American vs. European Locks: Why Standards Matter More Than You Think
When it comes to home security, most people assume all locks are built the same — a key, a latch, a handle. But that’s far from the truth. American and European locks follow completely different standards and philosophies.
If you’ve ever moved between the U.S. and Europe and tried replacing your front door lock, you probably noticed the mismatch. What fits in New York doesn’t fit in Berlin.
Understanding these differences helps homeowners — especially those considering smart locks like WELOCK Euro Cylinder Smart Lock — make smarter decisions for security and convenience.
1. The Core Design Difference: Deadbolt vs. Euro Cylinder
American locks typically rely on deadbolts — a thick rectangular bolt that slides into the frame. It’s strong and simple. European locks, however, use the Euro cylinder, a modular design standardized across the continent.
This modularity allows homeowners to replace just the cylinder without changing the entire mechanism — ideal for quick upgrades to smart locks such as WELOCK U81, which fits seamlessly into existing Euro-profile doors.
2. Security Philosophy: Layers vs. Structure
American locks tend to rely on heavier materials and mechanical strength. Many homeowners trust the weight of a solid brass deadbolt to deter burglars. But physical strength alone doesn’t always equal smarter security.
European locks, on the other hand, emphasize multi-point locking systems. When you lift the handle, several bolts engage along the door frame — not just one. That means force entry is far harder, even if a burglar manages to pick the main cylinder.
This structural difference also explains why European smart locks often integrate directly with these multi-point systems. For example, the WELOCK Touch41 or U81 Smart Lock can lock and unlock multi-point mechanisms electronically, giving homeowners modern convenience without compromising traditional European security standards.
3. Size and Compatibility Between American (ANSI) and European (EN) Lock Standards
| Feature | American Standard (ANSI/BHMA) | European Standard (EN 1303 / Euro Profile) |
|---|---|---|
| Door Thickness | Typically 1-3/8" to 1-3/4" (about 35–45 mm) | Usually 40–70 mm, with some thicker doors up to 115 mm |
| Backset (Distance from Door Edge to Bore Hole Center) | Two standard sizes: • 2-3/8" (≈60 mm) • 2-3/4" (≈70 mm) — 2-3/4" is common on exterior doors, 2-3/8" on interior or older doors. | Typically 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, or 45 mm, depending on the lock body and door design. |
| Bore Hole (Main Opening Diameter) | Main bore: 2-1/8" (≈54 mm) Latch bore: 1" (≈25 mm) | Usually a rectangular slot; cylinder size expressed as “30/30 mm”, “35/45 mm”, etc. (outer/inner lengths). |
| Cylinder Replacement | Entire deadbolt assembly is replaced as a unit. | Only the Euro cylinder is replaced — quick and modular. |
| Compatibility | American deadbolt holes and Euro cylinder profiles are not interchangeable. | Most European doors are EN-standard compatible, easily fitting smart locks like WELOCK Euro Cylinder Smart Lock. |
4. Installation and Maintenance: DIY vs. Precision
In the U.S., replacing a deadbolt is a true DIY project. You can buy a lockset from any hardware store, grab a screwdriver, and finish in under 15 minutes.
In Europe, the process is slightly more precise. Because Euro cylinders vary by a few millimeters in length, measuring your door thickness and door backset correctly is critical. But once measured, installation is equally simple — especially with modern solutions like the WELOCK Smart Lock , which slides into the existing cylinder slot and tightens with a single screw.
No wiring. No drilling. No locksmith fees.
That’s the beauty of the Euro standard — it’s standardized enough to make smart lock upgrades easy, yet flexible enough to fit thousands of door types across Europe.
For step-by-step visuals and video tutorials, visit the Smart Locks Installation Guide page to see how quickly you can set up your WELOCK device at home.
5. Smart Lock Adoption: U.S. Leads in Numbers, Europe in Design
The U.S. was quicker to adopt smart locks. Many integrate with Alexa or Apple HomeKit and focus on convenience — remote unlocks, digital keys, guest access.
Europe, however, is catching up fast, with a greater emphasis on aesthetic integration and privacy. Because of stricter GDPR regulations, European smart lock brands like WELOCK prioritize data security, encryption, and offline control. You can manage your lock via Bluetooth or Home Assistant without sending data to third-party servers.
And while American smart locks often replace the entire deadbolt, European smart locks like WELOCK only replace the cylinder module, keeping the door’s exterior hardware intact — a neater, more subtle look favored in modern European homes.
6. Which Is Better?
It really depends on where you live and what you value most when it comes to home security.
If you’re in North America, the classic deadbolt design remains the go-to for reliability and DIY convenience.
For those who want to modernize their existing setup without changing the whole door, WELOCK’s Keypad Smart Lock for American Cylinder offers a simple upgrade — combining traditional deadbolt strength with modern keyless access.
Explore WELOCK Smart Locks for American Cylinder Doors →
If you’re in Europe, the Euro cylinder system takes the lead. It’s modular, compatible with multi-point locking, and integrates perfectly into smart home ecosystems like Alexa or Home Assistant.
That’s why WELOCK’s Euro-Standard Smart Lock Collection — including fingerprint and electronic cylinder locks — has become a favorite among European homeowners who value both security and design.
Discover WELOCK Fingerprint Smart Locks for Euro Cylinder Doors →
But as global living becomes more connected, brands like WELOCK are bridging that gap — offering Euro-standard smart locks that deliver the same keyless convenience and security trusted in the U.S., while perfectly adapting to European door standards and lifestyles.
In the end, it’s not about East or West — it’s about choosing the system that fits your home, your habits, and your peace of mind.
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