Lock security ratings exist to help you compare products and meet insurance requirements. But the alphabet soup of standards—BS3621, TS007, Sold Secure, Euro grades—can be confusing.
This guide explains what each rating means and which ones matter for your situation.
Why Ratings Matter
For Security
Ratings indicate tested protection against specific attacks:
- Locks must resist picking, drilling, snapping
- Testing by independent labs, not manufacturer claims
- Minimum performance thresholds to achieve certification
For Insurance
Ratings are referenced in policy conditions:
- “BS3621 mortice lock required”
- “Anti-snap cylinders recommended”
- Non-compliant locks may affect claims
For Comparison
Without ratings, choosing the right lock is guesswork:
- Price doesn’t equal quality
- Appearance doesn’t indicate protection
- Ratings provide objective benchmark
"A rating isn’t just a sticker—it’s proof that an independent lab tried to defeat the lock and failed (within the rating’s scope).
BS3621: The Mortice Lock Standard
What It Covers
BS3621 is the British Standard for high-security mortice locks. It applies to:
- Mortice deadlocks
- Mortice sashlocks
- Installed in wooden doors
What’s Required
To achieve BS3621, locks must have:
| Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 5 levers minimum | Key complexity |
| 1,000+ key differs | Prevents chance matching |
| 14mm+ bolt throw | Resist forcing |
| Hardened bolt roller | Anti-saw protection |
| Anti-drill features | Protects mechanism |
| Anti-pick elements | Resists manipulation |
How to Identify
Look for:
- BSI Kitemark on the faceplate
- “BS3621” stamped on the lock
- Certification number from manufacturer
If in doubt, check with manufacturer or have a locksmith verify.
What It Doesn’t Cover
BS3621 certifies the lock only, not:
- The door it’s installed in
- The frame and strike plate
- How well it’s installed
- The overall door security
TS007: The Cylinder Standard
What It Covers
TS007 is the British Standard for enhanced security cylinders. It applies to:
- Euro profile cylinders
- Used in uPVC and composite doors
- Tested for attack resistance
The Star System
TS007 uses a 3-star system:
| Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 1-star | Cylinder resists some attacks but needs supporting handle |
| 2-star | Handle/hardware provides additional protection |
| 3-star | Cylinder ALONE resists all defined attacks |
How Stars Combine
| Cylinder | + Handle | = Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1-star | + 2-star | = 3-star |
| 3-star | + 0-star | = 3-star |
The key: You need 3-star total protection, achieved either by:
- A 3-star cylinder alone, OR
- A 1-star cylinder with 2-star handle
What 3-Star Protects Against
| Attack | Protection |
|---|---|
| Snapping | Sacrificial break point or snap-resistant design |
| Drilling | Hardened pins and housing |
| Picking | Anti-pick features |
| Bumping | Anti-bump technology |
| Plug pulling | Secure plug retention |
Other Ratings You’ll Encounter
Sold Secure
Independent testing organisation with ratings:
- Bronze: Basic protection
- Silver: Enhanced protection
- Gold: High-end protection
- Diamond: Premium protection
Applied to various security products including locks, safes, and bike security.
PAS 24
Standard for complete door security (not just locks):
- Tests the entire door as a unit
- Includes frame, hinges, glazing, hardware
- Developer/manufacturer typically certifies complete doors
- Useful when buying new doors
Secured by Design
Police-preferred specification:
- Recommends security-tested products
- Works with manufacturers on standards
- Indicates police confidence in product
European EN Standards
| Standard | Applies To |
|---|---|
| EN 1303 | Cylinder security grading |
| EN 12209 | Mechanically operated locks |
| EN 1627-1630 | Resistance to burglary |
European standards may be referenced but UK insurance typically specifies BS3621 and TS007.
Matching Ratings to Door Types
Wooden Doors (Mortice Locks)
Primary standard: BS3621
| Lock Type | Rating to Seek |
|---|---|
| Deadlock | BS3621 5-lever |
| Sashlock | BS3621 5-lever |
| Rim lock | Not typically rated—add mortice for security |
uPVC/Composite Doors (Euro Cylinders)
Primary standard: TS007 3-star
| Situation | Rating to Seek |
|---|---|
| Cylinder upgrade | TS007 3-star cylinder |
| New door | PAS 24 tested complete door |
| Handle upgrade | TS007 2-star (if using 1-star cylinder) |
What About Multi-Lock Doors?
Some wooden doors have both:
- Mortice lock (BS3621)
- Euro cylinder (TS007)
Ensure both meet appropriate standards.
"Rating confusion often comes from applying wrong standard to wrong lock type. Mortice = BS3621. Euro cylinder = TS007. Know which you have, then seek the right rating.
Insurance Requirements
Typical Policy Wording
Common requirements you’ll find:
“Fitted with a 5-lever mortice deadlock conforming to BS3621”
“Key-operated locks on all external doors”
“Anti-snap cylinders recommended for uPVC doors”
What “Recommended” vs “Required” Means
- Required: Mandatory for coverage
- Recommended/Expected: May affect claims
- No mention: Check with insurer directly
Checking Compliance
- Find your policy documents
- Search for “security” or “locks” section
- Note specific requirements mentioned
- Compare to what you have installed
- Address any gaps
Upgrading to Meet Standards
From Non-Rated to BS3621
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Verify door takes standard mortice |
| 2 | Purchase BS3621 rated lock |
| 3 | Have locksmith fit and test |
| 4 | Retain certification documentation |
Cost: £100-200 fitted
From Standard to TS007 3-Star
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Measure existing cylinder |
| 2 | Purchase TS007 3-star replacement |
| 3 | Fit (DIY possible or professional) |
| 4 | Retain certification |
Cost: £60-150 fitted
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between BS3621 and TS007?
BS3621 applies to mortice locks (installed inside wooden doors). TS007 applies to Euro cylinders (used in uPVC and composite doors). Different standards for different lock types.
Does my insurance require specific lock grades?
Many policies require BS3621 for wooden doors and TS007 3-star (or equivalent anti-snap cylinders) for uPVC/composite. Check your policy documents or ask your insurer directly.
Is a higher star rating always better?
For TS007, 3-star means the cylinder alone provides full protection. 1-star cylinder with 2-star handle equals 3-star total. The combination matters for installation context.
What if my lock has no visible certification mark?
It may be unrated or the mark may be obscured. If in doubt, assume it's not certified. A locksmith can often identify lock type and advise on rating.
Do I need the same grade lock on all doors?
All external doors should meet your insurance requirements. Back doors, side doors, and garage access doors need the same attention as the front door.
Are European stars different from British standards?
Somewhat. European EN standards exist but UK insurance typically references BS3621 and TS007 specifically. Ensure whatever standard is met, it satisfies your UK insurer.
How can I tell if my current lock meets BS3621?
Look for the BSI Kitemark and BS3621 marking on the faceplate. Certified locks have these stamps. If absent, the lock likely doesn't meet the standard.
Is there a rating that covers the complete door, not just the lock?
Yes—PAS 24 tests the entire door assembly including frame, hinges, glazing, and hardware as a complete unit. This is useful when specifying new doors rather than upgrading locks.
Summary
| Door Type | Primary Standard | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden | BS3621 | Kitemark on faceplate |
| uPVC | TS007 3-star | Kitemark and star rating |
| Composite | TS007 3-star | Kitemark and star rating |
Ratings matter because they verify protection claims and satisfy insurance requirements. When choosing or upgrading locks, look for these certifications—they’re the difference between marketing promises and tested security.