CYLINDERS
Be smart with your locking systems
» IT ’ S BECOMING INCREASINGLY important for locksmiths to be aware of the latest security standards and how the market is changing and developing . Providing home security measures continues to be as important as ever . Here , Yale UK looks at the current UK security standards for locks and the benefits of ensuring these are included are part of a robust product offering , and provides hints and tips on how to incorporate smart security into an effective product range .
Keeping up the standards Over the past few years ’ burglary tactics have become increasingly more sophisticated , with opportunistic thieves attempting different tactics to break into homes . The security industry is continually responding to these changing tactics , by developing new and updating previous standards , helping to protect customers , their homes and possessions .
It ’ s imperative for locksmiths to keep on top of and be aware of any new standards developed or standard updates , in order to keep their product offering up to date .
All professional locksmiths should be aware of the key Kitemark standards , and should include products which meet these standards , as part of their robust offering :
BS3621 - minimum performance required on locks and cylinders on external doors acceptable to home insurers .
PAS24:2016 - minimum standard specifically for doors and windows security . Individual components cannot be tested to PAS24 and the product as a whole will either pass or fail .
TS007:2014 – the Kitemark for cylinders . They are required to undergo rigorous testing to achieve the 3-star accreditation .
It ’ s also possible to achieve 3-star with just a TS007 1-star cylinder . When a 1-star cylinder is used with a 2-star door handle you have a complete 3-star solution for your front door .
Smart Standards
More people are becoming interested in and have a desire for smart home security being installed , however some consumers are still concerned by the security of smart products . Research revealed 62 % of consumers are worried about the treat of someone hacking into their smart home1 . In 2018 , The British Standards Institution ( BSI ) recognised the trends moving towards smart security and created a locking standard known as TS621:2018 .
TS621:2018 is now the recognised UK standard for locally connected smart locking devices . To meet this standard , the smart lock must undergo rigorous testing including quality and durability tests as well as physical attack testing . Another part of the testing is electronic manipulation and assessments designed to test the electronic security of the lock to ensure it is secure against advanced hacking methods .
Thanks to the prestigious Kitemark from the BSI , consumers who want to enjoy the convenience and lifestyle benefits of having a smart lock , will now easily be able to identify smart locks that conform to British standards .
As brands advance their smart home products , it ’ s inevitable additional smart standards will be developed and put in place to ensure the safety and protection of consumers . For locksmiths expanding their range into the smart sector , it ’ s important to keep on top of these changes and developing standards .
Choose Quality for Maximum Security
Research from The ONS Nature of Crime report revealed that in the year to March 2020 , 76 % of domestic burglars in England and Wales accessed the property through a door2 , showing how important it is to ensure homeowners are aware of the need for installing high quality locks .
Locksmiths should be aware of the locks which provide protection against known attacks and the different lock sizes which are most commonly required .
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JAN / FEB 2021
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