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Locking Systems And The Keys To Home Security

Controlling access in your home can be a struggle. Whether it is an entry door, cellar door or cabinet door, a door lock should provide easy access to your home without compromising your property's security.

There are different types of door locks to provide different levels of security. There are single-lever door locking systems and multi-point locking systems.

A lock is any device which prevents access or use by requiring special knowledge or equipment. Locking systems are usually operated with a profile cylinder lock by inserting a key to lock and unlock. They use a minimum of 2 points and sometimes 4 or 5 points.

Types Of Locking Systems

Single Lever Locking System

A single-point lock system, as the name implies, is a single central lock system that takes place only at the point halfway up the edge of the door, where the latch engages with the doorjamb. Usually, the single-point locking system comes standard with every door.

It is usually located in the centre of the door on the right-hand side of the door looking out, but it can also install on the left for left-handed people.

Multi-Point Locking System

A multi-point locking system may only have one lock cylinder like the single-point lock system, but multi-point provides more security than the single point. The key cylinders are usually tested to ensure it's SS312 Diamond Approved or TS 007 3-star kitemark standard against picking, drilling, bumping and snapping.

This locking system uses movable internal rods that connect to two additional locks, one above the main lock and one below the main lock, to secure the top and bottom of the door when the door is locked.

These locks are popular for use on single-entry, french, and sliding glass doors. However, can install multi-point locks on hinged doors, but they require different systems.


5 Lever Mortice Deadlock

A 5-lever mortice deadlock is suitable for exterior doors and is commonly fitted to the lower side of wooden doors to give the most resistance against forced attack. It is usually locked from the inside and outside with a key and is fitted within the material of the door rather than on the surface.

The five-lever lock mortice deadlock is required for home insurance and is generally recommended by the police for home security because they conform to British Standard BS 3621. The BS3621 calls for a bolt throw of 20 mm and comes with in-built anti-pick devices to reduce the chance of lock picking.

On the hand, mortise locks that are not BS3621 approved usually have a Nightlatch fitted as additional security.

Electronic Lock systems

Electronic door locks are keyless pad entry systems that can open with key fob access credentials. They are more technologically advanced than traditional door locks, which is why it uses electronic access controls and not lever-handle locks.

They have an RFID door lock that secures the door and an access reader that scans the key fob to help provide maximum security to the building. Used this technology to create a smart and secure locking system.

Types Of Electronic Locking Systems

Bluetooth Electronic Locks

This type of electronic lock uses Bluetooth to control access to any door. They are installed in the door and are controlled by downloading the app access that uses Bluetooth connectivity.

To pair, the Bluetooth electronic Locks are scanned with phones and are very efficient in withstanding physical attacks like break-ins as they are embedded with high-security features.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Locks

Radiofrequency identification (RFID) Locks are a non-contact technology used for personnel tracking, access control and tollgate systems. They use radio frequency devices to lock and unlock doors, and the key cards contain data encoded on a machine-readable RFID chip.

Also called the IC card lock, RFID has a wide-range signal that does not require physical contact to gain access. RFID integrates with other locking systems and plays a crucial part in computerized security systems.

Electronic Keypad Locks

This type of electronic lock requires a numerical code or password to unlock the door without keys and knob locks.

Commercial Key Fob Door Lock

Commercial Key Fob Door Locks are key card door locks (keyless remote entry systems) used in businesses and commercial areas.

Mechanical Deadbolt Lock

These are traditional lock systems that can either be automatic, lever or key operated. They need a lever, knob, key, or thumb turn and are suitable for single and double-door solutions.

Smart-locking system

Smart-locking system is a keyless lock system that uses electromechanical devices like the cryptographic key to authorize the locking and unlocking of doors. There are different smart-lock systems, including keypad-enabled, wireless, fob enabled and biometric locks, and they record every entry and exit.

They are keyless locks that require programming to lock and unlock. Smart locking systems are in the category of things because of their interconnectivity. This technology is used to create a smart and secure locking system.

Cylinder Locks

There are different cylinder locks, with the Euro Cylinder Locks being the most popular. They are barrel-shaped locks with anti-snap, anti-pick and anti-drill locking systems to protect the door from theft.

Cylinder locks do not have particular internal mechanisms, and the wards extend past the centre of the keyway.

Euro cylinder locks are predominately used on uPVC and composite doors and can be single, double-cylinder or thumb-turn cylinders. They also come in two shapes, euro and oval and are predominately used on uPVC doors, aluminium doors, garage doors and french doors.

Rim Automatic Deadlatch

Often known as a night latch, the automatic rim deadlatch is an external door-type lock that locks when the door is shut. It is one of the easiest locks to use because it comes with an automatic shutting process that automatically enables the night latch to lock the door when it is closed.

It is fitted to the inner surface of the door instead of being set on the edge like a mortice lock and simplifies the locking process. We often use it on glass-panelled or wooden doors, and it looks like a brass metal box inside the door.

Rim Cylinder Locks

Rim cylinders are part of the rim night latch system and are commonly used as the external operating system of the night latch. Rim cylinders are pin and tumbler-type locks installed on the outer part of wooden doors. Rim cylinders can easily be replaced without replacing the night latch.