Demystifying Referenced Standards in Product Certifications

Within the certification process, certain products must meet additional criteria before attaining certification to an ANSI/BHMA Standard, and so understanding the significance of referenced standards is crucial. Think of referenced standards as the building blocks—or prerequisites—for achieving certification to an ANSI/BHMA Standard. Much like prerequisite courses in college, they represent criteria that must be satisfied before a product can move forward in the certification process.

What Are Referenced Standards?
Referenced standards are specific requirements embedded within a larger certification standard. These “referenced” elements eliminate the need to outline the same criteria, so their contents don’t have to be repeated each time the requirement is present. Their presence ensures that a product meets all necessary criteria before meeting the ANSI/BHMA certification requirements.

For instance, in the case of BHMA®’s Certified Product Directory, referenced standards are present but not always immediately visible to the end user. Notably, certification to a referenced standard is not mandatory in itself; instead, compliance is demonstrated through rigorous testing.

Here are some examples:

• Exit Devices: Before certification to A156.3, exit devices must demonstrate compliance with Underwriters Laboratories Standard UL305 Panic Hardware. This ensures their effectiveness and safety in emergency egress scenarios.

• Electrified Locking Devices: Compliance with the A156.25 standard mandates meeting the performance requirements outlined in the applicable ANSI/BHMA A156 standard for the base mechanical product. This encompasses a wide range of locking devices, from mortise locks to interconnected locks.

• High-Security Cylinders: Before certification to A156.30, cylinders must undergo testing per A156.5, and electrified products must meet A156.25 requirements.

Why Do Referenced Standards Matter?

Adhering to referenced standards is about more than just meeting requirements—it’s about fostering trust. By incorporating these additional layers of testing and compliance, ANSI/BHMA certification ensures that products meet safety, durability, and performance criteria set by the industry. This translates to greater confidence for consumers, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders alike.

In essence, referenced standards are a critical part of what makes comprehensive product certifications robust and reliable. They ensure that certified products not only meet the basic standards but also align with the specific needs of unique product categories.

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