What is the difference between TS007 and SS312?

TS007 tests euro cylinders and door hardware against multiple attacks including snapping, bumping, picking, and drilling, and uses a 1 to 3-star rating system. SS312 is a Sold Secure standard that specifically tests cylinders against snap attacks. A quality anti-snap cylinder should ideally carry both certifications, but if you had to choose one, SS312 Diamond addresses the most common real-world attack method.

Do I need a 3-star rated lock for insurance?

Most insurance policies do not specifically require TS007 3-star rated euro cylinders. They typically require doors to be locked with a key-operated lock, or for wooden doors to have a BS3621 mortice deadlock. However, having a 3-star rated cylinder demonstrates that you have taken reasonable steps to secure your home, which can support a claim if you are ever burgled.

What does Secured by Design mean on a lock?

Secured by Design is a police-backed accreditation scheme that recognises products meeting specific security standards. A lock with the Secured by Design mark has been assessed and confirmed to meet security criteria set by the police initiative. It is an endorsement rather than a test standard itself, and products carrying it typically also hold TS007 and SS312 certifications.

How do I achieve a 3-star TS007 rating on my door?

You need the components to add up to 3 stars total. The simplest way is to fit a cylinder that achieves 3 stars on its own, such as the Ultion. Alternatively, combine a 1-star cylinder with a 2-star security handle, or a 2-star cylinder with a 1-star handle. I can advise on the most cost-effective combination for your specific door when I visit.

TS007 3-Star vs SS312 Diamond: Lock Security Standards Decoded

TS007, SS312, Sold Secure Diamond, Secured by Design — the world of lock standards is confusing. Here is what each one actually means and which one you need.

TS007 vs SS312 vs Secured by Design: Lock Standards Explained

Lock security standards are confusing. Manufacturers throw around terms like "3-star", "Diamond Standard", and "Secured by Design" as if everyone knows what they mean. Most people don't, and that's not their fault — the system is genuinely complicated.

I'm Ross, a locksmith in [Coventry](/areas/coventry-city-centre), and I'm going to break down the three main standards you'll encounter when shopping for door locks in the UK. By the end of this, you'll know exactly what each one means and which standard matters for your specific situation.

TS007: The Star Rating System

TS007 is a British Standard (formally BSI Kitemark KM597443) that rates the security of euro cylinders and their associated door hardware. It uses a **star rating system from 1 to 3 stars**, and it's the standard you'll see referenced most often when looking at [anti-snap cylinders](/blog/anti-snap-locks-compared) for uPVC and composite doors.

How the Star System Works

This is where it gets interesting — and where most people get confused.

1-Star: A component (cylinder, handle, or escutcheon) that provides a basic level of attack resistance on its own.

2-Star: A component that provides a higher level of attack resistance on its own.

3-Star: This is the target. A 3-star rating means the total door lock assembly provides the highest level of protection against common attacks including snapping, bumping, picking, and drilling.

The Critical Point: 3 Stars Is the Target

Here's what trips people up: **you need the components to add up to 3 stars total**. There are several ways to achieve this:

**3-star cylinder alone** — the cylinder achieves all 3 stars by itself. Currently, the Ultion is the most well-known cylinder that does this. No additional security handle or escutcheon required.

**1-star cylinder + 2-star handle** — the handle provides the extra protection (usually by protecting the cylinder from being gripped or attacked)

**2-star cylinder + 1-star handle** — the cylinder carries more of the security burden

**1-star cylinder + 1-star handle + 1-star escutcheon** — three components each contributing one star

What Attacks Does TS007 Test For?

The TS007 testing regime subjects the lock assembly to:

**Snapping** — attempting to snap the cylinder using tools

**Bumping** — using a specially cut bump key to jar the pins open

**Picking** — manipulating the internal mechanism with picks

**Drilling** — attacking the cylinder with a drill

**Plug pulling/extraction** — attempting to pull the cylinder core out after a partial snap

The test simulates real-world attack methods with specific time limits and force levels. A component earns its star rating based on how long it resists these attacks.

TS007 in Practice

When I fit an anti-snap cylinder, the conversation about TS007 usually goes like this:

Customer wants maximum security and is happy to pay for it:

I fit an Ultion (3-star standalone). Job done — one cylinder, full 3-star protection.

Customer wants good security at a reasonable price:

I fit an Avocet ABS or ABS MK3 (1-star cylinder) with a 2-star security handle. Total = 3 stars. This combination costs less than an Ultion and provides the same certified level of protection.

Customer wants to upgrade but is on a tight budget:

I fit a 1-star anti-snap cylinder. This is significantly better than no anti-snap protection at all, even though it doesn't reach the 3-star total alone. We can add a security handle later.

SS312: Sold Secure Diamond

SS312 is a standard administered by **Sold Secure**, an independent testing organisation. The SS312 Diamond standard specifically tests euro cylinders against lock snapping.

What SS312 Tests For

The SS312 test is focused specifically on the **snap attack** — the most common method of attacking [euro cylinders](/blog/euro-cylinder-locks-explained) in the UK. The cylinder is mounted in a test rig and subjected to:

**Snap attacks** using pliers, wrenches, and dedicated snapping tools

**Post-snap manipulation** — after the cylinder is snapped, the tester attempts to turn the cam and open the lock

**Multiple attack angles** and force levels

A cylinder that passes receives the **Sold Secure Diamond** standard (sometimes written as SS312 Diamond).

How SS312 Relates to TS007

The two standards overlap but test different things:

**TS007** tests the complete door lock assembly against multiple attack types (snap, bump, pick, drill, extraction)

**SS312** specifically tests the cylinder against snap attacks

A cylinder can hold both certifications. For example, the [Ultion](/blog/anti-snap-locks-compared) carries both TS007 3-star and SS312 Diamond. The Avocet ABS carries TS007 1-star (achieving 3-star with a security handle) and SS312 Diamond.

If you could only have one standard, I'd prioritise SS312 Diamond because lock snapping is by far the most common attack method in the real world. TS007 3-star is the gold standard, but SS312 addresses the biggest actual threat.

Secured by Design

Secured by Design (SBD) is a police-backed initiative run by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives Ltd. It's not a testing standard in itself — it's an accreditation scheme that recognises products meeting relevant security standards.

What "Secured by Design" Means

A product carrying the Secured by Design accreditation has been assessed by the scheme and confirmed to meet their security requirements. For door locks, this typically means the product meets TS007 3-star or an equivalent level of security.

The SBD Logo

You'll see the Secured by Design logo — a stylised padlock — on products and packaging. For euro cylinders, it means the cylinder (alone or in combination with appropriate hardware) provides a level of security that the police initiative endorses.

How SBD Relates to TS007 and SS312

Think of it as a hierarchy:

**TS007 and SS312** are the testing standards — they define the tests and criteria

**Secured by Design** is the accreditation — it recognises products that meet those standards

A product can be TS007 3-star and SS312 Diamond without being Secured by Design, and vice versa, though in practice there's significant overlap. The SBD scheme also considers factors beyond just the lock, like the door and frame construction.

Which Standard Matters for You?

If You Have a uPVC or Composite Door

You want a euro cylinder that carries **SS312 Diamond** (proving it resists snapping) and ideally achieves **TS007 3-star** (either alone or with a security handle).

In practical terms, this means choosing from the established anti-snap brands: Ultion, Avocet ABS, Yale Platinum, or similar certified products. Read my [anti-snap locks comparison](/blog/anti-snap-locks-compared) for specific recommendations.

If You Have a Wooden Door

The relevant standard for you is **BS3621** for your [mortice deadlock](/blog/five-lever-mortice-deadlock-guide). TS007 and SS312 apply to euro cylinders, which aren't typically found on wooden doors.

If your wooden door does have a euro cylinder (some modern wooden doors do), then the TS007 and SS312 standards apply to that cylinder.

If You're Insurance-Conscious

Most insurance policies reference **BS3621** for wooden doors. For uPVC doors, the requirements are less specific, but fitting a TS007 3-star certified euro cylinder demonstrates due diligence and can support any future claim.

Secured by Design accreditation can be useful when dealing with insurers because it's a police-backed scheme — it carries weight.

For New Build Properties

If you're buying a new build in Coventry, check what locks have been fitted. Many developers now specify Secured by Design door hardware as part of the build, but some still fit basic cylinders to save cost. It's always worth checking and [upgrading](/services/lock-upgrade) if necessary.

Common Misunderstandings

"My lock says 'anti-snap' so it must be certified"

Not necessarily. Any manufacturer can call their product "anti-snap" — it's a description, not a certification. What matters is whether it carries TS007 or SS312 certification from an independent testing body. Always look for the Kitemark or Sold Secure logo.

"3-star is always better than 1-star"

A 3-star cylinder is better tested than a 1-star cylinder on its own, yes. But a 1-star cylinder with a 2-star handle gives you the same 3-star total protection at a potentially lower cost. The stars are about the total assembly, not just the individual component.

"I need all three standards"

Not really. If your euro cylinder has TS007 3-star (or equivalent combination) and SS312 Diamond, you're well covered. Secured by Design is a bonus but not essential for home security.

"Higher price means better security"

Not always. Price reflects brand positioning, manufacturing costs, and margin — not just security. Some mid-range cylinders with full certification outperform expensive but uncertified alternatives. Check the certifications, not just the price tag.

The Bottom Line

For a uPVC or composite door in Coventry, fit a euro cylinder that is:

**SS312 Diamond certified** (resists snapping)

**TS007 3-star** (either standalone or with appropriate hardware)

**From a reputable manufacturer** with proper key registration

That's it. Don't get lost in the alphabet soup of standards. If a cylinder meets those two criteria, it's providing genuine, independently tested protection for your home.

If you want advice on which certified lock is right for your door, call me on 07735 336175. I carry stock of all the main certified cylinders and can fit one the same day in most cases. See the [prices page](/prices) for current rates on [lock changes](/services/lock-change) and [upgrades](/services/lock-upgrade).