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A Brief Explanation of BS EN 12209

BS EN 12209 is a way of categorising ironmongery products according to certain criteria. By doing this it is possible to see if the product in question is fit for purpose.
It is broken down into 11 categories that look at different aspects of the ironmongery.

The categories are;-

Digit 1 - Category of use.
   - grade 0: Low frenquency of use with a low chance for misuse. 
                  e.g. internal residential doors
   - grade 1: Medium frequency of use with a medium chance for misuse.
                  e.g. internal office doors
   - grade 2: High frequency of use with a high chance of misuse.
                  e.g. public doors

Digit 2 - Durability

   Twelve grades are identified with minimum figures for deadbolt and snib operation.

Digit 3 - Door mass and closing force   

   Nine grades are identified with maxiumum figures for closing forces at various door masses. Tests are conducted from a standing start with the latch resting against the strike plate.

Digit 4 - Fire Resistance

   Two grades are identified: -

      - grade 0: not approved for use on fire doors.

      - grade 1: approved for use on fire doors.

Digit 5 - Safety

   Grade 0: No safety required.

Digit 6 - Corrosion Resistance

   Eight grades are identified with neutral salt-spray with and without temperature resistance

Digit 7 - Security and drill resistance

   Seven grades are identified with minimum figures relating to physical attack, with or without drilling to the lockcase.

Digit 8 - Field of door application

   Fifteen grades available that identify if if the door is hinged/sliding or if a key is needed or keyless egress etc.

Digit 9 - Type of key operation and locking

   Nine grades are identified for differing types of key operation. The grading determines how the lock is assessed for deadlocking there is a maximum key torque operating requirement of 1.5 Nm and a minimum key strength of 2.5 Nm.

      - grade 0: Not Applicable

      - grade A: cylinder lock or latch, manually locking

      - grade B: cylinder lock or latch, automatically locking

      - grade C: cylinder lock or latch, manually locking or intermediate locking.

      - grade D: lever lock or latch, manually locking.

      - grade E: lever lock or latch, automatically locking 

      - grade F: lever lock or latch, manually locking with intermediate locking

      - grade G: lock or latch without key operation, manually locking

      - grade H: lock without key operation, automatically locking

Digit 10

   Five grades are identified:-

      - grade 0: lock without follower

      - grade 1: lock with sprung lever or latch

      - grade 2: lock with light unsprung lever

      - grade 3: lock with heavy unsprung lever

      - grade 4: lock with manufacturer's own specification furniture

Digit 11

   Nine grades are identified relating to the number of differs and levers

      - grade 0: No requirements

      - grade A: minimum three detaining elements

      - grade B: minimum five detaining elements

      - grade C: minimum five detaining elements, extended number of effective differs

      - grade D: minimum six detaining elements 

      - grade E: minimum six detaining elements, extended number of effective differs

A brief introduction to Ecco Hardware.

Ecco Architectural Hardware an ironmongery company based in Ballymount in Dublin. It is a start up that began at the start of 2011. Since it has grown considerably to occupy its current premisis in Parkway Business Centre, Ballymount. There are two employees. Eoin Corcoran and Kevin Shannon. Together we have over 30 years of work experience with in the industry. 

We sell lever handles, knobs, cabinet handles, door closers, pull handles, hinges etc. Putting it simply we will meet all your door furniture needs for wooden doors at a very competitive price. We also deliver both nationally and internationally. 

Our main supplier is a company called Zoo Hardware. They provide a wide range of products with each meeting a high standard of quality with out breaking the bank. We also supply Hoppe, Rutland, Arrow, Carlisle Brass, Era, Samuel Heath, Alubox, Aldridge, Union, Chubb, Eurospec, From The Anvil and Frank Allart.

We also do made to order Kickplates.

We have a well stocked warehouse and trade counter that is open to the public. If we don't have an item in stock we will get it fast and deliver anywhere in the country. 

Do I need to lock every internal door?

Putting it simply no. The only internal doors you need to lock are the bathroom doors. For the other doors all you need to use are latches rather then sashlocks.
The latches which are tubular are cheaper and also easier to fit then the sashlock.
In addition to this the latches do not require Escutcheons when they are used with a lever on rose so money is saved there too.
At the end of the day it is personal preference as to which you go for but the cheaper latch is viable alternative.

What finishes work outside?

Most finishes such as chrome or stainless steel will work outside but problems arise when you want to use brass outside. The lacquer while fine for internal use is quickly eroded by the elements and the finish will tarnish. The brass used must be PVD in order to avoid this happening. This is a process that ensures the brass will not diminish for 25 years. It will still need to be cleaned to ensure the polish is seen but once maintained it will do fine. The others just need to be cleaned. and they will maintain their finish. 

Welcome to our blog.

Welcome to our door and window hardware blog. We will attempt to cover a wide range of issues which may be of interest to the construction sector as well as architects and interior designors as well as anyone interested in DIY and home improvement. Let me know if you would like me to cover a particular topic and we’ll do our best to cover it.

Mortice Knobs

Mortice knobs are an aesthetic addition to any door. There are however some points that should be considered before choosing knobs. With the correct consideration the functionality and beauty of your door furniture is guaranteed.  

It is important to bear in mind when choosing knob furniture that more manual dexterity is required to operate a door knob whereas a lever handle can be operated by an elbow or hip. They may not be ideal where very young children or older people use the doors frequently.  

Not all doors are suitable for knobs. Check that there is enough timber in the mid-rail area of the door. 

Knobs require a lock (locking with keys) or latch (non-locking) with at least 100mm of distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the knob. This is to give clearance for knuckles from hitting the frame as you turn the knob. Lever handles normally get away with a 63mm or 76mm backset. This is not generally enough for knobs.  

As with lever on rose furniture, when using with a sash lock you will also need to purchase a matching escutcheon (key hole cover).

When using with a bathroom lock, you will also need a matching turn and release (thumb turn)

Ask our staff if you need any further information. We are delighted to answer any queries you have on this or any other subject.

You can find us here.