14.06.2022
PIV CERT-certified padlocks provide more security
Not only the flat or house must be protected against burglary, garden gates and sheds should also always be secured. To secure them, it is important to use solid padlocks. Furthermore, padlocks are used in a wide variety of places. For example, padlocks are also used to protect and control doors such as cellar doors, cabinets or moveable objects.
A suitable padlock as well as its counterpart, the padlock fitting, have been tested by an accredited testing institute such as the Testing Institute Locks and Hardware Velbert [Prüfinstitut Schlösser und Beschläge Velbert (PIV)] according to EN 12320 or EN 16864. As with burglar resistance for flats, the aim here is to make it as difficult as possible for the burglar or thief to break in or steal the item. So it is likely that the perpetrator will give up. "Only a solid padlock offers good protection. That is why it is worth investing in tested padlocks," says Andrea Horsthemke, head of the Testing Institute Locks and Hardware Velbert [Prüfinstitut Schlösser und Beschläge Velbert (PIV)].
The European standard EN 12320 describes the test methods to be applied to these products and specifies, among other things, requirements for the performance, strength, durability, corrosion resistance and safety of padlocks. Among other things, the resistance to manual attack on the padlock is tested for safety. Another part of the test procedure is a test of the shackle for tensile, torsional, cutting, impact, drilling and sawing strength, among others. A 4-digit classification key provides information on the different functional and safety requirements of padlocks.
EN 16864 is the addendum for mechatronics and describes the requirements for the performance and testing of mechatronic padlocks and their keys. The primary focus of testing for these products is on strength, torsion, shock and vibration tests as well as electrostatic discharge testing, continuous function testing, tests of environmental resistance such as corrosion, water, humidity, cold and heat. Here it is the 8-digit classification key by which the mechatronic padlocks of the most diverse functional and safety requirements are qualified.
If certification, i.e. testing and inspection by PIV, is desired by the manufacturer, this is achieved through the respective certification programme. The PIV CERT certification association issues a certificate for padlocks and padlock fittings once they have successfully passed the test and the initial production site inspection has run smoothly. For this purpose, the PIV CERT certification body of the Testing Institute Locks and Hardware Velbert [Prüfinstitut Schlösser und Beschläge Velbert (PIV)] has the competence according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17065:2013 to carry out product certifications in accordance with the certification programmes of PIV CERT. "We are happy to advise on testing and certification for padlocks and padlock fittings. Our team always works in a customer-oriented manner and acts in a cost-conscious manner. We guarantee professional, expert and personal service," says Andrea Horsthemke.
Further products certified by the PIV can be found on the homepage www.piv-velbert.de.
