American vs. European Multipoint Locks

It might not be apparent to those that are not well-versed in the intricacies of locks and their components, but there is a great deal of mechanical nuance between different lock types. 

Also, because of the different governing and regulatory bodies, there are (in some cases) considerable differences between American and European multipoint locks. This post will break down some of the differences.

What’s the Difference Between a Single Point and Multipoint Door Lock?

This should be the most straightforward part of this article, because the difference between a single point and multipoint lock is exactly what it sounds like. 

A single point lock secures the lock mechanism in the door at one point. Think of a single deadbolt, at its most basic, that’s a single point deadbolt.

A multipoint lock is a lock that secures the door at multiple points along the door frame. Some locks have cylinders, for example, that secure the door at the top and bottom of the frame/jamb. This is however an oversimplification, as the nature of the multipoint lock determines how many locking points they are, where they are engaged, and how they keep the door in place. 

Lock Standards

American and European multipoint locks also vary in lock standards. In North America, lock manufacturers adhere to standards established by the American National Standards Institute, also known as ANSI, as well as an authority called BHMA, or Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association. 

In Europe, European lock manufacturers adhere to a code called EN 1303. Even though these two sets of standards are not the same, both of them regulate benchmarks for security, durability, and performance. 

Construction and Design

While this is not universally true, many American lock designs rely on a deadbolt. This is a cylindrical or rectangular bar that slides into a corresponding locking point in the door. They are strong and simple, but typically only offer one point of security.  

Conversely, European lock designs are typically a multipoint locking design. European multipoint locks, since they secure the lock at multiple points, provide a higher level of ingress protection. Multipoint locks may use a combination of bolts, hooks, or rollers that engage the door not just at the top and bottom, but at the sides. 

In addition, European locks are also well-known for their ability to resist tampering, drilling, and picking due to their advanced design, thanks to features such as anti-pick pins and anti-drill plates. As for American locks, they are highly regarded for their ability to resist key duplication. 

It is important to note that it is the inherent design of a multipoint door lock that makes it superior to a single point lock when preventing unauthorized access. Both European and American multipoint locks are better than single point locks in this respect. 

Because multipoint door locks are generally more robust, and because they offer better protection against unauthorized access than single locks, they are better in areas where a higher degree of security must be maintained. They may also be preferred for exterior doors in harsh climates where a single point lock might be predisposed to failure. High-end custom or oversized doors that require a higher degree of impact resistance might also be better served by multipoint than single point locks. 

Layers and Structure 

One tendency of American lock designs is to lean heavily on simple ruggedness and strength. For instance, in a single point deadbolt lock, the lock would rely on the sheer strength of a solid brass or steel deadbolt to deter intrusion. 

Generally, European lock designs rely on multiple locking points to deter unauthorized access. Even if the main cylinder of a European multipoint lock were picked, there would still be additional locking points that would need to be disengaged or otherwise overcome in order to gain access by circumventing the lock. This produces a considerably more intricate lock that is more difficult to overcome, even though the strength of each individual locking point might be lesser than a single American-style deadbolt.

Simplicity of Design: Installation and Maintenance

In most cases, a single point American lock with a deadbolt is a set of hardware that can be installed at home, by a homeowner, with no special training and basic hand tools. The design of certain locks is so simple that pretty much anyone can manage installation. Maintenance is fairly straightforward as well. The lock should be kept clean and lubricated with an approved lock treatment, but beyond that not much else is required. 

As for European locks, installation can be a little more complex, especially when considering European multipoint locks that have several interrelated pieces. 

However, if the door meets European standards and corresponds very closely to the lock parts, including the cylinder slot, installation can be very straightforward and be done in a similarly simple fashion. 

Is One Better Than the Other? 

One is not necessarily better than the other. Even in the case of American single point locks, despite the fact that they don’t offer the same degree of security as multipoint locks, they are generally easier to install and simpler to maintain. 

That being said, there are numerous advantages associated with multipoint locks, whether they are European or not. Not only do multipoint locks uphold a higher standard of security against intrusion, because they do so, they might even offer you some benefits as a homeowner with respect to insurance. Get in touch with your insurance provider and see if they offer discounts on your policy premium for the use of multipoint locks around the home; they might. 

It may also be the case that European multipoint locks are more expensive than some American single point locks, which is another consideration that you will have to make. If the difficulty of installation and the overall cost of the lock are important determining factors in suitability, then the simpler option may be preferred in spite of the obvious security advantages of multipoint locks. 

Explore American and European Multipoint Door Lock Parts Here

Whether you’re here for a Hoppe multipoint lock, need lock parts or just want to learn more about the differences between American and European multipoint locks, we can help. Shop our collection and if you need help, give us a call to speak with a real human. We’ll help you find what you need.