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.
For wooden doors with mortice locks: look for BS3621. For uPVC/composite doors with Euro cylinders: look for TS007 3-star. These are the main UK standards referenced by insurance policies. Other ratings (Sold Secure, PAS 24) add confidence but these two are the essentials.
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
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.
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
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.