BHMA Publishes New Standard to Evaluate Acoustic Performance of Architectural Hardware

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) has announced the publication of a new American National Standard, ANSI/BHMA A156.42 -
Acoustic Performance Rating for Operational Noise of Architectural Hardware. With an industry need for quiet hardware, this important addition to the BHMA suite of standards establishes methods for defining levels of acoustic performance in a wide range of architectural hardware products.

As the first BHMA standard to specifically address sound performance, A156.42 provides guidance for evaluating the operational noise associated with hardware such as bored locks, exit hardware, interconnected locks, mortise locks, and multipoint locks, and latches—components that often play a critical role in building functionality and comfort, especially in environments like hospitals, long-term care facilities, offices, libraries, and educational institutions.

“The A156.42 Standard for Acoustic Performance Rating is a new and innovative way to rate door hardware for its applicability in low noise situations,” said Anthony Gambrall, BHMA Director of Standards. “With six years of testing and development behind 42, it brings a consistent method of evaluating door hardware acoustic characteristics for a complete door opening and closing cycle. The standard also provides a wealth of acoustic terminology to help first-time users.”

The new standard complements existing BHMA product standards by focusing solely on acoustic considerations, enabling more holistic decision-making during product selection and specification.

Each ANSI/BHMA standard can be purchased on the BHMA website (www.buildershardware.com), and summaries of each standard can be accessed on the Hardware Highlights page.