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If you’re confused about the right type of lock for your home, then the information below may help.

As well as fitting the most secure lock for your door or window, you’ll also want one that’s approved by insurance companies.

A multi-point locking system

A multi-point lock system is fitted into the body of the door and locks into the door frame. It’s operated by a key and multiple bolts fit into the door frame – there can be three points or up to five.

The more locking points there are, the more secure the door. Multi-point locks are commonly used on uPVC and composite doors but can be fitted to aluminium and timber doors.

Euro cylinder locks

Euro cylinder locks are one of the most common types of locks to be fitted to new homes. They’re easy to operate and secure, preventing lock snapping, drilling, lock bumping or picking.

Euro cylinder locks are usually fitted on uPVC and composite doors and used in conjunction with multi-point locking systems.

5-lever mortice deadlock

5-lever mortice deadlocks are often fitted to wooden doors. They’re installed in the material of the door instead of the surface, which is why they’re not found on uPVC or composite doors.

They can lock from the inside and outside with a key.

Rim automatic deadlatch

A rim automatic deadlatch or night latch is installed on the inside of the door while the key locking cylinder to insert the key and open the door is on the outside of the door.

A mortice lock is often used in combination with a nightlatch.

British Standard Kite Marks

If a lock has been certified by the British Standard Institute as meeting a required security standard, it will display a British Standard kite mark on the packaging and the product.

Some insurance companies will request you have British Standard locks installed. If you’re burgled, and your insurer finds the locks you have fitted aren’t up to standards specified in your policy, it could invalidate your claim.

As well as the British Standard kite mark, a lock that meets the required British Standards will display the numbers of the standards it has passed.

• BS3621 standard is relevant to mortice and cylinder rim locks where a key is used on both sides of the lock.

• BS8621 standard is applicable to locks that need a key for entry but not for exit.

• BS10621 standard is for locks that can only be locked by a key from the outside.

You’ll generally find the kite mark on a euro cylinder lock fitted to a uPVC or composite door on the front of the cylinder near the keyhole of the lock.

Mortice locks usually display the kite mark on the faceplate of the lock on the edge of the door.

On a nightlatch, the kite mark is normally displayed on the plate where the bolt comes out of the lock.

Would you like expert advice on how to improve your security?

Find out how the latest security products can improve the security of your properties, contact Stuart at Rocks Locks. Stuart will conduct a FREE security survey and provide advice on the best security solutions to meet your needs and budget.

Call Stuart on 07900 335525.