Uncovering CE Certification: Understanding the Numeric Codes of Lock Bodies

In the global market, CE marking is a crucial certification for access to the European market. For the architectural hardware industry, particularly for mortice locks, CE certification ensures the safety and performance of products, providing consumers with a reliable reference. However, many users often encounter a series of numerical codes whose meanings are unclear to them when reviewing CE certification documents. Today, we will decode the numerical codes of sash locks in the CE certification to help you understand the performance level of products more clearly.

The Structure of CE Lock Codes

The certification for CE locks is mainly based on EN 12209, which sets performance requirements and test methods for mechanically operated locks and locking plates. During product certification, each lock case is assigned an 11-digit code (EN 12209:2003), with each digit representing a different performance parameter. According to the EN 12209:2003 standard, the number of digits and the specific meaning of each digit are as follows:

Digit 1-Category of use: Defines the lock's usage category, reflecting its environment and user behavior, including care and potential misuse; 3 grades (1–3).

Digit 2-Durability and load on latch bolt: Indicates the number of test cycles under specific loads; 12 grades (A–X). 

Digit 3-Door mass and closing force: Specifies applicable door mass and maximum closing force; 9 grades (1–9).

Digit 4-Suitability for use on fire/smoke doors: Indicates suitability for use on fire/smoke resisting door assemblies; 2 grades (0–1).

Digit 5-Safety: Indicates whether additional personal safety function is provided; 1 grade (0).

Digit 6-Corrosion resistance and temperature: Defines corrosion resistance and temperature requirement at different grades; 8 grades (0, A–G).

Digit 7-Security and drill resistance: Indicates resistance to forced and drilling attacks; 7 grades (1–7).

Digit 8-Field of door application: Denotes door type, installation conditions, and functional configuration (e.g., Mortice/Rim, hinged/sliding door, supported forend, key-controlled egress, etc.); 15 grades (A–T).

Digit 9-Type of key operation and locking: Defines nine grades of type of key operation and locking; 9 grades (0, A–H).

Digit 10-Type of spindle operation: Defines whether the follower is suitable for knob, sprung lever handle, or heavy-duty unsprung lever handle operation; 5 grades (0–4).

Digit 11-Key identification requirement: Relates to the number of detaining elements and effective differs, defining the level of key security and protection against key interchange; 9 grades (0, A–H).

Case Study: How to Interpret a CE Lock Case Code

Let’s take our mortise lock with a CE code of 3 X 9 1 0 G 3 B C 2 0 and break it down:

Digit 1-Category of use (3): Our mortise lock is suitable for high-frequency use in public buildings with a high risk of misuse.

Digit 2-Durability (X): Tested to 200,000 cycles with a 120N side load on the latch bolt. 

Digit 3-Door mass and closing force (9): For doors over 200kg, the maximum closing force is not to exceed 15N. 

Digit 4-Suitability for use on fire/smoke doors (1): Suitable for use on fire/smoke resisting doors.

Digit 5-Safety (0): No safety requirements.

Digit 6-Corrosion resistance and temperature(G): Very high corrosion resistance (240h), operable in –20°C to +80°C environments.

Digit 7-Security and drill resistance (3): Provides a medium level of security resistance and no drill resistance.

Digit 8-Field of door application (B): Code B denotes that the lock is a mortice type for hinged doors.

Digit 9-Type of key operation and locking (C): Indicates the lock with a cylinder lock or latch is manually locked with intermediate locking. 

Digit 10-Type of spindle operation (2): This indicates the lock is designed for use with an unsprung lever handle.

Digit 11-Key identification requirement (0): No specific key identification or complexity requirements.

Why Is the CE Certification Critical for Locks?

The CE marking is more than a certification—it’s a comprehensive validation of a lock body’s safety, durability, and performance. It ensures the product meets the high standards of the European market, helping customers choose more reliable and compliant solutions. Selecting CE-certified lock bodies is crucial for ensuring personal safety and complying with building code requirements.

In the upcoming articles, we will continue to decode CE marking codes for other architectural hardware products, helping you gain a deeper understanding of industry standards and make more informed purchasing decisions. Stay tuned!

—— [DIROCK] Experts in Architectural Hardware