Guide to Door Locks: Why TS007 and BS3621 Matter
Not all door locks are built to the same standard. Many homes still have older or basic locks fitted, particularly on uPVC and timber doors. While these may have been perfectly adequate when originally installed, security standards and common attack methods have evolved over time, meaning some older locks do not offer the same level of resistance as modern TS007 or BS3621-rated products.
At KeyChanges BCP, we focus on planned lock changes using quality, tested products suited to your property. My background in policing and security work has also provided first-hand experience of how different locks perform and why a recognised standard should always be considered.
TS007 Euro Cylinder Locks
TS007 applies to euro cylinder locks, commonly fitted to uPVC and composite doors.
Older cylinders may be more vulnerable to methods such as lock snapping. TS007-rated cylinders are designed and tested to improve resistance.
- 1-star: used with additional security hardware
- 3-star: full protection built into the cylinder
Upgrading the cylinder alone is often a simple and effective security improvement.
BS3621 is the British Standard for mortice locks, and is also used for some night latches, although it is most commonly associated with mortice locks on timber doors.
These locks are:
- independently tested
- often required by insurers
- identifiable by the British Standard kite mark
They are designed to resist forced entry and provide a recognised benchmark for external door security.
Why Standards Matter
In many cases, it’s not the door that fails — it’s the lock fitted to it.
Different types of locks can be vulnerable to different methods of attack, including snapping, bumping or slipping, depending on their design and quality.
Modern standards such as TS007 and BS3621 are intended to improve resistance against these types of weaknesses and provide a more consistent level of security. They are also commonly referenced in home insurance policies.
When to Consider an Upgrade
- moving home
- change of tenant
- lost or unreturned keys
- older or unmarked locks
- Insurance compliance
Need Advice?
If you’re unsure what locks you currently have, we can provide straightforward advice and recommend suitable upgrades if needed.
If you’d like help improving your door security, we provide planned lock upgrades across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.