What is a cylinder and what function does it serve?
The cylinder is a component of the lock. The key is inserted into the cylinder to lock or unlock the door. The door cylinder and the door lock work together to enable the opening and closing of the door.
Here is the basic principle of how they work together: The door cylinder and the door lock are interconnected because the cylinder controls the lock mechanism, while the lock provides physical security for the door by extending or retracting locking elements such as hooks, bolts, and latches. Proper alignment of the cylinder with the lock, as well as the solid construction and quality of both components, are crucial for ensuring security and the proper functioning of the door lock. This is very important because the sense of security is one of the key factors influencing the overall comfort of our lives.
What are the types of door cylinders?
The most popular and commonly chosen type of door cylinder is the cam cylinder. Its characteristic feature is a special cam that precisely aligns the pins only when the correct key is inserted into the lock. Attempting to use a different key or trying to open the door with a pick will prevent the cylinder from turning and thus opening the door. Cam cylinders, with their simple yet effective design, can be divided into two main categories: cylindrical cylinders and profile cylinders, which are used in various types of door locks.
Cylindrical cylinders are most commonly used in surface-mounted locks. In this category, we distinguish euro-profile cylinders, which are particularly popular and frequently found in Poland. There are also oval models, often referred to as Scandinavian cylinders.
The second group of cam cylinders is profile cylinders, which are used in conjunction with mortise locks. These models have a varied but effective design. Among profile cylinders, we distinguish double cylinders, cylinders with a knob, and half cylinders. Both half cylinders and knob cylinders can have symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes, with equal or irregular lengths. Symmetrical models have two stems of equal length, while asymmetrical models have stems of different lengths. Examples of symmetrical cylinders include models sized 30/30 mm, 45/45 mm, or 50/50 mm, while examples of asymmetrical cylinders include models sized 55/65 mm or 45/50 mm.
Here’s the translation into English:
What distinguishes a good anti-burglary cylinder?
- High level of resistance: A good anti-burglary cylinder should be resistant to various attack methods, such as drilling, cutting, striking, or pulling out. It should demonstrate high durability and be extremely difficult to break.
- Multi-level security features: The cylinder should incorporate a variety of security measures, such as special anti-burglary plates, latches, shields, or anti-manipulation elements. These additional layers of protection significantly hinder attempted break-ins.
- Appropriate security class: Anti-burglary cylinders are classified according to standards and labeled with classes, such as A, B, and C. When selecting a cylinder, it is worth paying attention to its class, as a higher class indicates a better level of security.
- Large number of key combinations: A good anti-burglary cylinder should offer a large number of different key combinations, making it difficult for a potential burglar to reproduce the key.
- Certificates and approvals: It is advisable to choose anti-burglary cylinders that have been tested and have obtained the appropriate certificates and approvals confirming their effectiveness and quality. You can check if the cylinder meets specific safety standards.
- Installation and fitting: It is important that the cylinder is correctly installed and appropriately fitted to the door. Improper installation or inaccurate fitting can weaken its effectiveness.
Jakie są różnice między wkładkami klasy A, B i C?
Wkładki klasy A nie stanowią wyzwania dla doświadczonego włamywacza. Zgodnie z normami, nie są one zobowiązane do zapewnienia minimalnego czasu odporności na takie metody ataku jak wiercenie czy przepiłowywanie. W praktyce oznacza to, że zręczny rabuś poradzi sobie z nimi w mniej niż minutę.
W przypadku wkładek klasy B sytuacja wygląda znacznie lepiej. Włamywacz będzie musiał poświęcić im od 3 do nawet 6 minut, co powinno skutecznie zniechęcić mniej wprawnych przestępców.
Najwyższy poziom ochrony przed włamaniem zapewniają wkładki klasy C. Zgodnie z klasyfikacją IMP, sforsowanie zamka z taką wkładką zajmie złodziejowi powyżej 6 minut. Żaden profesjonalny włamywacz nie będzie chciał poświęcić tak długiego czasu, ponieważ ryzyko jego schwytania rośnie z każdą minutą.
