Door Control Standards

Door standards from the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association address a range of features and characteristics of doors. Covering door controls, hanging, locking, trimming, power assist, and other standards, this set comes together to provide a comprehensive toolkit for manufacturers to create hardware that designers and users can depend on with a focus on reliability and interoperability. These standards are related to automated doors.

ANSI/BHMA A156.4-2024

Standard for Door Closers and Pivots

This Standard contains requirements for door closers surface mounted, concealed in the door, overhead concealed and concealed in the floor. Also included are pivots for floor closers. Criteria for conformance include cycle, operational and closing force tests. Optional tests which shall be specified separately are also included. Tests in this Standard are performed under neutral air pressure laboratory conditions and between 60 and 85 degrees F. In actual usage results vary because of installation, maintenance, and environmental conditions. Actual closer performance is affected by fluctuating ambient conditions such as wind and pressure differentials, consult factory for recommendations. Use on Fire Doors A door closer used on labeled fire door assemblies shall be listed or labeled by a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory, and be subject to a periodic in-plant follow-up service. Consult the authority having jurisdiction for the appropriate fire test requirements.

ANSI/BHMA A156.8-2021

Door Controls - Overhead Stops and Holders

This Standard establishes requirements for overhead door stops and holders, and includes performance tests covering operational, cyclical, strength and finish criteria.

ANSI/BHMA A156.15-2021

Release Devices - Closer Holder, Electromagnetic and Electromechanical

This Standard establishes requirements for door closers combined with hold-open devices or free-swinging door closers combined with releasing devices and includes performance tests covering operational, cyclical and finish criteria.

ANSI/BHMA A156.17-2019

Self Closing Hinges and Pivots

This Standard establishes requirements for Self Closing Hinges & Pivots. Cycle tests, operational tests, finish tests, material and dimensional requirements are included.