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American National Standard for Power Assist and Low Energy Power Operated Doors
ANSI/BHMA A156.19-2026 This Standard establishes requirements for single, simultaneous pair and dual egress swing door operators. The operator types are power assist and low energy power operators for pedestrian use and some small vehicular use. It does not address doors, finish or hardware. The activation of all doors described in this standard requires a “Knowing Act”. Included are provisions intended to reduce the chance of user injury or entrapment. For further information, consult the full standard, ANSI/BHMA A156.19 for POWER ASSIST AND LOW ENERGY POWER OPERATED SWINGING DOORS.
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 many separate product categories.
Product Performance: Purchasers of power operated doors certified to A156.19 (http://buildershardware.com/cpd) can be assured products will perform to their expectations.
Below is an explanation and some examples of the evaluations conducted for certification:
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SPEED
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FORCES
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EGRESS
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The maximum opening and closing times allowable is specified in tabular form for each type of door depending on the width and weight of the door. For example, a 48-inch-wide door weighing 175 pounds is limited to a total cycle time of 17.5 seconds minimum. For doors with widths and weights not on the table a formula is provided to calculate the correct opening and closing times.
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The standard includes provisions that are intended to reduce the chance of user injury, such as: the force required to prevent a stopped door from opening or closing shall not exceed 15 lbf (67 N), measured 1 inch (25 mm) from the latch edge of the door at any point during opening or closing.
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The standard covers all the necessary attributes to ensure safe egress in a loss of power. The standard requires manual forces to open a door must not exceed 15 pounds to unlatch, 30 pounds to set in motion and 15 pounds to fully open.
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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.
Signage: All Low Energy Doors shall be equipped with signage, instructing the user as to the operation and function of the door.
The signs shall be mounted 48 in. +/- 12 in. (1219 mm +/- 305 mm) from the floor to the center line of the sign and the letters shall be 5/8 inch (16 mm) high minimum.
The various signage requirements, such as the exact font size, color and placement are covered in the ANSI/BHMA A156.19 standard.