Douglas Masterson, technical manager of the GAI, provides an insight into new, revised and future standards …
Standards are of huge importance to the construction industry, and to the ironmongery and security industry specifically. They have a massive impact on the specification of best levels of security in buildings as well as ensuring the correct product is used on fire, smoke and escape route doors.
It has been agreed that British Standards Institution (BSI) will continue to have full members’ rights and obligations of CEN (the European Standardisation body) until 31 December 2020. This is irrespective of what happens politically between UK and EU with regards to Brexit.
As standards are being constantly created, revised and rewritten the following is an up to date report on what is happening with some of the most influential security standards for both doors and locking devices in the industry. Any dates given are correct at time of going to press and it should be noted that these are often subject to change.
Recently created/revised standards
BS 8607:2014+A1:2016: Mechanically operated push button locksets
This standard specifies the requirements and test methods for durability, strength and function of mechanically operated push button locksets and their locking plates for use on doors, window doors and entrance doors in buildings. It designates 5 grades according to the applications of use. It was revised in 2016 to introduce a change to one of these grades (4L) which related to the security requirements achieved.
EN 16864:2017: Mechatronic Padlocks
This European Standard specifies requirements for performance and testing of mechatronic padlocks and their keys and/or electronic keys. A mechatronic padlock uses either pure electrically operated means or combination of electrically operated and mechanical means to achieve security. This is not a harmonised standard which means products cannot be CE marked to this standard. This Standard was published in September 2017
BS 3621, BS8621, BS 10621: Thief resistant lock assembly (all 2017)
This suite of standards for single point locking assemblies were all published in June 2017. These were revised to allow them to fall in to line with both EN 12209:2016 and EN 1303:2015. As these are UK only standards these are not harmonised, and product can only be CE marked to if they are tested to EN 12209 2003. Product can be kitemarked to these standards.
UL293: 2018: Access Control System Units intended for use in the UK
This standard is the result of the collaboration between UL and Secured by Design which is the UK police initiative which is dedicated to making security central to building design and construction. This standard addresses UK specific needs and aims to help improve building security by demonstrating the performance of an access control system through careful evaluation. This standard was modelled after UL 294, Standard for Access Control System Units, which is required in the United States.
Standards due for revision or publication in the next 12 months
prEN 16867 Mechatronic door furniture
This European Standard specifies requirements for performance and testing of mechatronic door furniture. This is a device fitted to the door which allows locking and/or release through electronic authorisation. This standard is not yet published and will not be harmonised. This is due to be published by the end of 2019.
prEN 15685 Multipoint locks and their locking plates
This new European standard will specify requirements and test methods for mechanically operated multipoint locks and their locking plates for use in doors, window doors and entrance doors in buildings. This standard is currently in the final stages of development and covers locks with more than one locking point between door and frame; estimated publication date is by end of 2017. This standard is set to be a harmonised standard under the CPR. This is also due to be published by the end of 2019.
The GAI provides information on changes to standards on an ongoing basis through Technical Briefings, the Quarterly Standards Review and email updates. This is exclusive to GAI member companies. All door hardware professionals can access the GAI Foundation in Hardware module. It is an online introductory course created by the GAI as a basis for people wishing to gain some insight and information in to the world of architectural ironmongery. The course can be taken by staff of either GAI member or non-member companies.