The Most Critical Hinge Codes Of Compliance For Spring Hinges

Not everyone knows the critical hinge code that might affect the safety and functionality of the door operation. Choosing the right quality is what needs to be done especially if you’re working with fire rated, ADA compliant, or high-traffic doors—but first what are the key codes to understand?

3 Key Hinge Code Explained

1) ANSI/BHMA A156.17

This standard outlines requirements for cycle testing, materials, finishes, and dimensions. For single-acting hinges, Grade 1 certification means passing a rigorous 1,000,000-cycle durability test. This ensures long-term reliability with minimal maintenance or replacement.

	Single Acting Hinges
*Cycles	Number
Grade 1	1,000,000
Grade 2	500,000
Grade 3	250,000

*Cycle requirement on BHMA A156.17 Standard

2) ADA Door Closing Speed and California CBC 2016 (1126A.4.2)

Some doors may shut quickly making it difficult for disabled personnel to get through safely. Both the ADA and the CBC hinge code helps to provide accessibility to everyone by requiring:

• Doors with closers should take at least 5 seconds to move from the open position at 90 degrees to 12 degrees from the latch.
• Doors with spring hinges should take at least 1.5 seconds to close from the open position of 70 degrees.

3) NFPA 80 Standard

This standard defines the minimum requirements for fire doors, curtains, dampers, and other opening protectives to function properly in fire conditions. It aims to protect life and property by ensuring correct installation, inspection, and maintenance. To comply, doors and components must be made of fire-resistant materials and be UL-listed or labeled by an approved testing agency to verify performance under fire exposure.

The Problem with Traditional Spring Hinges

Most traditional spring hinges don’t pass the hinge code—Why?

1. No adjustable closing speed: they slam shut quickly, which violates ADA and CBC code that require doors to take at least 1.5 seconds to close from 70°.
2. Not built for long-term durability: wear out faster, requiring more maintenance or replacement because they fail to meet the 1million cycle test.
3. Poor material and non fire rated: often made from material that can’t withstand high heat, not UL-listed.
4. Uncontrolled and Non-Adjustable: lack of adjustability for tension or damping causing doors to have an inconsistent performance, especially in high-traffic environments.

Best Solution to Meet Hinge Code: Self Closing Fire Rated Hinges

A self closing fire rated door hinge is a mechanical hinge designed to automatically close a fire-rated door after it has been opened. Not only meeting the hinge code, but it offers a complete solution for every application.

Waterson fire rated door hinges proudly introduces you to the solution for your property, helping to ensure safety while providing a great functionality.

• Self Closing Mechanism: With built-in spring mechanism, automatically closes the door after every use, providing safety.
• Durable material: Made with 304 and 316 stainless steel that can maintain its structure when exposed to flame.
• Fire Rated: Certified with 3-hour UL-list and NFPA 80 to resist high temperatures and maintain barrier integrity under extreme fire conditions.
• ANSI/BHMA A156.17 Grade 1: Proven durability with over 1,000,000 cycles. Guaranteed by the warranty, ensure longevity in high-use and high-stress conditions.
• ADA Compliant: Allow accessibility with smooth operation for everyone, including children, the elderly, and disabled people—very critical for emergency evacuation.
• Heavy Duty: Waterson hinges efficiently support significant loads and are designed for high-traffic and high-stress environments.
• Adjustability: designed with a numerical panel that allows users to adjust to the desired closing force and ensures an effective door closing, helping to resolve misalignment, perfect for commercial areas.
• Modern design: Enhances the aesthetic appeal while maintaining functionality

A door hinge is easy to overlook, but sometimes it’s the smallest component that makes the biggest difference. Therefore, you should choose the hinges that will ensure its functionality while meeting the important hinge codes. Check Waterson fire rated door hinges now!

Waterson Spring Loaded Door Hinges that Meet All Critical Hinge Codes

Waterson self closing fire door hinges combine the function of an overhead closer and a hinge into a single, sleek component—complete with optional hold-open and door-stop features. Designed for commercial openings, gates, and glass doors, these hinges are easy to install and adjust to meet ADA and ICC A117.1 standards for opening force, while ensuring quiet and secure closure. Crafted from durable stainless steel, they are NFPA 80 compliant, UL 3-hour fire-rated, and built to perform reliably in both interior and all-weather exterior environments. See all our features.

In addition to these performance advantages, Waterson offers flexible customization services. As a direct manufacturer, we can tailor hinge sizes, finishes, and especially hinge leaf designs to meet the specific structural needs of your doors. This makes our hinges an ideal solution for door manufacturers seeking custom options that integrate seamlessly with their existing frames.

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Please note that Waterson Closer Hinges start from a size of 4″x4″. If you’re in need of smaller self-closing hinges, we’d recommend checking out some other resources! Also, we only provide single acting closer hinges. Thank you.

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