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What is the difference between 1 star and 3 star euro profile cylinders?
by Craig Andres
Let’s talk about star ratings and what they mean for you.
The star rating you see normally stamped on the face of the euro profile cylinder correlate to the standard the lock has achieved during attack testing. Sold secure physically attack test these locks and award locks a star rating due to their level of lock protection achieved between 1 and 3.
The higher the number of stars the more protection the lock is going to offer against popular forms of euro profile cylinder lock attack including, bumping, drilling, picking, snapping, keeping you safe and secure.
Intruders are becoming more advanced in the way in which they are attacking locks, so you need to pay attention to the standard of your door locks, so you avoid becoming a victim.
1-star rating
1-star cylinders have achieved the criteria for the British standard kitemark, this means that for you the customer the lock will be resistant against bumping, drilling, and picking, however they have NOT passed lock snapping tests. The lock box may claim that the lock is snap resistant and the lock has sacrificial cuts offering some kind of protection against lock snapping, which might or might not be effective in stopping intruders from snapping the lock.
3-star rating
Cylinders achieving 3-star rating have passed all TS007 sold secure tests including bumping, drilling, picking and lock snapping, these are the highest euro profile cylinder star rated locks.
3-star Diamond rating
3-star sold secure Diamond euro profile cylinder locks are the very best locks and have achieved above and beyond the TS007 standard. These locks offer maximum protection against all forms of forced entry.
TS007 and star rated locks.
TS007 is a technical standard set by the Door and Hardware Federation due to the increased intruder threats and rise in lock snapping from the availability of techniques on the internet in advanced attack methods, used by intruders on this type of lock. TS007 standard sets high-security real life lock criteria for euro profile cylinder locks and door hardware. The TS007 specification comprises of a star rating system between 1 and 3-stars. 1 star being lower security and 3-star being the highest star rating achievable.
Locksmith hints and tips.
1-star locks have their place in the consumer market, and usually offer a reasonable amount of basic security achieving the BSI Kitemark. However, if you want peace of mind, as an experienced locksmith I would recommend 3-star rated locks due to the extra tested snap resistance and further enhanced testing against popular forms of euro lock attack. Popular 3-star rated locks also normally have card-controlled security keys to limit key duplication, offering another added level of security.
1-star euro profile cylinder lock security can be upgraded to a higher 3-star rating by fitting a high security secure by design or 2-star rated handle set. This can be a very effective option allowing you to conform to the 3-star required rating, without fitting a 3-star rated euro profile cylinder lock.
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