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When it comes to safeguarding your home, office, or commercial space, the right lock is your first line of defense. In this guide, we break down the different ANSI lock grades to help you make an informed decision to protect what matters most.
What is ANSI Certification?
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) plays a vital role in standardizing lock grades. They’ve set rigorous criteria that locks must meet for safety and reliability. Recognized nationwide, these standards are a reliable benchmark for comparing the strength and durability of door lock grades.
An ANSI certification is a definitive mark of trust, as it signifies that a lock has met the highest operational and durability standards. It also reflects a manufacturer’s commitment to quality and security in their products.
What are ANSI Lock Grades?
ANSI categorizes door locks into three grades, each reflecting a different level of security and durability. Grades 1, 2, and 3 are designed to meet specific needs, from high-security commercial spaces to residential buildings.
ANSI/BHMA has defined specific testing standards for different types of locks. The Mortise lock is covered under ANSI/BHMA A156.13, while the Latch falls under ANSI/BHMA A156.2. In the following sections, we’ll explain the standards for ANSI Grades 1, 2, and 3 for these two types of locks.
ANSI Door Lock Grade 1
Grade 1 door locks are the highest rating in the ANSI classification, known for their robust construction and resistance to wear and tampering. The most common style of Grade 1 locks is the mortise lock, featuring heavy-duty materials combined with complex locking mechanisms to ensure maximum security.
These locks are perfect for commercial settings that demand high-level security, such as government buildings, hospitals, and schools. They’re also recommended for high-traffic or high-risk residential areas.
Here are the key testing criteria for Grade 1 door locks:
Grade 1 door locks are the highest rating in the ANSI classification, known for their robust construction and resistance to wear and tampering. The most common style of Grade 1 locks is the mortise lock, featuring heavy-duty materials combined with complex locking mechanisms to ensure maximum security.
These locks are perfect for commercial settings that demand high-level security, such as government buildings, hospitals, and schools. They’re also recommended for high-traffic or high-risk residential areas.
Here are the key testing criteria for Grade 1 door locks:
Operational:
- For different types of trims, there are specific requirements covered under ANSI/BHMA A156.13 and A156.2 :
| ANSI/BHMA A156.13 (Applied to All Grades) | |
| Knobs | 9 lbf-in. (1 Nm) |
| Levers | 28 lbf-in. (3.1 Nm) |
| Thumb Pieces | 9 lbf (40N) |
| Paddles | 40 lbf (180N) |
| ANSI/BHMA A156.2 (Applied to All Grades) | |
| Knobs | 9 lbf-in. (1 Nm) |
| Levers | 28 lbf-in. (3.1 Nm) |
| Thumb Pieces | 9 lbf (40N) |
| Paddles | 40 lbf (180N) |
| Keys | 9 lbf-in.(0.7 Nm) |
| Turns | 9 lbf-in. (1 Nm) |
Cycle: Both Grade 1 mortise and latch locks must withstand 1 million cycles of opening and closing
Strength:
- For different types of trims, there are specific requirements covered under ANSI/BHMA A156.13 and A156.2 :
| ANSI/BHMA A156.13 (Applied to All Grades) | |
| Knobs | 300 lbf-in. (34 Nm) |
| Levers | 450 lbf-in. (50 Nm) |
| ANSI/BHMA A156.2 | |
| Knobs | 300 lbf-in. (34 Nm) |
| Levers | 700 lbf-in. (74 Nm) |
Security: Grade 1 mortise locks must withstand 10 blows of 75-foot-pounds of force. Grade 1 latch locks must withstand two blows of 60 ft-lbf, two blows of 90 ft-lbf, and two blows of 120 ft-lbf.
Material Evaluation: The rose, the round plate around the knob or lever, uses heavy-duty materials, and measures 0.075 inches in thickness on both Grade 1 mortise and latch locks.
Finish: The finish is tested for resilience to environmental factors, corrosion, and wear and adheres to BHMA standards.
ANSI Door Lock Grade 2
Their balance between strength and practicality makes them an excellent choice for small businesses, private offices, and residential properties that require more security than typical home locks.
While not as heavy-duty as Grade 1, Grade 2 door locks still provide substantial security and durability. They’re considered low-grade for commercial properties and mid-grade for residential applications.
The testing criteria for Grade 2 locks are largely the same as Grade 1, with a few exceptions:
Operational: Both Grade 2 mortise and latch locks apply the same test standards as grade 1.
Cycle: Grade 2 mortise locks are tested to withstand at least 800,000 cycles. Grade 2 latches are tested for durability up to 500,000 cycles.
Strength:
- For different types of trims, there are specific requirements covered under ANSI/BHMA A156.13 and A156.2 :
| ANSI/BHMA A156.13 (Applied to All Grades) | |
| Knobs | 300 lbf-in. (34 Nm) |
| Levers | 450 lbf-in. (50 Nm) |
| ANSI/BHMA A156.2 | |
| Knobs | 150 lbf-in. (34 Nm) |
| Levers | 450 lbf-in. (74 Nm) |
Security: Grade 2 mortise locks must withstand 5 blows of 75-foot-pounds of force. Grade 2 latch locks must withstand two blows of 60 ft-lbf and two blows of 90 ft-lbf.
Material Evaluation: The rose, the round plate around the knob or lever, uses heavy-duty materials, and measures 0.1 inches in thickness on both Grade 2 mortise and latch locks.
Finish: The finish is tested for resilience to environmental factors, corrosion, and wear and adheres to BHMA standards.
ANSI Door Lock Grade 3
Grade 3 door locks offer basic security for everyday use. They are the standard grade for home security, providing adequate protection. The most common style of Grade 3 locks is the deadbolt.
While not intended for commercial or industrial settings, they can be used for internal doors and lower-security areas, like secondary entrances and storage rooms.
The testing criteria for Grade 3 locks are less demanding than previous Grades:
Operational: Both Grade 3 mortise and latch locks apply the same test standards as grade 1.
Cycle: Grade 3 mortise locks are tested to withstand at least 800,000 cycles. Grade 3 latches are tested for durability up to 250,000 cycles.
Strength:
- For different types of trims, there are specific requirements covered under ANSI/BHMA A156.13 and A156.2 :
| ANSI/BHMA A156.13 (Applied to All Grades) | |
| Knobs | 300 lbf-in. (34 Nm) |
| Levers | 450 lbf-in. (50 Nm) |
| ANSI/BHMA A156.2 | |
| Knobs | 120 lbf-in. (34 Nm) |
| Levers | 225 lbf-in. (74 Nm) |
Security: Grade 3 mortise locks must withstand 2 blows of 75-foot-pounds of force. Grade 3 latch locks must withstand two blows of 60 ft-lbf.
Material Evaluation: The rose, the round plate around the knob or lever, uses heavy-duty materials, and measures 0.1 inches in thickness on Grade 3 mortise locks and 0.15 inches in thickness on Grade 3 latch locks.
Finish: The finish is tested for resilience to environmental factors, corrosion, and wear and adheres to BHMA standards.
How to Choose the Right Grade for Your Needs
Before selecting the ideal ANSI lock grade, you need to understand your security needs and the specific environmental conditions of your property.
Assess Your Security Requirements
First, understand what you’re protecting, the expected traffic, and specific security concerns. For spaces that require high security or experience high traffic, Grade 1 locks are ideal as they provide the most security and durability.
If you’re securing a standard residential area with moderate security needs, Grade 2 locks will provide ample security. In low-risk environments, where there’s minimal security concerns and low traffic, Grade 3 locks offer a cost-effective and practical solution.
Consider Different Environments
The location and environmental factors surrounding your door are also crucial considerations. High-humidity areas or those exposed to harsh outdoor elements may demand Grade 1 locks, as they are designed to withstand moisture and corrosion.
Commercial facilities with heavy public use or high-traffic residential areas benefit from the durability of Grade 2 locks. For indoor use, Grade 3 locks are a practical solution.
Leverage CY Trading for ANSI Door Lock Selection
With over 50 years of experience in manufacturing ANSI-certified locks, CY Trading offers expert guidance in choosing the ideal lock grade for your needs.
Whether you’re securing a high-traffic commercial space or looking for reliable security for your home, our team is dedicated to helping you navigate our extensive range of ANSI-certified locks to find the perfect and safest fit.
To receive personalized recommendations based on your unique security requirements, contact our consultants now.
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