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American National Standard for Door Controls - Overhead Stops & Holders
ANSI/BHMA A156.8-2026 establishes performance requirements for overhead door stops and holders, and includes performance tests covering operational, cyclical, strength and force tests. Tests described in this Standard are performed under laboratory conditions. In actual usage, results vary because of installation, maintenance and environmental conditions. For further information, consult the full standard, ANSI/BHMA A156.8 for Door Controls – Overhead Stops & Holders.
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 A156.8 (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:
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Product Type
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Operational Test
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Cycle Test
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Force Test
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The Standard includes performance tests for five types of overhead stops and holders: Single Point Adjustable Hold Open, Single Point Non-Adjustable Hold Open, Positive Type Holders, Friction Slide Type Holders, and Non-Friction Slide or Stop-Only Types
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The operation of each product type is evaluated. For example, a Single Point Adjustable Hold Open is tested after cycling to verify that the closing force exceeds 10 lbf (44 N), the holding force remains within 33% of its original value, and the device can be readjusted to its initial holding force of 15 lbf (67 N).
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Building products are expected to withstand years of use and stops and holders are no exception. They are tested across three performance grades, with Grade 1 requiring the most rigorous testing of 250,000 cycles of opening and closing to prove long-term durability and reliability.
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Overhead stops and holders are tested with increasing loads based on grade. For example, Grade 1 products must withstand a 300 lbf (1334 N) static force applied in the opening direction while held at the stop position without any loss of functionality
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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.
Function Numbers: Another significant contribution of standards for product specification is a numbering system for lock function. Please consult A156.8 for the full list; an example is provided here:
Type 1 Overhead Concealed Slide Holder: : For single acting entrance, vestibule and interior doors opening to 110 degrees. Stop and shock absorber effective at all times. Hold open and release by push or pull, except when exposed control is set in inactive position. Holding pressure adjustable. Available for double acting door application. C01511 C01512
C01511C01512
Type 4 & 6 Overhead Concealed Friction Slide Holder: For either single or double acting interior doors opening to 110 degrees. Frictional element made of non-abrasive material and held under adjustable pressure. Free acting shoulder pivots. Shock absorber effective at all times.
C04531 C04532 C06533
C04531C04532C06533