View as PDF
American National Standard for Determination of Builders Hardware Energy Comsumption
ANSI/BHMA A156.45-2025 This Standard establishes methods for measuring the energy consumed in defined use cases for various types of externally powered architectural hardware.
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 hardware certified to A156.45 (https://buildershardware.com/Certification-Program/Certified-Products-Directory) can be assured products will perform to their expectations.
Below are an explanation and some examples of the evaluations conducted for certification:
|
ENERGY USAGE
|
DEFINITIONS
|
TESTING
|
|
The standard measures the energy consumption for 24 hours in three usage models. The design of the tests reflects real-use power-consuming operations that include primary and secondary functions, function triggers, standby, and transitions. This includes High, Medium and Low Traffic Use Cases. A kilowatt hour (kWh) rating is the basis for comparison between products.
|
A useful set of terminology covering architectural hardware is provided. For example:
Externally Powered Lock
A lock that relies on a wired connection to an external power source for maintaining normal operation.
Use Case
The number of times per day that an Activity State occurs.
|
The testing takes into consideration threemodes of typical operation of the locking mechanism:
Secure
When passage is not possible.
Non-Secure
When free passage is possible.
Triggered
When a credential is needed for passage.
|
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.
Type Numbers: Another significant contribution of standards for product specification is a numbering system for the type of product, its function and trim type. Please consult A156.45 for the full list; examples are provided here:
Electromagnetic Lock: A156.23-L-E03-A=.300, B=.200, C=.100 is an Electromagnetic Lock, Low Voltage Wired with Fail Safe
