The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has released a new Best Practice Guide for the locks and building hardware industry covering the British Standard for Mechanically Operated Push-Button Locksets (BS 8607:2014 + A1:2016).
The Standard sets out the requirements and test methods for durability, strength, and functionality. Classification of the Mechanically Operated Push-Button locksets is in five grades. Products tested to BS 8607 incorporate specific performance grades from BS EN 12209 for mechanically operated locks, latches, and locking plates, and also requirements of BS EN 1906, BS 3621, PAS 24, and, for the overriding cylinder, where applicable, BS EN 1303. A BSI Kitemark certification scheme is available for products achieving grade 5.
The British Standard includes requirements for locksets intended for use on fire-resisting and smoke control doors, but does not specify requirements for locksets intended for use on final exit doors on escape routes, which are covered in BS EN 179:2008. The standard will also test the performance of the levers / knobs, as well as the durability of keypads.
“The objective of this British Standard is to provide a classification for Mechanically Operated Push-button Locksets,” explains DHF CEO, Bob Perry. “These products are generally used as a means of convenience, but they are now also used on fire doors and perimeter doors, and the standard is available to give specifiers guidance on the performance of such products. Locksets should not only have acceptable documentary evidence to demonstrate their fitness for purpose on any smoke and/or fire-resisting doors for which they are intended, but must be correctly installed.
“We have simplified this standard for our members, with the Best Practice Guide providing practical help for all those involved with Mechanically Operated Push-button Locksets and offering clear guidance on safety, compliance and the standards that they should be adhering to.”