Euro Cylinders (15)

Euro Cylinders: Securing Your Property

Euro cylinder locks are barrel-shaped locks primarily used on uPVC doors in properties across Europe. They are suitable for both residential and commercial properties and are easy to install, requiring minimal tools as long as the correct size is selected.

Their security strength is determined by the Kitemark and star rating system. Euro cylinders come in various sizes and types to suit different needs.

Table of Contents

1. What is a Euro Cylinder?
2. How a Euro Cylinder Works
3. Types of Euro Cylinders
4. Euro Cylinder Star Rating System

1. What is a Euro Cylinder?

A Euro cylinder is a type of lock commonly used in doors across the UK and Europe. It is a lock that has a standardised shape, allowing it to be replaced and upgraded without having to change the entire lock system. A Euro cylinder has a rounded end and a cam in the middle that turns to operate the lock. There is a wide range of sizes available, making it the go-to lock.

Euro cylinders are commonly used on doors made from materials like uPVC, wooden and composite doors and are typically used to secure commercial and domestic properties.

2. How a Euro Cylinder Works

A Euro cylinder lock works by using a key (or thumb turn) to rotate an internal cam, which engages or disengages the lock mechanism inside the door. Here is a short summary of the parts of a euro cylinder and how it works when the key is inserted:

Basic Parts

• Outer housing - The visible part of the cylinder that fits into the door
• Keyway - The slot where the key is inserted
• Pins & springs - Small pins inside the lock that align to a specific key
• Cam (rotating middle section) - The part that turns when the correct key is used, operating the locking mechanism

Locking & Unlocking Process

• Inserting the key - The key is inserted into the keyway, pushing the pins inside the cylinder
• Aligning the pins - Each pin set consists of a driver pin and a key pin. The correct key aligns all pins at the shear line, allowing the plug to rotate
• Turning the key - Once aligned, the key turns the cam, which operates the locking bolt inside the door mechanism. For thumb turn cylinders, the thumb turn will also turn the cam
• Locking the door - Turning the key the opposite direction will move the cam back, re-engaging the lock

3. Types of Euro Cylinders

Euro cylinders are available in multiple types for varying applications. Here are the most common types of cylinders and where they are typically used.

• Single Euro Cylinder - Single euro cylinders are key operated on one side and are used in locations such as garages or storage rooms
• Double Euro Cylinder - Double euro cylinders can be locked and unlocked from both sides and are used on front or back doors for homes and businesses
• Thumb Turn Euro - Thumb turn euro cylinders require a key on one side, and a thumb turn on the other. This allows for easy exit and are used in domestic properties where fast departure may be important
• Half Euro Cylinder - Half euro cylinders have a single-side key operation with no cam on the other side and are most commonly used for garage doors, lockers and key-operated switches
• Oval Euro Cylinder - Oval Euro Cylinders are similar to standard Euro cylinders but have an oval shape and are used in specific doors where the lock has an oval cut-out
• High-Security Euro Cylinder - High-security euro cylinders have enhanced anti-snap, anti-pick, anti-bump and anti-drill features. These cylinders have been certified under BSI Kitemark (TS007 3-star) or SS312 Sold Secure Diamond for maximum security

3. Euro Cylinder Star Rating System

The Euro Cylinder Star Rating is a security grading system used to measure the protection level of a Euro cylinder lock, primarily under the TS007 standard. There are a maximum of three stars that can be awarded to a lock, here are some of the key differences in security.

1-Star Cylinder

• Basic security level
• Provides protection against picking and drilling but not against snapping
• For full protection, a 1-star cylinder must be used with a 2-star escutcheon

2-Star Security Hardware (Escutcheon/Handle)

• Not a cylinder itself, but a reinforced door handle or escutcheon that helps against snapping
• Can be used with a 1-star cylinder to reach full security

3-Star Cylinder

• Maximum security level for Euro cylinders
• Independently tested to resist snapping, bumping, picking and drilling
• No need for additional security hardware
• Meets TS007 3-star and often SS312 Sold Secure Diamond standards

Unlike other industries, products with star ratings can be combined to achieve a high star rating. For example, a door with a 3-star cylinder has the same security level as a door with a 1-star cylinder and a 2-star escutcheon.

For further technical information relating to our range of euro cylinders, please telephone our main sales line on 01772 431 216 or email [email protected].