BHMA A156.3 Exit Devices

OPERATION

DURABILITY

SAFETY & SECURITY

APPEARANCE

Both opening and closing

Building products are

Outside levers and thumb

An additional duty of builders

forces are defined and

expected to last a long time,

pieces must withstand heavy

hardware is to be aesthetically

measured to ensure the exit

and builders hardware is no

forces and prohibit entry.

attractive and stay that way.

device functions in a manner

exception. Grade 1 exit

There is also a requirement

Resistance to corrosion,

compatible with the human

devices are subjected to

that the latch man withstand

chemicals, abrasion, and

operator and associated

500,000 loaded cycles with

a 400 pound load in the

sunlight are all considered in an

hardware, such as door

no loss of operation. Many

direction of egress without

array of finish tests, providing

closers. Opening force tests

additional tests verify the

allowing the door to swing

confidence in the architectural

are specified for the inside

strength and durability

open.

metals and coatings.

actuating bar and the outside

through pushing, turning,

trim.

and pulling at the trim.