Your home is your castle and protecting it from intruders, and keeping your family and belongings safe and secure is high on your list of priorities, and of course the same applies for commercial business owners. Many of us take for granted, and never give a second thought to the locking mechanisms on our front door but when you stop and think about it it’s actually our first line of defense when it comes to keeping thieves out. Not all locks are created equal, and understanding lock grades can give you the peace of mind of knowing that your home or business is protected 24/7.
Lock Grades & Quality
The ANSI lock grade system is a standard testing unit that is designed to measure the durability and strength of a lock. This system consists of three grades. In order to properly understand the grading system you must first understand how a locks durability and quality are determined. The main considerations include the functional strength of the lock, dimensions and security. The three hardware grades consist of:
• Grade 1: Heavy-duty Commercial Locks
• Grade 2: Light-duty Commercial Locks / Heavy Duty Residential
• Grade 3: Residential Locks
Guide to Lock Grades
Each lock grade is categorized by its ability to meet a very specific set of requirements. If you are in the market to increase the level of security for your residence or business, the knowledgeable experts at First Lock & Security Technologies can advise you on the best product for your needs.
Grade 3: Residential – Grade 3 locks provide the least level of security so it may come as a surprise that they are one of the most common locks found on residential homes. For a lock to be rated as a Grade 3, it must pass a minimum set of parameters including a weight test (maximum 150lbs) and door strike (minimum of 2) and 800,000 lock cycles. Keep in mind that one cycle consists of turning the door knob to completely retract the latch, before releasing it to allow it to re-latch itself.
Grade 2: Light-Duty Commercial/Heavy Duty Residential – In terms of safety, security, and affordability, grade 2 locks are a great choice for residential buildings. They must pass a number of tests including door strikes (minimum of 5), weight tests (maximum of 250lbs), and 800,000 lock cycles. When compared to grade 3 residential locks they are a far sturdier and secure option.
Grade 1: Heavy-Duty Commercial – When it comes to locking mechanisms these are the most common option to protect your commercial business but in recent years that have become a popular option for residential homes. These are the most expensive of the three grades but are considered a much more superior product when compared to its counterparts. They are able to withstand 10 door strikes, 360lb weight test, and 1,000,000 lock cycles.
High Security Lock Services & More in San Mateo, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, Woodside, Portola Valley, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Stanford, Mountain View, Los Altos Hills, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Campbell, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, San Jose, Milpitas & Los Altos, California
Contact the professionals at First Lock & Security Technologies and speak with a knowledgeable customer service representative to help you determine which locking mechanisms are the best for your home or business. To learn more about rekeying, lock repairs and installations, contact the knowledgeable experts at First Lock & Security Technologies today.