Rhodes (RHO)

What RHO Means on a Schlage Door Hardware Spec

If you've seen "RHO" on a hardware schedule, a project spec sheet, or a Schlage model number and searched to find out what it means - this is the answer. RHO is the Schlage code for the Rhodes lever design within the ND Series Grade 1 cylindrical lock family.

Schlage ND Series model numbers follow this structure: the function designation first (ND10, ND50, ND70, ND80, and so on), followed by the cylinder option code (PD for standard cylinder, BD for Vandlgard with SFIC, LD for less cylinder), then the lever style code, then the finish number. In a model number like ND70PD RHO 626, the breakdown is: ND70 = classroom function, PD = standard cylinder, RHO = Rhodes lever, 626 = satin chrome finish.

Rhodes is one of nine lever styles available on the ND Series. The other eight are Boardwalk (BRK), Broadway (BRW), Latitude (LAT), Longitude (LON), Omega (OME), Sparta (SPA), and others. The lever code determines the physical shape of the lever - the lock function, the cylinder, and the finish are all specified separately.

What the Rhodes Lever Looks Like and Why It's Specified

The Rhodes is a traditional commercial lever with a curved profile - the most commonly recognized shape in institutional hardware. It's the lever design most architects and specifiers default to when the spec says Grade 1 commercial lever without a more specific aesthetic requirement. In institutional environments - schools, hospitals, government buildings, offices - the Rhodes appears on more doors than any other ND Series lever style.

One feature specific to the Rhodes lever is the optional break-away mechanism. When extreme torque is applied to the lever from outside - as in a forced entry attempt - the handheld portion of the lever separates from the shank. This protects the internal spring cage and locking mechanism from being defeated through lever attack. The break-away feature is available on most ND Series locking functions with the RHO lever. It's not a standard feature on every other ND lever style.

Functions Available in the Rhodes ND Series Catalog

Every product on this page is a Schlage ND Series Grade 1 cylindrical lock with the Rhodes lever. The function determines how the lock behaves - which side requires a key, whether the inside lever is always free, and whether the lock requires a turn button or pushbutton to lock from inside.

ND10S RHO - Passage. Both levers always free, no keying. Interior doors where free passage is required.

ND12D RHO - Exit. Inside lever always free. Outside fixed. Non-keyed. Fire stairwells and secondary exits.

ND12DEU RHO - Electrified exit. 12-24VDC, fail secure. Outside lever releases on electrical signal. For access-controlled secondary exits.

ND50PD RHO - Entrance/Office. Outside lever locked by pushbutton or turn button from inside. Key unlocks from outside. Standard office entry.

ND70PD RHO - Classroom. Outside lever locked and unlocked by key. Inside lever is always free. School classroom doors.

ND80PD RHO - Storeroom. Outside lever is always fixed. Key is always required to enter. Inside lever is always free. Storage rooms, pharmacies, server rooms.

ND91BD RHO / ND92BD RHO - Vandlgard versions with SFIC prep, less core. The BD designation adds reinforcement around the lever hub against forced lever attack. SFIC prep accepts standard SFIC cores from the facility's master key system.

Cylinder Options, Finishes, and Specifications

All ND Series locks with the Rhodes lever use an ANSI 161 cylindrical door prep. Standard backset is 2-3/4 inches, with 2-3/8 inch, 3-3/4 inch, and 5 inch available. Door thickness range is 1-5/8 inch to 2-1/8 inch standard.

The PD suffix indicates a standard Schlage cylinder. The BD suffix is Vandlgard prep for SFIC less core - the facility drops in their own 7-pin SFIC core. The LD suffix is less cylinders for facilities specifying a competitive cylinder from Best, Corbin Russwin, Medeco, Sargent, or Yale.

All ND Series locks are certified to ANSI/BHMA A156.2 Grade 1, UL 10C listed for 3-hour fire doors on single doors up to 4 feet by 8 feet and pairs up to 8 feet by 10 feet. ADA compliant. Non-handed. Nine finish options including 626AM antimicrobial for healthcare applications.