As locks around the world become increasingly more secure, understanding different international lock standards is critical for consumers, businesses, and government entities alike. Understanding the three major standards – ANSI/BHMA A156.2, VdS, and EN – is essential for anyone looking to maintain optimal security on their premises. In this article, we will provide an overview of these standards and the advantages of each one.
Overview of Lock Standards Globally
When it comes to locking devices used for security, not all products are created equal. Different countries and regions have different standards that need to be met, and it is important for manufacturers to be aware of the rules and regulations of the areas in which their products are intended for use. There are organizations such as the European Association for Security (EAS) and the UL Solutions (ULS) that have standardized lock test protocols for their respective regions. In this article, we will review the different lock standards around the world.
European Lock Standards
The European Association for Security (EAS) is a non-profit organization set up to promote the safety and security of people and assets across Europe. It has developed standardized lock test protocols that are recognized by almost all countries in Europe and are followed by manufacturers of various types of lock products. The tests involve evaluating the strength of locks when they are subject to attack including turning and jiggling, picking, drilling, sawing, and bumping. The tests have to be conducted at the highest security class, meaning that locks have to successfully resist these attack types.
The European standard also includes evaluation of the locking system against corrosion and recognises the need for pricing that reflects the security offered. The EAS has also implemented a grading system for locks so that the security of each lock can be clearly identified.
UL Solutions Lock Standards
UL Solutions (ULS) is a third-party safety testing and safety certification organization based in the United States. The organization has developed standards for locking devices which includes locks for doors, gates, locksets, and bi-directional locks. UL solutions test all lock types against turning and jiggling, sawing, drilling, unauthorized key duplications using a pick gun, sledgehammer, screwdriver, and other tools. They also consider the safety of the locking device when subjected to high temperatures.
The ULS has also developed a grading system for their locks which assigns numerical ratings to locks based on how they perform against common attack types. For instance, a Grade 1 lock is one that performs well against all attack types, which means that it provides the highest security.
ULC Standards for Locks
The Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) is a non-profit organization that provides national certification programs for emerging safety standards in Canada. This organization tests locks against a variety of attack methods including turning and jiggling, picking, sawing, drilling, and bumping.
The ULC has set out four classes for locks which are based on the security provided by these locking systems, with Class 1 locks providing the highest level of security. In addition, ULC also provides a separate grade for deadbolt systems which is based on the resistance to sawing, drilling, and bypass attack types.
BHMA Lock Standards
The Builders Hardware Manufacturer Association (BHMA) is an international not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing best practices for safety in the building construction industry. They set out standards for door locks, which includes tests for strength against attack types, resistance to weather and fire, operability of the lock, and ease of installation.
The BHMA also assigns locking systems a security grade based on their performance in the tests. Grade 1 locks offer the highest security protection and are recommended for doors that require a higher level of security such as banks and government buildings.
In conclusion, the different international lock standards stringent as they enforce higher levels of security for locks. Manufacturers should be familiar with the standards that apply to the particular geographical area in which their locking systems are intended for use.
