The American National Standards Institute/Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (ANSI/BHMA) certification program seal on a product ensures that product meets the standard. Subsets of this standard cover 39 components, including hinges, cylinders, mortise locks, and power-operated doors. An access control manager needs to review them every five years, as well as stay abreast of changes, including these new and updated standards:
Managers also need to meet evolving safety and security challenges with door hardware that offers the most durability. For example, a Grade 1 keyed lock must deliver 800,000 cycles to failure. Commercial Grade 1 hardware will last more than three times longer than hardware for home use, and forced entry will be more difficult.
Commercial grade products offer greater reliability, safety, and security, and they cost less to maintain. Schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and multi-family unit hall doors all must be UL fire rated metal doors and must be automatic-closer operated, and occupants must not block doors open.
Thomas A. Westerkamp is a maintenance and engineering management consultant and president of the work management division of Westerkamp Group LLC.
Door Technology: New Era Brings New Challenges, Opportunities
4 Post-Pandemic Opportunities for Upgrading Door Hardware
Spotlight on Door Hardware Standards
