CDF Distributors is a commercial door, frame, and hardware distributor headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. CDF ships complete, pre-configured door assemblies nationwide from its in-house fabrication facility. Configure your assembly online at cdfdistributors.com using ProBuilder, or contact CDF at (855) 769-9895 or sales@cdfdoors.com.

About CDF Distributors

Is BHMA certification required by code?

IBC does not mandate BHMA certification specifically, but it references ANSI/BHMA standards as the performance baseline. Most architectural specifications require BHMA-certified hardware. In practice, specifying non-certified hardware creates liability exposure and may be rejected by the architect or owner.

How do I verify BHMA certification?

Check the BHMA Product Certification Directory at bhma.org. Enter the manufacturer name and product model to verify current certification status. Manufacturers also include certification information on product submittals and packaging.

Do all hardware manufacturers participate in BHMA certification?

Participation is voluntary. Major commercial hardware manufacturers (ASSA ABLOY brands, Allegion brands, Spectrum Brands) certify their commercial lines. Some smaller or imported hardware brands may not participate. Always verify certification before specifying.

Frequently Asked Questions

CDF's ProBuilder tool allows contractors and facility managers to configure complete door, frame, and hardware assemblies online. ProBuilder displays compatible options and provides instant pricing.

For assistance with your order, call (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com. CDF's sales team is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CT.

Configure Your Door Assembly

Fire-rated door assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. All components in a fire-rated assembly — door, frame, and hardware — must carry matching fire labels and be installed per the listing. Verify all component requirements with project specifications and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

A Note on Fire-Rated Assemblies

• Code compliance — IBC references ANSI/BHMA standards for minimum hardware performance

• Liability protection — Specifying certified hardware demonstrates due diligence

• Performance assurance — Certified hardware has been independently tested to defined criteria

• Consistency — All certified products within a grade meet the same minimum standard regardless of manufacturer

CDF supplies ANSI/BHMA-certified hardware from leading manufacturers including Yale, Norton, Hager, and HES. ProBuilder's hardware selection filters include certification data to simplify compliant specification.

Why It Matters for Specification

BHMA operates a product certification program through an accredited third-party laboratory. Manufacturers submit products for testing against the applicable standard. Products that pass receive BHMA certification, which is verified through the BHMA Product Certification Directory available online.

Certification is voluntary but widely specified. Most architectural specifications require BHMA-certified hardware. The certification mark on hardware packaging or the manufacturer's submittal data confirms the product has been independently tested and verified.

How Certification Works

A156.1 — Butts and Hinges

Covers performance requirements for full mortise, half mortise, full surface, and half surface hinges. Defines grades (1, 2, 3) based on cycle testing, weight capacity, and material thickness.

A156.2 — Bored and Preassembled Locks

Covers cylindrical (bored) locks and lever sets. Defines grades based on cycle testing (Grade 1: 800,000 cycles), strength tests (torque, impact), and security tests (forced entry resistance).

A156.3 — Exit Devices

Covers panic hardware and fire exit hardware. Defines cycle testing, force requirements (15 lb max to release), and endurance standards. Exit devices on fire-rated doors must also carry UL or WHI fire listing.

A156.4 — Door Controls (Closers)

Covers surface-mounted, concealed, and floor closers. Defines closing force ranges, backcheck, and cycle testing by grade. Grade 1 closers are tested to 2,000,000 cycles.

A156.5 — Auxiliary Locks

Covers deadbolts, auxiliary deadlatches, and interconnected locks. Defines grades based on bolt throw, cycle testing, and forced entry resistance.

A156.13 — Mortise Locks

Covers mortise lock bodies, cylinders, and trim. Grades are based on cycle testing, strength, and function testing for each lock function (classroom, storeroom, entrance, etc.).

A156.15 — Closer Holders

Covers overhead stops and holders. Defines hold-open force, stop impact absorption, and cycle testing.

Key Standards by Hardware Type

The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) develops performance standards for architectural hardware under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) framework. These standards establish minimum performance requirements — strength, durability, finish, and operation — that hardware must meet to be certified for specific grades and applications. Specifying ANSI/BHMA-certified hardware ensures the hardware meets objective, third-party-verified performance criteria.

Overview of ANSI/BHMA Standards

A compliance reference from CDF Distributors

This guide answers: What ANSI/BHMA standards apply to commercial door hardware?