ANSI/BHMA A156.4: Door Controls
Performance standards for commercial door closers and controls
Last updated: September 21, 2025
Overview
ANSI/BHMA A156.4 establishes performance standards and testing requirements for door closers and door control devices. This standard, developed by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA), ensures door controls meet the demands of commercial, institutional, and public buildings.
The standard defines three performance grades based on cycle testing, with Grade 1 representing the highest durability for high-traffic applications. Compliance with ANSI/BHMA A156.4 is often required by building codes and specifications.
Hardware Guides
Door Closers Grade Guide
Grade 1 vs Grade 2 specifications, ADA compliance, and fire-rating requirements
Electric Strikes (ANSI/BHMA A156.31)
BHMA grading, fail-safe vs fail-secure, voltage requirements, and fire rating compatibility
Door Gasketing & Edge Seals (ANSI/BHMA A156.22)
Perimeter seals, meeting stile seals, and materials for fire-rated, smoke, and acoustic openings
Thresholds & Door Bottoms (ANSI/BHMA A156.21)
ADA height and bevel rules, saddle profiles, thermal-break exterior thresholds, and NFPA 80 fire-rated specs
Key Standards
- Grade classifications based on cycle testing (Grade 1: 2,000,000+ cycles)
- Spring size requirements for various door weights and widths
- Adjustability requirements for closing and latching speeds
- ADA compliance criteria for opening force and closing time
- Fire door requirements including positive latching and UL listings
ANSI/BHMA A156.4 Compliant Products (21)
Norton 1601689 Adjustable Medium Duty Surface Mounted Door Closer with Sex Nuts Aluminum Finish
$200.00
$381.81
Norton 1601690 Adjustable Medium Duty Surface Mounted Door Closer with Sex Nuts Dark Bronze Finish
$200.00
$381.81
Norton 1601696 Adjustable Medium Duty Surface Mounted Door Closer with Sex Nuts Gold Finish
$200.00
$381.81
Norton 1601H689 Adjustable Hold Open Medium Duty Surface Mounted Door Closer with Sex Nuts Aluminum Finish
$165.00
$454.74
Norton 1601H696 Adjustable Hold Open Medium Duty Surface Mounted Door Closer with Sex Nuts Gold Finish
$175.00
$454.74
Norton 1688689 Overhead Holder or Narrow Top Jamb Drop Plate Aluminum Finish
$40.00
$66.50
Norton 7500689 Adjustable Heavy Duty Surface Mount Door Closer with Sex Nuts Aluminum Finish
$500.00
$824.75
Norton 7500690 Adjustable Heavy Duty Surface Mount Door Closer with Sex Nuts Dark Bronze Finish
$425.00
$824.75
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