Do your door locks conform to BS3621?

Posted on January 13, 2022 by Anthony Wakefield & Co

When it comes to filling out home insurance proposal forms, you will most likely be asked about the types of locks your doors have. It is important to make sure you know this as it might affect the price of your insurance policy, lead to a claim payment being reduced or refused as well as possibly invalidate the policy if the information is incorrect.

Here are four main types of door locks that might be in your property:

Five lever mortice deadlock

Five lever mortice deadlock conforming to BS3621

Key operated multi point locking system

Rim automatic deadlatch

 Now, how do you tell if you have one of these locks? Here is how to find out and a brief description about these types of locks.

1. Five lever mortice deadlock

 Do I have this type of lock? Most likely if:

  • The door is made of wood
  • The door is lockable from both sides with a key
  • The words ‘5 LEVER’ are engraved on the faceplate

Most likely not if:

  • The door is UPVC or composite
  • The lock is on the surface of the door

This type of lock is a standard deadlock and is not the most robust when it comes to security. You would most likely see this type of lock on an external front door and an external back door. The location of the lock would be in the leading edge of the door.

Click here to see what a 5 lever mortice deadlock looks like.

2. Five lever mortice deadlock conforming to BS3621

 Do I have this type of lock? Most likely if:

  • The lock has the British Standard Kitemark engraved on the faceplate
  • The words ‘5 LEVER’ are engraved on the faceplate
  • The face plate of the lock will state the standard code BS3621

Most likely not if:

  • Found on internal doors
  • There are 3 levers

 This is the door lock of choice for many insurers and some insurance companies might insist you have this type of lock to get cover. This type of lock is much more secure than a standard five lever mortice deadlock due to its anti-pick qualities, hard plates to protect the lock from drilling and having a minimum of 20mm bolt throw into the door frame.

Click here to see what a five lever mortice deadlock conforming to BS3621 looks like.

3. Key operated multi point locking system

Do I have this type of lock? Most likely if:

  • The door is UPVC or composite
  • You turn the handle up to lock it and turn the key
  • There are multiple lockable points along the height of the door

Most likely not if:

  • There is more than one lock cylinder
  • If your house is older and less modern

A multi-point locking system will engage at least three bolts into the door frame at different height intervals. More locking points make it harder for burglars to enter. You often see these types of locks on external doors such as patio and French doors. The advantage of having this type of lock is that you can upgrade to a better standard cylinder.

Click here to see what a key operated multi point lock system looks like.

4. Rim automatic deadlatch

 Do I have this type of lock? Most likely if:

  • The deadlatch is fitted on the inside of the door
  • The Key locking cylinder is on the outside of the door
  • You have a mortice lock fitted on the door as well

Most likely not if:

  • This is the only lock on your door
  • Your door is made of UPVC

Deadlatches look chunky and are often found on wooden doors but also can be found on glass panelled doors. The lock will be set on the surface of the door rather on the inside edge. When you shut the door with this type of lock, it will lock automatically. These locks are often referred to as night latches.

Click here to see what a rim automatic deadlatch lock looks like.

We hope you found this short guide helpful. If you have any questions regarding your proposal form or your insurance requirements, please get in touch by emailing info@anthonywakefield.com or call us on 01306 740555.

Please note that image links to door locks are for illustration purposes only. Anthony Wakefield & Company Ltd have no association with the source of these images and are not responsible for any misrepresentation. This article is without responsibility. For professional advice on insurance matters, please contact us.

Sources: https://www.locksmiths.co.uk