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Padlocks Technical Advice Centre

This is our dedicated help, advice and testing results section for padlocks. Every time we get a good question from a customer, or asked to test a product, then we post the answer or results here. Use the list of Categories or the Search Box below to find the answer you're looking for. Don't worry you can get back to your basket our products by clicking our logo above.

We've also created a concise guide with the most commonly asked questions to download and print here:

Which high security padlocks meet CEN 5/6 insurance ratings?

Squire’s high security Stronghold padlocks head up their CEN rated range meeting CEN 5 or 6 respectively. If you are looking for a high security padlock that meets many insurance company requirements, then the Squire Stronghold range could be just the thing. They are available in key differ or keyed alike options in both the […]

What is the best high security padlock I can use by the sea?

When looking for a high-security padlock for use by the sea, then the latest addition to the Abus Granit range is definitely one to consider. The marine grade Abus 37ST/55 is constructed with a 12mm shackle and large body in stainless steel, along with inner components made from non-corrosive materials. The use of stainless steel […]

Which range of high security padlocks cover different needs?

When you have a site that requires high-security padlocks but with different sizes and key options it can be hard to know where to start. Selecting a range of padlocks like the Abus 83 series could be the answer. You know you are getting great quality across all the padlocks and can select the right […]

Padlock for shutter control panel?

I have just installed a cover over our control panel for our security shutters. Out insurance company have requested that we lock this security cover with a padlock conforming to BS EN 12320 CEN Security Grade 4 or LPs1654 Grade 2+. Can you recommend a padlock that will conform to their requirements? Thank you for […]

Which hasp & staple is CEN insurance rated?

This is a good question and the short answer is none. This is because there is not a CEN grading system for hasp & staples. We have customers ask for a hasp & staple that is CEN rated since their insurance companies have said they need to match the hasp to their CEN rated padlock. […]

Attack / Strength testing of padlocks

You may have read the Insurance Grading article also and noticed that there are specific strengths that a padlock must meet in order to gain a specific insurance grade. As such, many of the major manufacturers have testing facilities to ensure their products meet the grade before taking them to market. Below is a video […]

SEAP and CPNI Approved Padlocks

Important Note: SEAP (Security Equipment Assessment Panel) was renamed CPNI in 2013 so for all intents and purposes they are the same thing but many people still use the SEAP name, probably since it is slightly easier to remember.   CPNI stands for Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure. They have many documents that […]

Which padlock does my insurance company require?

Your insurance company is likely to ask you for one of the following padlocks: 1. You must have a 5 lever padlock 2. You must have a closed shackle padlock 3. You must have a CEN graded padlock of 3 or more 4. You must have a Sold Secure padlock It is firstly important to […]

What is the BS EN 12320 Padlock Grade?

BS EN 12320 is the UK equivalent and watered down grading system similar to that of the CEN Grades created by the Association of Building Hardware Manufacturers. It aims to provider the reader with a concise document which includes a summary of relevant sections from the European standard. Download your original copy here (800kb) The […]

What is the CEN grade and how does it relate to padlocks?

CEN grade is a testing standard for padlocks and stands for Central European Norm. Major padlock manufacturers came together to devise a testing standard that was relevant to padlocks. Before this testing system was brought in, some insurance companies tried to use the door lock and safe standards but it simply did not work. You […]