September 14, 2005—The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) has published ANSI/BHMA A156.13-2005, the American National Standard for Mortise Locks and Latches. It is an update of an earlier version of the standard, says BHMA.
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.
“Many key elements to this standard were discussed during the revision process,” says 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, visit the associations Web site.
