I’ve received my U600 and really like how it works so far. I won’t go into too much detail about the product itself as I’m conscious this is an early-access unit and I’m not sure how much we’re permitted to discuss publicly.
However, I do have one concern that is currently stopping me from installing it permanently on my main entrance door: physical security and certification .
For comparison, I currently use an Aqara U200 on this door. One of the things I’m comfortable with about the U200 is that it operates the existing lock and cylinder, so the original physical security of the door remains in place. In my case, that’s an independently tested cylinder with a TS 007 3-star rating.
The U600 takes a different approach. The existing cylinder is removed, so the U600 itself becomes a much more significant part of the door’s physical security. Rather than retaining my existing certified cylinder, we’re now relying on the U600’s mechanism, including its emergency key system, to control access to the multipoint locking mechanism.
That’s the part I’d really appreciate some clarification from Aqara about.
1. Emergency keys
Are the two emergency keys supplied with each U600 uniquely keyed to that individual lock?
I assume they are, but given that these provide a mechanical means of operating the lock, I’d like to confirm that different U600 units cannot be operated using the same emergency key.
2. Physical security of the key and locking mechanism
How resistant is the emergency key cylinder/mechanism to attacks such as picking, drilling or physical forcing?
More importantly, has the U600, its emergency locking mechanism, or the complete U600 locking system been independently tested or certified to any recognised UK physical-security standard?
For example:
- TS 007
- PAS 24
- BS 3621 / BS 8621
- BS EN 14846
- or another equivalent/relevant standard
If it has, could Aqara provide details of the exact certification achieved and, ideally, the relevant certificate or test report?
If it hasn’t currently been independently certified to a physical-security standard, does Aqara intend to obtain such certification?
This is particularly important to me because the cylinder I’m removing is already independently tested and carries a TS 007 3-star rating. I don’t want to unknowingly reduce the physical security of the door by replacing a certified component with one whose resistance to physical attack hasn’t been independently assessed.
There’s also the question of home insurance .
Some UK insurers specify minimum security standards for external doors, and potentially replacing a certified cylinder with an uncertified smart-lock mechanism could affect theft cover or a subsequent claim.
I can’t actually find a specific minimum lock standard in my own Allianz policy documents, so I’m contacting them separately to get written confirmation about the U600.
However, I suspect many people buying the U600 won’t think to check this before installing it. Given that the U600 is specifically designed for UK-style doors, I think it would be useful for Aqara to clarify what independent physical-security testing/certification the U600 has undergone, or what certification is planned.
I’m very keen to use the U600 permanently. I just want to be confident that moving from the U200 to the U600 isn’t also moving from a known, independently certified physical-security component to something of unknown physical-security performance.
@Aimer - is this something you can answer, or find out?
, are there any plans to bring the U600 here? As mentioned above, this style of door is just as common in Irish homes as in the UK, so it looks like a natural fit. Matter over Thread is a big draw for me too, since it would slot straight into my Home Assistant setup. I’d happily test one if an Ireland trial ever comes up!
as I have decided to go down the rabbit hole of buying Aqara products for my Home assistant house…