Door Hardware

Summary

Door hardware is the set of hinges, locks and latches, exit devices, closers, stops, and gasketing that makes a door swing, close, latch, and secure, tested to the ANSI/BHMA A156 series. Hardware must be selected as a set against the door's rating, egress path, security, and accessibility needs, so list each opening's functions before choosing products.

Cols

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BHMA: Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association, which writes the A156 standards
Grade 1, 2, 3: performance grades, with Grade 1 the highest; criteria are specific to each product type
Butt hinge: the common swinging door hinge (A156.1)
Continuous hinge: full-length hinge (A156.26)
Exit device (panic hardware): push-bar or touchpad latch for egress doors (A156.3)
Closer: controls the closing speed and latching of a door (A156.4)
Mortise lock and bored lock: the two common lock bodies, in A156.13 and A156.2
Electrified hardware: electric locks, strikes, and exit devices tied to access control
Delayed egress lock: lock that releases after a time delay (A156.24)

Standards

BHMA A156 series

A156.1: butts and hinges
A156.2: bored and preassembled locks and latches
A156.3: exit devices
A156.4: door closers
A156.5: auxiliary locks; A156.6: architectural door trim
A156.8: overhead stops and holders
A156.10 and A156.19: power-operated and low-energy doors
A156.13: mortise locks and latches
A156.14: sliding and folding door hardware
A156.17: self-closing hinges and pivots
A156.18: materials and finishes
A156.21: thresholds; A156.22: door gasketing
A156.23 and A156.25: electromagnetic and electrified locking devices
A156.24: delayed egress locks
A156.26: continuous hinges
A156.27: revolving doors
A156.28: master keying systems
A156.29: exit locks and alarms
A156.30: high security cylinders
A156.31: electrified strikes and actuators

Grades

A product earns a grade only by meeting every criterion for that grade
One manufacturer table (2013) lists Grade 1 cycle tests of about 1,000,000 for bored and mortise locks, 500,000 for exit devices, 2,000,000 for closers, and 2,500,000 for butt hinges
Check the current standard for the figures that govern

Detailing

Write a hardware schedule that lists each opening's function: entry, storeroom, classroom, passage, exit
Match hardware to the door rating; fire-rated openings use listed hardware per the parent code reference
Set lever, pull, and operating-part locations to the accessibility heights in the parent
Coordinate electrified hardware with power supplies, access control, and the fire alarm
Choose finishes under A156.18 and keep one finish family per room or floor
Preps must match the frame and door: hinge locations, strike, and reinforcement

Uses

Specific uses

Entry, storeroom, and office doors
Corridor and stair egress doors with panic hardware
Fire-rated openings
Access-controlled and delayed-egress openings
Sliding, folding, and pocket doors

Pros and cons

Pros

Standardized grades make products comparable
Many functions and finishes in each product line
Electrified options integrate with access control

Cons

Many components must be coordinated per opening
Grade criteria differ by product type
Electrified hardware adds wiring and commissioning

Manufacturing and cost

Construction

Hardware is made in standard and custom functions and finishes, then prepped to match the door and frame

Main manufacturers and suppliers

Trade association: Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association.

Sources

Allegion: what are ANSI/BHMA hardware grades, https://kc.allegion.com/kb/article/what-are-ansi-bhma-hardware-grades
Allegion: understanding BHMA grading and testing, https://dev-cs-schlage-commercial.allegion.com/content/dam/allegion-us-2/web-files/allegion/information-documents/Understanding_BHMA_Grading_and_Testing_009968.pdf
Facilitiesnet: doors, ANSI/BHMA standards, https://www.facilitiesnet.com/doorshardware/article/Doors-ANSIBHMA-Standards--18146
ARCAT: 08 71 00 door hardware specification, https://www.arcat.com/specification/hager-companies-32922/08_71_00hco