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American National Standard for Auxiliary Hardware
ANSI/BHMA A156.36-2020 establishes requirements for Auxiliary Locks, and includes dimensional criteria and five classifications of tests: operational, cycle, strength, security and, finish. For further information, consult the full standard, ANSI/BHMA A156.36 for Auxiliary Hardware.
BHMA has created this series of Hardware Highlights to provide useful, accessible information about builders hardware for anyone with an interest in devices that hang, control, secure, and trim the doors. BHMA is the trade association which represents almost all of the North American manufacturers of builders hardware. One of its main activities since 1983 has been the development and maintenance of ANSI-approved standards for 35 separate product categories.
Product Performance: Purchasers of bored locks certified to A156.36 (http://buildershardware.com/cpd) can be assured products will perform to their expectations.
Below are an explanation and some examples of the evaluations conducted for certification:
Attributes such as the force to retract the latch and force to close the door are measured to ensure ease of egress and smooth closing. The forces to unlock the door vary by the type of trim. For example: key operated locks must open with a maximum torque of 9 lbf-in.
Building products are expected to last a long time, and builders hardware is no exception. Grade 1 dead locks, for example, must pass a rigorous test through 250,000 cycles of opening and closing.
Locksets are counted on to allow carefree operation to those who are authorized, and ensure a high degree of security from the outside. Seven aggressive tests are specified, including a 1350 pound force on the door against the dead bolt for Grade 1.
An additional duty of builders hardware is to be aesthetically attractive and stay that way. Resistance to corrosion, chemicals, abrasion, and sunlight are all considered in an array of finish tests, providing confidence in the architectural metals and coatings.
Builders hardware provides several attributes that are essential to building safety and performance, including egress and fire protection. BHMA locksets are designed to comply with all applicable requirements. For example, hardware for fire doors is evaluated and listed to UL 10C by an accredited third-party testing laboratory.
There are various types of trim which meet the ADA and A117.1 requirements for operable parts to be “operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist.” Lever or paddle type trim meets these stipulations, while knob trim should be avoided for accessible routes. In addition, BHMA certified hardware must comply with the operational forces in their respective standards, which have been shown to be suitable for accessible applications.
Locks and latches contribute to building sustainability through their verified durability, as well as material characteristics such as recycled content and recyclability. The reliable closing and sealing of openings can also contribute to energy conservation. BHMA has developed Product Category Rules, which will further define sustainability requirements and guide life cycle assessments and environmental performance declarations.
Dead bolt operated by key from either side.
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Dead bolt operated by key from outside and by turn from inside.
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