upvc door handles types a or b difference

uPVC Door Handles — Important Differences Between Type A and Type B (DIY Guide)

uPVC door handles are common in British front doors, and their replacement is a simple task for most DIYers.

Annoyingly, uPVC door handles are not a universal type. 

This guide will show you how to identify your existing uPVC door handle type and the differences between Type A and Type B. 


What are the Differences Between Type A and Type B uPVC Door Handle?

The key differences between Type A and Type B lie in the screw fixings’ position and the measurement between the screw holes.


Type A

Type A uPVC door handles have a screw at the bottom of the backplate (the vertical piece where the handle goes) and another screw under the handle.


Type B

Type B uPVC door handles have screws at the top and bottom of the backplate.


How to Tell the Difference Between Type A and Type B

The diagram below illustrates the key differences between Type A and Type B. It also shows the measurements you need to check.

type a and type b uPVC handle diagram
Image credit: www.homesecureshop.co.uk

In the diagram above, the handle on the left is Type B. The handle on the right is Type A.

The measurements A, B and C are crucial to identifying your uPVC handle correctly. The table below shows the measurements for each type.

Type AType B
B122mm211mm
C220mm240mm

Measurement A (also known as “PZ”) is taken from the handle’s axis to the centre of the lock barrel.

Pro Tip: the most common PZ measurement is 92mm, but this can vary.  

It’s important to note that measurements B and C above tell you whether you need a Type A or Type B handle. Measurement A (“PZ”) ensures that the handle you need (whether that be Type A or Type B) fits your uPVC door.

Even if you accurately identify your Type A or Type B uPVC door handle, it’s possible to buy the correct handle type and still end up with a handle that won’t fit your door if your PZ measurement is wrong. As always, use this guide to measure twice and order once!


Final Thoughts — uPVC Door Handles

As with all home repairs, take your time to ensure your measurements are as accurate as possible.  

The differences between Type A and Type B uPVC door handles are the fixing method and the size of the handles. Check all the measurements provided in this guide if you’re ordering a replacement.

To see how to replace a Yale uPVC door handle, check out the video below:

YouTube player

Pro Tip: Check out our guide to replacing internal door handles if you want to spruce up your interior door furniture.


uPVC Door Handles — FAQ

What does Type B mean for Door Handles?

Type B uPVC door handles have screw fixings at the top and bottom of the handle’s backplate and measure 240mm from top to bottom, with 211mm between the screw-hole centres.

How do I identify a uPVC door handle?

A Type A uPVC door handle has screw fixings at the bottom of the backplate and just below the handle itself.

A Type B uPVC door handle has fixing screws at the top and bottom of the backplate.

What are the different types of handles?

This guide covers Type A, and Type B uPVC door handles. These two types refer only to the handle’s size, not style. The handle’s style is a separate topic that I’ll briefly cover below:

uPVC door handles come in various styles, with 4 main types: entrance, privacy, passage, and blind handle.

If you want to make a statement with your handles, shop around and see what fits your style!

How are uPVC door handles measured?

uPVC door handles have three key measurements:

1. The overall length of the handle’s backplate.

2. The distance between the screw holes on the backplate (this governs whether your handle is Type A or Type B)

3. The length between the centre of the handle and the keyhole centre.