Commercial vs. Residential Door Locks
When it comes to locks, all of them are created equal, right? Not so, there are differences between commercial and residential door hardware. Although they are similar, they're built to address very different demands. In a residential space, the doorknobs and locks aren't used as much; however, in a commercial building with a lot of traffic like a dentist's office, residential hardware wouldn't last very long.
ANSI Grades for Residential and
Commercial Door Locks
Locks have certain standards granted to them by the American National Standards Institute, or ANSI. ANSI lock grades are based on longevity and durability. From the highest to the lowest, they are rated Grades 1, 2, and 3.
ANSI Grade 3: Best for the Family Home
Grade 3 locks are your basic residential locks. They meet the minimum requirements set by ANSI and are perfect for residential applications. Though they are still safe, they aren't made for frequent use like in a commercial building. Unless your home gets a lot of traffic, a Grade 3 lock would work perfectly fine for your purpose. However, if you have a large family you may want to consider upgrading your lock types to a Grade 2.
ANSI Grade 2: Low-Traffic Commercial or High-Traffic Residential Buildings
Grade 2 locks are meant for residential buildings with high traffic, like an apartment complexes. The front doors to the complex typically experience a lot of traffic, so it would be best to get Grade 2 locks. Grade 2 locks would also work great for homes with large families. Grade 2 locks can still be used for a commercial building with low foot traffic, for example, an office building that does not have customer-facing or in-person services.
ANSI Grade 1: The Highest-Rated Commercial Door Lock
Grade 1 locks are the highest rating ANSI gives because they are the most durable commercial door locks. They are designed for heavier commercial use in places such as schools, government facilities, or municipal buildings. However, if you're a smaller commercial building and your Grade 2 locks seem to be wearing out faster than they should, you might want to upgrade to Grade 1 locks.
Options for Residential vs. Commercial Door Hardware Applications
When purchasing door hinges for commercial buildings, make sure they are not meant for residential applications. Commercial doors require high-durability hinges.
Most door hardware will come with a warranty, but you have to make sure that you're using the hardware on the correct application. For example, a residential lock must be used only on a residential building, and a commercial lock must be used only on a commercial building. Otherwise, you run the risk of voiding that warranty.
When in doubt, consult a commercial door hardware expert to help you in purchasing the correct ANSI-grade door locks for your business. If you have questions about which locks you should choose or if you need hardware installed, contact your trusted partners at Great Lakes Security Hardware.
