Standards like EN 15684:2020 Building hardware – Mechatronic cylinders – Requirements and test methods, (ANSI) American National Standards Institute and the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) provide a good framework for evaluating the performance of locks and security devices.
The industry standards for locks are well-defined and cover various aspects such as durability, security, and functionality.
However, while these standards are comprehensive, there are areas where they may fall short, particularly in replicating real-life conditions.
One critical area where current standards may not fully capture real-life conditions is durability testing. Durability tests typically involve cycle testing, where a lock is repeatedly opened and closed to simulate years of use.
While this provides a good estimate of a lock’s lifespan, it does not account for the varying forces and environmental conditions that locks face in everyday use. If a door is installed correctly, the seal shouldn’t create any extra pressure or friction. And if the lock housing is functioning properly, the forces should stay within the standard limits. However, that’s rarely the case. In reality, many factors increase the friction that the bolt faces when moving, which causes the opening forces to exceed the standard requirements.
In real-life scenarios, locks are subjected to different levels of force, temperature fluctuations, humidity, and even physical attacks. These factors can significantly impact a lock’s performance and longevity. Unfortunately, standardized tests often fail to replicate these conditions accurately, leading to potential discrepancies between test results and actual performance.
Defining the boundaries: Normal use, misuse, vandalism, and burglary
One of the challenges in the lock and security industry is the lack of clear definitions distinguishing normal use, misuse, vandalism, and burglary. These distinctions are crucial for both manufacturers and consumers to understand the limits of product performance and warranty coverage.
Normal use refers to the intended and expected use of a lock or security device under typical conditions. This includes regular locking and unlocking, exposure to standard environmental conditions, and maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer. Current standards have defined testing and acceptance criteria for normal use.
Misuse involves using the product in ways that deviate from its intended purpose. This can include excessive force, improper installation, or neglecting maintenance. Misuse can lead to premature wear and tear and often voids warranties.
Vandalism is the intentional damage or defacement of property without the intent to steal. Acts of vandalism can range from graffiti to physical destruction of locks and security devices. Vandalism impacts the aesthetic and functional aspects of security products and often requires costly repairs.
Burglary involves unlawfully entering a property with the intent to commit a crime, typically theft. Unlike vandalism, burglary is driven by the intent to steal or commit another felony. Effective security devices must be able to withstand common burglary techniques such as picking, drilling, and forced entry.
The lack of clear definitions and agreed-upon limits between these categories can lead to confusion and disputes over product performance and warranty claims. Manufacturers and industry standards should strive to establish more precise criteria to help consumers understand the capabilities and limitations of their security products.
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