Understanding the ANSI B Standard: Performance, Durability & Finish Testing for the Deadbolt Go

When it comes to securing your home, choosing a reliable and durable deadbolt is paramount. To help you make an informed decision, the Deadbolt Go underwent ANSI Grade B testing for durability & finish. Let's delve into what this entails and the specific tests conducted.

Performance Testing

The following tests were conducted on a brand new sample that underwent 75,000 lock/unlock cycles and once again after 150,000 cycles. To pass the grade B criteria, forces must be below the prescribed limit to ensure predictable, smooth operation. 

9.1 Torque to Retract Latch or Deadbolt

This test determines how smooth the motion is to retract the locking bolt. This is important as frictional forces accumulate over time and reduce efficiency, overall battery life and lifespan of the product. Our lock was operational after 75,000 cycles as well as 150,000 cycles. This shows that our locks are able to perform with natural wear and tear over the locks lifetime. This is achieved by ensuring that the locking mechanism is manufactured with the right tolerances and materials.

9.5 Torque to retract preloaded Bolt (Warped Door):

This test measures the force required to extend and retract the bolt in the event of a “sticky” or “pre-loaded” door, something we have all experienced. A force is applied to the end of the bolt simulating frictional forces found in misaligned, warped & sticky doors.

Our lock passed the torque requirements for a physical key and thumb turn operation on a new lock. After 75,000 cycles our lock maintained the same performance. This shows that both our keyway and thumbturn can be reliably operated in an non ideal warped door situation even after some wear and tear. 

Over the lifespan of a door, the bolt to strike alignment deteriorates, if not designed for or realigned, it places accumulating load on the motor and batteries. Managing these frictional forces is paramount to ensuring long term reliable operation of your smart lock for many years. We always recommend inspecting and correcting any door alignment issues (between bolt & strike) before installing a new smart lock.

Durability Testing

Durability is crucial for ensuring that a lock can withstand the impact of daily use. We conducted several key tests to evaluate this.

9.8 Escutcheon (Rose, or Guard) Assembly Dent Test

This test simulates direct impacts to the front of the lock body or “escutcheon” ; a total dent depth (deformation) is measured for the inside and outside body. A mass of 0.23 kg / 8oz is dropped from a height of 30cm / 12 in onto the lock body. This ensures that under a specific impact, the lock body doesn't “dent” more than prescribed. The front escutcheon is made from die cast zinc alloy ensuring more durability than high gloss touch screens which can crack with far less force.

9.9 Outside Escutcheon (Rose, or Guard) Deformation Test

This test aims to simulate the effects of a horizontal force applied to the side of the keypad body on the outside surface of the door. A consistent compressive load of 2.25 kN or 500 lbf is applied to deform the product. Our lock showed little to no deformation passing the criteria with ease. We intentionally designed a slim low profile for our front keypad construction to ensure that our lock stands up to applicable horizontal impacts and forces.

10.2 Bolt Strength Test

This test simulates a force on the front of the door pushing inwards. It is applied gradually up to 5000 N or 1,125 lbf. That's equivalent to 5 adults weighing over 200 lbs each standing together! This test shows that the construction of our bolt assembly is adequate. In many cases the door frame which is made from wood will break instead of the bolt itself.

Exterior Finish Testing

The next set of tests simulate harsh exterior environments that may cause corrosion, discoloration or material degradation over time.

12.1 Neutral Salt Spray Test

The Deadbolt go was subjected to over 96 hours of a highly corrosive mist spray in an enclosed environment, both on the metal and plastic parts. Due to top quality finishes, there were no corrosive issues found after the test. 

12.2 Humidity Test

With a range of environments that the Deadbolt Go would be deployed in, conducting humidity tests is important. This test simulates a 95% relative humidity over 192 hours continuously. We are well versed in environmental testing with some of our more durable outdoor padlocks such as the Padlock 2.

12.3 Pencil Hardness Test

With painted & coated finishes it's important to ensure that surfaces are durable enough to withstand day to day abrasions. This test uses a pencil of hardness 2H to try and scratch the surface and remove material, both our satin nickel and matte black finishes maintained their quality without any issues. 

12.4 Perspiration Testing

In this test, a small amount of reagent (a mixture of  5% sodium chloride, 5% acetic acid, 3% butyric acid, 3% valeric acid and 84% distilled water) is applied to a small area on the surface of the product and left to sit and soak for 15 minutes. The liquid is washed off with cold water and then subjected to a similar pencil scratch test above with a 2B pencil. We work with reliable suppliers with a lot of experience on lock finishing and coating processes hence, our surfaces maintained quality through these tests. 

12.5 Ultraviolet (UV) Light and Condensation Testing

This accelerated test simulates outdoor day/night sun cycles by alternating between intense UV light and rapid condensation. The test is conducted for 144 hours or 6 days straight 8 hours of UV light at 60 C (140 F) and then 4 hours of condensation at 50 C (122 F). After the testing, the parts are observed for chipping, flaking, cracking or color. Additionally, the lock was subjected to a scratch test using an F hardness pencil. This test is extremely important as we expect our locks to last in extreme temperature, humidity, and sun filled environments. As our products are used in arctic, coastal, tropical, arid and temperate climates, adhering to high standards is paramount to us. 

Commitment to Quality

At igloo, we prioritize delivering products that offer exceptional value and reliability. By undergoing ANSI Grade B tests, we feel confident that our Deadbolt Go meets customer expectations of durability and finish. 

We hope this sheds light on the importance of these tests and the significance of quality when selecting a smart lock for your home. When you choose the Deadbolt Go, you're investing in a product designed and tested to stand by quality.