BHMA considering new hardware standards

BHMA to Approve New Hardware Standards

The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) announced in a press release that the group held its Annual Fall Meeting October 14-16, 2014 in Scottsdale, AZ. BHMA is the only organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and maintain performance standards for door hardware, cabinet hardware, electronic locks, door knobs, and other builders’ hardware. 

At the meeting, BHMA marketing and standards committees voted to move forward on several key programs, including updates on the following hardware standards:

• ANSI/BHMA A156.8 Overhead Stops & Holders
• ANSI/BHMA A156.15 Release Devices
• ANSI/BHMA A156.10 Power Operated Pedestrian Doors
• ANSI/BHMA A156.23 Electromagnetic Locks
• ANSI/BHMA A156.36 Auxiliary Locks

Ralph Vasami, BHMA’s executive director said, “BHMA’s standards evolve with changing technologies and industry demands.  When there is a need, our organization is triggered to develop an entirely new standard for a new or existing category of products.”

BHMA sponsors third-party certification of hardware products. Manufacturers voluntarily submit a hardware product to independent laboratory testing to confirm that the product fully meets the criteria of its ANSI/BHMA standard.  In-factory audits of the product are conducted periodically to assure that product complies with the standard.

Companies that are interested in BHMA certification of home hardware can download the BHMA Certified Presentation, Application for Certification and Program Manual which provide more information about home hardware product testing, standards and to get a better understanding of the standards and the requirements for certification.

Some of the home hardware that is eligible for consideration includes:

• A-Butts & Hinges (A156.1), Hinge Templates (A156.7), Self Closing Hinges (A156.17),
• Strap & Tee Hinges (156.20), Continuous Hinges (A156.26)
• B-Cabinet Hardware (A156.9), Auxiliary Hardware (A156.16)
• D-Sliding & Folding (A156.14)
• C-Closers (A156.4), Stops & Holders (A156.8), Release Devices (A156.15)
• E-Auxiliary Locks (A156.5), Cabinet Locks (A156.11), Electromagnetic (A156.23), Exit Locks, Hi Security Cylinders (A156.30)

The full list is available here.