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A156.17 - 2025 Self Closing Hinges & Pivots

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American National Standard for Self Closing Hinges & Pivots

This standard establishes requirements for Self Closing Hinges & Pivots. Cycle tests, operational tests, material and dimensional requirements are included. For further information, consult the full standard, ANSI/BHMA A156.17 for Self Closing Hinges & Pivots.

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 door controls certified to A156.17 (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:

CLOSING FORCE

In the standard, closing forces are given for seven different types of single acting hinges, eight different types of double acting hinges, and four different pivots. Sizes and weights of the doors are defined in accordance with the closing force of each test hinge.

DURABILITY

Building products are expected to last a long time, and builders hardware is no exception. Grade 1 doors spring hinges, for example, must pass a rigorous test through one million cycles of opening and closing on a test door of a specified weight.

STRENGTH

A static load test is performed to detect and limit the lateral shift of the door leaf away from the jamb at the top hinge following the application of a test load to ensure the spring hinges have adequate strength to withstand anticipated loads.

Building Codes

Builders hardware provides several attributes that are essential to building safety and performance, including egress and fire protection

Accessibility

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.” 

Appearance

Resistance to corrosion is evaluated through a salt spray test to ASTM B117 providing confidence to be aesthetically attractive and stay that way.

Sustainability

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.

Function Numbers: Another significant contribution of standards for product specification is a numbering system for lock function. Please consult A156.17 for the full list; an example is provided here:

K81011      K81011F      K81012      K81013

Full Mortise. Single Acting. Torsion Spring. Hinge K81011F is for use on fire doors and shall be listed by a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory and be under an in-plant follow-up inspection service.


This document is not a substitute for the full standard. Refer to the entire standard for full information.

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Participate in the BHMA® Certification Program by voluntarily submitting a hardware product to independent laboratory testing to confirm that it fully meets the criteria of the appropriate ANSI/BHMA® standard.  This industry-wide certification program does not call for a manufacturer to be a BHMA® member in order to certify its products.

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