safety, align with regulations, and reduce self-harm incidents. DHF TS 001:2013 is essential for creating secure, user-friendly environments without compromising usability or aesthetics.

This standard provides guidance on the construction, testing, and maintenance of industrial doors, shutters, and gates, focusing on ensuring that these products meet safety and performance requirements. DHF TS 002 emphasizes standards for mechanical performance, durability, and quality control. This includes strength, operational safety, and user accessibility. The standard is often referenced by manufacturers and facility managers for establishing a reliable performance baseline for industrial door systems. Compliance with DHF TS 002 helps minimize risk to users and maintain consistency in production.

DHF TS 003 addresses specifications for electronic locking systems, particularly concerning security and controlled access. This standard outlines guidelines for installation, maintenance, and testing of electronic locks to ensure they provide robust security without compromising user safety. The standard highlights key considerations like power failure scenarios, emergency access, and compatibility with fire safety protocols. Commonly used in commercial and institutional buildings, this standard helps installers and facility managers ensure that electronic locking systems meet rigorous security standards, balancing ease of use with security needs.

This recently updated standard focuses on hardware for fire doors, ensuring that door components contribute effectively to fire resistance. DHF TS 008 specifies criteria for locks, hinges, and other fittings that can withstand high temperatures and maintain door integrity under fire conditions. This standard is crucial for fire safety compliance, providing guidance on materials, design, and installation to ensure that hardware complements fire door performance. Adhering to DHF TS 008 helps facilities meet building code requirements for fire resistance, particularly in public and high-occupancy buildings.

Aimed at the maintenance of automatic door systems, DHF TS 009 provides guidelines to ensure doors function safely and efficiently over time. It emphasizes regular inspections, testing, and preventive maintenance to detect and fix issues before they become safety hazards. This standard is essential for facility managers in locations like hospitals, airports, and retail stores where automatic doors are heavily used. It ensures that these doors meet safety regulations and perform reliably, reducing the risk of malfunctions that could compromise safety or accessibility.

This standard specifies requirements for mechanically operated door systems, such as manual sliding and swinging doors, with an emphasis on safety and functionality. DHF TS 010 covers aspects like door strength, durability, and safety mechanisms, ensuring these systems are safe for daily use. The addition of A1:2009 provides updates addressing specific safety measures and performance standards for manual doors in commercial and residential environments. This standard is widely applied in building projects that prioritize secure yet accessible entrances without relying on electronic mechanisms.

DHF TS 621 covers performance criteria for industrial door installations, particularly focusing on safety, durability, and resistance to environmental factors. This standard addresses the specific needs of doors exposed to heavy use and adverse weather, ensuring they can withstand demanding conditions without compromising function or safety. DHF TS 621 includes guidelines on structural integrity, maintenance, and testing, making it essential for facilities where doors must operate under rigorous conditions, like warehouses and distribution centers. Compliance with this standard helps prevent door failures and enhances long-term operational efficiency.

The European Certification Body Security (ECBS) is a certifying organization that provides independent testing and certification for security products, including safes, locks, and strongrooms. By adhering to ECBS standards, manufacturers demonstrate that their products meet stringent European criteria for security, reliability, and performance. ECBS certification gives consumers and businesses confidence in the quality and effectiveness of security products.

The IP (Ingress Protection) rating system defines levels of protection for electronic devices against dust and water. Comprising two digits, the first represents solid particle resistance, while the second indicates water resistance. For example, IP67 ensures full dust protection and submersion in water up to one meter. Manufacturers use IP ratings to certify durability and safety in various environments. Commonly applied in consumer electronics, industrial equipment, and outdoor devices, IP ratings guide users in choosing products suited to specific conditions. Understanding IP ratings ensures optimal device performance and longevity across diverse applications.

PAS 24 is a UK specification for enhanced security performance of doors and windows, designed to resist common methods of forced entry. This standard includes rigorous testing for strength, impact resistance, and locking mechanisms, ensuring products meet an enhanced level of security suitable for residential properties. Compliance with PAS 24 provides assurance to homeowners, builders, and insurers that doors and windows are robust enough to deter burglaries and provide reliable protection.

Secured By Design (SBD) is an official UK police initiative that promotes the use of security-focused design and products to reduce crime in homes and commercial buildings. Products with SBD accreditation have been tested to meet stringent security standards, ensuring enhanced resistance to burglary and forced entry. By incorporating SBD-certified products and design principles, buildings can achieve a higher level of security, supporting safer communities and crime prevention from the outset of construction.

Sold Secure is a certification scheme in the UK that rigorously tests and rates security products for their resistance to various forms of attack, including burglary and theft. Managed by the Master Locksmiths Association, Sold Secure offers ratings—such as Bronze, Silver, and Gold—based on the product's level of protection, with Gold indicating the highest security. This certification provides consumers and professionals with assurance that Sold Secure-rated products meet stringent security standards, making them suitable for protecting high-value items in residential, commercial, and automotive applications.

TS 007:2012 - 1 Star is a security standard for lock cylinders and associated security hardware, designed to protect against common attack methods like snapping, drilling, and picking. A 1-star rating under TS 007 signifies that the cylinder or hardware offers a basic level of security on its own but should be combined with 2-star rated security hardware to achieve full protection. Together, a 1-star cylinder and 2-star handle provide a 3-star solution, delivering comprehensive defense against forced entry in residential and commercial properties.

TS 007:2015 - 3 Star is an updated security standard for lock cylinders that signifies the highest level of protection against forced entry techniques, such as snapping, drilling, bumping, and picking. A 3-star rating in the TS 007:2015 standard means the lock cylinder provides standalone, enhanced security without the need for additional hardware. This rating is ideal for residential and commercial doors where maximum resistance to break-ins is needed, ensuring robust, tested protection against the latest forced entry methods.

UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking is a certification for products placed on the market in Great Britain, indicating compliance with UK safety, health, and environmental regulations. Introduced as a post-Brexit equivalent to the EU’s CE marking, the UKCA mark ensures that products meet UK-specific standards and regulatory requirements. This marking is mandatory for certain goods and serves as an assurance of product safety, quality, and compliance within England, Scotland, and Wales.