What Do All the Security Ratings Actually Mean?
If you've ever looked at replacing a door lock or upgrading your home's security, you've probably seen terms such as TS007, Secured by Design, BS3621 or insurance approved.
While these markings can look confusing, they all serve the same purpose — helping homeowners identify products that have been independently tested to recognised security standards.
Understanding what these standards mean makes it much easier to choose locks that offer proven protection rather than relying on marketing claims alone.
Understanding TS007 Ratings
TS007 is a British security specification developed specifically for euro profile cylinders and security door handles.
It was introduced following the increase in lock snapping attacks on euro cylinders fitted to many uPVC and composite doors.
Rather than simply testing whether a lock works, TS007 evaluates how well it resists forced attack.
There are two common ways of meeting the TS007 standard:
Option 1
A 3-Star TS007 euro cylinder fitted on its own.
This provides the highest level of protection without requiring a security handle.
Option 2
A 1-Star TS007 euro cylinder used together with a 2-Star TS007 security handle.
Together they provide the same overall three-star level of protection.
This combination is popular because the reinforced handle helps shield the cylinder from attack.
What Is Lock Snapping?
Lock snapping is a method of attacking older euro cylinders by applying force to the section of the cylinder that projects beyond the handle.
Modern TS007-rated cylinders are designed with features such as:
- Sacrificial break sections.
- Reinforced cores.
- Hardened steel components.
- Protected cam mechanisms.
These features make successful attacks significantly more difficult than with older cylinder designs.
Secured by Design Explained
Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative that encourages the use of products designed and tested to reduce crime.
Rather than manufacturing locks itself, Secured by Design recognises products that have successfully met appropriate independent security standards.
Products carrying Secured by Design recognition are generally required to demonstrate resistance to common methods of forced entry while also meeting relevant quality and durability requirements.
The scheme applies to a wide range of products including:
Choosing recognised products provides additional reassurance that they have been independently assessed rather than simply described as "high security."
Insurance Standards for Domestic Door Locks Explained
Many home insurance policies require external doors to have suitable locks fitted.
The exact requirements vary between insurers and depend on factors such as:
- Property type.
- Door construction.
- Risk assessment.
- Policy conditions.
Common requirements include:
- Key-operated locks on external doors.
- Multipoint locking systems on uPVC and composite doors.
- British Standard mortice locks on timber doors.
- Locks fitted and maintained in good working order.
It is always worth checking your individual policy documents, as requirements can differ between insurers.
Common Standards You May See
When purchasing locks, you may also come across other recognised standards.
BS3621
Commonly associated with mortice locks fitted to timber entrance doors.
It specifies performance requirements for thief-resistant locks.
BS EN 1303
Applies to euro cylinders.
It assesses characteristics such as:
- Durability.
- Key security.
- Corrosion resistance.
- Attack resistance.
PAS 24
Applies to complete door and window systems rather than individual locks.
Testing evaluates the overall resistance of the door assembly to methods of forced entry.
SS312 Diamond
A high-security cylinder standard that includes testing against:
- Lock snapping.
- Drilling.
- Picking.
- Bumping.
- Plug extraction.
Products meeting this standard offer a high level of resistance to several common attack methods.
Read more:
Does a Higher Rating Mean a Better Lock?
Not necessarily.
Security standards assess specific characteristics.
A lock with a higher security rating may offer greater resistance to certain forms of attack, but the overall security of your door also depends on:
- Correct installation.
- Door alignment.
- Strong hinges.
- Secure frame.
- Suitable handles.
- Proper maintenance.
Even the highest-rated cylinder cannot compensate for a poorly aligned or damaged door.
Choosing the Right Security Upgrade
When improving the security of your entrance door, consider the complete system rather than focusing on one component.
A sensible upgrade may include:
- A high-security euro cylinder.
- TS007-rated security handles.
- A properly functioning multipoint locking mechanism.
- Correct door alignment.
- Secure keeps and hinges.
Together these components provide a much higher level of protection than replacing the cylinder alone.
Look at:
The Complete Guide to Upgrading Your Door Locks for Better Home Security
Independent Testing Provides Confidence
Security standards exist to give homeowners confidence that products have been independently tested rather than simply advertised as secure. Ratings such as TS007, Secured by Design recognition, BS3621, BS EN 1303, PAS 24 and SS312 Diamond each assess different aspects of performance, from resistance to forced entry and lock snapping to durability and corrosion resistance. Understanding what these standards represent makes it easier to choose appropriate products and ensure your entrance door provides the level of security expected by both homeowners and, where applicable, insurance providers.
