BHMA A156.6 and BHMA A156.15 updated – for Doors

BHMA A156.6, “Architectural Door Trim,” and BHMA A156.15, “American National Standard for Release Devices – Closer Holder, Electromagnetic and Electromechanical,” have been updated.  The new 2015 Editions were released at the very end of the year and both replace and cancel the previous editions.  Copies are available in both paper format and for pdf download.  We’ll discuss each separately.

One thing to note, however.  BHMA does not provide you with any guidance within the document itself with regards to the changes in each of these updated publications.  So you will need to review each of these new publications carefully.

Now for basic information on BHMA A156.6 and BHMA A156.15:

BHMA A156.6 (aka ANSI/BHMA A156.6) 2015 Edition

This Standard covers such products as door protection plates, door edgings, push plates, door pulls, push bars, and pull bars. As a standard, requirements are provided for each of these types of “trim.”  You’ll find strength and finish tests, and dimensional and material criteria all included in this publication.  It is ANSI adopted.

BHMA A156.15 (aka ANSI/BHMA A156.15) 2015 Edition

BHMA A156.15 establishes requirements for door closers combined with hold-open devices or free-swinging door closers combined with releasing devices.You’ll find  performance tests included which cover operational, cyclical and finish criteria.  It also includes information on how to communicate requirements for installation and maintenance to your customer base as well.  And again, it is ANSI adopted as well.

Both BHMA A156.6 and BHMA A156.15 follow the same basic format:  A scope paragraph followed by definitions and then general information.   At this point the A156.6 then is divided up according to the various product categories (J100 for door protection plate, J200 for door edgings, and so on).  Next comes the finish tests and Appendix A (not enforceable requirements, but a discusssion of various points of interest for the various clauses of the standard.)  A156.15 on the other hand, reviews the steps involved in performance testing — from preparation through the testing itself and finish performance requirements.  Then there’s an explanation of the identifying numbers and, of course, a similar Appendix A, again with additional information to help you use the standard effectively.

As an authorized distributor of  BHMA standards, Document Center Inc. is pleased to be able to provide you with a secure and reliable source for this documentation.  Feel free to search and order the BHMA standards at the Document Center webstore, www.document-center.com.  Here is a direct link to the order page for BHMA A156.6 and the order page for BHMA A156.15.  Or should you prefer, you can work with our staff.  Reach us by phone (650-591-7600) or email (info@document-center.com) to get personalized attention and knowledgeable assistance.  We’ve been selling standards since 1982.  Make us your Standards Experts!