BHMA PUBLISHES UPDATED STANDARD FOR MORTISE LOCKS AND LATCHES

Builders Hardware Standards Describe Tests and Set Criteria for Product Certification

NEW YORK, NY— The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) announces the publication of ANSI/BHMA A156.13-2005 American National Standard for Mortise Locks & Latches. This publication is an update of an earlier version of the standard.

ANSI/BHMA A156.13 covers requirements for mortise locks and latches, and includes operational tests, security tests, cycle tests, finish tests, material evaluation tests and dimensional criteria. Mortise locks and latches used in fire door assemblies in particular should be tested and listed for use in fire doors by a Nationally Recognized Independent Testing Laboratory (NRTL) and shall be under an in-plant follow-up inspection service.

Requirements for several performance tests were clarified, along with several editorial and formatting updates.

"Many key elements to this standard were discussed during the revision process," said Mike Tierney, Standards Coordinator for the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association. “It is always imperative that the testing methods are analyzed and updated to reflect the changes in builders hardware and the industry at large.”

For more information, or to purchase copies of the ANSI/BHMA A156.13-2005, please visit BHMA's web site 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 phone by calling 800-699-9277.

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About BHMA

The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) is an industry leader in building safety and security. BHMA is the only organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and maintain performance standards for locks, closers, exit devices and other builders hardware. The widely known ANSI/BHMA A156 series of standards describes and establishes the features and criteria for specific types of hardware products. In addition, BHMA sponsors third-party certification of hardware products, which is a requirement for a product to bear the “BHMA Certified” mark — insuring that the product meets the ANSI/BHMA standard. For more information on BHMA, please write to BHMA, 355 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1700, New York, NY, 10017 or visit the Web site at www.buildershardware.com.