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BSI 3 Star Locks: The Guide to Maximum Security Compliance

For trade professionals involved in managing security, specifying the right cylinder lock isn’t just about functionality; it’s about meeting industry standards, ensuring compliance, and protecting your clients’ assets. According to the latest Crime Survey for England and Wales by the Office for National Statistics, 67% of domestic burglaries involve entry through the front of the property.

With rising break-in techniques like cylinder snapping, bumping, and drilling, the BSI 3 Star Kitemark under TS007 has become the benchmark for high-security locks. Here’s what trade professionals need to know.

Why TS007 & BSI 3 Star Standards Matter for Trade Installations
Key Industry Standards that need to be met:

Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 24:2022 is a UK security standard for doors and windows, ensuring they can resist unauthorised access. This standard involves rigorous testing to assess resistance to both manual attacks and simulated burglary attempts. It is often specified in social housing and commercial builds to enhance security.

Building Regulations Part Q

Approved Document Q of the Building Regulations mandates that new residential developments must have secure doors and windows to resist physical attacks by burglars. This regulation ensures that all new homes are built with security in mind, providing a baseline level of protection against unauthorised access.

Secured by Design (SBD)

Secured by Design is an initiative by the UK police that sets a police-preferred specification for security products. Products that meet SBD standards have been independently tested and certified to deter or prevent crime. This accreditation is highly regarded and often recommended for reducing burglary risk.

In scenarios where these standards apply, using a 3-star-rated Cylinder Lock is not just recommended but essential to meet the required security levels and ensure compliance with these stringent standards.

The Tests That Matter: What Makes a 3-Star Lock?

Test: Attack Method Resisted:

TS007 Snapping, drilling, bumping, picking and plug extraction

BS 3621 Thief-resistant mortice & euro cylinder standards

BS EN 1303:2005 Durability, corrosion, fire resistance

PAS24 Full door set security under attack

BS 3621- Explained

The British Standard 3621 sets standards for lock security under attack, such as drilling and picking, as well as product design and functionality standards, such as bolt length.

BS 3621 applies to mortice deadlocks,euro deadlocks, sash locks and cylinder locks and locks that are all operable from either end, ensuring security from both sides of the door.

With 67% of burglars entering homes through the front door, Locks are the first line of defence. Yet, many UK homeowners don’t realise their locks might not meet their insurance requirements. BS3621 locks could be the difference between a secured home and a rejected insurance claim.

What is BS3621?

BS3621 is a quality mark for locks, showing they can resist common break-ins. It was introduced by the British Standards Institution (BSI) over 60 years ago.

While not legally required, many insurance companies demand BS3621 locks for home policies. Without them, claims might be rejected if a break-in occurs.

If a lock doesn’t meet BS3621 standards, insurance might not cover stolen items or damages, leaving customers to pay and possibly unhappy with the service received from a locksmith.

How to Identify a BS3621 Lock

Find the BSI Kitemark Look for a distinctive heart-shaped symbol with an “S” inside it on the profile of the cylinder (the part where you insert the key).

This BSI Kitemark proves the lock has passed strict testing.

TS007 BSI Security Symbol

What Makes a Cylinder BS3621 Certified?

A cylinder lock itself can’t be BS3621 certified – the BS3621 certification applies to a complete lock assembly, not just the cylinder. However, the cylinder plays a crucial role in helping a lock meet BS3621 requirements

Here’s what makes a complete lock (including the cylinder) BS3621 certified:

The lock must be key-operated from both inside and outside

No thumbturns on the inside – both sides must require a key.

The lock must include a deadbolt with a minimum throw (typically 20mm).

The lock must resist forced entry techniques, including:

Drilling

Picking

Sawing

Manipulation

Cylinder security matters – the cylinder used must be:

Anti-pick

Anti-drill

Anti-bump

Snap-resistant (in newer updates like onwards)

The entire lock assembly (case + cylinder) must be tested and certified together by an accredited body like the British Standards Institution (BSI) and bear the kitemark. BS EN 1303: 2005 – Explained

The BS EN 1303: 2005 classifies lock Cylinders based on eight categories, including use, durability, door mass, fire resistance, safety, corrosion and temperature resistance, key-related security, and attack resistance.

When it comes to ensuring that door security meets industry standards, there are two main routes to compliance. Each option has its own set of advantages and considerations, making it important to choose the right solution based on your specific needs and preferences. Below, we outline the pros and cons of both approaches to help you make an informed decision.

PAS24- Explained

The Publicly Available Specification is overseen by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and provides testing standards for the security performance of windows and doors when under attack. Within this, the performance of the door set, including door hardware, is thoroughly tested.

TS007-What does the standard cover?

TS007 makes it easy to improve door security by mixing and matching different locks and hardware. This gives locksmiths and installers flexible ways to reach the highest security rating (three stars).

The standard sets tough security requirements but doesn’t force one specific solution. You can either:

Upgrade just the lock Cylinder

Or use a stronger Cylinder along with reinforced door handles and hardware.

See the below table to help in identifying the possible star options:

There are two ways to achieve the required 3 star under TS007 standards:

1 Star Cylinder

+2 Star Security Hardware

= 3 Stars

3 Star Cylinder

= 3 Stars

1 Star Rating To earn this rating, a Cylinder must meet the security standards of BS 3621:2007 and some key requirements from BS EN 1303:2005.

2 Star Rating

To earn a two-star rating, security hardware must undergo protection testing similar to the PAS 24 cylinder test. Additionally, the hardware’s durability and corrosion resistance are evaluated according to the European handle standard EN 1906:2010.

3 Star Rating

To achieve a three-star rating, a Cylinder must fulfil the criteria of a one-star cylinder and withstand an attack similar to the PAS Cylinder test without any protective hardware. TS007 Compliant Cylinders: Engineered for Maximum Security & Peace of Mind

We understand the importance of keeping customers’ doors secure, which is why our TS007-certified Cylinders are tested to the highest standards. Every product in our range is independently tested at UKAS-accredited facilities, so you can trust our locks to protect against break-ins.

Want to see for yourself? Here is an example relating to the Ultion TS007 3 Star showing the full test reports we provide for professional installers and specifiers who need verified performance.

For extra peace of mind, see our Featured Cylinders which have dual certification, meeting both TS007 and other key security standards. These featured products are perfect for projects where high levels of security is a must.