PAS 24 is a security performance standard for complete doorsets, not just the lock. It tests the door, frame, hardware and locking system together against a simulated attack. If you are replacing a front door, a PAS 24 rating can be a useful benchmark, but it is not the only thing to consider. Check your own insurance policy wording and the product markings rather than assuming any single standard covers every requirement.
What PAS 24 actually covers
PAS 24 is a publicly available specification published by BSI. It sets out test methods for assessing the security performance of external doorsets. A doorset includes the door leaf, the frame, the hinges, the lock and any associated hardware. The standard is not a lock-only rating. It evaluates how the complete assembly resists a range of physical attacks, including attempts to force the door, manipulate the lock or remove hardware.
A PAS 24 rating is usually demonstrated through testing by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. Products that meet the standard may carry a certificate or a marking on the door or frame. Because PAS 24 applies to the doorset, a door that passes when tested with one set of hardware may not pass with different handles or cylinders. If you are replacing a front door, ask the supplier or installer for the specific test evidence and what is included in the rated configuration.
How PAS 24 relates to other UK standards
PAS 24 is often mentioned alongside BS3621, TS007, SS312 and BS8621. These standards cover different things, and a door may need to meet more than one depending on your policy or building requirements.
- BS3621 is a standard for thief-resistant locks, typically mortice deadlocks and nightlatches. It covers the lock itself, not the whole door.
- TS007 is a British Standard for cylinder locks and associated hardware. It includes star ratings for anti-snap, anti-pick and anti-drill performance. A TS007 3-star cylinder is a common upgrade for euro profile doors.
- SS312 is a Sold Secure standard for cylinder locks, often referenced as Sold Secure Diamond. Like TS007, it focuses on the cylinder rather than the complete doorset.
- BS8621 is a standard for escape locks, such as those used on final exit doors where a key is not needed to escape. It covers the lock's operation and security performance.
A PAS 24 doorset may incorporate locks that meet BS3621, or cylinders that meet TS007 or SS312. But PAS 24 itself is not a substitute for those ratings. If your insurer asks for a BS3621 lock, a PAS 24 door alone may not satisfy that specific clause. Always check your policy wording.
What to check when replacing a front door
Replacing a front door is a significant purchase. The security performance of the complete installation matters as much as the individual components. Here are practical steps to take.
- Ask for the test evidence. Request the PAS 24 certificate or test report for the specific door and hardware combination you are buying. A generic claim that a door is "PAS 24 tested" is not enough if the tested configuration differs from what is being fitted.
- Check the markings on the product. Look for a label or permanent marking on the door edge, frame or lock. It may reference PAS 24, BS3621, TS007 or SS312. If you cannot find markings, ask the supplier to confirm in writing what has been supplied.
- Consider the lock and cylinder separately. Even with a PAS 24 doorset, the cylinder may not be anti-snap. If you want protection against cylinder snapping, look for a TS007 3-star or SS312 Diamond cylinder. Our anti-snap, anti-pick & anti-drill locks service can help you discuss suitable options for your door.
- Think about the whole entrance. A door that drops, rubs or fails to latch can put strain on the lock and reduce its effectiveness. If your current door has alignment issues, our door alignment & adjustment service can assess whether adjustment is possible before you replace the door.
- Check your insurance policy. Some policies specify particular standards for final exit doors. A PAS 24 door may meet the requirement, but the wording varies. Read your policy or ask your insurer directly. Our BS3621 locks explained guide covers common policy wording for locks.
When a new door is not the only option
A full door replacement is not always necessary. If your existing door is structurally sound but the lock or hardware is outdated, a lock change or upgrade may be more appropriate. Our lock changing & upgrading service covers replacing lost-key locks, worn cylinders or outdated hardware with options suited to your door.
If the door is damaged after a break-in, a replacement may be needed, but temporary measures can secure the property first. Our burglary repairs & emergency boarding up service can discuss making the entrance secure while permanent repairs are arranged.
For uPVC doors, the multipoint mechanism and alignment are common failure points. If your door is not locking properly, our uPVC repairs service can assess the gearbox, keeps and hinges before you consider a full replacement.
What PAS 24 does not guarantee
PAS 24 is a performance standard, not a guarantee that a door cannot be defeated. No lock or door is impossible to bypass. The standard indicates that a doorset has met a defined level of resistance under test conditions. It does not cover installation quality, which is critical. A poorly fitted PAS 24 door may perform worse than a well-fitted standard door.
It also does not cover glass. If your door has glazing, the glass specification is separate. Laminated glass may be required for additional security, but that is not part of the PAS 24 test for the doorset unless specified.
Finally, PAS 24 does not replace the need for good key management. If keys are lost or copied without control, the security of the door is compromised regardless of its rating. Our master key systems service can help businesses and landlords plan controlled access.
Practical next steps
If you are replacing a front door, start by checking your insurance policy and any building requirements. Ask the supplier for test evidence and product markings. Consider the lock and cylinder as separate items, and think about how the door will be used day to day.
If you need advice on locks or hardware for a replacement door, or if your current door has a fault, call us with your postcode and a description of the door. We can discuss the available options and explain any work before it starts. For urgent issues, our emergency lockouts service covers locked or jammed doors.