What Is BHMA & Why Is It Important?
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
What is BHMA?
Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association, or BHMA, is a trade association that is committed to promoting the quality and performance of builders hardware products and providing education and standards development. For nearly a century it has represented manufacturers and suppliers of builders hardware products and has advocated for the interests of the industry as a whole.
BHMA closely collaborates with stakeholders such as architects, builders and specifiers to successfully establish industry-wide standards that provide immense benefits to facility managers and end-users alike. BHMA’s standards encompass a wide array of builders hardware products and help ensure that these products meet or exceed minimum performance requirements. The products include locks, exit devices, door closers, hinges and many other items.
BHMA's standards are developed by committees that include manufacturers, end-users, testing laboratories and others. These committees work by consensus to establish test methods and minimum performance requirements for builders hardware products. After the standards are developed, they are submitted to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for approval.
BHMA’s Significance in the Industry
BHMA standards are widely recognized as the benchmark for quality and performance in the industry. As the only ANSI accredited organization in the United States that creates standards for builders hardware, the standards are developed using a transparent and consensus-based process. This reflects the collaborative and dynamic nature of the US standards system and provides a common language for architects, builders and manufacturers to communicate about the different types and performance levels of architectural hardware products. The standards are regularly reviewed and updated to include changes in technology and industry needs.
Although BHMA certification is not mandatory for builders hardware products, many industry professionals and building owners prefer BHMA-certified products due to their proven quality, reliability and performance. BHMA-certified products go through a rigorous series of tests to meet cycle, operational, strength, security and finish requirements. In order to indicate the achieved performance level, BHMA uses a three-tiered system: Grade 1, Grade 2 or Grade 3. The higher the grade (Grade 1), the better the product’s performance and durability. Look for the BHMA mark to identify products that have been properly tested. Access the BHMA Certified® Products Directory, a current listing of all products with BHMA certifications, here.
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