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American National Standard for Internally Powered Architectural Hardware Devices
ANSI/BHMA A156.33-2019 establishes methods for verifying manufacturer’s claims for principle battery performance in different use models for various types of internally powered architectural hardware. This Standard applies to both commercial and residential products. For further information, consult the full standard, ANSI/BHMA A156.33 for Internally Powered Architectural Hardware Devices
BHMA has created this series of Hardware Highlights to provide useful, accessible information about Builders Hardware for architects, specifiers, builders, building code officials – anyone with an interest in the devices that hang, control, secure, and trim the doors.
Product Performance: Purchasers of motorized deadbolts, hotel locks, input devices, self-contained RFID locks, push button locks, cabinet locks, e-cylinders, portable locks, electric strikes, exit devices, mortise locks, rim locks, bored locks, active RF key fobs, and safe locks, that are certified to A156.33 (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:
A manufacturer longevity claim of a principal battery is verified through the selection of a standardized use case and a set of measurements. Results are used in provided equations to calculate expected battery life. The performance is determined in normal lab environment and is not intended to be representative of extreme environments.
To support the verification of a claim, measurement equipment specifications and an electrical test method are defined including 2, 24-hour current measurements. Battery capacity guidance is provided for alkaline chemistry. Other chemistries may be applied with supporting documentation.
This standard introduces the requirement for the product to have a Low Battery Warning that informs the user of an impending need for battery service.
Certified internally powered architectural hardware can contribute to building sustainability by encouraging better battery life performance thereby reducing the amount of battery waste.
Type Numbers: Another significant contribution of standards for product specification is a numbering system for internally powered architectural devices. Devices types are listed using combinations of: product type, communication, credential, and use types. Please consult A156.33 for the full list; an example is provided here:
EB1OPB0005012 - Lock, On-line, Prox, 5 cycles/day, 12 months