www.dhfonline.org.uk .

A significant extension to the BS 3621 Kitemark security specification marks a major step forward in enhanced home security, said the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF).

The Kitemark has been extended to cover both multipoint locks and key-free electro-mechanical locks now that the new standards - PAS 3621:2011 and DHF TS 621:2011 - have been published.

The publication of the new thief-resistant lock standards means that locksmiths, police crime prevention officers and security specialists can recommend locks to 3621 Kitemark performance levels for all types of domestic door locks, whether single point, multipoint or electro-mechanical.

Said DHF executive chairman Bob Perry: "The BS 3621 Kitemark has been recognised as the top security benchmark for singlepoint locks by the police, insurance companies and security specialists for the past 40 years.

"But times move on, and many homes now have PVCu or composite external doors and patio doors with multipoint locks. Increasingly, householders are looking for 'smart' key-free locks for their homes.

"We recognised the importance of developing standards for these types of lock that offer the same security performance levels as BS 3621 does for singlepoint locks. The end result is that an extremely high level of domestic security can now be offered by lockmakers, regardless of the type of lock that is fitted to external doors."

The PAS 3621 standard has been prepared by BSI and sponsored by the DHF, Yale, Era (part of Grouphomesafe) and Secured by Design, the police-managed crime prevention initiative.

It applies to all types of multipoint locks. PAS 3621 refers to locks that can be operated from both sides of the door. PAS 8621 refers to locks where the door can be locked by the key from the outside only, but always can be opened from the inside. PAS 10621 refers to dual mode lock types that offer the so-called "going on holiday" option of disabling keyless egress from the outside.

This PAS 3621 family of standards offers the same level of security performance as the BS 3621 family of standards and the same resistance to methods of cylinder attack such as bumping, snapping, picking and drilling.

The DHF TS 621 is a Technical Specification covering all types of smart or key-free locks operated by remote fobs or other keyless entry methods such as keypads. It offers the same level of security performance as the BS 3621 family of standards. In addition, there is no loss of security protection if voltage drops or electricity wires are cut, and resists other forms of electronic attack techniques.

For more information, visit