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A156.40 - 2025 Residential Deadbolts

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American National Standard for Residential Deadbolts

This standard establishes requirements for residential deadbolts and deadlatches, and includes durability, security, finish tests. For further information, consult the full standard, ANSI/BHMA A156.40 for Residential Deadbolts.

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 Deadbolts certified to A156.40 (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:

OPERATION

Attributes that deal with the basic operations of the product are measured to ensure ease of egress and smooth closing. For example, the forces that retract the latch or bolt must not exceed a maximum torque of 9 in.-lbf.

DURABILITY

Obviously, building products are expected to last a long time, and builders hardware is no exception. Grade A residential dead latches, for example, must pass a rigorous test that requires 400,000 cycles of opening and closing.

SECURITY/STRENGTH

Deadbolts are counted on to allow carefree operation for those who are authorized, and to ensure a high degree of security from the outside. Seventeen aggressive tests are specified, including one that includes loading the door against the deadbolt with 1,350 pounds of force.

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 – When it comes to product specification, standards also provide a numbering system for lock function. Please consult A156.40 for the full list. An example is provided below:

Deadlocking latch bolt operated by key from either side. No latch bolt hold-back. 

E011A   E011B   E011C


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

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