The 1 star and 3 star ratings were introduced in 2015 so it’s likely that you’ve already heard plenty about them. The purpose of this guide is to help understand the requirements of each standard and what the ratings mean.

 

Background

In 2015, Part Q of the building regulations was introduced, which required new dwellings to meet minimum security standards.

At that time, Secured by Design, the Door Hardware Federation and the Glass and Glazing Federation got together to create a new standard to help combat a rise in cylinders being defeated by bumping and snapping. After a couple of revisions, the standard became Technical Specification 007:2014 + A2:2018.

The idea was that cylinders should meet a level of security comparable to BS3621 (which we’ve all known for years for mortice locks) and PAS24 (which applies standards to complete door assemblies). The new TS007 standard would apply to replacement and retrofit applications, whereas part Q only applies to new dwellings.

 

What do the star ratings mean?

A 1* cylinder must meet the requirements of BS 3621:2017 and a minimum requirement for BS EN 1303:2015. Those standards cover tests against physical attack, key security, fire resistance, durability, plug extraction, and crucially, lock bumping.

A 3* cylinder must do all the above but also withstand an attack to the standards set out in PAS24. It must meet these standards without the benefit of security handles or escutcheons and so must resist an attack by snapping.

If you’d like to read the full standard, the DHF has some excellent resources on its website here:

https://www.dhfonline.org.uk/pg/publications/105.htm

 

So, a 1* doesn’t need to be resistant to attack by snapping?

One star cylinders do not need to meet this standard, that’s reserved for the 3* cylinders. However, a one-star cylinder can still feature protection against an attack by snapping. It’s important to remember that this feature doesn’t turn the cylinder into a 3* product, but it’s extra protection at a lower cost.

The TSS 1* cylinder features a shear line on both sides of unequal cylinders for additional protection against attack.

Click here to see the TSS British Standard 1* Euro Double Cylinders

 

What about 2 stars?

2* ratings are reserved for hardware, like door handles. The theory is that if you fit a 1* cylinder, with a 2* door handle, then you can still achieve a TS007 3* rating. A 2* set of handles can provide the additional PAS24 protection that a 3* cylinder achieves.

So 1* + 2* = 3*.

Here are some 2* handles we stock.

 

 

How do you spot a star-rated cylinder?

It’s a requirement that the cylinder features the Kitemark symbol with the number of stars on its face so that it can be seen when fitted. You may also find reference to the standards achieved marked on the side of the cylinder, but they will be hidden from view, once fitted.

A 3* cylinder can be exchanged for another 3* cylinder, there’s no requirement that the same make or model be retained, as long as the same standard is used.

 

What about Sold Secure Diamond rating?

You may have seen that some TS007 3* cylinders also meet the Sold Secure SS312 Diamond standard (such as the ABS range: https://www.duffells.com/abs-euro-double-cylinders-british-standard-kitemarked-ts007-3.html ). Sold Secure is owned by the Master Locksmith Association and undertakes independent tests on security products. The Diamond Standard is the highest level that can be awarded to a cylinder by Sold Secure.

 

Which star-rated cylinders does Duffells sell?

Duffells has a complete range of star-rated cylinders to cover all budgets and requirements.Â