aloa.org December 2025 Keynotes 37 won’t fail under stress. For locksmiths, this standard helps separate legitimate, tested deadbolts from low-cost, under- performing imports often found in big- box stores. Referring to A156.40 compli- ance in product recommendations can elevate trust and deliver real-world value to your residential clients. Residential hardware is now graded on the new A, B, C scale, making it easier for consumers — and locksmiths — to com- pare products based on performance, not just marketing claims. It also helps raise the bar for hardware sold in big-box stores, where packaging has often been more persuasive than product quality. There is a dedicated BHMA website to help consumers understand this sim- plified rating system. Consumers can visit www.securehome.org to learn more. A156.2 - Bored and Pre- Assembled Locks and Latches This standard covers cylindrical (bored) and tubular locks and latches, which are among the most common locking devices used in commercial and resi- dential buildings. Such products may use knobs, levers and paddles. It sets the performance criteria for operation (cycle testing), strength (impact and torque resistance), security (resistance to pick- ing and forced entry) and finish durabil- ity. The standard defines requirements for three grades (1, 2 and 3), with Grade 1 being the highest in terms of durability and security. Grade 1 bored locks under A156.2 must withstand 1,000,000 cycles and meet strict requirements for 20 other tests, such as impact resistance, warped door latch retraction, lever torque, latch strength and deadbolt projection. Why It Matters Cylindrical locks are everywhere — from office suites and apartments to utility closets and classrooms. But looks can be deceiving: Two locks with the same appearance may perform very differ- ently. A lock tested to A156.2 offers ver- ified mechanical performance you can count on, whether you’re installing for light residential use or high-abuse com- mercial environments. For locksmiths, A156.2 compliance provides a clear benchmark when recommending or upgrading door hardware — and helps you avoid callbacks caused by premature failure. A156.33 – Internally Powered Architectural Hardware Devices This standard establishes methods to verify manufacturers’ claims regarding battery performance for both residen- tial and commercial hardware. It covers door hardware devices that incorporate an internal power source, such as bat- tery-powered or energy-harvesting locks, latches and operators. These are typically stand-alone units that do not rely on external wiring or building power to operate. A156.33 sets the performance criteria for power longevity, function- ality, durability and environmental resistance, ensuring that the integrated power components perform reliably over the device’s expected service life. Testing includes cycle testing under power draw, environmental condition- ing (temperature and humidity), battery life validation and fail-safe/fail-secure behavior under power failure conditions. Why It Matters As more access control solutions move toward wire-free, retrofit-friendly installations, the reliability of internally powered devices becomes a key concern. A156.33 ensures that these devices can withstand real-world conditions without premature battery failure, unexpected lockouts or degraded performance. For locksmiths, this standard is vital when specifying or installing stand-alone elec- tronic locks, especially in areas without easy access to power. It helps you differ- entiate between consumer-grade gadgets and professionally tested, code-compli- ant solutions. A156.5 – Cylinders and Input Devices for Locks This standard covers the performance and dimensional requirements for mechanical lock cylinders (including key-in-knob, mortise and rim cylinders), as well as input devices used to operate locking mechanisms. This includes tra- ditional key-operated devices as well as electronic input devices like keypads and credential readers, when integrated with a mechanical locking system. The standard establishes requirements for durability (cycle testing), key torque, plug retention, pick and drill resistance, and — in the case of electronic input devices — environmental testing for temperature and humidity tolerance. The standard also addresses interchangeable core systems and includes definitions for tailpieces, cams and other components used to transmit motion to the locking mechanism. Why It Matters Whether mechanical or electronic, the input device is the gateway to the locking system, and if it fails, so does security. A156.5 ensures that mechan- ical cylinders meet strict standards for Residential hardware is now graded on the new A, B, C scale, making it easier for consumers — and locksmiths — to compare products based on performance, not just marketing claims.
