What is the minimum acceptable quality grade for residential locks as per ANSI?

The minimum acceptable quality grade for residential locks as per the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is Grade 3. ANSI sets standards to ensure that locks meet specific performance criteria based on their intended use and the level of security they provide.

Grade 3 locks are considered to provide a basic level of security suitable for residential applications, generally effective against forced entry but not suitable for high-security environments. They are tested for durability and functionality but may not withstand significant levels of tampering or forced entry as higher-grade locks would.

Higher grades, such as Grade 1 and Grade 2, denote locks that have met tougher standards for strength and security, typically reserved for commercial settings or areas requiring a higher level of security. Grade 4 does not exist within the ANSI grading system. Knowing this helps clarify the hierarchy of lock qualities and their appropriate applications in residential versus commercial scenarios.