Door Lock British Standards Guide¶
Complete guide to UK door lock British Standards covering BS 3621, BS 8501, TS 007, and Sold Secure ratings, helping homeowners choose the right lock for insurance compliance and security.
Understanding British Standard Lock Ratings¶
UK door locks are tested and rated under several British Standards. BS 3621 is the most important standard for wooden doors, specifying 5-lever mortice deadlocks designed to withstand drilling, picking, and bumping attacks. Locks must have at least 5 levers, a deadlocking mechanism, and be tested to withstand 6000 operations. For uPVC doors, BS 8501 covers multi-point locking systems. The TS 007 standard rates cylinders from 1-3 stars. A 3-star cylinder offers the highest protection against snapping, drilling, and picking. Sold Secure is a separate testing scheme that rates locks Diamond, Gold, Silver, or Bronze based on attack resistance. Most UK home insurance policies specify minimum security standards for locks.
Choosing the Right Lock for Your Door¶
For wooden front doors: Fit a BS 3621 five-lever mortice deadlock, installed by a locksmith approved by the Master Locksmiths Association. Cost: 40-120 plus installation. For uPVC front doors: Check your existing multi-point locking system functions correctly. The handle should lift fully and all locking points engage. Upgrade the euro cylinder to a TS 007 3-star rated cylinder from ERA, Yale, or Avocet. Cost: 25-50. For wooden back doors: A BS 3621 deadlock plus a separate night latch with BS 8621 rating. For French doors: Fit mortice rack bolts at the top and bottom of the passive door leaf and a BS 3621 lock on the active leaf. Side gates and outbuildings: Use a closed-shackle hardened steel padlock. Keys should be kept away from letterboxes to prevent fishing theft.
Specifications and Comparison¶
| Lock Type | Standard | Price Range | Insurance OK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-lever mortice deadlock | BS 3621 | 40-120 | Yes |
| Euro cylinder | TS 007 3-star | 25-50 | Yes |
| Multi-point locking (uPVC) | BS 8501 | 50-150 | Yes |
| Night latch | BS 8621 | 30-80 | Check policy |
| Padlock (high security) | Sold Secure GOLD | 15-50 | Check policy |
FAQ¶
- What is the best front door lock for UK homes?
- A BS 3621 five-lever mortice deadlock is the gold standard for wooden front doors. For uPVC doors, upgrade the euro cylinder to TS 007 3-star. Both satisfy most insurance requirements.
- How do I check if my lock is BS 3621 rated?
- Look for the BS 3621 kitemark stamped on the faceplate of the lock. If you cannot find it, check the original packaging or product specification. If unsure, ask a qualified locksmith.
- Can I replace a euro cylinder myself?
- Yes, replacing a euro cylinder is a straightforward job requiring only a screwdriver. Measure the existing cylinder correctly, purchase a TS 007 3-star replacement, and follow manufacturer instructions. For more information see our Window Lock Fitting Guide.
Last updated: 2026-05-31.
Related Guides¶
External Resources¶
For further information consult authority guidelines at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.