Examining builders hardware past, present, and future

Computers have become a part of everyday life. In this new age, electronically operated devices have replaced more traditional, manually operated locks. This trend began about a decade after ADA, and led to the development of a new industry standard: ANSI/BHMA A156.25, Electrified Locking Devices. The increase in electronic hardware use made it easier to limit access to certain rooms or buildings by only allowing specific people to enter using key cards and other electronic credentials. This also made it easy for building owners to collect information about who was entering where, and when, for example. As a result, battery-powered locks were increasingly being used, creating the need for a new standard that is currently in development by BHMA.

This advancement, however, was only the beginning. With battery-operated locks making it capable for people to lock and unlock doors automatically, mechanical locks could now be linked wirelessly to new or existing access control systems. In today’s mobile world, the need to connect everything to the Internet is greater than ever—and locks are no exception. Many locks now have features enabling people to secure or open doors from anywhere in the world, with the simple push of a button on their mobile devices.

Another trend specifiers can expect to see much more of is energy-efficient hardware. With Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) and other environmentally conscious certifications becoming more desired (or even required) for projects, builders hardware products must live up to the demand. For example, it is now more important than ever before that gaskets (ANSI/BHMA A156.22, Door Gasketing and Edge Seal Systems) and thresholds (ANSI/BHMA A156.21, Thresholds) are designed in a way that will keep as much warm air inside a building as possible while keeping cold air out—or vice versa—as a means of energy conservation.

BHMA-certified products are designed to be recyclable and durable, and are naturally energy-efficient, as they require minimum energy to operate. However, current standards are now being updated to specifically address energy-efficiency. For example, ANSI/BHMA 156.23, Electromagnetic Locks, will require manufacturers to disclose how many watts their products require.

North American builders hardware has seen a dramatic increase in innovation—specifically in the 20^th and early 21^st centuries—as building codes, energy requirements, and people’s needs have drastically changed. However, the purpose of builders hardware remains the same—that is, to keep the public safe and secure. By monitoring significant actions by governmental authorities and code bodies, engaging in technical and other cooperative efforts to improve industry products, and working jointly with industry leaders involved in hardware, security, and door safety, BHMA and ANSI/BHMA-certified products help provide that assurance.

Michael Tierney has served as the product standards coordinator for the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) for more than 17 years, where he works in the development and revision of performance standards for building hardware products. Tierney came to BHMA following a 20-year career in manufacturing management at United Technologies, Honeywell, Black and Decker, and Yale Security. He is a principal member on technical committees for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the A117 Committee for Accessible Buildings, ASTM, and the American National Standards Institute ANSI. He can be reached at mtierney@kellencompany.com.