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ANSI/BHMA grades (1, 2, 3) measure door hardware performance through independently verified testing by BHMA-accredited laboratories. Grade 1 is the highest, required for most commercial applications. The A156 series is the family of standards that defines what Grade 1 means for each hardware type: A156.2 (cylindrical locks, 1,000,000 cycles Grade 1), A156.13 (mortise locks, 1,000,000 cycles Grade 1), A156.3 (exit devices, 500,000 cycles Grade 1 with preload since 2014), A156.4 (door closers, 2,000,000 cycles Grade 1), A156.12 (interconnected locks), A156.5 (general cylinders), A156.30 (high-security cylinders). BHMA certification is not self-reported: each product is independently tested. Every Schlage ND Series, Von Duprin 98/99, and LCN 4040XP part at SecurityParts.com carries ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification under the applicable A156 standard.
The ANSI/BHMA grading system is the universal language of commercial door hardware specification. Architects write it into hardware schedules. Contractors verify it at bid time. Facility managers use it to confirm maintenance replacements meet the original specification. But the grade number alone ("Grade 1") is meaningless without knowing which A156 standard it applies to, because Grade 1 means something very different for a cylindrical lock (1,000,000 cycles) versus an exit device (500,000 cycles with preload) versus a door closer (2,000,000 cycles). This guide maps every major A156 standard to the hardware it covers, explains what each grade actually requires, and identifies the specification errors that create quality floors lower than intended.
For ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified OEM parts at SecurityParts.com, browse Schlage ND Series cylindrical lock parts (A156.2 Grade 1), Schlage L Series mortise lock parts (A156.13 Grade 1), Von Duprin exit device parts (A156.3 Grade 1), LCN door closer parts (A156.4 Grade 1), and the complete Allegion hardware catalog.
What BHMA Is and How Certification Actually Works
BHMA (the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) is the trade organization for North American commercial door hardware manufacturers and the only organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and maintain performance standards for commercial builders hardware. ANSI is the accrediting body for the standards development process; it does not write the standards itself. When a standard is designated ANSI/BHMA, BHMA wrote it and ANSI verified that the development process met the requirements for an American National Standard.
BHMA maintains over 40 individual standards, each covering a specific hardware category. These standards define test methods, performance requirements (including cycle counts, force resistance, and security tests), dimensional criteria for interchangeability, and grade thresholds. They are updated on a rolling cycle: ANSI requires standards to be reviewed every five years, and when tests or requirements change, the revision year appears in the standard designation (for example, A156.3-2025 vs A156.3-2014).
How BHMA Certification Is Administered
BHMA certification is not self-reported by manufacturers. When a manufacturer wants to certify a product, the product is submitted to a BHMA-accredited independent testing laboratory. The laboratory conducts the applicable tests from the relevant A156 standard and reports the results to BHMA. If the product passes all required tests for a grade, BHMA issues certification. Products that carry BHMA certification have been independently verified to the stated grade. Products that claim grade equivalency without BHMA certification have not been independently verified and cannot be confirmed to meet the stated grade requirements.
The Three ANSI/BHMA Grades: What They Mean Across All Hardware Types
Grade 1
Required for exterior doors, high-traffic corridors, institutional applications (schools, hospitals, government), and any opening where maximum durability and security are specified. The IBC and most specifications require Grade 1 on primary egress paths and secured doors. Schlage ND Series, Von Duprin 98/99 series, and LCN 4040XP are Grade 1 certified products.
Grade 2
Suitable for low-traffic interior commercial doors, office suites, storage rooms, and light-duty applications where the door is used infrequently. Not specified for exterior doors, fire-rated doors in high-traffic areas, or any opening on a primary egress path in an institutional building. Acceptable in some residential multifamily interior applications where the door hardware is interior and protected.
Grade 3
Residential application only. Grade 3 hardware should not appear in any commercial specification. It meets minimum residential performance requirements that are far below commercial durability and security needs. If Grade 3 hardware is installed in a commercial building, it will fail prematurely and may not meet any applicable code requirements for commercial hardware performance.
Key ANSI/BHMA A156 Standards by Hardware Type
A156.2 covers cylindrical (bored) locks, the type that installs into a bore hole in the door face. This is the standard for Schlage ND Series, ALX Series, and Falcon T Series cylindrical locks. Tests include cycle testing, torque resistance, door impact testing, security testing (resistance to forced entry), and finish testing.
| Grade | Cycle Count | Door Impact Resistance | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | 1,000,000 cycles | 360 lbf | Commercial, institutional, high-traffic |
| Grade 2 | 800,000 cycles | 250 lbf | Light commercial, low-traffic interior |
| Grade 3 | 400,000 cycles | 150 lbf | Residential only |
Browse Schlage ND Series and ALX Series A156.2 Grade 1 cylindrical lock parts at Security Parts.
A156.13 covers mortise locks, which install into a rectangular pocket cut into the door edge. This is the standard for Schlage L Series and Falcon MA Series mortise locks. Tests include operational tests for each lock function, cycle testing, strength tests, security tests, a warped door test, and finish testing. The warped door test simulates a bowed door pushing the latch against the strike, which is common in wood door applications.
| Grade | Cycle Count | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | 1,000,000 cycles | Includes warped door test; required for commercial and institutional applications |
| Grade 2 | 800,000 cycles | Moderate commercial only |
| Grade 3 | No commercial use | Residential standard, not for commercial specification |
Browse Schlage L Series and Falcon MA Series A156.13 Grade 1 mortise lock parts at Security Parts.
A156.3 covers exit devices (panic hardware and fire exit hardware). Tests include cycle testing, force tests (maximum 15 lbf to unlatch), and endurance standards. Exit devices on fire-rated doors must also carry a UL or WHI fire listing in addition to their A156.3 Grade 1 certification. The 2014 revision added a preload requirement to the Grade 1 cycle test.
| Grade | Cycle Count | Preload Requirement (post-2014) | Force to Unlatch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | 500,000 cycles | Yes: 20 to 22 lbf applied to door during cycling | 15 lbf max |
| Grade 2 | 250,000 cycles | No preload required | 15 lbf max |
| Grade 3 | 100,000 cycles | No preload required | 15 lbf max |
Browse Von Duprin 98/99, 22, 33A/35A A156.3 Grade 1 exit device parts at Security Parts.
A156.4 covers door closers. Tests define closing force ranges (sizes 1 through 6), backcheck performance, sweep and latch speed, and cycle testing. Door closers have the highest cycle count requirements of any A156 standard because closers operate on every single door cycle including push and pull sides simultaneously. The LCN 4040XP carries A156.4 Grade 1 certification and is rated to 10,000,000 cycles by LCN internal testing, far exceeding the A156.4 Grade 1 minimum.
| Grade | Cycle Count | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | 2,000,000 cycles (standard minimum) | All commercial and institutional; required on fire-rated doors |
| Grade 2 | 1,000,000 cycles | Light commercial, low-traffic interior |
| Grade 3 | 500,000 cycles | Residential; not for commercial specification |
Browse LCN 4040XP, 4000 Series, and 1000 Series A156.4 Grade 1 door closer parts at Security Parts.
A156.12 covers interconnected locks including the Schlage CS210 series, where the deadbolt and latch bolt are mechanically linked so that a single lever motion retracts both. The CS210 is certified to ANSI/BHMA A156.12-2022 Grade 2, making it the correct specification for multifamily residential applications where NFPA 101 single-motion egress is required but Grade 1 institutional performance is not. Tests include cycle testing, deadbolt throw testing, and force testing for the simultaneous retraction mechanism.
Browse Schlage CS210 A156.12 Grade 2 interconnected lock parts at Security Parts.
Additional A156 Standards: Cylinders, High Security, and Electrified Hardware
A156.5: Cylinders and Input Devices
A156.5 covers general commercial cylinders, key control, and related input devices. This is the standard for standard cylindrical lock cylinders, mortise cylinders, and rim cylinders in conventional and interchangeable core formats. Tests include key interchange testing, key duplication resistance (for restricted keyways), and cycle testing of the cylinder mechanism. The Schlage Everest 29 cylinder series and SFIC and FSIC interchangeable core products are certified under A156.5.
A156.30: High-Security Cylinders
A156.30 is a separate and more demanding standard specifically for high-security cylinders. Where A156.5 tests general cylinder function and basic key control, A156.30 tests cylinders specifically for resistance to physical attacks: picking, drilling, impressioning, and pull attacks. Cylinders certified under A156.30 have passed specific attack resistance tests that general A156.5 cylinders have not.
The Schlage Primus and Primus XP cylinders are the relevant A156.30 products in the SecurityParts.com catalog. A specification that requires high-security cylinder performance must cite A156.30, not A156.5. Citing A156.5 for a project that needs pick and drill resistance allows standard cylinders to satisfy the specification because A156.5 does not require attack resistance testing.
A156.25: Electrified Locks
A156.25 covers electrified mortise locks and cylindrical locks. When a Schlage L Series or ND Series lock is ordered in an electrified version (EL, EU, or similar suffix), the electrical components are governed by A156.25 in addition to the base mechanical standard (A156.13 for mortise, A156.2 for cylindrical). Tests include electrical performance, cycle testing with the electrical function activated, and temperature testing of the electrical components. A specification for an electrified lock must cite both the mechanical standard (A156.13 or A156.2) and A156.25 for complete coverage.
Browse Von Duprin electric strike parts and the electrified hardware catalog at Security Parts.
The 2014 A156.3 Exit Device Preload Change: Why It Matters Today
The 2014 revision of ANSI/BHMA A156.3 made a significant change to the Grade 1 cycle test that affects how older hardware certifications should be interpreted. Before 2014, the exit device cycle test operated the device without any load applied to the door during cycling. The latch was simply cycled in free air. After 2014, the Grade 1 cycle test requires applying a preload force (20 to 22 lbf) to the door during cycling, simulating the actual load the latch must overcome with each cycle in real use.
This preload requirement substantially increases the difficulty of the Grade 1 cycle test. A device designed and tested to the pre-2014 standard may have achieved Grade 1 certification without ever demonstrating reliable performance under the load conditions it faces in actual building use. Products certified as Grade 1 under the 2008 or earlier edition of A156.3 may not meet the current Grade 1 preload cycle test requirements.
Common ANSI/BHMA Specification Errors That Reduce Quality Floors
Error 1: Citing Grade Without the Standard Number
Incorrect: "Provide Grade 1 mortise locks."
Without the A156 number, "Grade 1" refers to no specific test standard. A manufacturer could argue that any hardware rated Grade 1 under any A156 standard satisfies this specification, including less demanding standards.
Correct: "Provide mortise locks certified to ANSI/BHMA A156.13-2022 Grade 1." The standard number, edition year, and grade together create an unambiguous quality floor.
Error 2: Specifying High-Security Cylinders Under A156.5
Incorrect: "Cylinders shall be ANSI/BHMA A156.5 Grade 1 with restricted keyway."
A156.5 covers general cylinders. It does not include attack resistance testing. A restricted keyway provides key control (key duplication restriction) but a standard cylinder with a restricted keyway has not been tested for picking or drilling resistance.
Correct: "High-security cylinders shall be certified to ANSI/BHMA A156.30." A156.30 requires specific pick, drill, and pull attack resistance testing that A156.5 does not.
Error 3: Specifying Electrified Locks Without A156.25
Incorrect: "Electrified mortise locks shall be ANSI/BHMA A156.13 Grade 1."
A156.13 covers the mechanical function of the mortise lock. Electrified locks have additional electrical components (solenoid, wiring, connectors) that A156.13 does not test. The electrical performance requirements are in A156.25.
Correct: "Electrified mortise locks shall be certified to ANSI/BHMA A156.13-2022 Grade 1 and A156.25 for electrified hardware." Both standards must be cited for complete coverage.
Error 4: Using Residential Standards in Commercial Projects
Incorrect: Allowing products certified to A156.39 or A156.40 in a commercial specification.
A156.39 and A156.40 are residential lockset and deadbolt standards. Their performance requirements are substantially lower than A156.2 and A156.13 commercial standards. Residential hardware in commercial buildings will fail prematurely and may not meet applicable code requirements.
Correct: Explicitly specify A156.2 (cylindrical) or A156.13 (mortise) in all commercial hardware schedules. "Commercial grade" language without the A156 number does not prevent residential-standard products from being substituted.
Error 5: Missing the Edition Year on Exit Device Specifications
Incorrect: "Exit devices shall be ANSI/BHMA A156.3 Grade 1."
Without the edition year, the specification is satisfied by products certified to any edition of A156.3, including pre-2014 editions that did not require the preload cycle test for Grade 1.
Correct: "Exit devices shall be certified to ANSI/BHMA A156.3-2025 Grade 1." The current edition ensures the preload cycle test requirement is met.
A156 Standards Reference Table for Security Parts Hardware
| A156 Standard | Hardware Type | Grade 1 Cycle Count | Applicable Product | Browse at SecurityParts.com |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A156.2 | Cylindrical locks | 1,000,000 cycles | Schlage ND Series, ALX, Falcon T Series | Cylindrical Lock Parts |
| A156.13 | Mortise locks | 1,000,000 cycles | Schlage L Series, Falcon MA Series | Mortise Lock Parts |
| A156.3 | Exit devices | 500,000 cycles (with preload) | Von Duprin 98/99, 22, 33A/35A, 55, 75, 78, 88 | Exit Device Parts |
| A156.4 | Door closers | 2,000,000 cycles | LCN 4040XP, 4000 Series, 1000 Series | Door Closer Parts |
| A156.12 | Interconnected locks | Grade 2 | Schlage CS210 | Interconnected Lock Parts |
| A156.5 | General cylinders | Varies by type | Schlage Everest 29, SFIC, FSIC | Schlage Hardware |
| A156.30 | High-security cylinders | Plus attack resistance tests | Schlage Primus, Primus XP | Schlage Hardware |
| A156.1 | Hinges and butts | Grade 1 weight and cycle tests | Fire-listed steel hinges for fire doors | All Products |
For pre-order ANSI grade and A156 standard verification support at 845-935-0301 or the contact page.
Why Choose SecurityParts.com for ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 Certified Hardware Parts
BHMA certification verification support, A156.3 preload edition year guidance, A156.30 high-security distinction, electrified hardware A156.25 specification, and same-day OEM shipping.
A156.3 Edition Year Guidance
We document the 2014 A156.3 preload change and why exit device specifications without edition years allow pre-2014 products to satisfy current Grade 1 requirements. Von Duprin current production is certified to the current A156.3 edition.
A156.30 vs A156.5 Distinction
We document that high-security cylinder specifications must cite A156.30, not A156.5. This prevents standard cylinders from satisfying specifications that require pick and drill resistance testing under a correctly written A156.30 citation.
BHMA Certification Verification
We document how to verify BHMA certification through the BHMA certified products directory. All Allegion brand products at SecurityParts.com carry current BHMA certification under the applicable A156 standard for their grade.
Same-Day OEM Shipping
ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified Allegion parts ship same day from US warehouses. Call 845-935-0301 or use the contact page for A156 standard and grade confirmation support.
What Makes Security Parts Different for ANSI/BHMA Standards Compliance
- We document the 2014 A156.3 exit device preload requirement change and explain why exit device certifications without edition years may allow pre-2014 Grade 1 products that have not been tested under preload conditions. No other parts supplier documents the edition year significance at the product ordering level.
- We document the A156.30 vs A156.5 distinction for high-security cylinder specification. Specifying A156.5 when A156.30 is intended creates a specification gap that allows standard cylinders with restricted keyways to satisfy a specification intended to require attack resistance testing. This error is common in master specifications and is not documented by any competitor.
- We document the BHMA certified products directory as the verification tool for grade claims and explain that BHMA certification is independently tested, not self-reported. This is the fact that distinguishes verifiable Grade 1 hardware from marketing claims.
- We document the A156.13 warped door test as the distinguishing test between mortise and cylindrical lock standards, and explain why it matters for institutional wood door applications where door warpage over the building lifecycle is expected.
- All Allegion brand parts at SecurityParts.com carry current BHMA certification under the applicable A156 standard. Browse cylindrical locks, mortise locks, exit devices, and door closers at Security Parts.
- Free shipping on orders over $450. Same-day shipping from US warehouses on stocked parts. 30-plus years of commercial door hardware experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About ANSI/BHMA Door Hardware Standards
What is BHMA and what is its relationship to ANSI?
BHMA (Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) is the only organization accredited by ANSI to develop and maintain performance standards for commercial builders hardware. ANSI is the accrediting body; BHMA develops the standards. When a standard is designated ANSI/BHMA, it means BHMA wrote the standard and ANSI verified the development process. BHMA administers product certification through accredited independent testing laboratories. Certification is not self-reported by manufacturers: products must be tested by an independent BHMA-accredited laboratory to carry BHMA certification.
What are the three ANSI/BHMA grades and what cycle counts do they require?
Grade 1 (highest), Grade 2 (moderate), Grade 3 (residential). Cycle counts vary by hardware type: cylindrical locks (A156.2): Grade 1 requires 1,000,000 cycles; mortise locks (A156.13): Grade 1 requires 1,000,000 cycles; exit devices (A156.3): Grade 1 requires 500,000 cycles with preload; door closers (A156.4): Grade 1 requires 2,000,000 cycles. Grade 1 is the commercial specification for exterior, high-traffic, institutional, and security-sensitive openings. Grade 3 should not appear in any commercial specification.
What changed in the 2014 ANSI/BHMA A156.3 exit device standard revision?
The 2014 revision added a preload requirement to the Grade 1 cycle test. Before 2014, exit devices were cycled without load. After 2014, Grade 1 testing requires applying 20 to 22 lbf to the door during cycling, simulating real-use conditions. Products certified to the 2008 edition may not meet current Grade 1 preload requirements. Specifications must cite the current edition (A156.3-2025) to ensure preload testing applies. Von Duprin current production exit devices are certified to the current A156.3 edition.
What is the difference between ANSI/BHMA A156.2 and A156.13?
A156.2 covers cylindrical (bored) locks that install into a door bore hole. This is the standard for Schlage ND Series and ALX Series. A156.13 covers mortise locks installed in a mortise pocket at the door edge. This is the standard for Schlage L Series and Falcon MA Series. Both require 1,000,000 cycles at Grade 1, but A156.13 includes a warped door test not in A156.2, reflecting the different mechanical design and common application conditions of mortise vs cylindrical locks.
What is ANSI/BHMA A156.30 and why is it different from A156.5 for high-security cylinders?
A156.5 covers general commercial cylinders without attack resistance testing. A156.30 is the high-security cylinder standard requiring specific pick, drill, impressioning, and pull attack resistance tests. A specification that cites A156.5 for "high-security" cylinders allows standard cylinders with restricted keyways to satisfy it because A156.5 has no attack resistance requirements. Schlage Primus and Primus XP cylinders are the A156.30 products in the SecurityParts.com catalog. Always cite A156.30 explicitly when attack resistance is required.
How do I read an ANSI/BHMA certification label on commercial door hardware?
A complete citation includes the standard number, edition year, and grade: for example, ANSI/BHMA A156.2-2022 Grade 1 for a cylindrical lock. The standard number identifies the hardware type. The edition year identifies which test requirements applied. The grade identifies the performance tier. A citation without the edition year is incomplete: different editions have different test requirements, and the 2014 A156.3 preload change is a concrete example of why edition years matter. Verify BHMA certification in the BHMA certified products directory at buildershardware.com before approving substitutions.