Understanding TS007, PAS24, BS3621, EN1303, Secured by Design & Insurance Requirements

When shopping for a new lock or reading about door security, you'll often see references to standards such as TS007, PAS24 or BS3621. While these codes may appear confusing, they provide valuable information about how products have been tested and the level of protection they are designed to offer.

Not every standard measures the same thing. Some apply to complete door sets, while others relate to individual locks, cylinders or handles. Understanding these differences makes it easier to compare products and choose suitable security upgrades.

Why Security Standards Exist

• Independent testing
• Consistent performance
• Consumer confidence
• Insurance requirements
• Building regulations
• Manufacturer accountability

British Standards vs European Standards

Explain:

• British Standards (BS)
• European Standards (EN)
• Publicly Available Specifications (PAS)
• Technical Specifications (TS)

If you've been researching door security, you'll often see products tested to BS, EN, PAS, or TS standards. It's easy to assume they all mean the same thing, but they don't. Each type of standard has a different purpose, and a single door can legitimately comply with several of them at the same time.

Understanding what these standards mean helps you compare products properly and avoid confusing marketing claims.

TS007 Explained

Cover:

• What it applies to
• 1 Star cylinders
• 2 Star handles
• 3 Star cylinders
• Attack testing
• Anti-snap performance

PAS24 Explained

Explain:

• Entire door assembly
• Physical attack testing
• Door
• Frame
• Hinges
• Locks
• Hardware
• Glazing

PAS 24 is a Publicly Available Specification that assesses the security of a complete door assembly, rather than an individual lock or component. During testing, the door, frame, hinges, locking system, hardware and glazing are evaluated together to determine how well the finished doorset resists attempted forced entry.

The aim of PAS 24 is to ensure that all parts of the door work together as an effective security system. A door that meets PAS 24 has successfully passed recognised physical attack tests, demonstrating that the complete assembly—not just the lock—provides a defined level of security.

BS3621 and BS8621 Explained

Discuss:

• Mortice sash locks
• Five lever locks
• Insurance requirements
• Kitemarked
• Timber doors
• Deadlocking

EN1303 Explained

Cover:

• Euro cylinders
• Durability
• Corrosion resistance
• Key security
• Attack resistance
• Classification system

EN 1303 is the European Standard for cylinder locks, including the euro profile cylinders commonly fitted to uPVC, composite and aluminium doors. It sets performance requirements and testing methods to ensure cylinders meet recognised levels of quality, durability and security.

During testing, cylinders are assessed for factors including durability, corrosion resistance, key security and resistance to attack, before being awarded a classification based on their performance in each category. While EN 1303 measures the overall performance of a cylinder, it does not specifically assess resistance to lock snapping—that is covered separately by TS007. As a result, many high-security cylinders are certified to both EN 1303 and TS007.

Secured by Design

Explain:

• Police initiative
• Crime prevention
• Product accreditation
• New-build housing

Secured by Design (SBD) is a police-backed initiative that promotes products and building designs proven to help reduce crime. Rather than being a testing standard itself, it recognises products that have successfully met recognised independent security standards and are considered suitable for improving the security of homes and buildings.

Secured by Design accreditation is widely specified in new-build housing, social housing and commercial developments. Products carrying the SBD logo have demonstrated that they meet the scheme's security requirements, giving homeowners, developers and architects confidence that they have been independently assessed for crime prevention.

Sold Secure

Discuss:

• Independent testing
• Security classifications
• Residential products
• Relationship to door hardware

Sold Secure is an independent testing and certification scheme owned by the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA). It evaluates security products against recognised attack methods to determine how well they resist theft and forced entry, helping consumers compare products based on independently verified performance rather than marketing claims.

Products that pass testing are awarded security classifications, such as Bronze, Silver, Gold or Diamond (depending on the product category), which indicate the level of protection they provide. Sold Secure certifies a wide range of residential security products, including padlocks, bicycle locks, chains, safes and some door hardware. Unlike PAS 24, which tests a complete door assembly, Sold Secure focuses on the security performance of individual products and components.

CE & UKCA Marking

Explain:

• Product conformity
• Safety requirements
• Difference from security testing

Insurance Requirements

• Home insurance
• Lock requirements
• Timber doors
• uPVC doors
• Composite doors

Insurance Requirements

Many home insurance policies include minimum security requirements for external doors, although the exact requirements vary between insurers. These may specify particular types of locks or require products that meet recognised security standards. It's always worth checking your policy to ensure your locks comply with your insurer's conditions.

For timber doors, insurers commonly specify a BS 3621 mortice lock or an equivalent level of security. uPVC and composite doors are typically fitted with multipoint locking systems, so insurers are more likely to require that the door has an appropriate locking system and meets recognised security standards rather than specifying a BS 3621 lock. If you're unsure whether your existing locks satisfy your policy, your insurer or a qualified locksmith can advise.

Which Standards Matter Most?

Include a comparison table.

Choosing Products Using Standards

Explain:

When buying:

• Euro cylinders
• Handles
• Composite doors
• Timber doors
• New doors
• Replacement hardware

How Standards Can Help You Choose the Right Product

Security standards can make it much easier to compare products and choose components that are suitable for your door. Rather than relying on marketing claims, look for products that have been independently tested to recognised standards relevant to the item you're buying.

When choosing a euro cylinder, look for EN 1303 certification for overall performance and TS007 certification if you want protection against lock snapping. For door handles, a 2 Star TS007 security handle can be combined with a 1 Star cylinder to provide the same level of snap resistance as a 3 Star cylinder. If you're buying a new composite or timber door, look for a doorset that has been tested to PAS 24, particularly if enhanced security is important or it's required by a developer or insurer.

When replacing locks, cylinders, handles or other hardware, always choose products that are compatible with your existing door and locking system. The highest-rated component won't provide its intended level of security if it's the wrong size, incorrectly fitted or incompatible with the rest of the door.

Common Misunderstandings

Door security standards can be confusing, and it's easy to misunderstand what they actually apply to. Here are some of the most common misconceptions.

PAS 24 is not a lock

PAS 24 is a security specification for a complete door or window assembly. It assesses how the door, frame, lock, hinges, glazing and other components work together to resist forced entry. It is not a lock or locking mechanism.

TS007 doesn't apply to every lock type

TS007 only applies to euro profile cylinders and compatible security door furniture. It was developed to address lock snapping on uPVC, composite and similar doors. It does not apply to mortice locks, rim locks, night latches or every type of locking system.

BS 3621 and BS 8621 don't apply to multipoint locking mechanisms

BS 3621 and BS 8621 are standards for specific types of lock assemblies, typically used on timber doors with mortice locks. They are not standards for multipoint locking mechanisms commonly found on uPVC and composite doors, which are generally tested to standards such as EN 12209.

A more expensive product isn't automatically more secure

Price alone doesn't determine security. Some premium products offer additional features, improved finishes or longer warranties rather than increased protection. Independent testing and recognised security standards are a far better guide than price.

A security-rated lock still requires correct installation

Even the highest-rated lock can perform poorly if it is fitted incorrectly, used with incompatible components or installed on a damaged or poorly aligned door. Security standards assume that products are installed correctly and maintained in good working order.

One certification doesn't mean every component is certified

A door may have a PAS 24 certification, while individual components also carry their own certifications, such as EN 1303 or TS007. Equally, a component meeting one standard doesn't automatically mean the entire door assembly has been tested to PAS 24.

Standards don't guarantee immunity from burglary

Security standards demonstrate that a product has met defined testing requirements, but no lock or door can be described as completely burglar-proof. Given enough time and the right tools, almost any physical security product can be defeated. The aim of recognised standards is to make forced entry significantly more difficult and time-consuming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TS007?

TS007 is a Technical Specification that measures how well euro cylinder locks and security handles resist lock snapping. A 3 Star cylinder provides snap resistance on its own, while a 1 Star cylinder must be paired with a 2 Star security handle to achieve the same overall level of protection.

Do I need a 3 Star cylinder?

Not always. A 3 Star cylinder is the simplest way to achieve protection against lock snapping. However, a 1 Star cylinder combined with a 2 Star security handle provides an equivalent level of TS007 protection. The best option depends on your existing door furniture and budget.

Is PAS 24 required by law?

No. PAS 24 is not a legal requirement for most homeowners. However, it is widely specified for new-build homes, commercial buildings and developments where enhanced security is required. Many developers and housing associations choose PAS 24 because it demonstrates that the complete door assembly has passed recognised security testing.

What does BS 3621 mean?

BS 3621 is a British Standard for thief-resistant lock assemblies. It specifies minimum requirements for security, durability and resistance to attack, and many insurers recognise it as an acceptable standard for external door locks.

Is Secured by Design compulsory?

No. Secured by Design is a voluntary police-backed accreditation scheme. It isn't required by law, but many developers, local authorities and housing providers specify it because it promotes products that have met recognised independent security standards.

Are insurance-approved locks mandatory?

Not necessarily. There is no single "insurance-approved" lock. Instead, insurers often specify that locks meet particular standards, such as BS 3621, or require a certain type of locking system. Always check your own policy to see what your insurer requires.

What standard applies to uPVC doors?

There isn't one single standard for a uPVC door. Different components may comply with different standards. For example, the multipoint lock may meet EN 12209, the cylinder may meet EN 1303 and TS007, while the complete door assembly may be tested to PAS 24.

Does a composite door need PAS 24?

Not necessarily. A composite door can still be secure without PAS 24 certification. However, PAS 24 provides independent evidence that the complete door assembly has successfully passed recognised forced-entry tests and is commonly specified for new doors.

Is EN 1303 important?

Yes. EN 1303 is the European Standard for cylinder locks and assesses factors such as durability, key security, corrosion resistance and resistance to attack. While it doesn't specifically test lock snapping, it remains an important indicator of a cylinder's overall quality and performance.

Can I upgrade my existing door to meet modern standards?

In many cases, yes. Existing uPVC and composite doors can often be improved by fitting a higher-security cylinder, upgrading to security handles, replacing worn components or repairing faulty locking mechanisms. However, an older door cannot usually be retrospectively certified to PAS 24, as that standard applies to the complete door assembly as tested by the manufacturer. A locksmith can advise which upgrades are practical for your particular door.

Conclusion

Understanding door security standards doesn't have to be complicated. Each standard has a specific purpose—some assess individual components, while others evaluate the security of an entire door assembly. By knowing what BS, EN, PAS and TS standards actually mean, you can compare products with confidence and avoid being misled by marketing terminology.

Whether you're replacing a lock, upgrading a cylinder or choosing a new door, recognised standards provide reassurance that a product has been independently tested for security, durability or performance. While no single standard guarantees the "best" product for every situation, they offer a reliable way to narrow your options and select products that are appropriate for your property and security needs.

If you're unsure which standards apply to your existing door or what upgrades are worthwhile, a specialist locksmith can assess your current setup and recommend the most suitable solution without replacing parts that don't need changing.