Is It BHMA Certified?
We’ve all been there—looking for a reliable lock to solve a client’s problem. The packaging might claim “Meets Grade 1”, “Built to comply with…”, or “Meets ANSI/BHMA A156.2, Grade 2 Standards.” But does it really?
While manufacturers may conduct internal tests, actual certification requires independent testing. Intertek, the official testing lab for BHMA, has the specialized equipment to conduct the full range of required tests. Additionally, certified products undergo periodic sample testing to ensure continued compliance.
A key distinction: a manufacturer might source products from an offshore supplier that obtained BHMA certification—but that doesn’t mean the final product is certified. The only way to be sure is to request proof of testing.
For example, take the Master Lock SLC0126 entry function lever. The description states “Meets ANSI/BHMA 156.2, Grade 2 Standards.” However, that is not the same as “ANSI/BHMA Certified Grade 2.”
This lock, the “Master Lock No. SLC0126DKA4” is described as having a 3 hr UL listing and that is “meets ANSI/BHMA A156.2, Grade 2 Standards.”
So, if we take them at their word, we should be able to find a listing for this lock in the BHMA Certified Products Directory, right? Lets go and see.
This is a screen shot of a portion of the main page.
Next we will use the “Select a Brand. . . ” dropdown box and find Master Lock in the list of manufacturers who have ANYcertified products.
Gosh – I’m not seeing Master Lock in this list at all!
So there are 2 conclusions we can draw.
- They are selling a lock that is certified under another brand name, in which case we can ask for that name, or a proof of testing certificate from the test laboratory.
- The product is not independently certified to the BHMA standard.
Here is a quick exercise for you. Try the same process and look for “TownSteel”. You should see a long list of certified products, including lever locks.