PAX Access Control LLC

Hardware Grades

ANSI/BHMA Grades determine a lock's ability to resist physical force and repeated use.

https://buildershardware.com/ANSI-BHMA-Standards/Product-Grade-Levels

Door Closers

Grade 1:

  • Durability: Tested for 2,000,000 cycles.

  • Use: Heavy-duty, high-traffic public entrances (malls, schools).

  • Features: Most durable, robust internal components for longevity.

Grade 2:

  • Durability: Tested for 1,000,000 cycles.

  • Use: Medium-duty, moderate traffic (hallways, restrooms).

  • Features: Good balance of durability and cost for many commercial needs.

Grade 3:

  • Durability: Tested for 500,000 cycles.

  • Use: Light-duty, low-traffic interior doors (storage closets, mechanical rooms).

  • Features: Lighter materials.

Deadbolts

Grade 1:

  • Durability: Tested for 1,000,000 cycles, 10 impacts

  • Impacts: Must withstand 10 strikes (2 blows at 150, 120, 90, 60, and 60 ft-lbs, though often simplified to 10 blows at 75 ft-lbs for comparison)

  • Use: Exterior doors, high-traffic areas, maximum security needs.

  • Features: Meets the highest standards for strength, durability.

Grade 2:

  • Durability: 800,000 cycles

  • Impacts: Must withstand 5 strikes (e.g., 2 at 120, 2 at 90, 1 at 60 ft-lbs, or 5 blows at 75 ft-lbs)

  • Use: Most residential doors, light commercial use.

  • Features: Solid, reliable security, but less robust than Grade 1

Grade 3:

  • Durability: 800,000 cycles

  • Impacts: Must withstand 2 strikes (e.g., 2 at 90 ft-lbs, or 2 blows at 75 ft-lbs)

  • Use: Interior doors or low-security exterior doors.

  • Features: Meets minimum residential standards, suitable for less demanding environments

Lever Locks

Grade 1:

  • Durability: Tested for 1,000,000 cycles.

  • Impact: Withstands 10 blows of 75 ft-lbs of force.

  • Use: Heavy-duty commercial, institutional, and exterior residential doors.

Grade 2:

  • Durability: Tested for 800,000 cycles.

  • Impact: Withstands 5 blows of 75 ft-lbs of force.

  • Use: Light commercial and general residential use; a popular choice for front doors.

Grade 3:

  • Durability: Tested for 800,000 cycles, but less robust than G1/G2.

  • Impact: Withstands 2 blows of 75 ft-lbs of force.

  • Use: Interior doors or low-traffic exterior doors where basic security suffices