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Since the advent of lock snapping and bumping and the introduction of TS007 to address the problem, I probably get more questions about cylinders than I do about any other individual item of hardware. Here’s my quick fire guide to help you out. What is TS007? This is a new standard specifically designed to combat the problem with cylinder snapping and lock manipulation in the UK. Endorsed by Secured by Design, the Door and Hardware Federation and the GGF, the latest version is TS007: 2014 + A1: 2015 and its official title is: ‘Enhanced security performance requirements for replacement cylinders and/or associated security hardware’. What does TS007 test? TS007 uses the handle and cylinder test that is already part of PAS24 – ie a 2min 30sec attack with tools (3mins when tested as part of PAS24 on a complete door set). It is only a test on the cylinder and the hardware around the cylinder though and does not cover any other part of the door. What do the TS007 stars mean? 1, 2 or 3 stars are awarded to the components depending on how they perform in the test. To comply with TS007, the cylinder and the hardware around it must have a cumulative total of 3 stars. This can be achieved by using either a 3 star cylinder on its own or a 1 star cylinder combined with 2 star security hardware. What is the difference between a 1 star and a 3 star cylinder? A 1 star cylinder can only claim resistance to lock bumping. 1 star means it meets the security requirements of BS3621: 2007 + A2 2012 Annex A clauses A5 and A6, and certain minimum requirements of BS EN 1303: 2005, which tests cylinders against physical attack, key security, fire resistance and durability. A 1 star cylinder cannot be used to meet the requirements of TS007 unless it is combined with 2 star security hardware. In contrast, a 3 star cylinder meets the same BS3621: 2007 and BS EN 1303: 2005 tests and crucially also withstands an attack similar to the PAS24 cylinder test without the benefit of any protective hardware. What is 2 star security hardware? This can be either a handle or an escutcheon which protects a cylinder from the security test in PAS24: 2012. In order to achieve 2 stars, the handle or escutcheon must be tested with a basic 1 star rated cylinder and not one with sacrificial break off parts. Where possible, the durability and corrosion resistance of the hardware also needs to be tested in accordance with the European handle standard EN1906: 2010. Is there such a thing as a 2 star cylinder? No, they do not exist. I’m sometimes asked whether a 1 star cylinder with an additional security feature like a sacrificial break off part can claim to have 2 stars but that is just not the case. It’s simply 1 star or 3 stars for cylinders and nothing in between. Do cylinders need to be Kitemarked? For Mila, the answer is always yes, because it shows ongoing 3rd party certification of the product and its performance. Officially, it is possible to claim compliance with the TS007 standard if a product has passed the test just once, but I think buyers should beware and look for the reassurance of the Kitemark symbol alongside the 1, 2 or 3 stars. Does it apply for both new and replacement installations? No, TS007 only officially applies for replacement cylinders and/or associated security hardware but it is widely recognised as the default standard for all cylinders now fitted in the UK. Mila supplies a complete range of 1 star, 1 star with break off part and 3 star cylinders, as well as 2 star security handles and 2 star security escutcheons.
Further details are at: www.mila.co.uk and as always, you can contact me for more information via: scooke@mila.co.uk or via Twitter:@StraffordCooke
