When it comes to home security, peace of mind is essential—and that’s where the Kitemark comes in. A UK trademark owned by the British Standards Institution (BSI), the Kitemark is a symbol of quality and safety, recognized across various industries. From locks to smoke alarms, products bearing the Kitemark have undergone rigorous testing to meet strict standards. In this blog, we’ll explore what the Kitemark is, why it’s important for security products like locks, and how it can protect your home while giving you the confidence that you’re choosing a trusted, high-quality product.
What is a Kitemark?
The Kitemark is a UK product and service quality trademark. It’s owned by the British Standards Institution, and it’s used to set industry standards across different sectors. There are different testing protocols for every industry and product, but if a product bears the kitemark symbol, you know that it’s worthy of trust and confidence.
The Kitemark is most often used to identify products where safety is the most important factor, so that users can be confident the thing they’re using meets safety standards. Crash helmets, smoke alarms, flood defences, EV chargers, window installations and even locks. You can tell if a product is Kitemarked by looking for the distinctive Kitemark logo. You might also see the specific BS standard the lock meets (most commonly BS3621) displayed on there too.
Why are Kitemarks Important?
The British Standards Institution are an impartial, unbiased group, which means any product awarded a kitemark has to live up to their exacting standards. Kitemark certification confirms that the product has been independently and repeatedly tested by experts. It’s the ultimate trust marker that gives consumers the confidence to purchase new products. On top of that, the Kitemark can help deter thieves – since they know the lock is of such a high standard and designed to resist their attempts to break-in.
So while it isn’t essential that you use a lock with a Kitemark on it, you know that you’ll be better protected with one.
Do Your Locks Need Them?
If you want your locks to be of the highest quality and standard, then yes, we recommend you choose a lock with a kitemark. There are a couple of reasons for this:
Enhanced security: As part of their testing process, kitemark puts locks through their paces. They evaluate their resistance to all common break-in methods like lock snapping, drilling and picking, and only approve the lock if they can resist them all. So a Kitemark lock offers a significantly higher level of protection compared to an unrated lock, keeping your home safe.
Independent verification: Unlike a lot of manufacturer claims, which can be inflated or twisted for marketing reasons, Kitemark shows that the lock has been tested and those claims have been independently verified. It means the lock is compliant with unbiased testing, and that all security features and claims have been rigorously tested.
Meets insurance requirements: Some insurance companies actually offer better prices or discounts for homes that are protected by Kitemark-approved locks. This incentive reflects the reduced risk of break-ins associated with these locks, and the savings are usually much more than the cost of the lock itself!
Durability: The benefit of Kitemark testing is that it goes beyond just the resistance to break-ins. Their testing looks at how the locks degrade over time and wear and tear, ensuring they function smoothly and reliably over an extended period. This means Kitemark approved locks will last longer – so fewer locksmith call-outs!
Standardised security levels: The Kitemark system uses a simple star rating, usually going from 1-3 stars. Each star represents a higher level of security the lock has achieved through testing and lock features. So the more stars your Kitemark lock has, the better security you know it has.
There are a number of locks and other security products on the market bearing the Kitemark logo, and it should be clearly visible on the packaging and the product itself. So if you’re looking at your lock face plate and you can’t see that little mark, it might be time for an upgrade. The team at My Locks Locksmiths are always happy to help with lock changes and advice, so if you need a hand, just get in touch with the team today.