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American National Standard for Architectural Door Trim
This Standard contains requirements for door protection plates, door & wall edgings, push plates, door pulls, push & pull bars, and vertical rod covers & guards. Included are strength, dimensional, and material criteria plus environmental performance. For further information, consult the full standard, ANSI/BHMA A156.6 Architectural Door Trim.
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 35 separate product categories.
Product Performance: Purchasers of door controls certified to A156.6 (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:
Pull Unit Test A Unit shall withstand 200 lbf (890 N) midpoint between the outermost fasteners without breakage. The test load shall be applied to cause the fasteners to be in tension. Apply the test load for 60 seconds.
An additional duty of builders hardware is to be aesthetically attractive and stay that way. Resistance to corrosion is evaluated through a salt spray test to ASTM B117 providing confidence in the ongoing appearance of the architectural metals and coatings. Humidity, Perspiration, and Hardness are also evaluated.
Certified overhead stops & holders contribute to building sustainability through their verified durability, as well as material characteristics such as recycled content and recyclability. 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 and guide life cycle assessments and environmental performance declarations.
Type Numbers: Another significant contribution of standards for product specification is a numbering system for product types. Please consult A156.6 for the full list; an example is provided here.
Offset J402
Set Option J406
Push-Pull Plate J303