When selecting mechanical door locks for your projects, it’s essential to ensure that your products meet established standards. One such critical standard is BS EN 12209, which outlines the performance requirements for mechanical locks, latches, and locking plates. This standard provides a comprehensive 11-digit classification system that helps categorize locks based on key performance attributes.
In this article, we’ll break down the 11-digit system of BS EN 12209, explain each digit’s meaning, and show you how this system can help you choose the right locks for your needs. Understanding this standard will also help you ensure that your locks meet the necessary safety, durability, and performance requirements for a range of applications.
Digit 1: Category of Use
The first digit identifies the category of use, which refers to how frequently a lock will be used and the likelihood of misuse by the user.
- Grade 1: Low frequency of use by people who are likely to take care and have minimal chance of misuse (e.g., residential interior doors).
- Grade 2: Medium frequency of use by people who have some incentive to take care but where there is a chance of misuse (e.g., office doors).
- Grade 3: High frequency of use by the public or others with little incentive to take care and a higher chance of misuse (e.g., public entrances, high-traffic areas).
Why it matters: For commercial or high-traffic environments, Grade 3 locks are needed to withstand frequent use and potential abuse. For residential doors, Grade 1 is usually sufficient.
Digit 2: Durability
The second digit defines the durability of the lock, which indicates how long the lock can function under regular use before wear begins to impact performance.
| Grade | Test Cycles | Load on Latch Blot |
|---|---|---|
| A | 50,000 | No Load |
| B | 100,000 | No Load |
| C | 200,000 | No Load |
| F | 50,000 | 10N |
| G | 100,000 | 10N |
| H | 200,000 | 10N |
| L | 100,000 | 25N |
| M | 200，000 | 25N |
| R | 100，000 | 50N |
| S | 200，000 | 50N |
| W | 100，000 | 120N |
| X | 200，000 | 120N |
Why it matters: Durability is crucial for locks that are frequently used, such as those in commercial buildings or public spaces. Grade M locks are best for high-traffic doors because they can withstand more cycles before showing signs of wear.
Digit 3: Door Mass and Closing Force
The third digit specifies the door mass and closing force that the lock can handle. It indicates how much weight and force the lock can withstand when securing a door.
| Grade | Max Load | Max Closing Force |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No Latch Bolt | - |
| 1 | Up to 100 kg | 50N |
| 2 | Up to 200kg | 50N |
| 3 | Above 200 kg | 50N |
| 4 | Up to 100 kg | 25N |
| 5 | Up to 200 kg | 25N |
| 6 | Above 200 kg | 25N |
| 7 | Up to 100 kg | 15N |
| 8 | Up to 200 kg | 15N |
| 9 | Above 200 kg | 15N |
Why it matters: This digit ensures that the lock can handle the specific weight and force of your doors, preventing malfunction or unnecessary wear. For large, heavy commercial doors, you’ll likely need a Grade 5 lock to ensure proper functionality.
Digit 4: Fire Resistance
The fourth digit indicates the fire resistance of the lock. This is especially critical for doors used in fire-rated door assemblies.
| Grade | Suitability | Contribution to integrity | Test standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | No Verified | No | - |
| A | Smoke control only | Yes | EN 1634-3 |
| B | Smoke and Fire Resisting | Yes | EN1364-1 or EN1634 -2 |
| N | Smoke and Fire Resisting | No | To where lock does not contribute to keeping door closed during fire/smoke test |
Why it matters: If your lock is being installed in fire doors, it must meet the fire resistance criteria to help prevent the spread of flames. Grade A locks are suitable for areas that require enhanced fire protection, such as hospitals, schools, and public buildings.
Digit 5: Safety
Safety is a top priority when selecting locks for any building, particularly those with high foot traffic or where children or vulnerable individuals might be present.
NO REQUIREMENT. A lock or latch that meets this standard can also be incorporated into an exit device that complies with BS EN 179:2008 or BS EN 1125:2008, without altering its conformity to this standard.
Digit 6: Corrosion Resistance
Corrosion resistance measures how well the lock resists degradation from moisture, salts, and other environmental factors.
| Grade | Corrosion Resistance | Corrosion Test Duration | Temperature Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | No defined corrosion resistance | - | No temperature requirement |
| A | Low corrosion resistance | 24 hours | No temperature requirment |
| C | High corrosion resistance | 96 hours | No temperature requirment |
| D | Very high corrosion resistance | 96 hours | No temperature requirment |
| F | High corrosion resistance | 96 hours | From -10°C to +60°C |
| G | Very high corrosion resistance | 240 hours | From -10°C to +60°C |
Why it matters: For locks used in coastal regions, or in areas with high humidity, Grade F locks provide excellent protection against corrosion, ensuring a long lifespan. This is crucial for outdoor gates, warehouses, and industrial buildings.
Digit 7: Security and Drill Resistance
This digit refers to the lock’s security and drill resistance, indicating how well the lock resists tampering, drilling, or forced entry attempts.
| Grade | Security Level | Drill Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minimum security | No drill resistance |
| 2 | Low security | No drill resistance |
| 3 | Medium security | No drill resistance |
| 4 | High security | No drill resistance |
| 5 | High security | With drill resistance |
| 6 | Very high security | No drill resistance |
| 7 | Very high security | With drill resistance |
Why it matters: Grade 5 locks offer the highest security and are ideal for applications like banks, secure offices, and government buildings, where protecting sensitive information is critical.
Digit 8: Field of Door Application
The eighth digit specifies the field of application for the lock, indicating the types of doors the lock is intended to secure.
| Grade | Security Requirement | Detaining Elements | Extended Effective Differs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | No security requirement | - | - |
| A | Minimum 3 detaining elements | 3 | No |
| B | Minimum 5 detaining elements | 5 | No |
| C | Minimum 5 detaining elements, Extended number of effective differs | 5 | Yes |
| D | Minimum 6 detaining elements | 6 | No |
| E | Minimum 6 detaining elements, Extended number of effective differs | 6 | Yes |
| F | Minimum 7 detaining elements | 7 | No |
| G | Minimum 7 detaining elements, Extended number of effective differs | 7 | Yes |
| H | Minimum 8 detaining elements, Extended number of effective differs | 8 | Yes |
Why it matters: The right field of application ensures the lock is appropriate for the door’s function and environment. Grade A locks are necessary for securing high-risk areas, such as military facilities or data centers.
Digit 9: Type of Key Operation and Locking
This digit specifies the type of key operation and how the lock engages with the key. Nine different grades are defined for various types of key operation. These grades determine how the lock meets the deadlocking requirements. Additionally, there is a maximum key torque requirement of 1.5 Nm and a minimum key strength requirement of 2.5 Nm.
| Grade | Lock type | Locking Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No applicable | - |
| A | Cylinder lock or latch | Manually locking |
| B | Cylinder lock or latch | Automatically locking |
| C | Cylinder lock or latch | Manually locking with intermediate positions |
| D | Lever lock or latch | Manually locking |
| E | Lever lock or latch | Automatically locking |
| F | Lever lock or latch | Manually locking with intermediate positions |
| G | Lock or latch without key operation | Manually locking |
| H | Lock without key operation | Automatically locking |
Why it matters: The key operation impacts the convenience and security of your locking system. Grade C locks offer more advanced features such as restricted keyways, preventing unauthorized duplication.
Digit 10: Type of Spindle Operation
The tenth digit refers to the type of spindle operation, which affects how the lock’s mechanism engages with the door handle or lever.
| Grade | Lock Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No follower | Lock without a follower |
| 1 | Sprung lever or knob | Lock with a sprung lever or knob |
| 2 | Light unsprung lever | Lock with a light unsprung lever |
| 3 | Heavy unsprung lever | Lock with a heavy unsprung lever |
Why it matters: The spindle operation ensures the lock’s mechanism works smoothly with different door handles or knobs. For high-traffic or heavy-use environments, Grade 3 locks may be required for robustness.
Digit 11: Key Identification
The final digit in the code refers to the key identification system, which indicates whether the lock is designed to accommodate a restricted key system, limiting access to authorized users only.
- Grade 1: Basic key identification system.
- Grade 2: Restricted key identification system.
- Grade 3: Advanced key identification, often requiring a secure authorization process for key duplication.
Why it matters: Restricted key systems offer enhanced security by preventing unauthorized key duplication. For businesses with sensitive areas, a **Grade 3** system is highly recommended.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Locks with BS EN 12209
The BS EN 12209 classification system helps you select the right lock for any application by categorizing locks based on their performance characteristics. By understanding each of the 11 digits, you can ensure that the locks you purchase or supply meet the necessary standards for safety, durability, and security.
Whether you’re a supplier, manufacturer, or purchasing manager, selecting locks that comply with these standards will enhance the quality of your products and ensure they are suitable for their intended environments. From Grade 1 residential locks to Grade 3 high-security solutions, BS EN 12209 provides a comprehensive framework for making informed decisions.
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