The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) is the trade association for North American manufacturers of builders hardware. BHMA facilitates the development of standards, codes, life safety regulations and other activities that specifically impact builders hardware. BHMA was originally founded in 1925 and is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.
While BHMA is known for standards for commercial door hardware, the trade association is launching a new residential program. Locksmith Ledger interviewd Mike Tierney, BHMA standards coordinator, on this new endeavor. Following are the Ledger’s questions and Tierney’s answers.
Why did BHMA start a residential program?
While the BHMA standards are known for covering the requirements for commercial hardware, they have also been applicable to residential hardware to a certain degree. If you were to go through each of our 37 commercial standards, you would notice that some of them include information that can be used for residential hardware as well.
A few years ago, however, we decided that the requirements and needs of residential products were different enough from those of commercial products, and that in order to set the highest possible requirements for each, it would prove best to separate them. The purpose of the residential program is to make it easier for homeowners to buy hardware and to understand the importance of purchasing hardware that is certified. In fact, a new, exclusive certified residential label has been designed for this program, to be affixed onto BHMA Certified products or packaging.
What are the residential standards?
Right now, we have two published residential standards: ANSI/BHMA A156.39 Residential Locksets and Latches and ANSI/BHMA A156.40 Residential Deadbolts. Both standards establish performance requirements for products used in single and multifamily homes and include tests for durability, security, and finish. For example, ANSI/BHMA 156.39-2015 tests lockset durability by requiring it to go through at least 400,000 cycles of opening and closing with a 5-pound load; lockset security is determined by whether or not the product passes a series of 11 aggressive tests. ANSI/BHMA 156.40-2015 requires that deadbolts be tested to the same number of cycles when it comes to compliance with durability, and that the product passes seventeen security tests – one of which involves having 1,350 pounds of force loaded against the deadbolt.
Can we expect to see more?
Certainly. I would expect that we’ll develop a residential standard for hinges in the near future, and that other hardware used for residential applications – like thresholds, screen door holders or gaskets – will be considered, as well.
What does this program mean for the industry?
What this means for the builders hardware industry is that all manufacturers – both those known for residential products and those known for commercial products – will now have performance requirements that are perfectly suited for their specific product types. In turn, contractors, builders and architects can be assured that these products will perform to standard time after time and maintain the security and safety of America’s homes.
What does this program mean for trade professionals?
This new program means that trade professionals involved in residential building will now have extra guidance when it comes to deciding what products to select for each individual project or application.
What does this program mean for homeowners?
The residential hardware certification program subjects products to a vigorous testing process. Homeowners can now be assured that when they purchase BHMA-certified products, they are purchasing the highest quality hardware when it comes to the safety of their home, and that the hardware will perform to their expectations. Additionally, the program provides extra guidance for do-it-yourselfers and can help them in selecting the perfect product for their specific applications – whether it be interior vs. exterior, for a costal climate vs. inland, for a higher risk neighborhood vs. lower risk, and the like.
What qualifies residential hardware for certification?
In order to be certified, the product must be tested by a third party for security, durability and finish as indicated in its respective standard. If the product passes the series of tests, it can then be labeled as certified. Any residential hardware product can be considered for certification.
How can I certify my residential hardware?
To certify their hardware, manufacturers should read the Operational Manual available on www.buildershardware.com, and then file the certification application with BHMA. Next, the manufacturer must contact a BHMA-designated testing lab (Intertek or UL) to have their hardware evaluated to the specifications outlined in the published standard for the product being tested. Residential products are evaluated for security, durability and finish. Upon completion of the testing, the manufacturer must then file a proposed listing in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the BHMA Operational Manual. The manufacturer will also have to send the testing report number to BHMA, which will then contact the designated testing lab for affirmation of the proposed listing. Upon lab affirmation, the listing is designated as certified, and the manufacturer’s product listing is then added to the online BHMA Certified Products Directory. Manufacturers are then permitted to use the certified logo — in accordance with the guidelines — on their packaging, website, advertising and marketing collateral.
Where can I find more information about BHMA’s residential program?
Information is currently available on www.buildershardware.com, but be sure to look for the brand new BHMA residential website – www.securehome.org – launching later this year.
