Table of Contents
What is ANSI/BHMA A156.4?
ANSI/BHMA A156.4 defines performance standards for commercial door closers. This standard, maintained by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA), establishes testing requirements, durability ratings, and performance criteria that ensure door closers meet the demands of commercial, institutional, and public buildings.
Grade 1 units are built for high-traffic and fire-rated doors, while Grade 2 are for lighter use. ADA guidelines and UL fire door ratings often come into play. Choosing the right closer is important for safety, durability, and passing inspections.
Grade 1 vs Grade 2 Door Closers
The ANSI/BHMA grading system helps specifiers choose appropriate door closers based on expected usage and performance requirements. Understanding the differences is crucial for proper specification and code compliance.
Grade 1 Specifications
Grade 1 door closers represent the highest performance level in the ANSI/BHMA standard:
• Cycle Testing: Minimum 2,000,000 cycles
• Applications: High-traffic commercial, institutional, and public buildings
• Door Weight: Up to 250 lbs for exterior doors, 300 lbs for interior
• Adjustability: Full range of spring power, sweep speed, and latch speed
• Fire Rating: Suitable for 3-hour fire-rated openings when properly listed
• Common Uses: Hospitals, schools, airports, office buildings, retail entrances
Grade 2 Specifications
Grade 2 door closers provide reliable performance for moderate-use applications:
• Cycle Testing: Minimum 400,000 cycles
• Applications: Light commercial and heavy residential use
• Door Weight: Up to 175 lbs for exterior doors, 200 lbs for interior
• Adjustability: Basic spring tension and closing speed adjustments
• Fire Rating: May be suitable for fire-rated openings when properly listed
• Common Uses: Small offices, apartments, light retail, storage rooms
ADA Compliance Requirements
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) imposes specific requirements on door closers to ensure accessibility. These requirements apply to all public accommodations and commercial facilities:
• Opening Force: Maximum 5 pounds for interior doors (fire doors exempt)
• Closing Speed: Minimum 5 seconds from 90° open to 12° from latch
• Opening Speed: No restriction, but backcheck prevents door from opening too quickly
• Delayed Action: Optional feature that holds door open briefly before closing begins
• Spring Power: Must be adjustable to achieve compliance without compromising positive latching
Fire Door Rating Requirements
Door closers installed on fire-rated openings must meet additional requirements beyond standard ANSI/BHMA compliance:
• UL10C Listing: Positive pressure fire test certification required
• Self-Closing: Must reliably close and latch door from fully open position
• Temperature Rating: Must function after exposure to elevated temperatures
• Annual Inspection: NFPA 80 requires yearly inspection and testing
• Labeling: Fire-rated closers must bear appropriate UL or WH marks
Common fire ratings and their applications:
• 20-minute rating: Corridor doors in residential occupancies
• 45-minute rating: Corridor doors in business occupancies
• 90-minute rating: Stairwell doors, exit enclosures
• 3-hour rating: Fire walls between buildings or major occupancy separations
Mounting Options & Installation
Proper mounting is critical for door closer performance and longevity. The three primary mounting configurations each have specific applications and advantages:
Regular Arm (Pull Side) Mount
• Most common and economical installation
• Closer body mounted on pull side of door
• Arm projects perpendicular when door is closed
• Maximum efficiency and power transfer
Top Jamb Mount
• Closer body mounted on frame head
• Used when door has insufficient top rail
• Arm attaches to door face
• Good for narrow frame applications
Parallel Arm (Push Side) Mount
• Closer body on push side of door
• Arm runs parallel to door when closed
• More vandal-resistant installation
• Reduced power efficiency (typically 25% loss)
Inspection Checklist
Building inspectors and fire marshals will verify the following items for compliance:
1. Product Certification
• ANSI/BHMA A156.4 certification label
• Grade marking (1 or 2) visible on closer body
• UL listing for fire-rated applications
• Manufacturer's installation instructions on site
2. ADA Compliance
• Opening force ≤ 5 lbs for interior doors
• Closing time ≥ 5 seconds from 90° to 12°
• Smooth operation without binding
• Documentation of force measurements
3. Fire Door Requirements
• Positive latching from fully open position
• No hold-open devices (unless electromagnetic release)
• Matching fire rating to door assembly
• Current annual inspection tag (NFPA 80)
4. Installation Quality
• Proper mounting orientation per specifications
• Secure fastening with appropriate screws
• No visible damage or modifications
• Adjustment valves accessible for maintenance
Compliant Products at US Made Supply
We offer a comprehensive selection of ANSI/BHMA A156.4 compliant door closers that meet Grade 1 and Grade 2 specifications. All products include comprehensive documentation including ANSI/BHMA certificates, UL listings, installation templates, and adjustment instructions.
ANSI/BHMA A156.4 Compliant Door Closers (11)
Norton 1601689 Adjustable Medium Duty Surface Mounted Door Closer with Sex Nuts Aluminum Finish
$200.00
Norton 1601690 Adjustable Medium Duty Surface Mounted Door Closer with Sex Nuts Dark Bronze Finish
$200.00
Norton 1601696 Adjustable Medium Duty Surface Mounted Door Closer with Sex Nuts Gold Finish
$200.00
Norton 1601H689 Adjustable Hold Open Medium Duty Surface Mounted Door Closer with Sex Nuts Aluminum Finish
$165.00
Norton 1601H696 Adjustable Hold Open Medium Duty Surface Mounted Door Closer with Sex Nuts Gold Finish
$175.00
Norton 1688689 Overhead Holder or Narrow Top Jamb Drop Plate Aluminum Finish
$40.00
Norton 7500689 Adjustable Heavy Duty Surface Mount Door Closer with Sex Nuts Aluminum Finish
$500.00
Norton 8501689 Adjustable Surface Mount Door Closer with Full Cover and Sex Nuts Aluminum Finish
$178.00
View our full selection of commercial door hardware or contact our technical support team for assistance with product selection and specification.
Documentation & Resources
Proper documentation is essential for inspection approval and ongoing compliance:
• ANSI/BHMA A156.4 Standard Summary
• ADA Standards for Accessible Design
• UL Fire Door Inspection Service