Services for Security

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Security

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Areas covered under this Category are as follows:

Access Control
Alarms
Bars/Grilles
CCTV
Door Closers
Door Entry
Door Hardware
Electronic Door Openers
Emergency
Garage Doors
Gates
Guarding
Intercom System
Key Cutting
Locks (Door/Window)
Locksmith
Maintenance/ Repair
Panic Hardware
Prevention
Property Marking
Roller Shutters
Safes
Security Consultancy

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The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) - www.locksmiths.co.uk Is a not-for-profit trade association, that was established to set and promote standards of conduct, practice and materials within locksmithing. MLA licensed companies, who undergo strict vetting, regular inspections and employ a qualified locksmith, can provide you with peace of mind regarding the security of your home.

The Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) - www.eca.co.uk - Is the trade association representing the interests of contractors who design, install, inspect, test and maintain electrical and electronic equipment and building services in England and Wales. Founded in 1901, it has over 3,000 Registered Members, ranging from local contractors to national building services organisations.

Founded in 1900, SELECT - www.select.org.uk is the trade association that represents the interests of electrical contractors operating throughout Scotland. There are now over 1200 members, from small local contractors to large UK companies, accredited in one of eight technical disciplines giving SELECT member companies proven capability across a wide range of design, manufacturing, testing and commissioning skills.

Institute of Certified Locksmiths (ICL) - www.theinstituteofcertifiedlocksmiths.org

SSAIB - www.ssaib.co.uk

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) - www.bsia.co.uk

ADT
Everest
Honey
ERA
Texecom
Informa
Optima
Visonic

Sponsored by The Master Locksmiths Association:

A-B | C-D | E-F | G-H | I-J | K-L | M-N | O-P | Q-R | S-T | U-V | W-X | Y-Z

A to B

Active IR: active infra-red detectors, as opposed to passive infra-red (PIR),.
Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC): also known as central station. An arc is a secure location which monitors signals from alarm systems connected to it. The arc uses confirmed detection to verify that an alarm has been generated by an intruder and on confirmation will contact the police.
Anti-thrust bolt: a spring bolt, for a night latch particularly, which cannot be pushed back when it has shot out and fastened a door, although it can be withdrawn by knob or key. This security device is usually achieved by a dog inside the latch case which falls behind the bolt and keeps it shot out when an auxiliary slide is pushed in.
Anti-thrust plate: an overlapping metal plate fitted to outward opening doors so as to prevent access to lock bolts.
Automatic deadlatch: the main bolt of which is automatically locked (or deadlocked) when the door is closed.
Auxiliary lock: an auxiliary lock is the name given to any additional lock that locksmiths fit to a door that has an existing lock already fitted.
Back-up battery: a rechargeable battery used to power burglar and fire alarms in the event of mains power failure.
Backplate: the plate, fixed on a door, to which the moving parts of a lock or latch are attached.
Backset: the horizontal distance from the outside face of the outer forend to the centre of the keyhole or follower hole (or both). Designated as the "keyhole backset" or "follower backset".
Barrel bolt: the common kind of door bolt having a round shoot running in a long continuous guide or strap attached to the backplate, the shoot being provided with a knob or the equivalent for operation by hand.
Barrel key: around key having a hole drilled into its end to fit over a drill pin in the lock. Used chiefly for cabinet locks.
Birmingham bar: a steel bar fitted to the inside face of a door frame on the hinge side.
Bit (of key) or key bit: the part of a key which is specially shaped or notched to operate the mechanism of its own particular lock or latch.
Biting: the shaping or notching of a key blank to transform it into a key to operate its own lock or latch.
Blank (key) or key blank: a partly made key, which has been shaped to enter the keyhole of a certain type of lock or latch, but of which the blade has not been finally notched to operate any individual lock.
Bolt: the part of a lock or latch which provides the fastening or engagement by protruding from the case or forend to engage in the staple, striking plate, link, shackle or other member.
Bow (of key): that part of the key which is held in the fingers when operating the lock or latch.
BSS British Standard Specification: authorised and issued by the British Standards Institute, the accepted UK authority for all standards of performance, tests and manufacture.
BS 3621: The British Standard specification for Thief Resistant Locks for hinged doors. Locks submitted for certification must satisfy the requirements of the ten stringent clauses of the specification .
Burglar bars: steel bars, usually round or square in profile, cut to length and fixed internally to window frames.

C to D

Cabinet lock: a small cylinder, bit, or flat key lock used on cabinet work or furniture.
Cam: usually a tongue fixed to the end of the plug of a cylinder lock or latch.
Cam lock: a complete locking assembly in the form of a cylinder whose cam is the actual locking bolt.
Cap (of the lock): the removable cover to a lock mechanism.
CCTV: closed circuit television.
Centres: the vertical measurement in an upright or sash lock between the centre of the keyhole and the centre of the follower hole.
Circlip: a ring with open ends which can be sprung into place on a plug or other part to permit rotation but to prevent endways movement.
Close shackle padlock: a padlock, the body of which is built up so that the minimum amount of shackle is visible when locked. It offers improved security against forcing or use of bolt-croppers.
Combination lock: an abbreviation of name for a keyless combination lock.
Cut cabinet lock: a cupboard or drawer lock, the flange of which is recessed into the edge of the drawer or door.
Cylinder: usually the cylinder with inner co axial plug which houses the pins, top pins (drivers), or disc tumblers and springs in the cylinder body.
Cylinder housing: with all component parts removed, this forms the main body or housing of a cylinder.
Cylinder key: a key, having a bow and long blade in which Vee cuts are made along the upper edge to operate the pins and drivers in a pin tumbler mechanism.
Cylinder lock: a lock having a removable tumbler assembly contained in a cylindrical case.
Cylinder lock or latch: any lock or latch, the mechanism of which is contained in a cylinder.
Cylinder rose (or ring): a shaped metal disc which surrounds the outer face of the cylinder of a cylinder mechanism assembly. It usually stands slightly proud of the outside face of door.
Deadlatch: a nightlatch or latch, the springbolt of which can be locked (or deadlocked) by key or other means.
Dead lock: a lock with a dead bolt only, controlled by key from either side or by key from one side and turn knob from the other side.
Deadbolt: the square ended bolt of a lock which is moved in both the locking and unlocking directions by the key.
Decoy sounder/bellbox: an empty external sounder enclosure to provide a visual deterrent.
Detainer: 1. A generic term, not widely used, for any part such as a lever or tumbler which keeps a lock bolt in position. 2. The name of the sliding security members in Butter's System locks.
Detector: a device which sends a signal to the control panel indicating a change of state.
Differs: an abbreviation of "different combinations" or changes.
Disc tumblers: the small shaped discs (usually of metal) in the disc tumbler mechanism which are the means of providing different combinations.
Disc tumbler lock: a cylinder lock having disc instead of pin tumblers.
Digital communicator: a device connected to the control panel which sends a digitised signal to the alarm receiving centr.
Door closer: a device for closing a door or gate automatically after opening. There are numerous types available.
Door contacts: a reed switch that detects the opening or closing of a door or windows.
Door viewer: optical device fitted through a door to enable observation without opening the door.
Double bitted key: key with a bit on each side of the shank.
Double handed lock: 1. A lock designed for use either as a right or left hand installation without alteration, generally by turning upside down. The keyhole has a circular formation at each end of the slot to accept the shank of the key. 2. A cupboard lock, the bolt of which can be shot either way to protrude from either side of the case.
Double knock: some control panels and detectors can be programmed to only alarm if two alarm signals are received within a certain time.
Double locking: 1. By introducing a different cam arrangement into the action of a cylinder rim nightlatch it is possible to give a double or deadlocking facility at no extra cost. A simple opposite turn of the key in the outside cylinder deadlocks both bolt and inside knob simultaneously. This gives protection against the bolt forcing and the glass or wood panel breaking intruder. 2. Also where a lever lock shoots its bolt by more than one turn of the key, thus doubling the distance of its shoot.
Dual technology detector: a detector with two different types of detection within the same housing.
Duplex lock: a master key lock of the cylinder type, such as the "yale lock," provided with two cylinders on the same side, both acting on the same bolt, but each controlled by a different key.
Duress: in the event of an attack or intrusion, a duress code can be used to unset the system but will also inform the alarm receiving centre of the situation.

E to F

Ellipsoid knob: a door knob of oval design.
Escutcheon: the cover for the keyhole of a mortice or similar lock.
Exit terminator: a device fitted outside the alarmed area used to set the alarm system.
Extension speakers: most control panels have terminals for fitting extension speakers.
Face plate: the outer of a double forend. A strip of metal fixed to the inner forend, thus forming a double forend.
Final exit door: the exit door through which entry must later be obtained, and so cannot be bolted. It is usually the front entrance door or final means of exiting.
Fire exit bolts: bars applied on the inside surface of a door which allow ready or emergency exit from a building or room. Pushing on a crossbar instantly releases the mechanism that fastens the door in the close position.
Flush bolt: a door bolt which can be recessed flush into the edge or face of a door.
Foot bolt: a spring bolt for the bottom of a door which, when retracted, is retained by a trigger, the release of which later permits the spring to shoot the bolt into the locked position.
Forend: that part of the lock or latch through which the bolt(s) protrude, and by which the lock or latch is fixed to the door.
French window lock: a mortise knob lock with a narrow backset, for use on French windows or doors with narrow stiles.
Furniture: the additional items needed, which are screwed to one or both sides of the door to enable a lock or latch to be manually operated. Known as door furniture, lock or latch furniture, locksets or latchsets (when complete with lock or latch) and can be either knob, lever handle, pull handle or push button.

G to H

Global tamper: the entire system has a tamper circuit installed to prevent any unauthorised attempts to interfere with the system.
Gun spring: a flat wire coiled spring used frequently in French door locks to maintain the lever handle in a horizontal position.
Hasp and staple: a fastening in two pieces for a door or box to be secured by a padlock. The hinged part is called the hasp which is fitted to the door or lid of a box and shuts over the staple, which is on the door frame (or other leaf of a pair of doors) or the body of the box. For real security it is essential to use a hasp and staple with concealed fixing, i.e. the heads of the fixing screws are completely covered when the padlock is locked in position, as otherwise the fitment can easily be removed by withdrawing the screws affording nil security.
Hinged or swinging latch bolt: a bolt which is hinged to the lock front and is retracted with a swinging rather than a sliding action.
Hook bolt: a pivoted springbolt, the head of which is shaped in the form of a hook. Such locks or latches are usually fixed on sliding doors.

I to J

ID Chip: an intelligent device that once installed into a compatible system will give that particular device an unique identification.
Inertia detector: also known as vibration/shock sensors. Detectors which detect and process vibrations typical of an intruder trying to forcibly open a door or window.
Intelligent Device system: ID systems use miniature silicon chips which are easily fitted into any standard detector at the time of installation.
Jamb: the vertical member of a door or window frame. In some areas the top rail of a door frame is referred to as the top jamb.

K to L

Key: a small removable device for operating the mechanism of its own lock, locking latch or nightlatch.
Key blank: a partly made key, which has been shaped to enter the keyhole of a certain type of lock or latch, but of which the blade has not been finally shaped to operate the mechanisms of the lock.
Key tag: a metal or fiber identification tag to be attached to keys.
Keyhole: the hole into which the key enters to operate the lock or latch. It is often referred to as the keyway, particularly in a cylinder mechanism
Key Steps or key depths: this term usually means the bolt step and lever steps of a key for a lever lock.
Knob lock: a door lock having a spring latch operated by knobs and a dead-bolt.
Latch: a door fastening device, having a spring-bolt, but usually with no locking functions.
Latch-bolt (of a lock): a bevelled spring-bolt, usually operated by knob, lever handle or thumb piece.
Lever: a flat shaped movable detainer in a lock, usually for the purpose of providing security and differs. The lever(s) in a lock have to be actually moved by the key to operate the lock. The belly of the lever is cut away to various depths to provide different combinations.
Lever mechanism: a lock mechanism having, as its principle feature, one or more levers.
Lever and warded mechanism: the lever mechanism with the addition of wards, usually for providing a greater number of differs. The addition of wards does not, however, increase the security of a lock. See "Wards".
Lever handle: a piece of lock or latch furniture, usually on a rose or plate, for use as an alternative to a knob for operating the springbolt of a lock or latch. All British lever handles are spring loaded to ensure the return to horizontal after use, but Continental lever handles are not usually spring loaded and thus when used with British locks or latches, sometimes tend to sag below the horizontal after a comparatively short period of use, unless additional springing is included in the lock action.
Lever tumbler lock: also called bit-key lock. The obstacle in this type of lock consists of one to five flat tumblers.
Lock: a device operated usually, but not always, by a key, having one or more bolts or other members to fasten and secure a door, lid, drawer or other member.
Lock picking: lock picking is the act of unlocking a lock by analysing and manipulating the components of the lock device, without the original key.
Lockable bolt: a bolt that can be shot and locked in position by the use of a removable key.
Locking latch: a latch with a bevelled springbolt or roller bolt which is capable of being locked or secured, usually by key.
Lockset: a lock complete with necessary furniture including a spindle, ready for fixing to the door.
Lockset furniture or lock furniture: a lockset, minus the lock.
London strip: a steel bar fitted to the inside face of a door frame, shaped to accommodate the staple or striker of a rim latch lock.
Long shackle (LS): a padlock shackle with a greater amount of clearance than the normal standard shackle.
Lubrication: on no account should oil be used to lubricate pin tumbler cylinders. Graphite is the conventional lubricant for this mechanism.

M to N

Magnetic contact: a detector comprising a magnetically operated reed switch and a separate magnet.
Master code: the administrators code for the system which allows all available programming functions.
Master Key: a key which will open every lock in a master keyed suite.
Master keyed (locks or latches): a lock or latch capable of being operated also by a master key as well as its own change or servant key.
Monitored alarm: an alarm system usually monitored by an ARC.
Monitoring: connection to an alarm receiving centre (ARC) via a communications device which is capable of sending coded messages to the arc for action.
Mortice: a hole cut into the thickness of one edge of a door to receive a mortice lock or latch.
Mortise bolt: a door bolt designed to be mortised into it door, instead of being applied to its surface.
Mortise lock or latch: a lock or latch designed to be mortised into the edge of a door, not applied to the surface.
Night latch: an auxiliary lock having a spring-latch bolt and functioning independently and providing additional security to the regular lock on the door.
Non-volatile memory (NVM): this is a memory chip in the control panel which remembers the programmed alarm settings when all power is removed.
Nose plate: a small plate which surrounds the nose or escutcheon of a cylinder lock where the cylinder is permanently attached to the lock.

O to P

One sided lock (single entry): a lock which has a keyhole on one side only, so that it can be operated by key from one side only, usually outside, but not from both. Nearly all cabinet locks and all padlocks are examples. Some high quality cylinder mortice locks are one sided.
One way action: an action where the follower will turn only one way.
Padlock: a comparatively small removable and portable locking device, usually but not always key operated on one side only. The locking member is a circular hinged sliding or swivelled shackle which passes through a hole in a staple, locking bar or similar member.
Panel grilles: steel grilles made to size with various infills of expanded diamond mesh, square weldmesh or fancy infills, usually fitted internally.
Panic attack: a user-activated device for initiate action in a similar way to a duress code.
Panic bolt: synonymous with "fire exit bolt.
Paracentric key: a key for cylinder locks with longitudinal ribs and grooves on both sides projecting beyond the centre line to prevent picking.
Passive infra-red detector: this detector 'sees' the temperature of the area it is covering. A lens at the front of the detector splits the area 'seen' into several zones, when the temperature 'seen' in adjacent zones changes at a certain rate then an alarm is triggered.
Pet immune detector: this type of detector is similar to a standard PIR but has a reduced sensitivity.
Pet lens: a lens fitted to a pir which alters the beam pattern such that the detection zone is raised a certain height above the floor usually okay for dogs, but not necessarily so for cats.
PIR: a passive infra red device that is set to detect movement in a defined field of vision of the device.
Plug (of a lock): the cylindrical part, housed by the "shell" of a lock cylinder, which contains the cylinder keyway.
Plug retainer: the part which retains the plug in a cylinder lock.
Post (of a key): the round part of bit-key to which the wing or bit is attached.
Power supply unit (PSU): all control panels have a PSU.

Q to R

Quad PIR: a PIR detector with two heat sensors.
Rack bolt: a bolt, usually a door bolt, which is toothed so that it may be operated by a pinion.
Rebate: the measurement of the stepped reduction or recess in the forend of a rebated lock.
Rebated (lock or latch): a mortice lock or latch with a forend specially shaped to correspond with the shaped meeting edge of the door for which it is intended. See "Full Rebated".
Release: a striker in various forms to replace the lock strike and is operated electronically.
Remote keypad: a keypad located remotely from the control panel used to set/unset/programme the alarm.
Rigid grilles: heavy duty, welded construction, rod or bar grilles, usually fitted externally or internally to the fabric of a building.
Rim cylinder: this relates to a pack which usually comprises the cylinder with plug, rose, connecting bar, two connecting screws and two keys.
Rim lock or latch: a lock or latch that is fitted by screwing on to the inside face of the door.
Rose: 1. A cylinder rose or ring in cylinder locks or latches. It is a shaped metal disc which surrounds the outer face of the cylinder. 2. In door furniture, it is the small plate to which the lever handle or knob is affixed and which is screwed to the door surface.

S to T

Safe lock: a general term for the many varieties of key operated and other locks for safes.
Sash lock: an upright mortice lock, consisting of a latch bolt and a key operated bolt.
Sash ward: used in rim and mortice locks, alone or in conjunction with levers for the purpose of obtaining or increasing the differs. Formed pieces of concentric metal are affixed around the inside of the keyhole. It also serves as a keyhole bush. The bitted key passes over these wards to operate the bolt. Little security is given when sash wards are used by themselves. See "Skeleton Keys".
Shackle: the hinged, sliding or swivelling loop shaped member of a padlock. The heel of the shackle remains always in the padlock body and the toe of the shackle comes out when unlocked. A double locking padlock gives the greatest security against forcing because there are two separate bolts locking outwards in opposite directions, one into a niche in the heel of the shackle, and the other into the toe of the shackle. This is sometimes called heel and toe locking.
Shear line: the term is used to denote the line of the circumference of the plug in the bore of a pin tumbler cylinder.
Shoot: 1. The outward movement of a lock bolt and the distance which it travels under the action of a spring or key. Shoot applies more particularly to spring bolts, throw being a better word for dead bolts. 2. The sliding part of a door bolt.
Shoot (of bolt): the distance a springbolt moves under the action of its spring.
Side bar: this is in addition to the existing pin or disc mechanism, and is a bar usually along the length of the mechanism and does not allow rotation until the mechanism is correctly lifted and can be directly controlled by the key.
Side wards: notches cut into the sides of bitted keys so fashioned to enable the key to turn.
Sliding grilles: steel sliding grille gates in single or double leaf, running on top and bottom guide tracks, locked by padlock or integral lock.
Sliding lever: a lever which slides between or on guides instead of swinging on a pivot..
Sounder: an internal or external device to signal alarm status. An internal sounder is used to signal setting/unsetting of the system as well as providing discomfort to any unauthorised intruder. An external sounder is used primarily for triggered alarm conditions.
Spindle: that part of the door furniture usually of square section which passes through the follower hole and is fitted to the knob(s) or lever handle(s) to operate the springbolt.
Spring shackle padlock: a padlock, the shackle of which springs open when unlocked, and is locked by snapping to.
Springbolt: sometimes called the latchbolt. A bolt having the outer edge shaped by bevelling of the vertical face. It is a bolt which may be pushed back into the lock case and will return to the extended position without mechanical assistance.
Staple: 1. A box like fitting on the jamb of an inward opening door, and into which the bolt or bolts of a rim latch or lock shoot when door is closed. (It is sometimes referred to in Scotland and the North of England as a Bosshead). Some staples are lipped to act as a guide for the springbolt. 2. Part of a hasp and staple for use with a padlock. The padlock shackle passes through the eye or hole in the staple.
Stop knob (snib): a device incorporated in some latches and locking latches to hold the bolt retracted or deadlock the bolt when door is closed.
Striking plate: sometimes referred to as a "striker". It is a shaped flat metal plate fixed to the door frame or jamb with one or more bolt holes into which the bolt or bolts shoot. There is a shaped projecting lip on one side to guide the springbolt. It is used with all mortice locks or latches, and with rim locks or latches with reversed springbolt on an outward opening door.
Suite (of locks): a group or collection of locks and/or locking latches and padlocks of different types and changes incorporated together under a master key or grand master key.
Thumb turn: a small fitting, on the inside of a mortice lock, which is gripped between thumb and finger to operate the deadbolt. It should not be used on glass or wood panelled doors.
Tie bars: the horizontal members of a vertical bar grille.
Time lock: a clockwork or electric timing device which disallows operation of a lock or the opening of a door on safes or strongrooms.

U to V

Vibration/shock detector: detectors which detect and process vibrations typical of an intruder trying to forcibly open a door or window.

W to X

Wards: fixed obstructions inside a lock case to preclude the use of wrong key, as the key is cut to pass over the wards and operate the lock. They are sometimes used in lever locks to give increased differs. Wards alone give very little security. See "Skeleton Key".
Warded lock: any lock or padlock, the mechanism of which makes use only of wards. Not recommended, due to lack of security.

Y to Z

Zone: a defined area or room that has a device allocated to it for intruder/movement detection.

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