Commercial Lock Grades Explained To Protect Your Business

Whether you’re a Fortune 500 company or a small business retailer, preventing theft and burglaries is a key factor in protecting inventory and assets and ensuring employee safety. But how do you know which commercial door locks are better for your business?

More specifically, how can you tell the difference between lock manufactures or whether a commercial keypad door lock is as strong as a mortise lock?

To figure out which type of hardware your business needs, you first need to understand the basics of commercial lock grading.

A Beginner’s Guide to Commercial Lock Grades

The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA), a U.S. trade association for manufacturers of commercial hardware, is responsible for creating the commercial lock grading system we use today. As an accredited association of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), BHMA helps define product quality using a trusted 1, 2, and 3 grading system—with 1 representing the highest quality level.

In order for a commercial door lock to qualify for ANSI/BHMA certification, the lock manufacturing company must voluntarily submit its product to undergo independent lab testing to determine whether it meets a host of criteria that includes, among other factors, lock strength, application, durability, and materials used (from BHMA website). Once tested, each product is then given one of the following grade levels:

Grade 1:Door locks that receive a level one grading are considered the best of the best in the commercial lock industry! From long-term durability of use to enhanced security features, these types of commercial door locks are ideal for larger buildings that experience heavy use and are typically installed on exterior doors/main entry points.

Grade 2:Though not as heavy duty as grade one, grade two level door locks are better suited for internal commercial doors or residential homes.

Grade 3:Grade three door locks are not typically recommended for external commercial use or for residential main entry points.

Best Commercial Keyless Door Locks

GoKeyless offers a wide selection of commercial keyless door locks with a level one grading certification from ANSI/BHMA! From advanced door locks like our Trilogy T2 to more simplistic designs like our Simplex 5021, businesses can choose from a variety of industry-tested door locks for double doors, commercial storefronts, bathroom doors, and more!

Browse commercial locks on our website and find the perfect security door application that fits your business, budget, and needs!