Schlage ALX40 RHO Grade 2 Privacy Cylindrical Lock with Field Selectable Vandlgard, Rhodes Lever

The Schlage ALX40 RHO is a Grade 2 privacy cylindrical lock with field-selectable Vandlgard, built for multi-family residential, light commercial, hospitality, and office privacy applications. The ALX40 function is ANSI F76 privacy: inside push button locks the outside lever, turning the inside lever or closing the door releases the button, and a coin turn provides emergency outside access. The inside lever always allows free egress regardless of lock state. This SKU ships with the Rhodes (RHO) lever in 10 available finishes. It belongs to the Schlage ALX Series Grade 2 under Schlage Lever Locks within Cylindrical Lever Locks and Commercial Locks.

Is the Schlage ALX40 Grade 1 or Grade 2, and which applications does it fit?

The ALX40 is Grade 2, certified to ANSI/BHMA A156.2-2011 Series 4000. It exceeds the Grade 2 standard for lever and spindle strength but does not carry Grade 1 certification. Grade 2 is the correct specification for multi-family residential corridors, light commercial offices, retail back rooms, hospitality room entries, and similar applications that do not call out institutional or government-grade hardware. If your project spec requires Grade 1 for a commercial or institutional opening, the Schlage ND40S is the Grade 1 privacy alternative. For applications where Grade 2 is acceptable, the ALX40 delivers a solid lever, 10-year warranty, and the modular ALX Series platform at a lower cost than Grade 1 equivalents.

What does Field Selectable Vandlgard mean on the Schlage ALX40?

Vandlgard is Schlage's anti-shimming mechanism. When engaged, the latch bolt deadlocks automatically when the outside lever is privacy-locked, so the latch cannot be retracted with a credit card, blade, or shim tool even when the push button is engaged. Standard non-Vandlgard privacy locks are vulnerable to this type of attack. Field selectable means the Vandlgard feature is activated or deactivated by the installer at the time of installation, without opening the lock body, sending it to the factory, or ordering a different SKU. On security-sensitive privacy openings, the installer simply enables Vandlgard during setup. On standard low-risk applications, it can be left inactive. One stocked SKU covers both scenarios.

What is the difference between the ALX40 privacy and the ALX44 hospital privacy?

The ALX44 is the hospital privacy variant. On the standard ALX40 F76 function, the inside lever always retracts the latch even when the push button is engaged, so occupants can always exit freely. The ALX44 modifies this behavior: the inside lever does not retract the latch while the push button is locked, requiring a specific sequence to exit. This is designed for psychiatric, behavioral health, and specialized observation rooms where uncontrolled egress from inside is a clinical concern. For standard bath, bedroom, office, and commercial privacy applications, the ALX40 is the correct specification. The ALX44 is a specialized clinical function and typically requires AHJ review before specification.

How does the ALX Series modular design benefit locksmiths and facility managers?

The ALX Series uses a modular chassis where the lock body, function, and lever can be mixed and swapped in the field. A facility manager repurposing a room from privacy (ALX40) to storeroom (ALX80) can change the function without replacing the entire lockset. A locksmith can stock one chassis and carry function kits for same-day callbacks. The lock is non-handed from the factory, reversible on site in seconds, and fits existing Schlage cylindrical door prep without modifications.

Finishes, backset, and configuration options for the ALX40 RHO

Ten finishes: 605 Bright Brass, 606 Satin Brass, 612 Satin Bronze, 613 Oil Rubbed Bronze, 619 Satin Nickel, 625 Bright Chrome, 626 Satin Chrome, 626AM Satin Chrome Antimicrobial, 643E Aged Bronze, 622 Matte Black. Backset: 2-3/4" standard, 2-3/8", 3-3/4", and 5" available. Strike: ANSI Curved Lip 1-1/4" x 4-7/8" standard, T strike optional. Tactile warning option (8 prefix on lever) for visually impaired notification. Warranty: 10-year limited.

Specifications

The ALX40RHO carries the ANSI F76 privacy function and is certified to ANSI/BHMA A156.2-2011 Series 4000 Grade 2, exceeding the standard for lever and spindle strength. The Rhodes lever is non-handed, fitting any door swing without adjustment. Door thickness range is 1-3/8" to 1-3/4" standard, on a 2-3/4" backset as standard. The latch bolt delivers a 1/2" throw in investment-grade stainless steel; the chassis is zinc and steel, zinc dichromate plated for corrosion resistance. Fire and compliance listings cover UL/CUL 3-hour A label for single doors up to 4' x 8', ICC A117.1 for accessible buildings, full ADA compliance, California Fire Code compliance for the Rhodes lever return, Florida Building Code requirements under ASTM E1886 and E1996 including Miami-Dade equivalents TAS 201 and TAS 202, and Federal Specification FF-H-106C Series 161. The warranty is 10-year limited, covering all functions including Vandlgard.