STANDARDS FOR LOCKING THE DOOR VITAL TO SECURITY

Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association Bundles Standards for Security Experts, Insurance Companies and Building Code Officials

NEW YORK, NY —The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) announces that 12 different ANSI/BHMA standards related to the locking of doors are now available in a bundled package. “BHMA is bundling these standards because there are many professions besides architectural specifiers with an interest in standards that relate to security,” said Mike Tierney, standards coordinator for BHMA.

Four new ANSI/BHMA standards relating to locking the door were released in the past three years: A156.25 Electrified Locking Devices; A156.29 Exit Locks, Alarms; A156.30 High Security Cylinders; and A156.31 Electric Strikes. Also, several existing lock-related standards have recently been updated.

Locks, Strikes and Cylinders

The new A156.25 standard for electrified locking devices sets important new performance requirements for motors, solenoids and various other electrical components that are used in electrically activated locks. “Electronic keys and remote-activation of locking systems are commonplace in commercial buildings yet the performance of the underlying electrical devices previously was largely ungoverned by industry standards,” says Tierney.

Similarly, the new A156.31 standard applies to electric strikes and frame mounted actuators. According to Tierney, it is important to understand what will happen to electrified locks during a power outage. A door without power should default to a locked state, but occupants also must be able to get out of the building. BHMA standards complement the building code requirements for these issues.

The new A156.30 standard on high-security cylinders includes security performance requirements for both mechanical and electrified high security cylinders. “Since these hardware systems directly affect security, this standard was written for ease of adoption in building codes and security policies for commercial, institutional and industrial buildings,” says Tierney. Building upon the rigorous requirements for cylinders in ANSI/BHMA A156.5 Auxiliary Locks and Cylinders, ANSI/BHMA A156.30 defines new standards for key control, including the control of key blanks and electronic credentials.

The development of standards for new classes of devices or components does not eliminate the need for standards covering conventional devices or make them any less important. The ultimate locking still usually depends on familiar latchbolt or deadbolt mechanisms. In their five-year cycle, specifications are often tightened to reflect improvements in materials and manufacturing processes. In most of these standards, procedures are given for a variety of operational tests, security tests, cycles tests, finish tests and material evaluation tests.

Emphasis on Security

With renewed emphasis on building security, locks are coming under increasing scrutiny. The ANSI/BHMA standards provide a wealth of valuable data and perspective. “These standards are the benchmark by which locking systems can be evaluated and compared, with performance defined by meeting clearly defined grade levels. Since the standards also define the exact test methods, the comparison is assured to be consistent,” concludes Tierney.

For more information, or to purchase PDFs or hardcopies of the ANSI/BHMA A156 Series Standards and/or other related literature, please visit the online BHMA Bookstore at www.buildershardware.com. Purchased standards are available as printed documents or as electronic files (PDF) for immediate download. You can also order standards by calling 800-699-9277.

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