Guide to ANSI Codes

ANSI/BHMA Standard A156.3: Exit Devices

Product	Grade	Remarks
90 Series	1	Meets and greatly exceeds standard
80 Series	1	Meets and greatly exceeds standard
30 Series	1
20 Series	1

Testing Criteria

Listed below are only some of the tests and criteria covered in this standard. For simplification, all tests and details of tests are not elaborated on. For exact and complete details of tests, etc. refer to the complete ANSI/BHMA standard.

1. Cycle test

Door shall be opened by pushing on the actuating bar. The door shall then close and latch.

Grade	Cycles
Grade 1	500,000 cycles
Grade 2	250,000 cycles
Grade 3	100,000 cycles

2. Exit test (unloaded door)

With the door closed and latched and with no load on the door which might cause it to open, a horizontal force on the actuating bar, not to exceed 15 pounds shall release the latching mechanism. (All grades).

3. Exit test (loaded door)

With the door closed and latched, a force of 250 pounds shall be applied in the area of the center case of the exit device in the direction of door opening. Applying a force of not more than 50 pounds must release the latch bolt allowing the door to open. (All grades).

4. Force to latch door

With the door closer disconnected, a force applied in the area of the center case of not more than 4.5 pounds shall cause the door to latch.

Note: Key Cylinders
All keyed cylinders used in these locks shall be of the pin tumbler type and shall have five or more pin tumbler cavities. The keyways shall have longitudinal ribs. Modification of these requirements to provide greater security are permitted.

Refer to ANSI/BHMA Standard A156.5 for other key cylinder requirements.