White Papers: Magnetic Locks, Chapter 4 of 4
ESSENTIAL LISTING AND
PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATION
October 1, 2007
When choosing a quality electromagnetic door lock, look for the proper listing and performance specifications. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has adopted construction and performance standards established by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA). The ANSI/BHMA A156.23 standard details minimum mechanical, electrical, and holding force requirements. These rigorous standards also place electromagnetic door locks in three categories based on cycle performance capability.
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ANSI/BHMA Grade 1
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1,000,000
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-Cycles |
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ANSI/BHMA Grade 2
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500,000
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-Cycles |
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ANSI/BHMA Grade 3
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250,000
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All SDC EmLocks are ANSI/BHMA A156.23 Grade 1 Compliant
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 BHMA Certification
The BHMA Certified logo indicates that the magnetic door lock complies with all ANSI and BHMA performance criteria, and that it has passed an independent static pull test, and a dynamic impact test for holding force. To maintain BHMA Certification, locks are periodically re-tested and evaluated by Intertek Laboratories to ensure they continue to meet ANSI/BHMA A156.23 standards. This is the only certification in the industry that verifies that the magnetic door lock design and holding force continues to meet ANSI/BHMA standards.
UL Listings
The UL Listing confirms that the magnetic lock design is electrically safe and that it is tested for the purpose the product was intended. UL Listings for magnetic locks should include:
GWXT Auxiliary Locks
CVXJ Burglary Resistant Electrically Operated Door Lock |
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Auxiliary Lock: Indicates the lock is tested for electrical safety and the purpose for which it was intended.
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Burglary Resistant Electrically Operated Door Lock: Look for this listing on all locks with 1200 lbs. or more holding force. This listing indicates that the lock has passed UL test criteria for tampering.
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UL 10C “Positive Pressure Compliant” and Classified in accordance with Uniform Building Code (UBC) “Fire Test for Door Assemblies” - This verifies that the lock does not have negative impact on the integrity of fire rated openings. The description will be found on the official UL Listing Auxiliary Lock document.
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Canadian Listing: The C preceding the listing symbol indicates that the product is also UL Listed for use in Canada. |
The World of Difference Between UL 'Listed'  and UL 'Recognized' 
UL Recognized does not mean the product has been tested and listed for the purpose intended. UL's Component Recognition Service covers the testing and evaluation of components that are incomplete or restricted in performance capabilities. These components will later be used in complete end-products or systems listed by UL. These components are not intended for separate installation in the field, they are intended for use as components of complete equipment submitted for investigation and subsequent UL Listing.
US City and State Listings
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California State Fire Marshal Listed: This listing is required for California installations. The State of California is well known for consistently setting the highest standards for fire life safety in the world.
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MEA Listed: Required for the City of New York by the building department Materials & Equipment Acceptance Division.
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 ISO 9001:2000 Certification
SDC is part of a select group of ISO 9001:2000 Certified manufacturers that practice an internationally recognized quality management program based on continued improvement of daily operations, product quality and customer satisfaction. The SDC quality management system is audited biannually and certified by British Standards Institution (BSI).
The ISO 9001 registration is verification for the customer and product end user that the manufacturer practices a comprehensive quality management program. While the primary customer and end user benefits include higher product quality and customer satisfaction, ISO certification also reduces the customers need to conduct audits of the manufacture's quality control system, promoting ease of national and international trade. A copy of our ISO 9001 registration is available on request.
A Note to Distributors and Installers
For a competitive edge, specify and promote the listing and performance attributes of the components you are providing with your installations. Include information on code compliance, city and state listings, quality (ISO 9001:2000), performance certification (ANSI/BHMA), specific laboratory listings (UL), service ease and warranty.
A Note to Building Owners
Know and understand the products being installed, or specify a preferred manufacturer yourself. Request that details about product and application code compliance are supplied with the installation bid, such as, city and state compliance, manufacturer quality management (ISO 9001:2000), performance certification (ANSI/BHMA), laboratory listings (UL), service ease and warranty. This information may be a deterrent to having an inspector reject an installation today, or even at a later date when NFPA 80 changes take effect. Additionally, non-compliance of components could lead to potential liability should a fire or life safety emergency occur in your facility.
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