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    • Home  / Smart Guides
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    A Comprehensive UK Guide to Mortise Locks and Smart Lock Compatibility

    November 15, 2024 4 min read

    ArdanShield infographic showing UK mortise lock types and smart lock compatibility — Single Latch, Dead Lock, Sliding, 5050, and 6068 high-security mortise locks.

    Mortise Locks (UK) — Sizes, Measuring & Smart Lock Compatibility

    Mortise locks are a durable, secure choice for UK doors — and a solid foundation for going smart. This guide explains common UK sizes, how to measure (backset & centres), and what to consider before choosing a smart lock.

    🇬🇧 Need fast advice? Send us a photo of your door edge (showing the lock plate) and we’ll confirm sizing and options.
    Contact ArdanShield • Email info@ardanshield.com

    What is a Mortise Lock?

    A mortise lock sits inside a pocket (the mortise) cut in the door edge. Unlike a simple tubular latch, the mortise case can combine latch + deadbolt, and is common on timber internal/external doors and many commercial doors.

    Mortise vs Tubular/Surface Locks

    • Mortise: robust case inside door; typically requires precise sizing; supports multi-function (latch + deadbolt).
    • Tubular/single latch: simpler bore; used by many retrofit smart locks.
    • Surface/nightlatch (e.g., “Yale style”): rim-mounted body on the door interior with an external cylinder.

    Common UK Mortise Sizes & Codes

    The codes below are widely used in UK hardware. Exact specs vary by manufacturer, so always measure your door’s existing lock before ordering.

    Code Typical Use Notes
    2885 Internal/external timber doors Compact case. Check backset and centres carefully.
    3085 / 3585 / 4085 / 4585 / 5085 / 6085 / 7085 Residential doors, varied backsets “xx85” families are common; choose by backset and door thickness.
    3092 / 3592 / 4092 / 4592 Doors needing deeper backset Often used where handle/cylinder spacing (centres) differs.
    5050 / 6068 Popular mortise families Frequently specified for smart integrations; confirm case depth.
    Sliding (e.g., 2885 sliding / 3585 sliding) Patio/balcony sliding doors Use sliding-specific mortise with hook/bolt profile.

    How to Measure Your Mortise Lock

    1. Backset: edge of door → centre of key/cylinder or spindle (commonly ~28–70 mm). This governs where your handle/cylinder sits.
    2. Centres (PZ): spindle centre → cylinder centre (e.g., 85 mm or 92 mm are common families).
    3. Case size: overall case depth/height inside the door pocket.
    4. Forend/faceplate: length/width of the visible plate on the door edge.

    Pro tip: Photograph the door edge (show the forend plate markings) and the inside handle set — this speeds up identification.

    Smart Lock Compatibility — What to Check

    • Door prep: Some smart locks retrofit to a single-latch/tubular prep; mortise doors may need a compatible mortise smart set or an alternative retrofit approach.
    • Power space: Ensure there’s room for batteries and cabling; some mortise cases limit space around the spindle/cylinder.
    • Signal path: For Wi-Fi gateways, keep ~5 m line-of-sight to reduce dropouts; prefer 2.4 GHz for range.
    • Platform: Choose TTLock (focused smart-lock control) or Tuya/Smart Life (broader whole-home automations).
    💡 Not sure if your door needs a mortise set or a tubular retrofit? Send us your photos — we’ll recommend the cleanest route.

    Popular Wi-Fi Smart Locks (UK)

    If your door uses a standard single-latch/tubular prep, these UK favourites offer fast install and reliable remote control:

    Browse all smart locks →

    If you’re upgrading or replacing a mortise-style door setup, the following smart locks offer the perfect combination of modern connectivity and traditional mortise strength — ideal for UK homes, rentals, and hotels seeking enhanced security.

    Fitting Out Hotels or Multi-Property?

    For multi-room, reception-managed setups, see our hotel collection and speak to us for the correct mortise cases and cylinders.

    Explore ArdanShield Hotel Series →

    Or contact our UK team for a quick specification check.

    Care & Maintenance

    • Lubrication: light, appropriate lock lubricant on moving parts — avoid oil that attracts dust.
    • Battery routine (smart sets): replace cells together; consider lithium AA in cold climates.
    • Firmware/app updates: keep your smart platform current for reliability and security patches.

    Related Reading

    🇬🇧 Quick check? Share your door photos and any size codes stamped on the forend plate — we’ll confirm compatibility the same day.
    Message support or email info@ardanshield.com.

    FAQ (UK)

    Can I add a smart lock to any mortise door?

    It depends on the mortise case and handle/cylinder layout. Some doors suit a tubular retrofit smart lock better. Send photos and we’ll advise.

    What are “backset” and “centres”?

    Backset is edge → spindle/cylinder centre. Centres is spindle → cylinder spacing (e.g., 85 mm/92 mm).

    Which platform should I pick — TTLock or Tuya?

    TTLock for focused lock features; Tuya/Smart Life for wider home automations (lights, cameras, sensors).

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