BHMA A156.

23 - 2004
Revision of:
ANSI/BHMA A156.23 - 1999

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

FOR
ELECTROMAGNETIC LOCKS

SPONSOR
BUILDERS HARDWARE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
ANSI APPROVED 5/26/2004

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE, INC.

Copyright Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association Inc.

 AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD
An American National Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope and
provisions. An American National Standard is intended as a guide to aid the manufacturer, the consumer
and the general public. The existence of an American National Standard does not in any respect preclude
anyone, whether he has approved the Standard or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or
using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the Standard. American National Standards
are subject to periodic review and users are cautioned to obtain the latest editions.

CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard is permitted to be revised or withdrawn at any
time. The procedures of the American National Standards Institute require that action be taken to
reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this standard no later than five years from the date of publication.
Purchasers of American National Standards receive current information on all standards by calling or
writing The American National Standards Institute.

Published by
BUILDERS HARDWARE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
355 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York, 1 001 7

Copyright  2004 by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers

Association, Inc.

Not to be reproduced without

specific authorization from BHMA

Printed in the USA

This Standard was developed by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association, Inc. It was approved
by ANSI under the canvass method. BHMA was accredited on 21 March 1 983 as a sponsor using the
Canvass Method.

Copyright Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association Inc.

 FOREWORD (This Foreword is not a part of ANSI/BHMA A1 56.23)

The general classification of builders hardware includes a wide variety of

items which are divided into several categories. To recognize this
diversity, a sectional classification system has been established.
Electromagnetic locks is one such section and this Standard is the result of
the collective efforts of members of the Builders Hardware Manufacturers
Association, Inc. who manufacture these products. The total product
standards effort is therefore, a collection of sections, each covering a
specific category of items.

Strength, cycle, operational tests and where it has been necessary, material
and dimensional requirements have been established to insure safety and
stability to which the public is entitled. There are no restrictions on design
except for those dimensional requirements imposed for the reasons given
above.

This Standard is not intended to obstruct but rather to encourage the

development of improved products, methods and materials. The BHMA
recognizes that errors will be found, items will become obsolete, and new
products and methods will be developed. With this in mind the
Association plans to update, correct and revise these Standards on a regular
basis. It shall also be the responsibility of manufacturers to request such
appropriate revisions.

The BHMA numbers which indicate functions of electromagnetic locks do

not identify size or design and are not intended to be used without
necessary supplementary information. Individual manufacturer's catalogs
should be consulted.

Copyright Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association Inc.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

1. SCOPE .............................................. ..............................................................................5

2. DEFIN ITION S..................................................................................................................5

3. GEN ERAL .......................................................................................................................6

4. TEST METH ODS ............................................................................................................6

5. STREN GTH TESTS ...................................................................................................... ..7

6. ELECTRICAL TESTS .....................................................................................................8

7. CYCLE TEST ..................................................................................................................9

8. FIN ISH TESTS ...................................................................................................... .......1 0

9. EXPLAN ATION OF IDEN TIFYIN G N U MBERS ................................................... ...........1 1

1 0. TYPICAL ILLU STRATION S, AN D TYPE N UMBER DESCRIPTION S .........................1 2

APPEN DIX A (NOT A PART OF AN SI/BHMA A1 56.23) .....................................................1 5

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 1. SCOPE
1 .1 This Standard establishes requirements for electromagnetic locks and includes cyclical,
dynamic, operational, strength and finish tests. This product is used for access control.
1 .2 Tests described in this Standard are performed under laboratory conditions. In actual usage,
results vary because of installation, maintenance, and environmental conditions.
2. DEFINITIONS
2.1 Electromagnetic Lock.An electrically powered lock. It locks or unlocks a door by the
activation or deactivation of an electromagnet coupled to an armature.
2.1 .1 Direct Pull The mounting arrangement of an electromagnetic door lock whereby an
opening force applied to the face of the door is directly opposed by the attraction of the magnet
and armature along an axis perpendicular to the face of the door, which is obtained when the
contact plane between magnet and armature is parallel to the door face.
2.1 .2 Shear Lock The mounting arrangement of an electromagnetic door lock whereby the
attraction between electromagnet and armature moves one or the other (usually the smaller
armature) not only into contact with each other but also into a position of mechanical restraint by
a third member which prevents sliding separation (shear) of the magnet and armature along their
contact plane. To unlock, the moving member is then retracted into its original resting position
by mechanical, magnetic, gravitational, or other force.
2.2 Armature A plate attracted by the energized electromagnet component of the lock and
when in contact with the magnet, resistant to being separated from the magnet. Also called a
strike.
2.3 Indoor-Only Electromagnetic locks which are not suitable for continuous exposure to an
outdoor environment.

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 3. GENERAL
3.1 An electromagnetic lock shall be listed or labeled by a nationally recognized independent
testing laboratory, and be subject to a periodic in-plant follow-up inspection service.
3.2 Tolerances
. Where only minus tolerances are given, the dimensions are permitted to be
exceeded at the option of the manufacturer.
3.3 Reference to other Standards
. ANSI Standards are available from the American National
Standards Institute, 1 1 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 1 0036 or www.buildershardware.com.
ASTM Standards are available from ASTM, 1 00 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA
1 9428-2959.
3.4 Values
. Required values in this Standard are given in US units. The SI (metric) equivalents
are approximate.
3.5 Codes
. Electromagnetic locks are not permitted on some doors within a means of egress.
Consult applicable building codes and ANSI/NFPA 1 01 Life Safety Code.
3.6 Options
. When specified, electromagnetic locks shall be equipped with one or more
options (consult individual manufacturer's catalogs). These shall consist of switches, special
electronic circuits, or a combination of both that are utilized to monitor and indicate locked,
unlocked or open door, and magnetic holding force. When supplied they shall be subject to tests
as required in 5.
3.7 Use on Fire Doors
. Electromagnetic locks used on labeled fire door assemblies shall be
listed or labeled for fire doors by a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory, and be
subject to a periodic in-plant follow-up inspection service.
3.8 Power Requirements
. Electromagnetic locks shall be operated by direct (DC) or
alternating (AC) current. Locks requiring power in excess of 30 VAC RMS (volts alternating
current root mean square) or 42.5 VDC shall be supplied with a junction box in accordance with
the National Electric Code ANSI/NFPA 70-2002.

4. TEST METHODS
4.1 Test Specimens. Locks
for testing shall be selected at random from the manufacturer's
finished stock. Use separate samples for each test, four total. Additional parts are also required
for the Appearance Finish tests as described. No sample is required for indoor-only products in
the Operational Salt Spray Test, 4.2.5.
4.2 Failure Criteria
4.2.1 Cycle and Operational Tests . One lock shall be tested for all cycle and operational
tests and failure of any one test constitutes failure of all tests in this category.
4.2.2 Dynamic Test
. One lock shall be tested for the dynamic test and separation of the
armature and the lock constitutes failure of this test.
4.2.3 Strength Test. One lock shall be tested for the strength test and separation constitutes
failure of this test.

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 4.2.4 Appearance Finish Tests
. One armature and one outside lock body shall be tested for
each finish being tested. Failure of any part shall constitute a failure of that finish.
4.2.5 Operational Salt Spray Test
. One lock shall be tested and failure constitutes failure
of the test. This test is not applicable to locks designated for indoor-only usage.

4.3 Test Equipment

4.3.1 The Dynamic Test 5.3 shall be performed on the Security Test Fixture, or equivalent as
necessary to achieve forces higher than its normal capability, as shown in the ASTM F 476-84
(R2002) Standard Test Methods for Security of Swinging Door Assemblies (see 5.1 .1 , 6.4 and
8.4 of F 476-84). Mount and locate the electromagnetic lock in accordance with Figure 1 .
4.3.2 The Operational Tests and the Cycle Tests shall be performed on 3 ft x 7 ft x 1 3/4 in
(91 5 x 21 30 x 45 mm) solid wood core doors and 1 6 gauge (.053 min) steel frames. The doors
and frames shall be rigid enough to hold the lock firmly and to withstand the tests outlined.
Doors shall be hung on heavy duty ball bearing hinges or pivots and shall be equipped with a size
3 hydraulic door closer.
4.3.3 The Strength Test 5.1 , shall be conducted using a tension loading device where the load
is applied directly and at a rate not slower than a 1 0 lbf (44 N) per second nor faster than a 20 lbf
(90 N) per second. Locks shall be installed in accordance with Figure 2 of this Standard and
using the mounting hardware supplied by the manufacturer.
4.3.4 Measuring equipment shall consist of commercial torque meters, force meters and load
dynamometers and tension loading devices capable of a combined calibration and reading
accuracy within 5% to obtain test data as specified in the applicable performance tests. A linear
measuring gauge accurate to reading within ±0.005 in. (0.1 3 mm) to obtain test data as specified.

5. STRENGTH TESTS
5.1 Strength Test Prepare the test specimen in accordance with 4.3.3.
Energize the lock for 1 5
minutes at room temperature at its rated voltage + 2%. At a rate not slower than a 1 0 lbf (44 N)
nor faster than a 20 lbf (90 N) per second, apply tension until the mechanism fully releases. The
reading immediately prior to separation shall determine the holding force designation of the lock
as specified. Requirements as specified in 5.7.
5.2 Preloaded Door Test (Warped Door) Energize the test specimen at 1 25% rated voltage.
Place a 50 lbf (222 N) load perpendicular to the door at a point 1 in. (25.4 mm) from the lock
edge of the door and on the center line of the normal latch bolt location, in the direction of
opening. Denergize the test specimen. The door shall swing open within one second when de-
energized.
5.3 Dynamic Test
. Prepare the test specimen in accordance with 4.3.1 . Energize the lock at its
rated voltage + 2% and lock the door in the closed position. Test in accordance with 21 .1 and
21 .2 of ASTM F 476-84 (R2002). See Figure 1 . Requirements as specified in 5.7.
5.4 Under Voltage Test
. The lock shall operate as intended while energized at 85% of its rated
voltage. The holding force shall not be less than that given in requirements as specified in 5.7.

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 5.5 Operational Salt Spray Test. (Does not apply to Indoor-only) This test shall be
conducted in accordance with ANSI/BHMA A1 56.1 8-2000 for Materials and Finishes. The
entire lock assembly shall be tested unlocked and positioned in the normal installation
orientation. After 96 hours exposure, remove the sample, wash under running water, and allow to
dry for 24 hours. The lock shall then operate at 85% of its rated holding force as specified in 5.7.
5.6 Ambient Temperature Test . After four hours exposure to the temperatures given below
without power applied during the high and low ambient temperature exposure, the lock shall
meet the strength test at its ranking at the rated voltage for the tested lock. Remove from the
chamber, apply power and test within 1 0 minutes. Requirements as specified in 5.7.
0 0
High - F/C Low - F/C
Indoor-Only 1 20/49 32/0
All others 1 51 /66 -31 /-35
5.7 Requirements (All Grades)
Holding Force Dynamic Test Under Voltage Operational Salt Ambient Temp
lbf. (N) Joules (5 blows) Spray Test

500 45 425 lbf (2224 N) 425 lbf 500

1 000 68 850 lbf (3780 N) 850 lbf 1 000
1 500 95 1 275lbf(5670 N) 1 275lbf 1 500
2000 and above Holding Force Holding Force Holding Force Holding Force
in 500 lb. times .07 times .85 times .85 times 1 .0
increments only

6. ELECTRICAL TESTS
6.1 Residual Magnetism Test. Disconnect the door closer and power the test lock for 24 hours.
Then disconnect the power and immediately apply an opening force to the door 30 in (762 mm)
from the pivot center and 40 in (1 01 6 mm) from the bottom of the door. The force required to
open the door (separate the door from the magnet) shall not exceed the value given below:

Requirement: Within one second: 4 lbf (1 8 N)

6.2 Over Voltage Test.

The lock shall withstand over voltage requirement below continuously
for 24 hours without damage to the coil.

Requirement: 1 25% of Rated Voltage

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 6.3 Inductive Kickb ack Test. Connect the lock through a switch to a power supply of the rated
voltage as shown in Figure 3. If designed to operate at more than one voltage, the test lock shall
be configured for the highest operating voltage. Use a storage oscilloscope with a minimum
singleshot bandwidth of 200 megahertz with a ten mega-ohm probe set to trigger on the falling
edge of the supply voltage. Open the switch and record the captured trace. Peak voltage shall
not exceed the value below.

Requirement: Peak voltage not to exceed 53 volts

6.4 Dielectric Voltage Withstand Test. The lock shall meet the requirement below after the
application for one minute of a 40-70 Hz alternating potential as follows: (1 ) between all live
parts and enclosures, and (2) between live parts of circuits operating at different potentials or at
different frequencies. The electrical connection between circuits shall be disconnected before
application of the test potential. The test potential shall be 500 volts for circuits operating at 30
VAC or VDC or lower and 1 000 volts plus twice the rated voltage for circuits operating at higher
voltage instantly applied and sustained for one minute.

Requirement : No Breakdown

6.5 Temp erature Rise Test shall be conducted in accordance with UL 1 034 - 2000, Section 41 .

Requirement:

o o o o
70 F + 5 to 1 60 F maximum (21 C + 2 to 71 C maximum) at steady state temperature.

7. C YC LE TE S T

7.1 Using the test equipment described in 4.3.2, apply a horizontal 1 5 lbf (67 N) 30 in (762 mm)
from the pivot center and 40 in (1 01 6 mm) from the bottom of the door in the direction of door
swing. De-energize the lock and open the door. Allow the door closer to cause the door to close
and then re-energize the lock. Repeat this cycle until the number of cycles specified have been
completed. Cycles per minute shall not exceed 30.
C ycle Test Requirements :

Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3

1 ,000,000 Cycles 500,000 Cycles 250,000 Cycles

7.2 At the conclusion of the Cycle Test:

7.2.1 Repeat Electrical Tests 6.1 thru 6.4.
7.2.2 Repeat Strength Tests 5.1 , except holding force shall not be less than 85% of the
value listed in for the holding force being tested.
7.2.3 Repeat Strength Test 5.2.

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 8. FINISH TESTS
8.1 These requirements do not predict the performance life of finishes in actual use but are used
as a quality control method to ensure consistent finish quality. Electromagnetic locks shall be
tested unlocked with the lock and the armature separated. Finish tests shall be conducted in
accordance with ANSI/BHMA A1 56.1 8-2000 for Materials and Finishes.

8.2 Salt Spray Test. Requirements:

All finishes on the outside case of locks, mounting hardware, and armatures: 24 Hours
8.3 Humidity Test Requirements:
Organic coatings on outside case of locks, mounting hardware, and armatures: 48 Hours

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 9. EXPLANATION OF IDENTIFYING NUMBERS
9.1 First letter denotes BHMA Product Section (E).

9.2 First numeral is indoor or outdoor type designation :

0 – All except Indoor -only, 1 Indoor Only

9.3 Second numeral identifies the type of product: 8 - Electromagnetic Locks

9.4 Third and fourth numerals are product types based mainly on the mounting location and
whether they are direct pull or shear designs: 50 through 99 are reserved for electromagnetic
locks in various types.

9.5 Fifth numeral designates the grade of the item: 1 is highest.

9.6 Select the appropriate level of holding force for the application, and specify by a suffix
“-holding force rating” in 500 pound increments, i.e. “-1 000”.

9.7 Example of identifying number: E1 8501 -1 000

E Section (E)
1 Indoor Only
8 Type of Product (Electromagnetic Lock)
50 Type Number as above
1 Grade (Grade 1 )
-1 000 Holding Force Rating

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 10. TYPICAL ILLUSTRATIONS, AND TYPE NUMBER DESCRIPTIONS
In all cases, specify holding force and voltage, and whether DC or AC is required. For availability,
consult individual manufacturers’ catalogs.

E08501
Lock mounted on header. Armature mounted
on push side of door

E0851 1
Double lock mounted on header for pairs of
doors. Armatures mounted on push side of
doors.

E08521
Lock with housing extending across full width
of header. Armature mounted on push side of
door. One or two locks with full length housing.

E08531
Lock mounted on face of header. Armature
mounted on pull side of door with an angle
bracket.

E08541
Lock mounted on header. Armature mounted
on push side of glass door with a special
mounting bracket.

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 E08551
Lock with housing extending along the full
height of lock jamb. Armature mounted on
push side of door. One or two locks with full
length housing.

E08561
Shear lock mounted on face of header.
Armature mounted on push or pull side of door
as specified with an angle bracket. Lock and
armature are in shear (parallel) contact when
locked.

E08571
Shear lock is mortised in header. Armature
recessed in top of door. For out swinging doors.
Lock and armature are in shear (parallel)
contact when locked.

E08581
Shear lock is mortised in header. Armature is
mortised in top of door. For center hung single
or double acting doors as specified. Lock and
armature are in shear (parallel) contact when
locked.
E08591
Shear lock mortised in lock jamb. Armature
mortised in edge of door. Lock and armature are
in shear (parallel) contact when locked.
Door side Frame side

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 E08601
Shear lock recessed in bottom of door or floor.
Armature recessed in floor or bottom of door.
Specify whether or not threshold is to be used.
Lock and armature are in shear (parallel) contact
when locked.

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 APPENDIX A (NOT A PART OF ANSI/BHMA A156.23)
A-1 Radio frequency interference criteria are not included in this Standard but is of concern to
the user.

A-2 The Inductive Kick Back Test verifies suppression of peak voltage. Components used in
connection with electromagnetic locks should be protected accordingly.

A-3 While not covered in this Standard, optional control switching circuits are to be functional
under a temperature range of 0 degrees F (-1 8 C) to 1 50 degrees F (66 C).

A-4 Electromagnetic locks are frequently used in connection with delayed egress locks
permitted under certain circumstances and in certain occupancies. Consult local code criteria.

A-5 Use of the test method for holding force found in 5.2 is applicable to any electromagnetic
lock when a greater or lesser holding force than specified in this Standard is asserted.

A-6 Special functions are sometimes available. Consult individual manufacturers’ catalogs.

A-7 Conformance Criteria. Certification that products offered meet the requirements of this
Standard and conform to the individual manufacturer's drawings, specifications, standards and
quality assurance practices are available and in some circumstances are required. Buyer
requirements determine the need for proof of conformance such as first article inspection, test
laboratory reports, or listings. Specifiers requiring assertions of conformance utilize statements
of conformance by individual manufacturers, or test reports acceptable to the buyer.

A-8 Preservation, Packaging and Packing. Unless other arrangements between buyer and seller
are made, preservation, packaging and packing should be sufficient to protect containers and
their contents under normal shipping and handling conditions from the source of supply to the
destination point.

A-9 Marking. Unless other arrangements between buyer and seller are made, marking shall be
in accordance with the individual manufacturer's standard practice.

A-1 0 Conformance to Other Standards. This Standard, contains requirements for products to be
listed by nationally recognized independent testing laboratories. Such laboratories require
conformance to other standards in addition to ANSI/BHMA A1 56.23.

A-1 1 Signals to a central or local panel that indicate locked, unlocked, magnetic holding force,
or door open conditions may be provided as options. Smoke and fire detectors, water flow
sensors, seismic disturbance indicators, and other signaling devices may be provided to release
the lock under emergency conditions.

A-1 2 Status Indicators can sense the locked or unlocked condition of the magnetic locks;
magnetic bond sensors are an electromagnet lock status feature that senses the degree of
magnetic holding force.

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 Note: Shear application shown for illustration purposes only; mount actual test specimens
per manufacturer’s instructions.

FIGURE 1

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 FIGURE 2

FIGURE 3

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