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American National Standard for Residential Locksets and Latches
This Standard establishes performance requirements for bored residential locksets and latches, and includes durability, security, and finish. For further information, consult the full standard, ANSI/BHMA A156.39 for Residential Locksets and Latches.
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 Residential Locks certified to A156.39 (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 open the door vary by the type of trim; for example, lever operated locks must open with a maximum torque of 28 in.-lbf.
Obviously, building products are expected to last a long time, and builders hardware is no exception. Grade A locks, for example, must pass a rigorous test that requires 400,000 cycles of opening and closing with a 5 pound axial load applied.
Locksets are counted on to allow carefree operation for those who are authorized, and to ensure a high degree of security from the outside. Eleven aggressive tests are specified, including one in which the latch must withstand 800 pounds of force and a locked lever test at 500 in.-lbfs. to be considered grade A.
Builders hardware provides several attributes that are essential to building safety and performance, including egress and fire protection.
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.”
Resistance to corrosion is evaluated through a salt spray test to ASTM B117 providing confidence to be aesthetically attractive and stay that way.
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 – When it comes to product specification, standards also provide a numbering system for lock function. Please consult A156.39 for the full list. An example is provided here:
F77A Grades A, B, C. Patio or Privacy Lock. Dead locking latch bolt operated by lever from either side: Outside lever is locked by a push button or other locking device inside, and unlocked by operating the inside lever or closing the door. Do not use on doors in rooms that do not have another entrance.