What are British Standard locks and why to install them?
The security of our homes and commercial premises is highly important for us – no doubt about that. This is why many people prefer to install secondary security measures such as CCTV cameras and security guards. Although significant in their own right, we can’t deny that they are expensive. Yet expensive is not always efficient. It’s truly surprising to see how little some people may know about basic security measures. Many don’t realise the value of a simple step like securing a better quality lock, a measure that’s both affordable and effective.
However, this is an understandable mistake. Door locks have been an integral component of our security plan for so long that a lot of us take them for granted. They’ve managed to stay under the radar, quietly doing their job, making sure that we sleep cosy in our beds. And what do we do in return? We forget that they even exist. It’s time to consider those locks and ask ourselves what it is that makes them so special. What sets the good ones apart?
We don’t need to delve into the details of why installing good quality locks is so important, particularly from a security perspective. A good quality lock offers significantly better protection than its low-quality counterparts. Good quality locks are also hard to pick, break, or damage by individuals with malicious intent. But how do you define a good quality lock? Whose responsibility is it to test those locks and provide assurances that we can trust?
That’s where the British Standards step in.
However, before we explore why you should install the British Standard locks, let us first examine what they are. The definitions of a good-quality lock are set by the British Standards Institution (BSI) whose job is to differentiate a good lock from the rest. They do that through rigorous testing and quality assurance.
The British Standard certification can benefit you in many ways. For one, your house would be better protected and you can rest easy knowing that the lock you installed is capable of doing its job.
But there’s another, much more significant reason why BSI-approved locks are essential. When people take door locks for granted, they ignore another crucial detail. They overlook the importance of quality controls from an insurance perspective. They can help you make insurance claims in case of any damage or theft.
Are you one of those people?
Most insurance companies make the validation of the claim conditional on the installation on a British Standard lock. For instance, in case you experience a burglary in your house, the insurance officers will make sure whether your door locks were approved by the BSI. And this is where many people err. When filling out an insurance form, they usually casually glance over the clause which makes the validation of the claim conditional to the quality of the locks. This may seem like a trivial detail but it can lead to the dismissal of your entire claim in case of any theft.
Therefore, the next time you buy a lock; prefer the ones with the British Standard Kite mark. You can also check your insurance terms and conditions for your existing locks. If British Standard locks are a requirement, we advise you to get them replaced instantly. Key4Freedom offers premium installation services at extremely affordable rates. To learn more about our services, contact us today.