Posted by DDH Staff on 10/1/2024 to Tips
When you're choosing door hardware, you might come across terms like "Conforms with ANSI..." next to the UL-rated sign. But what exactly does that mean, and why should you care about an ANSI rating? Well, those are the questions we hope to answer for you in this blog post. Follow along as we get into the world of ANSI ratings and why they matter.

Why Do ANSI Ratings Matter?

ANSI stands for the American National Standards Institute, an organization responsible for testing and setting standards for a wide range of products, including door hardware. If you think safety, durability, and performance in your hardware are important, then you want to make sure you understand ANSI ratings. An ANSI rating indicates the strength and longevity of the product, so you can feel confident that it will hold up, even when you’re using it every day.

ANSI Standards for Door Hardware

Let's see what these ANSI ratings mean for door hardware. You’ll often see door hardware labeled as Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3. These grades are determined based on thorough testing for durability and performance. Here’s a breakdown of the different grades and what they mean:
  • Grade 1: This is the highest level of security and durability. Grade 1 hardware is designed for heavy-duty commercial use in places like schools, hospitals, and other public buildings where the doors are used constantly. If you need hardware that can hold its own through a lot of wear and tear, this is the grade to look for.

  • Grade 2: While not as heavy-duty as Grade 1, Grade 2 hardware is still pretty durable and is often used in light commercial settings, such as apartment buildings, dentist offices, or any business that needs reliable, long-lasting door hardware. For example, the Schlage F-Series and Weslock residential locks fall under this category.

  • Grade 3: This is the most common grade for residential use. Grade 3 hardware is designed for the lower traffic and demands of a home environment. While it’s not as tough as Grade 1 or 2, it works just fine for residential doors. Brands like Kwikset offer a range of Grade 3 hardware, helping you make sure that your home is secure without the need for heavy-duty commercial-grade locks.

Choosing the Right ANSI Grade for Your Needs

When choosing door hardware, it's important to think about where and how the hardware will be used. Public buildings with high traffic require the durability of Grade 1 hardware, while a typical home can rely on Grade 3 for enough security. Understanding these ANSI grades will help you choose the right hardware for your specific needs, so you can enjoy the safety and longevity of your hardware for years to come.

Don’t forget to shop Direct Door Hardware for all your commercial door hardware needs. We have a wide selection of hardware of all different grades, so you can choose the option that works best for your needs. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns!