Many
ANSI/BHMA standards set forth different product grades for a particular
hardware item. These product grades (grade 1, 2, or 3 -- with grade
1 being the highest) are defined by progressive levels of performance
benchmarks in each applicable ANSI/BHMA standard.
The
grade of any particular architectural hardware item also can be ascertained
by looking at its BHMA product number. This standardized BHMA numbering
system also delineates other important classification information, such
as the predominant material used, product category, and function of
a specific hardware item.