BS EN 60839-11-1: electronic access control system requirements, explained
Reviewed by the SPS Technical team · Last checked 12 October 2026
Quick answer
BS EN 60839-11-1:2013 sets the system and component requirements for electronic access control systems. It grades systems from 1 to 4 by security need and sets what controllers, readers and locks must do at each grade. Its companion, BS EN 60839-11-2, gives the application guidelines.
What it means for you
- Choose an access control grade that matches the risk at each door, not one grade for the whole building.
- Make sure doors on escape routes also follow BS 7273-4 so they release in a fire.
- Keep user records and audit logs under control, as they are personal data under UK GDPR.
- Plan maintenance so readers, locks, power supplies and batteries are checked regularly.
Who it applies to
Anyone specifying, installing or managing electronic access control, from a single door to a multi-site system.
Common questions
What do the access control grades mean?
They describe the level of security, from Grade 1 for low-risk internal doors to Grade 4 for high-security areas. Higher grades need stronger protection against tampering and more detailed logging.
Do access control logs count as personal data?
Yes. Records of who went where and when are personal data, so retention, access and security should follow UK GDPR.
Official sources
This page is a plain-English summary, not a copy of the standard. British Standards are copyright of BSI.
Reviewed by the SPS Technical team · Last updated October 2026