Published April 2024 | Updated March 2025

Are Level locks secure?

Fact checked by Eric Schoneberger

Written by: Level Home Staff
Level Home Staff

Level Home Staff is a collective of innovative thinkers and creators specializing in smart home technology. With a wealth of experience drawn from industry giants like Apple, our team's expertise spans various aspects of smart home technology, including home automation, security systems, and intelligent control systems. We thrive on creating smart living solutions that enhance comfort, security, and efficiency in modern homes.

Are Level locks secure?

Level lock batteries are housed in the deadbolt, which means the bolt is hollow and because of this, people are often concerned the bolt could be potentially vulnerable–but, is the hollow bolt actually a problem? The truth is, Level locks are designed with safety in mind and are just as secure as traditional locks.

Yes, Level locks are a safe and secure choice

Rest assured that Level locks are built to withstand potential security threats and keep your home safe. The placement of the batteries within the deadbolt does not compromise its integrity or effectiveness. Let's delve deeper into the reasons why Level locks are safe:

  • Robust construction: Level locks are crafted from high-quality materials and undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest security standards (more on this later). The internal components are expertly engineered to provide strength and durability, even with the battery compartment.

  • Hidden security: The battery compartment is cleverly concealed within the deadbolt, making it virtually indistinguishable from a traditional lock on the outside. This discreet design won’t stand out to potential burglars.

  • Smart technology: Level locks leverage advanced technology to enhance security. Features like encryption, activity monitoring, and remote access control provide greater peace of mind and allow you to manage your lock's security from anywhere.

Inside a traditional deadbolt lock is hollow too

Did you know that the majority of standard deadbolts on the market today have a hollow bolt? The biggest difference is that within the hollow interior of the Level Lock's bolt, you'll find not empty space, but a compact and powerful battery system. This ingenious integration allows the Level Lock to maintain a sleek and minimalist aesthetic while incorporating the necessary power source for its advanced smart lock functionalities.

Don’t believe us? Watch Jon Rettinger cut open a deadbolt and see for yourself that standard residential deadbolts are hollow.

How do I know if my deadbolt is secure?

The only way to know for sure how secure any lock is would be to check the ANSI security ratings or BHMA grading.

The current ANSI grading system has 3 grades; Grade 1 being the highest awarded to the strongest locks, then Grade 2, and finally Grade 3. ANSI grading for deadbolts is about overall strength, which contributes to product longevity, as well as resistance to forced entry attempts. Separately, there is a BHMA grading system that rates residential hardware, like locks, with letters A, B, or C based on security, durability, and finish; the best possible BHMA grade is AAA.

Learn more about the BHMA and ANSI grading systems and why you can trust them in our Door Hardware Guide.

Level locks meet the highest residential security standards

Level locks meet the highest industry standards for residential security; complete locksets are BHMA Certified AAA and comply with ANSI 156.18 and 156.40 Grade 1/A. Due to its compatibility with existing deadbolt housings Level Bolt can’t be certified, though for your protection, it is tested to meet the ANSI Grade 1 and BHMA A standards for strength and durability anyway.

The AAA certification by BHMA means our locks meet the highest standards for security, durability, and finish. Our locks are able to achieve an ANSI grade 1 rating because we use high-quality materials like 440C stainless steel for the bolt tube, which is a corrosion-resistant material most commonly used in large-scale industrial applications requiring high strength and high hardness.

Download Level's BHMA Certificate A156.40 for Residential Deadbolts

Download Level's BHMA Certificate A156.18 for Materials and Finishes

On the digital side of things, the Level Home app uses the most secure encryption standards available to protect the communication between the lock, cloud, and phone.

Ready to learn more about Level locks?

Explore Level locks to see how security and functionality have been melded with expertly crafted design, or, learn more about Level lock security and tech specs.