APECS Frequently Asked Questions
In this article we’re seeking to cover some of the most common questions we get asked here at APECS. These questions come from locksmiths, manufacturers, the general public and more! If you have any questions that we haven’t covered here, you can get in touch with us on our social media channels, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram, by emailing us on info@apecs.co.uk or by calling the office on 0121 468 2352.
What Makes The APECS AP Cylinder Different To Other 3 Star Euro Cylinders In The UK?
There are a number of KM 3* Euro Cylinders available on the market in the UK, but we are confident that the APECS AP Euro Cylinder stands out above the rest. Not only is the AP a KM 3* Euro Cylinder, it is also certified as a Sold Secure Diamond Grade Euro Cylinder, making it the most secure cylinder available in the UK.
The APECS AP is also protected by our APECS Key Secure system which ensures that no unauthorised copies of your keys can be made. You can read more about APECS Key Secure here.
On top of this, the AP also features our patent pending anti-snap protection system which ensures that the lock is still operable from the inside when it is tampered with externally.
Here at APECS we are one of the few manufacturers in the UK to have our own factories and testing facilities, meaning that we can make the cylinders exactly the way we want them and continue to make upgrades to the designs. Many competitor cylinders in the UK are made in the same factories, with less control over the process.
What Certifications Do Your Products Have?
Our range of products have a large number of different certifications. The easiest way to present this is to take a look at each product and explain what certifications it has.
The AP Euro Cylinder holds both KM 3* and Sold Secure Diamond Grade certifications. These are the two highest levels of certifications for euro cylinders available in the UK.
The XS euro cylinders hasKM 1* certifications, making it more secure than a standard euro cylinder.
The LX5 mortice lock holds BS3621 certification, meaning that it is insurance approved and an ideal upgrade for existing 5 lever dead locks on the market.
The NP75 has been corrosion tested using the Neutral Salt Spray (NSS) testing for at least 72 hours.
The DC204 Door Closer has passed 240 hour NSS testing for corrosion. On top of this, it has also passed in-house fire resistance testing for at least 60 minute.
What Are The Most Important Things To Consider When Buying a New Lock?
There are lots of things to consider when you are purchasing a new lock, but above all, security should be at the top of your list.
If you’re on the lookout for a new euro cylinder lock, then there are two important things to look out for. The first of these is you want to look out for how many stars are shown on the end of the cylinder. Euro cylinders can either have zero, one or three stars and these will be shown above the BSI heart logo. These stars signify what level of testing the cylinder has passed, with three stars being the most secure. If the cylinder has no BSI logo and no stars, then it will only offer very basic levels of security.
Another extra level of security that you want to look out for is the Sold Secure Diamond Grade certification. The Sold Secure testing is an extra level of testing which euro cylinders can under-go and any that have passed this testing will be even more secure. You can check to see which locks have passed the Sold Secure testing by going onto their website here.
Our AP euro cylinder has passed both KM 3* and Sold Secure Diamond Grade testing, making it the most secure cylinder available on the UK market. Our AP euro cylinder also features a unique snap protection system which allows the lock to still be operable from the inside when it is tampered with externally. With lock snapping continuing to rise around the UK, having a lock with built in anti-snap features is extremely important. To find out more about lock snapping, you can read our article here.
If you’re looking for a mortice or lever lock for your door, then the most important thing to look out for is the BSI logo. This will be shown on the faceplate of the lock and signifies that it has passed BS3621 testing.
Our LX5 Mortice Lock has passed the BS3621 testing, making it an ideal 5 lever deadlock if you’re looking to upgrade to a lock which is insurance approved. To find out more about BS3621 regulations, you can read our article here.
What Is APECS Key Secure and How does it Protect my Key?
Here at APECS, security is our passion and with the introduction of APECS Key Secure, we believe that we have taken the most secure euro cylinder available in the UK and made it even more secure.
APECS Key Secure protects the customers keys from unauthorised copying. APECS Key Secure adds an extra layer of security to the AP cylinder. When a customer signs up for APECS Key Secure, they will create their own Security Code and then new APECS copies of their keys can only be made when that Security Code is provided.
Once the customer has created a Security Code, whenever they, or someone else attempts to access the key code to create APECS copies of the key, they will have to correctly input the password in our system. APECS and the customer will instantly receive a notification email when someone has attempted successfully, or unsuccessfully to access their key information. APECS can also use this information to see which Prime Centre has tried to fraudulently cut the key.
We do not store any address information on file, so this system provides the highest level of security for the customers property.
How Do I Place An Order With APECS?
Placing an order with APECS is easy and can be done in four different ways.
Online
Firstly, if you have registered on our website for a Trade Account, you will be able to place an order directly on our website.
Phone
If you would prefer to call us up to place your order and make a payment over the phone, you can do that by calling our office anytime between 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday on 0121 468 2352.
Email
Alternatively, you can place an order via email with us by emailing either sales@apecs.co.uk, info@apecs.co.uk or natasha@apecs.co.uk
In Person
Finally, you can also visit us at our office in Tipton to place an order in person, our distribution centre in the West Midlands where you can take the stock away. Our office is located at Unit 4, Navigation Point, Tipton, DY4 0PY.
What Marketing Support Is Available From APECS?
Whether you’re looking to stock APECS products, or if you already are a stockist, we have a number of different marketing support options available for you.
Firstly, we can provide you with digital assets for your website including imagery, descriptions, technical drawings, catalogues and videos. We also have digital and physical leaflets for our AP euro cylinder and LX5 mortice lock available, as well as our Product Catalogues.
Product display cases and table-top promotional stands can also be ordered from us.
What Are Keyed Alike Locks and Why Are They Useful?
As a standard, locks are provided “keyed to differ” and this means that each lock will require a different key to open it. We also provide the option of buying cylinders which are “keyed alike”. With keyed alike cylinders, this means you can have multiple locks where the same key will open all of them.
Having keyed alike cylinders is especially useful if you want to have the same key to open your front and back doors at home, or multiple doors within your work place. With keyed alike locks, you no longer need to carry around a whole bunch of different keys!
Where Do You Deliver To?
We do not generally deliver to addresses outside England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, The Channels Islands and the Republic of Ireland. If, however, you do wish to place an order for delivery outside of that area, you shall be liable to pay import duties or other taxes.
How Much Does It Cost To Get New Keys Cut For The AP Cylinder?
The price of getting new keys cut for the APECS AP Cylinder is £13.98.
Postage for mainland UK is charged at £7.50 and is handled by DPD Special Delivery.
Postage for Northern Ireland/Scottish Highlands/English Isles is £17.00.
Postage for Republic of Ireland is £19.10 (includes customs charge)
To get new keys cut, you will need your unique key reference number which can be found on your key, or alternatively if you have lost your keys, you will be able to find the unique key reference number on your cylinder. If you have signed up for APECS Key Secure, you will also need your security code to get new keys cut.
Where Can I Get New AP Cylinder Keys Cut?
You have a number of options in terms of getting new keys cut. Either you can get them cut directly through APECS Prime Centres or the APECS office which guarantees the use of the genuine APECS Key Blanks. To get keys cut through APECS, you can get in touch either via emailing info@apecs.co.uk or by calling the office on 0121 468 2352.
To get keys cut at one of the APECS Prime Key Cutting Centres around the country. You can find you closest centre by checking here.
What Is The Button On Thumbturn Cylinders For?
The button the thumbturn AP cylinders allows the customer to exit the property if the lock has been damaged on the external side. The technology on our AP means that if the cylinder is snapped on the external side, the internal mechanism cannot be tampered with, meaning that the homeowner can still exit the property. This is usually done by using the key, but with our Thumbturn cylinders, this is done using the button.
We are in the process of opening key centres around the UK which will allow customers to get keys cut closer to home, or by going into a locksmith shop.
