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Schlage ND Series Model Number Decoder: Every Function Code and Suffix Explained

The Schlage ND Series is the most installed institutional cylindrical lever lock in North America. It's also the model number system that generates the most ordering errors when contractors and facility managers guess at the suffixes rather than reading them correctly. In 23 years of authorized Schlage distribution we've received more calls about mis-ordered ND Series configurations than any other single product line. This decoder eliminates that problem. Call 877-471-4870 before finalizing any ND Series order and we'll confirm the configuration is correct.

Schlage ND Series Model Number Structure: Reading Each Code Position from Left to Right

ND prefix identifies Grade 1 institutional cylindrical lever lock product line

ND identifies the ND Series -- Schlage's Grade 1 institutional cylindrical lever lock. It is distinct from the Grade 2 AL Series for light commercial applications and the residential F Series. Every ND Series model number starts with ND. If the model number starts with AL or F, it is a different product family with different grade ratings, different door preps, and different warranty terms.

Full decoded example: ND53BD-RHO-626 position by position

ND = ND Series Grade 1 institutional cylindrical lever lock
53 = Entrance/Office function -- inside lever always free, outside locked, unlocked by key or inside thumb turn
B = 6-pin BEST SFIC prep -- housing accepts BEST SFIC interchangeable core, ordered separately
D = Less core -- no cylinder or core included, ordered separately
RHO = Rhodes lever design
626 = Satin chrome finish (same as US26D)

Schlage ND Series Function Codes: Classroom Security, Entrance, Storeroom, and All Standard Functions

ND70 classroom security lockdown function vs ND60 standard classroom function

ND60 -- Standard Classroom: Inside lever always free. Outside lever locked and unlocked by key only from outside. The inside thumb piece has no effect on the outside lever in the locked position. No lockdown capability.

ND70 -- Classroom Security: Same outside lever behavior as ND60. The inside thumb piece allows the teacher to lock the inside lever from inside without a key. This is the lockdown function -- the teacher turns the inside thumb piece and the inside lever locks, preventing entry. This is the function required by updated school security codes in most US states after 2012. Specify ND70 on every K-12 classroom door. ND60 fails life-safety audits in most jurisdictions with updated requirements.

ND53 entrance function for suite entry and reception door specification

Inside lever always free for egress. Outside lever is locked by default. The outside lever can be unlocked by key from outside OR by the inside thumb turn. This gives the person inside control of whether outside access is permitted without requiring a key. The most specified ND Series function for suite entries, department entries, and reception doors.

ND50 office function for private office and faculty door specification

Inside lever always free. Outside lever normally locked, unlocked by key from outside or by inside button or turn. The difference from ND53 is mechanical -- on ND50 the inside unlock may require a deliberate push or turn that does not remain unlocked on its own. Confirm the specific mechanical behavior with the lock specification sheet. Used for private offices where controlled outside access is needed.

ND80 storeroom function for server rooms, pharmacies, and secure storage

Inside lever always free for egress. Outside lever always locked -- key required every single entry. No inside thumb turn. The outside lever cannot be left in an unlocked state. Correct for server rooms, pharmacies, secure storage, and utility rooms where the door should never be accidentally left unlocked. See all Schlage ND Series locks at American Locksets.

Function Code Function Name Inside Lever Outside Lever Primary Application
ND10 Passage Always free Always free Closets, interior non-locking doors
ND20 Privacy Always free Locked by inside push button Single-user restrooms, private offices
ND40 Privacy with indicator Always free Locked by push button, exterior status indicator Healthcare restrooms, accessible single-occupancy
ND50 Office Always free Normally locked, key or inside button Private offices, faculty offices
ND53 Entrance Always free Normally locked, key or inside thumb turn Suite entries, reception, department entries
ND60 Classroom Always free Key only, no lockdown from inside Classrooms where lockdown is NOT required
ND70 Classroom Security Inside thumb turn locks inside lever Key only from outside K-12 classrooms requiring lockdown capability
ND80 Storeroom Always free Always locked, key every entry Server rooms, pharmacies, secure storage
ND90 Dummy trim No latch No latch Inactive leaf trim, pull-only

Schlage ND Series Cylinder and Core Prep Codes: SFIC, FSIC, Conventional, and Less Core

BEST SFIC prep B suffix for campus masterkey interchangeable core programs

The B suffix specifies 6-pin BEST SFIC (Small Format Interchangeable Core) prep. The lock housing accepts a BEST SFIC core. The core is ordered separately through the campus IC program administrator. The B suffix alone does not include a core -- it is a housing prep only. For campuses running BEST SFIC programs, this is the correct specification. See our complete IC core catalog.

Schlage FSIC full size IC cylinder prep vs SFIC small format comparison

The J suffix specifies Schlage FSIC (Full Size Interchangeable Core) prep. FSIC is physically larger than SFIC -- the core chamber dimensions are different and the two formats are not interchangeable. FSIC is for campuses running a Schlage full-size IC program. Do not confuse FSIC with SFIC. Ordering the wrong format means the campus control key will not operate the lock.

Less core D suffix for facilities supplying their own conventional cylinder

The D suffix means less core -- the lock ships with no cylinder or core. The facility orders the cylinder separately from their existing program source. Used when the campus has an established masterkey program and sources cylinders independently. The most common mis-application: ordering ND53BD and forgetting that D means no core arrives with the lock.

Code Cylinder Type What Ships When to Use
(none) Standard 6-pin conventional cylinder Cylinder included in specified keyway Standard masterkey program, no IC
B 6-pin BEST SFIC prep Housing only, no core Campus runs BEST SFIC program
J Schlage FSIC prep Housing only, no core Campus runs Schlage full-size IC program
EU Schlage SFIC prep Housing only, no core Campus runs Schlage SFIC program
D Less core Lock body only, no cylinder Campus supplies own cylinder from existing program

Schlage ND Series Lever Design Codes: Athens, Rhodes, Saturn, and Field-Swappable Options

Rhodes lever design for traditional institutional K-12 government and campus specification

RHO -- the Rhodes lever -- is the traditional institutional arc design. Widely specified on K-12 schools, government facilities, and university campuses that have been standardizing on Schlage for decades. If a campus has no stated lever preference, Rhodes is often the inherited standard.

Athens lever design for contemporary healthcare and higher education specification

ATH -- the Athens lever -- is the curved contemporary arc. Widely specified in healthcare facilities, modern higher education buildings, and contemporary commercial projects where the Rhodes profile reads as dated.

Saturn lever design for healthcare hand-free operation specification

SAT -- the Saturn lever -- has a round smooth profile. It is easier to push down with a fist or elbow for hand-free operation, making it the specification for healthcare patient care areas where hands-free door operation is operationally important.

Field-swappable lever replacement without removing the ND Series lock body

All Schlage ND Series levers are field-swappable. The lever attaches to the lever chassis with a set screw accessible from the inside rose. Remove the set screw, swap the lever, replace the set screw. No need to remove the lock body from the door. Useful when a facility standardizes on a new lever design during renovation without replacing lock bodies.

Schlage ND Series ANSI Finish Codes: 626 Satin Chrome, 630 Satin Stainless, and Full Reference

626 satin chrome same as US26D old designation in hardware schedules

626 and US26D are the same finish -- satin chrome electroplate. If your hardware schedule uses US26D, order 626. The US designation was the older ANSI code before the number system was standardized. The two are completely interchangeable in ordering. 626 is the most common institutional interior hardware finish in North America.

ANSI Code Old Code Finish Common Use
626 US26D Satin chrome Most common institutional interior
630 US32D Satin stainless Exterior and premium interior
612 US12 Satin bronze Warm-tone institutional, wood interiors
625 US26 Bright chrome High-visibility commercial
613 US10B Oil-rubbed bronze High-design commercial, hospitality
689 US28 Aluminum Aluminum storefront frame coordination

Common Schlage ND Series Ordering Errors and How to Prevent Each One

Standard conventional cylinder ordered for SFIC masterkey campus

A standard cylinder ND lock installs physically in an SFIC-prepped opening but cannot accept the campus control key and cannot be rekeyed by core swap. The lock must come back out. Always confirm whether the campus runs conventional or SFIC cylinders before placing any ND Series order. Call 877-471-4870 and we will confirm the correct specification.

B prep ordered without separately ordering the SFIC core

ND53BD ships with no core included. D means less core. The door gets installed, the locksmith arrives, and the SFIC core is not there because it was never ordered. Order the core at the same time as the lock. SFIC cores are a separate line item from a separate source in most cases.

ND60 specified instead of ND70 on K-12 classroom lockdown doors

ND60 has no lockdown capability. ND70 does. For K-12 school classroom doors where the teacher must be able to lock from inside without a key during a lockdown, the specification must be ND70. An ND60 on a classroom door fails a life-safety audit in any state with updated school security hardware requirements.

Wrong backset dimension ordered for existing door prep

ND Series standard backset is 2-3/4 inches. Some doors require 2-3/8 inch backset. Confirm the existing door prep before ordering. A 2-3/4 inch backset lock will not install correctly in a 2-3/8 inch door prep.

Why American Locksets for Schlage ND Series Hardware Schedules

American Locksets has been an authorized Allegion and Schlage distributor since 2001. In 23 years we've processed thousands of Schlage ND Series orders for K-12 schools, hospital systems, university campuses, and government facilities. We verify function code, cylinder prep, lever design, and finish before every order ships.

  • Authorized Allegion/Schlage distributor since 2001 -- full factory warranty, legitimate authorized supply chain
  • Model number verification before every order -- we catch function code and cylinder prep errors before they ship
  • SFIC program support -- BEST SFIC, Schlage SFIC, and conventional cylinder confirmation for any campus program
  • Free shipping on orders over $300 from Monroe, NY -- lower threshold than most competitors
  • Same-day shipping on most in-stock ND Series configurations before 3 PM ET
  • 4.81 out of 5.0 from 435 verified customer reviews on ResellerRatings
  • Call 877-471-4870 -- tell us the opening description and we will confirm the correct model number

Browse the complete Schlage ND Series catalog at American Locksets. Shop IC cores and housings for SFIC program integration. See conventional cylinders for non-IC masterkey programs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Schlage ND Series Model Numbers

What does the ND prefix stand for in Schlage ND Series?

ND identifies the Schlage ND Series product line -- the Grade 1 institutional cylindrical lever lock. It is distinct from the Grade 2 AL Series and the residential F Series. ND Series meets ANSI/BHMA A156.2 Grade 1 and is the standard specification for institutional commercial projects.

What is the difference between Schlage ND60 and ND70?

ND60 is standard classroom: inside lever always free, outside lever locked and unlocked by key only, inside thumb piece has no effect on outside lever. ND70 is classroom security: same outside lever behavior but the inside thumb piece allows the teacher to lock the inside lever from inside without a key. That is the lockdown function. Specify ND70 for all K-12 classroom doors.

What does 626 mean on a Schlage ND lock model number?

626 is the ANSI finish code for satin chrome. It is identical to the older US26D designation. If your hardware schedule uses US26D, order 626. It is the most common institutional interior hardware finish and the default on most ND Series orders.

Can I change the lever design on a Schlage ND lock already installed in a door?

Yes. All Schlage ND Series levers are field-swappable using the set screw in the inside rose. No need to remove the lock body from the door. The lever design has no effect on the lock's function, cylinder, or warranty.

What is the Schlage ND Series mechanical warranty?

Schlage ND Series carries a 30-year mechanical warranty and a 5-year finish warranty for indoor non-corrosive applications. This is one of the strongest warranties in commercial hardware, reflecting the ND Series' designed cycle life tested beyond 16 million open-close cycles. Call 877-471-4870 for warranty documentation on specific configurations.


About this article: Written by the American Locksets hardware specification team, Monroe, NY. Authorized Allegion distributor for Schlage, Von Duprin, LCN, Sargent, Falcon, and Adams Rite since 2001. We've processed thousands of Schlage ND Series orders for K-12 school districts, hospital systems, university campuses, and government facilities. 4.81 out of 5.0 from 435 verified ResellerRatings reviews. Call 877-471-4870 for hardware schedule support.

ND53BD-RHO-626 decoded: entrance function, BEST SFIC prep, Rhodes lever, satin chrome. The complete ND function code guide from an authorized Schlage distributor with 23 years of hardware schedule experience.

ND53BD-RHO-626 decoded: entrance function, BEST SFIC prep, Rhodes lever, satin chrome. The complete ND function code guide from an authorized Schlage distributor with 23 years of hardware schedule experience.