The Differences Between Residential Door Locks And Commercial Door Locks
If you are a business owner looking to save money, you may be wondering what the differences are between residential door locks and commercial door locks. Other than prices, there are a few major differences between residential and commercial door locks. Just thinking about demand alone, a commercial door lock used on a retail store's front door will get used and has different demands than the lock needed on the front door of a home in the suburbs. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between residential and commercial door locks and the demands placed on them:
Door Lock Demands
Commercial door locks are often protecting items that are very valuable, so the lock must be strong enough to keep determined burglars out. These locks may also be in a high-traffic area so it must be durable enough to withstand being locked and unlocked very often, without wearing down. The demands of residential locks are often less extreme. A residential lock, especially if it's a lock found on an interior door of a house, isn't always used as often. Residential locks also don't necessarily need to have the strength of commercial locks, because the threat of burglary isn't as high. So, as you can tell, the demands placed on a residential lock aren't typically the same as the demands placed on a commercial lock.
Lock Grades
In order to help the public choose the best lock for every situation, the ANSI, or American National Standards Institute, set standards for locks. ANSI grades door locks according to longevity and durability, with the most durable and long-lasting locks falling under Grade 1, and basic locks falling under Grade 3. Here is a closer look at each lock grade:
Grade 1: This is the toughest group of locks on the market. These locks, including door locks, have achieved the highest rating by ANSI and are meant for use in heavy commercial settings. These are the types of locks you see on buildings that see a large volume of people entering and exiting on a daily basis, including schools, museums, hospitals, and department stores. You typically don't see Grade 1 locks used in residential settings.
Grade 2: This type of lock is made for light commercial use and heavy residential use. They are strong locks that are durable, but considered to be mid-range. These types of looks are typically found on apartment doors, small stores and shops, offices, and other buildings where more people are coming in and out than the average single-family home. This is the lock you need if you are looking for a lock that doesn't wear out as fast as a Grade 3 lock would, but you don't need anything as hefty as a Grade 1 lock.
Grade 3: This is the type of lock you see on most residences. They meet the basic standards for operation and security, but they don't stand up to frequent and heavy use. Unless a home has a lot of people in living in it, this type of lock is all you need.
As you can see, there are a few differences between residential and commercial locks. As a business owner, your best bet is to choose between a Grade 1 or Grade 2 lock. If you have any questions about which type of lock is best for your needs, contact your local commercial locksmith. He or she will be happy to help you.
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