What is BS3621?
BS3621 is a lock standard by British Standards Institute (BSI) for thief-resistant locks, BS-3621 locks are found on some types of front and back doors in the home and it’s a good way to check that your security is up to standard. Insurance companies require door locks are fitted to BS 3621 British Standard.
The first question you will want to know is do my current door locks already conform to BS3621?
How to tell your locks are BS3621
One way to check your front or back door locks are conforming to BS3621 is to look for the British Standard Kitemark (BSI) on the faceplate of the lock. The faceplate of the lock is viewable when you open the door; you should also see the specific standard number e.g. BS3621 stamped on the plate.
Step 1
Look for British Standard Kitemark engraved on the lock
Step 2
Look for British Standard number BS3621 stamped on the lock – from the above photo this is a 2007 version ‘BS3621:2007‘.
If you are unsure just give us a call, we are extremely knowledgeable on the subject as we deal with British Standard type of locks every day, our Nottingham Locksmiths will also be able to upgrade your current locks to BS3621.
About BS3621 Locks
BS 3621 is the original lock standard and was first introduced in the 1960’s, the key facts you need to know about BS3621 locks are as follows:
- Usually found on wooden & timber doorsin domestic homes but can appear on metal doors in commercial premises.
- A key is used for opening or exiting the lock– also known as the term ‘keyed egress’.
- Cannot be opened on either side unlessyou have the key.
- Latest standard version is BS 3621:2017
Not Suitable For
This standard of lock makes it unsuitable for properties with only one exit door.
Advantages
The main benefits of having BS3621 British Standard approved locks fitted are:
- Tested against Burglary techniques such as drilling and picking
- Comply with your insurance policy – most require this standard as a bare minimum
“Insurance Approved” what does that mean?
You may see Kitemarked BS3621 locks referred to as “Insurance Approved Locks”, this just means some insurance companies require this standard of lock fitted. BS-3621 locks are NOT actually approved by Insurance providers, the approval and certification is done by BSI (The British Standards Institute) themselves.
Some insurers may insist your locks have to meet BS3621, other insurers may not have that exact requirement, so it’s down the individual to check with their insurer regarding any standard your locks should meet.
Most home insurance won’t offer cheaper insurance for BS3621 locks though as this is usually a standard requirement. Again, we recommend checking with providers to see if having your locks to meet this standard will reduce your cost of insurance.
What Type of Locks conforms to BS3621 standard?
- Mortice SashLock & Mortice DeadLock
- Euro Deadlock & Sashlock
- Rim Cylinder locks such as Night Latches & Rim Locks
For mortice locks to conform to BS3621 the door lock must have at least 5 levers, therefore a 3-lever mortice lock CANNOT be British Standard Kitemarked to BS3621.
Please note that some 5-lever mortice locks DO NOT conform to BS3621, so please check before you purchase or give us a call, we are always happy to help.
For a lock to meet British Standard BS3621 it must have:
- 5 levers having at least a 1000 key differs
- Measures to prevent picking those 5 Levers
- Anti-pick qualities
- Hard plates to protect the lock from drilling
- Minimum of 20mm bolt throw into the door frame
Over the years the BS3621 standard has been updated leading to there being different versions of BS 3621 locks available, the different years indicate the date of the standard it was approved to.
Below is a list of versions your lock could be:
- BS 3621:2017– the latest version
- BS 3621:2007+A2:2012
- BS 3621:1998
- BS 3621:1980
- BS 3621:1963– the first & oldest version
NOTE: The year of lock certification is not as important as actually having a BS3621 lock fitted, although it is recommended to upgrade to the latest version.
What are BS8621 and BS10621?
There are two other standards you will see mentioned alongside BS3621 and that is BS8621 and BS10621, these are rarely used in domestic homes.
Used in Flats & Apartments
You will find BS8621 and BS10621 used in commercial properties & building with multiple occupants such as flats and apartments, although BS10621 is the least common.
What are BS8621 British Standard Locks?
BS8621 is a standard of lock which is used for emergency exits in the event of an emergency (IE fire), so you do not need a key to escape the building.
- BS 8621 standard was first introduced in 2004
- Can open the lock WITHOUTa key usually with a thumb turn to open
- Lockable from the outside only with a key
- Usually fitted in commercial & domestic properties, like rented accommodation, blocks of flats, multiple occupants
- Installed on external doors
- Latest standard version is BS 8621:2017
The benefit of having a BS8621 lock is if as follows:
- Someone needs to exit a building in a hurry, there is no need to look for keys to gain exit.
- Cannot lock someone inside the building
The benefit of having a BS8621 lock is if as follows:
- Someone needs to exit a building in a hurry, there is no need to look for keys to gain exit.
- Cannot lock someone inside the building
What’s a BS10621
BS10621 is a mixture of keyed and keyless egress (dual mode ) and one of the least popular British standard of lock.
- BS10621 standard was first introduced in 2007
- Has the same test criteria as BS3621 and BS8621
- Rarely used
- Has the function of BS3621 and BS8621
- Can ONLYbe locked from outside with a key
- Usually fitted in commercial & domestic properties, like rented accommodation, blocks of flats, multiple occupants
- Latest standard version is BS 10621:2017
Warning: BS10621 locks should not be used in single exit dwellings because of the entrapment possibilities.
Locks that can conform to BS10621:
- Mortice SashLock & Mortice DeadLock
- Euro Deadlock & Sashlock
- Rim Cylinder locks such as Night Latches & Rim Locks
If you are looking to upgrade your existing door locks to BS-3621, you should contact one of our experts who will be very happy to help.