Setting the standard for your door lock cylinder
Are your door lock cylinders up to scratch? With so many different markings, applications, accreditations, and numbers to think about, how do you know what makes a good cylinder? Whether it's a replacement or a lock for a new residential door; cylinders are the means of protecting a property and the possessions inside. So it's important to know what lock secures your home.
It seems like a fairly simple product, but it performs a big role in the security of a door. A cylinder combined with a multi-point lock, mortice lock, handle and escutcheon, which all work together (within the application), to provide anything from basic security to maximum security, depending on the products installed.
Numbers, logos and markings
With a range of BSI standards, technical standards and independent accreditations, navigating the mele of cylinder certification can be tricky. As a general rule, you can look for a cylinder that visibly shows a Kitemark. Ideally 3 Stars but if not 1 Star as a minimum and the cylinder has been tested to and meets BS EN 1303.
It's also useful to look out for marks of independent accreditation to reinforce what manufacturers are claiming. Things like the Sold Secure Diamond Standard are independently awarded by the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) to those cylinders that pass a stringer number of tests.
As simple as 1, 2, 3. . .
To simplify door lock cylinders specifically used in retrofit applications, the Door Hardware Federation (DHF) and the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) set out a technical standard called TS 007. Its objective was to define replacement cylinders and associated hardware, assess products and give them either a 1, 2 or 3 Star rating depending on their security performance.
Setting out the minimum requirements that the product should adhere to, to achieve the standard. Protecting cylinder locks (with and without associated hardware) against known methods of forced entry, including picking, manipulation, extraction, bumping and snapping.
Displayed as a Kitemark symbol on the product themselves or the packaging, and showing the number of stars the product conforms to. For consumers this type of reference point allows them to make an informed choice about their security. Using this visual indicator and this guidance, it is also easier for manufacturers to educate consumers to check and potentially upgrade cylinders on older doors. Changing an existing cylinder can be a simple way to update security without the expense of a whole new door.
Although the TS 007 standard was specifically designed for retrofit applications, equally the market for new doors can use the standard. To help educate the importance of fitting a certified solution to a new installation, as part of PAS 24 whole door security.
The 3 Star solution
Singularly, door lock cylinders may achieve one or three stars within the TS 007 standard, depending on their security performance. Whilst security hardware such as cylinder guards, security door handles, etc. may achieve a two star rating. To achieve the recommended level of security to defend against an opportunist burglar, a cumulative star rating of three stars is the required minimum. This is measured as overall security performance and so can be a combination of the cylinder and its associated hardware.
For example, to achieve the minimum three-star rating, you can secure a door with either:
- 1 star door lock cylinder with a 2 star security door handle or
- 3 star door lock cylinder
Door lock cylinders use an integral combination of pins and rods to protect the inner workings of the cylinder. Against someone with the right tools bumping, picking or drilling the cylinder, achieving a 1 Star rating. Using this type of cylinder with a security handle with a 2 Star rating protects it. By using the handle's backplate as a barrier, stopping any burglar from getting access to the cylinder, to snap it.
Whereas 3 Star cylinders have in-built anti-snap capabilities and use a combination of a designated snapping point and a protected central cam. Preventing an opportunist burglar from accessing the inner workings of the lock by physically snapping the cylinder.
Some cylinders use a designated sacrificial snap line, which although can be snapped at this set point, is done so, to prevent any further access to the lock. Other 3 Star cylinders are designed differently and so strong they don’t use a snap point at all, protecting the all-important central cam with their core strength.
Key suites and cutting
Most manufacturers offer a wide range of flexible keying options to suit both residential and commercial requirements, including keyed alike, master key or keyed to differ. Depending on the application of the cylinder lock, you may require the same key to operate 1 or more cylinders e.g. a front and back door.
Or in a more complex installation, there may be a single key that opens multiple cylinders. Each of those cylinders can also be operated with its unique key, this is called master keying. Keys can also be uniquely coded to allow consumers to order a replacement or additional keys.
ERA Cylinders . . . Offering choice for a 3 Star solution
As one of the leading security providers in the UK, ERA has a range of different certified solutions that conform to TS 007. ERA has a choice of two maximum security TS 007 3 Star cylinders, that can be fitted to new or existing doors. Choose a 3 Star euro profile cylinder or an Invincible cylinder to provide maximum security for protection against snapping, bumping, picking and drilling.
With a clever patented cam design and external snap line, the ERA 3* euro cylinder protects the home from any unwanted attacks. Even if an intruder happens to snap the cylinder, the external defence zone has a designated snap line, to protect the central cam from unauthorised access.
The ERA Invincible 3* cylinder, isn’t like other locks. We re-wrote the rules with a newly designed shape to strengthen the cylinder where it was needed. The squared design increases its foothold in the door so even under attack remains a powerhouse of strength.
ERA also has a TS 007 1 Star cylinder that can be used in conjunction with a 2 Star security handle to also meet the required cumulative 3 Star rating.
Kitemark symbol on the product themselves or the packaging, and showing the number of stars the product conforms to. For consumers this type of reference point allows them to make an informed choice about their security. Using this visual indicator and this guidance, it is also easier for manufacturers to educate consumers to check and potentially upgrade cylinders on older doors. Changing an existing cylinder can be a simple way to update security without the expense of a whole new door.
Although the TS 007 standard was specifically designed for retrofit applications, equally the market for new doors can use the standard. To help educate the importance of fitting a certified solution to a new installation, as part of PAS 24 whole door security.
British Standard Kitemarked 6 Pin Invincible Double Door Cylinder
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Kerry Blackford, Head of Product at ERA, sums it up: “The ERA 3* Cylinder range reflects our continued dedication to providing customers with the very latest security solutions offering protection and peace of mind. The easy to install 3 Star cylinders have been expertly engineered to provide cost effective, high performance security with TS 007 3* and Sold Secure Diamond accreditation. Plus approval from the Secured by Design’s Police Preferred Specification scheme. The cylinder is officially recognised as a security product that has been proven to effectively deter and reduce crime.”
