When it comes to securing commercial properties, selecting the right door hardware is not just about basic functionality. It’s about ensuring compliance with the highest safety and performance standards. Commercial buildings such as offices, hospitals, and educational institutions require hardware that can withstand frequent use, resist forced entry, and maintain smooth operation over time. This is where ANSI door hardware for commercial buildings stands out. Developed under the ANSI/BHMA framework, these certified products are tested for strength, durability, and security to guarantee dependable performance in demanding environments. Whether you’re specifying locks, exit devices, hinges, or handles, choosing ANSI/BHMA-certified hardware ensures long-term reliability and peace of mind.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about ANSI/BHMA door hardware standards, grading systems, and how to choose the best solutions for your commercial projects.
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The Role of ANSI and BHMA in Commercial Door Hardware
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) work together to establish the gold standard for commercial door hardware. Understanding their roles is essential for anyone involved in commercial building construction or renovation.
1. What Is ANSI Door Hardware?
ANSI door hardware refers to products designed and tested under the performance standards established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA). ANSI is responsible for coordinating voluntary consensus standards across industries, while BHMA is the only organization accredited by ANSI to create and maintain builders’ hardware standards. Together, they form the foundation for the ANSI/BHMA A156 series—a comprehensive system that defines criteria for locks, hinges, closers, exit devices, and access control hardware.
Every ANSI/BHMA standard is reviewed and updated regularly to ensure it aligns with evolving building codes, safety regulations, and new technologies. These updates help guarantee that ANSI door hardware for commercial buildings meets modern expectations for quality and reliability. Manufacturers participating in the BHMA Certified® Program voluntarily submit their products for independent testing, proving their compliance with stringent ANSI/BHMA requirements. This certification assures architects and specifiers that the selected hardware meets the highest industry standards.
Tips: How ANSI Door Hardware Differs from Standard Hardware
Unlike standard or uncertified door hardware, ANSI/BHMA door hardware undergoes rigorous testing for operational cycles, strength, and finish durability. This means ANSI-certified products are built to endure heavy use in commercial environments, providing verified performance that standard residential hardware cannot match. For commercial specifiers, choosing ANSI hardware is not only a matter of quality but also a commitment to safety and code compliance.
2. Understanding the ANSI/BHMA Grading System
The ANSI/BHMA grading system classifies products into three performance levels based on durability, security, and longevity.
Grade 1: The highest level of performance, designed for demanding commercial or institutional use. ANSI Grade 1 door hardware is engineered for environments where failure is simply not an option. It is ideal for hospitals, schools, and public buildings where failure is not an option.
Grade 2: Suitable for medium-traffic applications such as offices or retail spaces. ANSI Grade 2 door hardware strikes an optimal balance between performance and cost-effectiveness. It offers reliable performance at a more cost-effective level.
Grade 3: Intended for residential or low-traffic use. ANSI Grade 3 door hardware provides basic functionality and security.
ANSI Grade 1
Designed for over 1 million cycles, offering maximum durability and security.
ANSI Grade 2
Tested for 500,000 cycles, ideal for offices and schools with moderate traffic.
ANSI Grade 3
Acceptable for residential-grade and light commercial use.
Choosing between these grades requires careful analysis of expected traffic volume, security risk assessment, and long-term operational cost projections. The grading system provides precise benchmarks that enable data-driven decision-making for optimal hardware selection.
Types of ANSI Door Hardware for Commercial Buildings
1. ANSI Exit Device
Exit devices, commonly recognized as panic bars or crash bars, serve as critical life safety components in commercial buildings. Governed by the ANSI/BHMA A156.3 standard, these devices are tested to ensure easy and reliable door release with minimal effort. The standard specifies that latch retraction must require no more than three pounds of force, ensuring accessibility and safety for all occupants.
Camax Hardware manufactures multiple types of ANSI exit devices, including rim exit devices, vertical rod exit devices, and concealed exit devices. Each product is designed for maximum performance and compliance with ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 requirements.
Camax's Panic Exit Devices
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CMP450 Series
CMP000 Series
CMP400 Series
CMP750 Series
CMP766
CMP955
Tips: Panic Hardware and Fire Exit Hardware
It’s important to distinguish between panic hardware and fire exit hardware. Fire-rated exit doors must meet additional testing requirements to withstand high pressure and temperature changes, carrying both panic exit and fire exit labels. Camax Hardware offers a complete line of fire-rated and non-fire-rated exit devices for various applications.
2. ANSI Mortise Lock
For applications demanding superior security combined with operational flexibility, ANSI mortise locks complying with ANSI/BHMA A156.13 represent the professional choice. Grade 1 mortise locksets deliver the highest level of performance, offering sophisticated functions essential for institutional security requirements. These systems accommodate electrified components, monitoring capabilities, and complex access control integration.
Camax Hardware designs and manufactures ANSI commercial mortise locks with various ANSI functions. Each ANSI grade 1 door lock is built with premium materials to ensure smooth operation and consistent performance under frequent use.
- • ANSI commercial mortise locks
- • Certificate: BHMA listed; ANSI/BHMA A156.13-2020, Grade 1 (1, 000, 000); UL10C 3-hour fire rating.
- • Lockcase: Heavy-gauge steel, with zinc dichromate finish for corrosion resistance.
- • Deadbolt: One-piece stainless steel, 25mm throw.
- • Latchbolt: Stainless steel, 2 pieces mechanical with anti-friction insert, 19mm throw.
- • Auxiliary Latchbolt: stainless steel.
- • Strike: stainless steel, ANSI straight lip standard 4-7/8" (124mm) x 1-1/4" (32mm).
- • Door thickness: 1-3/4" (45mm) standard. Optional 1-3/8" (35mm), 2-1/2" (64mm).
- • Backset: 2 3/4" (70mm).
- • Deadbolt Lock
- • Certificate:ANSI/BHMA A156.36, Grade 1; UL10C fire rated, 3 hours
- • Multi functions available
- • Material: Stainless steel
- • Mortise Lock Set for Sliding Doors
- • Self-retracting hook with non-marring latch bolt
- • Stainless steel 304 deadbolt with 1" (25.4mm) throw
- • Stainless steel face plate
3. ANSI Door Handle
The ANSI door handle serves as the primary interface between users and door hardware systems. Beyond aesthetics, handles must meet specific ergonomic and durability standards. Camax Hardware offers premium stainless steel 304 door handles engineered to complement ANSI mortise locks while providing exceptional corrosion resistance and maintaining their appearance throughout years of intensive use.
Professional-grade handles undergo testing for operational torque, impact resistance, and finish durability. The integration between handles and locksets must deliver smooth, consistent operation while maintaining the security integrity of the complete assembly.
Camax's Door Handles
View All Door Handles4. ANSI Door Hinges
Hinges play a crucial role in ensuring doors operate smoothly and securely. The ANSI/BHMA A156.1 standard defines performance requirements for butts, pivots, and concealed hinges, covering cycle and strength testing criteria. Camax Hardware manufactures a wide range of ANSI door hinges, including 3D adjustable concealed hinges, pivot hinges, and heavy-duty butt hinges. Each product undergoes strict quality control to meet ANSI and BHMA certification standards.
Camax's Commercial Door Hinges
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Where to Buy ANSI Door Hardware for Commercial Buildings
Selecting a manufacturer for ANSI door hardware for commercial buildings requires careful evaluation of certifications, product quality, manufacturing capabilities, and technical support. The right partner can significantly impact project success, long-term maintenance costs, and overall building security.
Camax Hardware is a trusted manufacturer of ANSI door hardware for commercial buildings, offering a full line of certified products including locks, hinges, handles, and exit devices. With decades of experience, Camax has established itself as a reliable partner for global customers seeking BHMA certified locks and ANSI/BHMA door hardware that meet UL, CE, and fire rating requirements.
All Camax commercial door hardware is made from high-quality stainless steel 304, combining strength, corrosion resistance, and elegant design. Whether you are sourcing hardware for new construction or refurbishment projects, Camax provides OEM and ODM services tailored to your specifications.
Contact Camax Hardware to Secure Your Commercial Project with Certified ANSI Door Hardware
Choosing the right ANSI door hardware for commercial buildings is a critical decision that impacts security, safety, compliance, and long-term operational costs. By understanding ANSI/BHMA standards, grading systems, and component specifications, you can make informed decisions that protect building occupants while meeting budgetary requirements.
Camax Hardware stands ready to support your commercial projects with certified, high-quality door hardware solutions. Our comprehensive product range, technical expertise, and commitment to customer success make us your ideal partner for commercial door hardware requirements.
Contact Camax Hardware today to learn more about ANSI-certified door hardware for your commercial buildings.
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