Everything You Need To Know About Euro Cylinder Locks
When we speak about cylinder locks, we can be discussing a very wide range of locks, but in this article we’re going to focus on one particular type of cylinder lock and that is the Euro Profile Cylinder, or Euro Cylinder for short.
As the name suggests, Euro Cylinder locks are popular within Europe and especially in the United Kingdom where they are the lock of choice for a huge number of residential properties and for almost all new builds. One of the reasons for the wide usage of them is the ease with which they can be fitted and changed without the need for changing the bolt work. There are a number of things to consider when it comes to euro cylinder locks though and not all of them offer the same levels of protection.
In this article we’re going to take a look at how euro cylinder locks work, the different types of certifications that apply to them and what your options are when choosing one.
How Euro Cylinders Work
Revolving Cam – In the centre of the euro profile cylinder is a revolving cam. The cam is a rotating piece of the lock that the key manipulates. The cam then moves the lock bolt which allows the door to be locked and unlocked.
Fixing Hole – The fixing screw is inserted into the door with the lock in place, and this secures the device.
Lock Body – On the euro profile cylinder lock, there is a gap in the centre of the body where the cam is placed. The gap separates two different cylinder cores that can be keyed alike or differently on modular cylinders.
Security Additions – Euro cylinders can feature a number of security additions including sacrificial cuts, anti-snap protection, anti-drill pins and many more depending on the customisation of the manufacturer.
Keys – Euro cylinders often have a variety of different keys depending on the level of security and certifications that it holds. For example our BC and XS cylinders come with standard vertical keys, whilst our KM 3*, Sold Secure Diamond Grade AP cylinder comes with the APECS Dimple Keys. This key has a restricted profile, adding extra security to your lock.
Different Certifications
Not all euro profile cylinders are created equal and the easiest way to tell the quality and strength of them apart is by looking at what certifications they have.
BSI Kitemark
Perhaps the easiest to spot is the British Standards Institute Kitemark logo which will be found on the external end of the euro cylinder. This kitemark logo looks like a heart with an S making up the centre of the heart and a B flat along the top. The logo will then either have 1 or 3 stars above it.
Standard euro profile cylinders will have no marking on them, meaning that they only offer very basic levels of protection. Kitemark One Star euro cylinders will add some security features, whilst Kitemark Three Star euro cylinders are the highest certification that BSI provide to these types of locks. If you see a cylinder with the three stars on the end, then you know that this lock has passed a number of rigorous tests.
Sold Secure Rating
Another thing to look out for that some top of the range euro cylinders might have is the Sold Secure Diamond Grade logo. The Sold Secure certification takes the security testing to an even higher than the BSI and cylinders which hold the Diamond Grade certification will offer the best protection that you can get from a euro profile cylinder.
APECS Certifications
Here at APECS, we have three different euro profile cylinder locks currently available in the UK and they hold the following certifications.
BC Cylinder – Standard cylinder with no BSI certifications
XS Cylinder – BSI KM 1*
AP Cylinder – BSI KM 3* and Sold Secure Diamond Grade
Installation and Removal
One of the great benefits of euro profile cylinders is that they are extremely easy to install and remove. All you need to do are the following steps;
- Remove the fixing screw holding the lock in place.
- Loosen any screws which may be holding your escutcheon or faceplate over the end of the lock or handle in place.
- Insert the key into the cylinder and turn to either side as you pull the lock towards you to release it. Here you are trying to line the cam up so that the lock can slide out of the door.
- Easy as that!
Measuring The Cylinder
Measuring your cylinder doesn't have to be complicated, check out our quick guide below so you don't end up like that guy!
There are two ways to measure a Euro Cylinder lock - either inside the door, or when it has been removed.
The safest way to measure the cylinder is to remove it from the door following the instructions above. Once you have removed the cylinder from the door, it is very easy to measure it. To get the correct measurements, measure from the end cylinder barrel to the centre of the screw hole on either side. This will give you two different measurements in millimetres, for example 35/35, or 35/40. Here at APECS we list in the internal measurement first, with the external side of the lock second. It is important to check which is the internal and which is the external measurement when purchasing a new cylinder lock.
You can also measure the lock whilst it is in the door by placing a ruler or measuring tape up against the door when it is open. Here you can measure from the outside edge of the cylinder to the middle of the fixing screw in the door and then the same again for the other side. We do not recommend this method of measurement though as it is less accurate than removing the lock to measure.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a number of reasons as to why euro profile cylinder locks are so popular within the UK, but if you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via email at info@apecs.co.uk or on the phone at 02073499888.
