Fact File

Compilation of SDI Technical Documents and

ANSI/SDI Standards and Test Methods

Updated March 2025

Please visit steeldoor.org for more information.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Steel Door Institute

30200 Detroit Road · Westlake, OH · 44145 · TEL 440-899-0010 · FAX 440-892-1404 · info@steeldoor.org
 Steel Door Institute Publications

Summary of Documents Provides a description of each technical document

ANSI/SDI 100 See ANSI A250.8

SDI 108-23 Recommended Selection and Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors

SDI 110-23 Standard Steel Doors and Frames for Modular Masonry Construction

Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, Accessories

SDI 111
and Related Components

111A-24 Recommended Standard Steel Door Details

111B-24 Recommended Standard Details for Dutch Doors

111C-24 Recommended Louver Details for Standard Steel Doors

Recommended Door, Frame and Hardware Schedule for Standard

111D-24
Steel Doors and Frames

Recommended Guidelines for the Use of Gasketing and Thresholds

111E-24
for Standard Steel Doors and Frames

Recommended Existing Wall Anchors for Standard Steel Doors and

111F-24
Frames

111H-24 High Frequency Hinge Preparations for Frames

111I-24 Cast In Place Hollow Metal Frames

111J-24 Recommended Glazing for Exterior Hollow Metal Doors

SDI 112-08 (R23) * Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Steel Doors and Frames

Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal

SDI 113-23
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies

SDI 117-23 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames

Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and

SDI 118-21
Window Frame Requirements

Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors and

SDI 122-21
Frames

SDI 124-22 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors and Frames

SDI 127 Series - Industry Alerts (A through L)

127A-24 End Channel Location

127B-23 Door Edge Cutouts

127C-23 Frame Cutout Limits

127D-24 Electric Hardware Preparation for Frames in Stud Walls

127E-23 Prime Painted Materials

127F-23 Butted Frames Rough Opening Sizes

Environmental Considerations Relating to Factory Painted Steel

127G-23
Doors and Frames

127H-23 Water Penetration

127I-23 Grouting Frames in Drywall

127J-23 Back Coating of Frames

127K-23 Improper Wedges as Hold-Opens

Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and

SDI 128-24
Frames

SDI 129-24 Hinge and Strike Spacing

SDI 130-19 Electrified Hinge Preparations

SDI 131-24 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors

SDI 133-22 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors and Frames for Blast Resistance

SDI 134-20 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames

Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing

SDI 135-25
Frame Openings

SDI 136-24 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products

Test Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish

ANSI/SDI A250.3-2019
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames

Test Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for

ANSI/SDI A250.4-2024
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors
 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel
ANSI/SDI A250.6-2024
Doors and Frames

ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)

Test Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel

ANSI/SDI A250.10-2020
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames

ANSI/SDI A250.11-2022 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames

ANSI/SDI A250.13-2014 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for
(R2018) * Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes

ANSI/SDI A250.14-2023 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames

* Document was reviewed by the Steel Door Institute Technical Committee and approved for
reaffirmation, i.e., no revision was necessary to previously published document.
 Summary of Documents

SDI 108 – Recommended Selection and Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors
Establishes guide criteria for the selection and usage of 1-3/4" and 1-3/8" standard steel doors.

SDI 110 – Standard Steel Doors and Frames for Modular Masonry Construction
Contains information on the installation of standard steel doors and frames in modular masonry
construction.

SDI 111 – Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, Accessories and Related
Components
This document is divided into seven sections, each dealing with a specific area as follows:
111-A covers recommended steel door frame details as they are affected by common wall
conditions.
111-B details standard dimensions for Dutch doors.
111-C covers a variety of louver designs and sizes for standard steel doors.
111-D contains a suggested door, frame and hardware schedule form and defines "handing".
111-E contains details which represent the recommendations of the SDI in respect to weather-
stripping of standard steel doors and frames.
111-F is a guide for architects to aid them in recognizing available options to the traditional
sub buck detail that has been widely used in the past. It illustrates anchoring systems which
are available in regular and labeled frames.
111-H contains specifications for steel frames used in extremely high frequency or high use
areas which need to be supplied with additional reinforcing to eliminate potential door sag.
111-I covers the use of hollow metal frames in cast-in-place concrete walls.
111-J covers recommendations for standard glazing for non-labeled exterior door applications.

SDI 112 – Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Steel Doors and Frames

Provides information regarding the zinc-coated sheet used in steel door and frame construction
when a requirement for zinc-coated doors and frames is specified.

SDI 113 – Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal Transmittance of Steel
Door and Frame Assemblies
Establishes a minimum standard and a method of test for thermal effectiveness of steel door and
frame assemblies under circumstances that might reasonably be considered normal field
applications and conditions.
SDI 117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames
Provides users of standard steel doors and frames with definitive information regarding
manufacturing tolerances.

SDI 118 – Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and Window Frame
Requirements
Contains rules and other information in a condensed simplified manner in respect to code
requirements for the design and use of fire doors.

SDI 122 – Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors and Frames
Covers field installation problems most commonly experienced with standard steel door and frame
installations. Most problems encountered are because of inappropriate application of the products
and/or improper installation.

SDI 124 – Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors and Frames

This document is intended to serve as a general outline of maintenance activities needed for
hollow metal doors and frames. It should be noted that the door and frame are virtually
maintenance free. Maintenance will be, for the most part, associated with accessories and
hardware attached to the door and frame.

SDI 127 Series – Industry Alerts (A through L)

127-A End Closure

127-B Door Edge Cutouts
127-C Frame Cutout Limits
127-D Electric Hardware Preparation for Frames in Stud Walls
127-E Prime Painted Materials
127-F Butted Frames Rough Opening Sizes
127-G Environmental Considerations Relating to Factory Painted Steel Doors and Frames
127-H Water Penetration
127-I Grouting Frames in Drywall
127-J Back Coating of Frames
127-K Improper Wedges as Hold-Opens

SDI 128 – Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and Frames
Provides guidelines for the specifying, installing, and adjusting of standard steel doors and frames
in applications where sound control is a consideration.
SDI 129 – Hinge and Strike Spacing
A reference of standard locations used in the manufacture of steel door and frames by SDI member
companies for a variety of door sizes.

SDI 130 – Electrified Hinge Preparations

Provides an acceptable method for preparing frames for 4-1/2″, 5″ or continuous electric hinges,
allowing frame manufacturers to provide frames prior to having knowledge of the specific electric
hinge being used.

SDI 131 – Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors
This test procedure provides manufacturers with a method of quickly testing the performance of
doors.

SDI 133 – Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors and Frames for Blast Resistance
Serves as a guide on the specification of blast resistant door assemblies.

SDI 134 – Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames
Definitions of terms commonly used in connection with Hollow Metal Work, defined as they apply
specifically to hollow metal, may be defined differently by other industries.

SDI 135 – Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame Openings
Provides guidance for measurement and recording of existing opening and/or door dimensions
required to fully detail a replacement door(s).

SDI 136 – Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products

Covers the methodology and criteria used for the specification and selection of windstorm resistant
door opening assemblies for non-residential construction.

* * *

A250.3 – Test Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish for and Frames
Prescribes the procedure to be followed in the selection of material, chemical preparation, coating
application, testing, and evaluation of factory applied finish painted steel surfaces for steel doors
and frames.
A250.4 – Test Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for Steel Doors
A standard method of testing the performance of a steel door mounted in a hollow metal or
channel iron frame under conditions that might be considered an accelerated field operating
condition.

A250.6 – Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Doors and Frames
Provides users of standard steel doors and frames with practical information regarding accepted
design methods for reinforcing, and recommended practices for proper field preparation and
installation of builders’ hardware.

A250.8 – Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI 100)
The basic standard of the industry covers specifications for swinging steel doors and frames. It
offers a number of choices in both regular and fire rated door and frame construction design. The
specification covers sizes, types, materials, general construction requirements, and finishing of 1-
3/4” and 1-3/8” steel doors together with frames and accessories.

A250.10 – Test Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel Surfaces for Steel Doors
and Frames
Procedures for the selection of material, chemical preparation, painting, testing and evaluation of
prime painted steel surfaces for steel doors and frames.

A250.11 – Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames

Covers the storage of frames on the jobsite, grouting and back painting of frames and assembly of
frames. It also addresses bracing frames before wall construction and the installation of frames in
masonry, steel stud wall construction, wood stud wall construction and drywall construction.

A250.13 – Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for Swinging Door
Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes
This standard provides procedures for testing and establishing load ratings for components of
exterior swinging door assemblies for the protection of openings in building envelopes during
severe windstorm conditions. (Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters).

A250.14 – Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames

This standard covers all significant dimensional attributes for mounting common hardware
products in steel doors and frames. All dimensions shall be as shown on the accompanying
drawings. This standard was developed to show only the most commonly used preparations for
door hardware and provide targets for standardization. Where multiple configurations are in
common usage, separate drawings are provided. For other configurations, it is recognized that
these standards may be used in part, or with exceptions, while still providing some degree of basic
guidance and standardization.
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
108 - 23

Recommended
Selection and Usage Guide
for
Standard Steel Doors

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2023 Steel Door Institute
SDI 108-2023

Recommended Selection and Usage Guide

for Standard Steel Doors

Purpose regulations; sound attenuation and/or insulation re-

quirements; and architectural design and appearance.
To establish guide criteria for the selection and usage
of 1-3/4" and 1-3/8" standard steel doors. Table 2 is a reference aid matching standard duty,
heavy duty, extra heavy duty and maximum duty doors
with general usage requirements within the classifica-
Selection
tion of buildings. Where optional door levels and models
Standard steel doors are classified in four levels: are indicated, further analysis on an individual job basis
Level 1 – 1-3/4" and 1-3/8" standard duty, Level 2 – 1-3/4" is recommended.
heavy duty, Level 3 – 1-3/4" extra heavy duty and
When unusual or special door usage conditions are
Level 4 – 1-3/4" maximum duty.
encountered, contact a representative member of the
Each of the four levels noted above offer a range of Steel Door Institute for consultation and guidance.
door construction models and designs to meet archi-
tectural requirements for preference and appearance.
Notes
The standard steel door construction models are full
flush, seamless, and stile and rail. Tolerances – All values which do not carry specific
tolerances or are not marked maximum or minimum
Recommended minimum gauge requirements for the
shall have the following tolerances: Linear dimensions
various levels and models of standard steel doors are
shall be ± 1/16 in. (1.6 mm). Weight or force shall be
indicated in table 1.
± 2%. Angles shall be ± 2 degrees. Where only minus
tolerances are given, the dimensions are permitted to
Usage be exceeded at the option of the manufacturers.
Selection of standard steel doors for general usage is Gauge vs. Thickness – While the term gauge is no
made by analyzing criteria such as frequency of use, longer common for defining material thickness it is still
including subjection to and degree of possible abuse. used to specify doors and frames for ordering purposes.
Other criteria to be considered for door selection are: The term thickness is used when defining the actual
conformance to local building codes and fire code dimension of an item, and the term gauge is used in
the context of specifying a particular door or frame.

Table 1 – Standard steel door levels and models

Full Flush or Seamless
Level Model Construction
MSG No. IP in SI mm
Standard 1 Full Flush
1 20 0.032 0.8
Duty 2 Seamless
1 Full Flush
2 Heavy Duty 18 0.042 1
2 Seamless
1 Full Flush
Extra Heavy
3 2 16 0.053 1.3 Seamless
Duty
3 *Stile & Rail

Maximum 1 Full Flush

4 14 0.067 1.6
Duty 2 Seamless

*Stiles and rails are 16 gauge; flush panels, when specified, are 18 gauge.
For complete standard steel door construction specifications and available sizes, refer to ANSI/SDI A250.8-2017,
Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100) and ANSI/SDI A250.4-2022 Test Procedure and
Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors.

2
 SDI 108-2023

Table 2 – Suggested door levels and applications

Standard Steel Door Levels Door Design Nomenclature

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
Building
Standard Heavy Extra Maxi-
Types Duty Duty Heavy mum
1-3/8" Duty Duty
1-3/4" 1-3/4" only 1-3/4" only 1-3/4" only F G V FG N L
Apartment
Main Entrance • • • • • •
Unit Entrance • • • •
Bedroom • •
Restroom • • •
Closet • • •
Stairwell • • • •
Mechanical • • • •
Dormitory
Main Entrance • • • • • •
Unit Entrance • • •
Bedroom • • •
Restroom • • • •
Closet • • • •
Stairwell • • • •
Hotel – Motel
Unit Entrance • • •
Restroom • •
Closet • • •
Stairwell • • • •
Storage & Utility • • • •
Medical
Main Entrance • • • •
Patient Room • •
Stairwell • • • •
Operating & Exam. • • • • •
Restroom • • • •
Closet • • • •
Recreation • • •
Kitchen • • •
Mechanical/Storage/ • • • •
Utility
Industrial
Entrance & Exit • • • • •
Office • • • •
Production • • • •
Restroom • • • •
Tooling/Maintenance • • •
Shipping/Receiving • • •
Monorail • • •
Office
Entrance • • • •
Individual Office • • •
Closet • • •
Restroom • • •
Stairwell • • • •
Equipment • • •
Boiler • • • •
School
Entrance & Exit • • • • •
Classroom • • •
Restroom • • • •
Gymnasium • • • • • •
Cafeteria • • •
Stairwell • • • •
Closet • • • • • •
Note: Table 2 is only a guide. Please consult ANSI/SDI A250.8 and applicable building codes for additional requirements.
For additional designs refer to SDI-134, Nomenclature for Standard Steel Doors and Steel Frames.
3
SDI 108-2018

Steel Door Institute Standard Steel Door Design Nomenclature

F T WG E2 E4 E6 E8 EWG D

L LL V VL* N NL* G EG GL*

G2 G2L* G3 G3L* G4 G6 FG FG3 FL

* Note: Design combination is indicated by light followed by louver.

Consult SDI-134 for further information on standard design nomenclature for Standard Steel Doors.

Nomenclature Letter Symbols

F – Flush EWG – 6 Panel Embossed and Wood Grain NL – Narrow Light and Louvered
T – Textured D – Dutch Door G – Half Glass (options G2, G3,
WG – Wood Grain L – Louvered (top or bottom) G4 and G6)
E2 – 2 Panel Embossed LL – Louvered (top and bottom) EG – Embossed and Half Glass
E4 – 4 Panel Embossed V – Vision Light GL – Half Glass and Louvered
E6 – 6 Panel Embossed VL – Vision Light and Louvered FG – Full Glass (option FG3)
E8 – 8 Panel Embossed N – Narrow Light FL – Full Louver

Louvered door designs are further specified as inserted louver (I), pierced (P), or air condition grille (A).
When ordering, specify design, louver size and/or free area requirements.
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
110 - 23

Standard Steel Doors

and Frames
for
Modular Masonry Construction

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2023 Steel Door Institute
SDI 110-2023

Standard Steel Doors and Frames

for Modular Masonry Construction
The Module

Definition:
The size of any individual part, taken as a unit of measure for regular proportion. A basic unit of measure
adopted by the building industry as 4 inches.

Concept:
The use of a standard modular dimension common to building products such as masonry improves finished
buildings and structures in the following ways:
• Increased accuracy, legibility, and simplicity of contract documents.
• Added aesthetic flexibility induced by small unit standardization, allowing freedom of architectural design.
• Increased flexibility of finished structure through lower modification, addition, and renovation costs.
• Reduced overall material and labor costs by facilitating the use of standard practices and definable operating
procedures.
• Interchangeability of materials is facilitated by the ability to substitute modular components.
• Estimating and takeoff simplified.
• Detailing and drawing coordination between trades and specialties simplified by small size standard grid.

Dimensions:
Concrete masonry units (CMU) have been standardized to a nominal 8″ high and 16″ long module.
Modular bricks have been standardized to a nominal 2 2/3″ high and 8″ long module, therefore 6 bricks correspond
to the modular size of CMU. This relationship is clearly shown on the following pages.

2
 SDI 110-2023

Wrap Around Frame

6′ 8″ or 8′ 0″ Door

CMU or
Poured Wall

Frame Section A
Head

Modular
Brick

Section B
Lintel

Frame
CMU or
Head Modular
Poured Wall
Brick

Frame Jamb
Section C

3
SDI 110-2023

Wrap Around Frame

7′ 0″ Door

CMU or
Poured Wall

Frame Section A
Head

Modular Note: A starter course of 4" modular masonry may be used

Brick
to create alignment of the frame head with the masonry
joints.
Section B
Lintel

Frame
CMU or
Head Modular
Poured Wall
Brick

Frame Jamb
Section C

4
 SDI 110-2023

Butt Type Frame

7′ 0″ Door with 4″ Header or
7′ 2″ and 7′ 10″ Doors with 2″ Header

2″ Header
4″ Header

7′0″ Opening 7′2″ or 7′10″

D E Opening

Section D Section E Section F

5
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
111

Recommended
Details for
Standard Steel Doors,
Frames, and Accessories

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2024 Steel Door Institute
SDI 111

Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, and Accessories

Contents
111A - 24 Recommended Standard Steel Door Frame Details............................................................................. 1
111B - 24 Recommended Standard Details for Dutch Doors................................................................................ 7
111C - 24 Recommended Louver Details for Standard Steel Doors..................................................................... 9
111D - 24 Recommended Door, Frame and Hardware Schedule for Standard Steel Doors & Frames...............12
111E - 24 Recommended Guidelines for the Use of Gasketing and Thresholds
for Standard Steel Doors and Frames..................................................................................................15
111F - 24 Recommended Existing Wall Anchors for Standard Steel Doors and Frames.....................................19
111G - (Withdrawn) Recommended Standard Preparation for Double Type
(Interconnected) Locks on Standard Steel Doors and Frames
111H - 24 High Frequency Hinge Preparations for Frames................................................................................. 22
111I - 24 Cast In Place Hollow Metal Frames .................................................................................................... 24

NOTE: To reduce the visual clutter of providing both United States customary units of measurement
(US) and International System of Units (SI), this standard will present all measurements in only the
US units.

2
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
111A - 24

Recommended
Standard Steel Door
Frame Details

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2024 Steel Door Institute
SDI 111A-24

Hardware Locations
Hardware Locations

Door Opening Width

Up to 11 ¾"

Center-Line
Equal Deadlock Strike

Door Opening
Height

48"
Equal (or as required by local code)

38 - 42"

Up to 13"

Center-Line Hinges Center-Line Lock Strike

& Panic Exit Device Strike

Note: Center Hinge Omitted on 6' 8", 1-3/8" Non-Rated Doors, Unless Specified.
Note: Center Hinge Omitted on 6' Handing Chart
8", 1 ⅜" Doors, Unless Specified.
Handing Chart

Inside Inside
KS KS KS KS
R.H. Outside L.H. L.H. Outside R.H.
ACTIVE ACTIVE
LHRB RHRB
RHRB Inside LHRB Inside
ACTIVE ACTIVE

Outside Outside
KS KS KS KS
KS indicates keyed side of lockset.

Note: All values which do not carry specific tolerances or are not marked maximum or minimum shall
have the following tolerances: Linear dimensions shall be ± 1/16 in. Weight or force shall be ± 2%.
Angles shall be ± 2 degrees. Where only minus tolerances are given, the dimensions are permitted to
be exceeded at the option of the manufacturers.

2
 SDI 111A-24

Standard Frame Details

Standard Profiles
2" 5 Throat VARIES 2"
Face 8" Face
15
116 " 1
2 " Typical

4" Face
VARIES VARIES VARIES
VARIES

5
Throat 8" Throat
Jamb
9 15 Jamb 1
1 116 " or 116 " " Return Typical Depth
2
" Return Typical Depth 2

Notes:
Notes: 9 15 15 Material: 12 to 16 gauge steel is typical
Material: 16 gauge steel is typical for interior. 116 " or 116 " 116 " 7/16" Return Typical for 5-3/4" Jamb Depth
14 gauge steel is typical for exterior
7/16" Return Typical for 5-3/4" Jamb Depth
Jamb Depth
Cased Open
VARIES
Double Rabbet (Head or Jamb Detail)
Notes:
Material: 16 gauge steel is typical for interior.
14 gauge steel is typical for exterior
7/16" Return Typical for 5-3/4" Jamb Depth

Double Rabbet with 4" Face

(Head Detail – Optional)
3
18"
Rabbet Hardware Face 5
Rabbet 8"
1
" Return Typical 2" 5
2 Face 8" 5
Stop
15
116 " 8"

15 VARIES
VARIES 116 "
VARIES VARIES

Throat
Jamb Throat
Soffit
Depth 5 Jamb
1 28"
Notes: " Return Typical Depth
2
Material: 16 gauge steel is typical for interior.
14 gauge steel is typical for exterior
7/16" Return Typical for 5-3/4" Jamb Depth Notes:
Material: 16 gauge steel is typical
Single Rabbet (Jamb Detail) 7/16" Return Typical for 5-3/4" Jamb Depth
Profiles may vary
2" 5
Face 8"
Double Egress
15
116 "

3
8"

Cased
Opening VARIES

VARIES VARIES

Single
Rabbet Single
Rabbet

Throat
9 15 Double or Cased
1
" Return Typical 116 " or 116 " Rabbet Open
2

Notes:
Material: 16 gauge steel is typical for interior.
Solid section represents the width of door frame for a Double Rabbet
Dashed section represents the width of door frame for a Single Rabbet
Soffit to be min 1" (or as required by manufacturer)
"Slip-On Drywall" Door Frame Profile Section

3
SDI 111A-24

Corners

Note:
Mitered corner may be fastened
by screws, tabs, or a slip-fit
design.

Double Knocked Down (Butted) Knocked Down (Mitered) Door Frame Corner Miter Assembly with
May be Horizontal or Vertical "Slip-On Drywall" Profile Section.

Set Up Arc Welded Set Up Spot Welded

and Ground Smooth

Weld

Mitered and Face Welded Continuously Welded (Mitered)

Inside or Outside

4
 SDI 111A-24

Common Wall Conditions

Slip-on Drywall
Door Frame Compression Anchor

Anchor

Screw Head Retainer

1/4-20 Machine Screw

Existing Wall
Steel or Wood Stud with Single Butted Masonry, Brick Tile or
Note:
Turn machine screw which moves the compression
or Double Layer of 1/2" or 5/8" Concrete Block
anchor in contact with the wall stud. Gypsum Board Each Side

"Slip-on Drywall" Assembly

with Compression Anchor

Anchor

Stucco-2x4 Wood Stud with 3/4" Existing Masonry or Concrete

4" Block and Brick Combination Gypsum Board & Plaster

Anchor

Anchor

2x4 Wood Stud with 3/4" Butted Masonry, Tile or 2" Corner Tile and
Plaster on Metal Lath Concrete Block 4" Block Combination
2x4 Wood Stud with 3/4"
Plaster on Metal Lath

5
SDI 111A-24

Anchor

Note: Note:
Frame Material: 14 to 16 gauge steel Material: 16 gauge .053" steel
is typical

2-1/2" or 3-5/8" Steel Stud with 2-1/2" or 3-5/8" Steel or

Two Layers of 5/8" Gypsum Wood Stud with 1/2" or 5/8"
Board Each Side Gypsum Board

Anchor Details

Masonry Wire Anchor Masonry Tee Anchor Wood Stud Anchor Steel Stud Anchor Existing Wall Anchor

Adjustable Base Anchor Standard Base Anchor Typical Mullion Sections Plaster Partition Anchor
with Base Anchor (Ceiling Strut Optional)

Hospital Stop Details Hardware Preparations

Surface Hardware
Reinforcement. Weld-in
Reinforcement Shown, Loose
45 Degree 90 Degree Rubber Silencers Mortise Hinge Strike Reinforcing Sleeve Available
Hospital Stop Hospital Stop for Field Installation.

6
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
111B - 24

Recommended
Standard Details
for Dutch Doors

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2024 Steel Door Institute
SDI 111B-24

Recommended Standard Details for Dutch Doors

“A”

Steel door Steel door frame

Mortise or
surface dutch 1 ¾˝
door bolt Steel door

Door Opening Height

Steel Shelf
(optional)

L Strike
C

10˝ Max.
* 39˝ Min.

Lock set

28 ½˝ Min.
Optional steel
shelf – Fasten
* Location is generally 40˝
but may vary as indicated
w/ S.M.S. in field
by specifier to suit local
accessibility codes. *
Steel bracket
“A”

* 39˝ Min.
ELEVATION Shelf may be
field installed
NON-FIRE RATED either side or both

*Location is generally 40˝

but may vary as indicated
Finished by specifier to suit local
floor accessibility codes.
5 ½˝ Max. 5 ½˝ Max.

¾˝ Max.
PLAN
CROSS SECTION “A” - “A”

Top door latches

into top of bottom door

Flat astragal Flat astragal

Single point
Shelf latches Shelf
(optional) (optional)

Bottom door latches

into frame strike jamb

ELEVATION FIRE-RATED ELEVATION FIRE-RATED

Note: All values which do not carry specific tolerances or are not marked maximum or minimum shall have the
following tolerances: Linear dimensions shall be ± 1/16 in. Weight or force shall be ± 2%. Angles shall be ± 2
degrees. Where only minus tolerances are given, the dimensions are permitted to be exceeded at the option of
the manufacturers.

8
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
111C - 24

Recommended
Louver Details
for
Standard Steel Doors

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2024 Steel Door Institute
SDI 111C-24

Recommended Louver Details for Standard Steel Doors

Standard steel doors can be provided with a variety ing less free air flow, offer a higher strength factor for
of louver designs and sizes. This publication contains schools and other areas where vandalism or hard
explanations and details of louver designs that are most usage may occur.
commonly available within the standard door industry.
Lightproof louvers are used where light transmission
When specified, doors shall be provided with louvers at must be avoided, but provide minimal free air flow.
the bottom and/or top. The choice of which to use must
Adjustable Blade louvers are used where air flow is
be determined by the architect on aesthetic, functional,
varied in velocity and control of flow is needed.
and economic grounds.
Grille type louvers are normally associated with air
Function – Louvers permit free air passage, control-
conditioning, where air must be diffused in random flow,
ling the volume by their size or design. They diffuse or
avoiding higher velocity air flow patterns.
control direction of air flow by blade design.
Fusible Link louvers are used in fire doors where
Insert Louvers – Louvers commonly used in standard
flames and intense heat passage must be controlled.
steel doors are of the “insert” type designed to be
These louvers must be labeled. Fusible link louvers are
mounted into a cutout in the door and an overlapping
allowed only at the bottom of fire doors. Since closing
frame. Inverted “V” blade, “Z” blade, inverted “Y” or
is heat activated, these louvers are not to be used on
chevron-type blade, lightproof, adjustable blade, grille
smoke control doors.
type, and fusible link self-closing fire door types are
available in a wide range of sizes. Also available from Pierced louvers, available from some steel door manu-
some steel door manufacturers is a pierced louver de- facturers, offer a flush condition and may be furnished
sign. Insert louvers intended for exterior doors or other with internal insect screens. Louvers are formed by
doors where security is a consideration should have embossing the door face sheets.
fasteners or materials specified accordingly.
Louver Size Determinations – As a guide, the fol-
Note: If a louver door is required to provide security, lowing approximate percentages of louver size may be
the steel door manufacturer should be consulted. used to determine the free area in a given size louver:
Bird or insect screens are available with many of the • Pierced louver 20%
standard design louvers. Where specified, consult steel • Inverted “V” inserted louver 50 – 60%
door manufacturer for availability. • Inverted “Y” (chevron) inserted louver 40 – 60%
• “Z” type inserted louver 40 – 45%
Weatherproof Louvers – True weatherproof designs • Adjustable inserted louver 40 – 50%
do not exist. Some louvers are manufactured to provide • Lightproof inserted louver 20%
a certain degree of rain protection. • Fusible link inserted louver 45%
Louver Construction – Standard louver frames are a The above percentages assume there is no air pres-
minimum 20 gauge steel with louver blades of a mini- sure drop from one side of the door to the other. On
mum 24 gauge steel. The louver blades can be welded air condition grilles an air pressure drop is normal. An
or tenoned to the frame and the entire assembly is average 70% of the grille size can be used in computing
generally fastened to the door with moldings. Generally, free area on doors with air condition grilles.
one molding will be an integral part of the louver, while
the other molding will be detachable. When louvers are The percentages noted above are approximates.
installed, the detachable moldings should be located on Consult the individual manufacturer’s literature for the
the room or non-security side of the door. Where doors specific sizes and ratings normal to their program.
are manufactured as non-handed, louvers may require Coordination – A combination of glass lights and
reversing during door installation to suit actual handing. louvers is common in steel door work. Care should be
Application: taken to avoid specifying too long a narrow light when
a louver or grille occurs in the bottom of the same unit.
Inverted “V” or “Z” Blade types allow maximum free In addition, handicap codes may dictate the location of
air flow with minimum static pressure differential. the louver relative to the bottom of the door.
Inverted “Y” or Chevron Blade types, while offer- Full Louver Doors – A minimum 5˝ rail occurs at the

10
 SDI 111C-24

top and at the vertical stiles and an 8˝ minimum rail match the door. For exterior doors, zinc coated louvers
occurs at the bottom of these doors (Consult door are available where specified.
manufacturer for exact stile/rail dimensions). Stile and
top rail sizes must be coordinated with closer dimen-
sions, lock preparations, and lever handles. Pierced
louvers are not available on full louvered doors.
Finish – The finish is to be prime painted, except when
the louver is used in a factory prefinished door, in which
case the louver will be finish painted with a color to

Cross Section Details

Operating
lever

Inverted “V” Blade Inverted “Y” Blade Chevron or Hood-Type Blade Fusible Link

Insect screen
(optional)

Grille Pierced “Z” Blade Lightproof

11
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
111D - 24

Recommended
Door, Frame and
Hardware Schedule for
Standard Steel Doors &
Frames

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2024 Steel Door Institute
 SDI 111D-24

Recommended Door, Frame and Hardware Schedule for Standard Steel Doors & Frames

The purpose of this publication is to establish a guide for architects and those responsible for scheduling doors,
frames, and hardware requirements.
Although primarily designed for steel doors and frames, this suggested schedule is flexible enough to list total
door and frame requirements of a complete job.
Items not specifically covered in the schedule may be listed in the “Remarks” and extra columns near the end.
Typical handing of doors and hardware is to be based on the format below:

Note: While the term ‘gauge’ is no longer common for defining material thickness it is still used to specify doors
and frames for ordering purposes. The term ‘thickness’ is used when defining the actual dimension of an item, and
the term ‘gauge’ is used in the context of specifying a particular door or frame.

Handing Chart

Inside Inside
KS KS KS KS
R.H. Outside L.H. L.H. Outside R.H.
ACTIVE ACTIVE
LHRB RHRB
RHRB Inside LHRB Inside
ACTIVE ACTIVE

Outside Outside
KS KS KS KS

KS indicates keyed side of lockset.

13
 Door, Frame and Hardware Schedule
SDI 111D-24

LOCATION FRAMES DOORS HARDWARE

DETAILS DOOR OPENING REMARKS

(3) (7)
(2)
HEAD JAMB SILL WIDTH HEIGHT

ITEM NO.
ARCH. NO
FROM
TO
QTY.
HAND
LABEL (1)
GAUGE (4)
ELEV. (6)
DEPTH
ANCHOR/
WALL TYPE
GAUGE (4)
TYPE (5)
HDWE.
GROUP NO.
HINGES
LOCK
CLOSER

14
General Notes:
(1) If a fire door is required, it is to be designated in the “Label” column of schedule with appropriate hourly rating. Also, note in
the “Remarks” column whether door is to have a UL Solutions, Intertek (ITS)/Warnock Hersey, or FM Global label.
(2) Thresholds, when required, are to be noted in “Hardware” column of schedule.
(3) Any special item not listed in schedule for doors, frames, or hardware is to be shown in the “Remarks” column.
(4) Indicate gauge of material for steel. When materials other than steel are used, indicate AL for aluminum or WD for wood.
(5) Refer to SDI-134 for Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames.
(6) When frame elevations are indicated, supplemental drawings must be attached.
(7) Doors provided with 3/4″ undercut unless otherwise specified.
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
111E - 24

Recommended
Guidelines for the Use of
Gasketing and Thresholds
for Standard Steel Doors
and Frames

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2024 Steel Door Institute
SDI 111E-24

Recommended Guidelines for the Use of Gasketing and Thresholds for Standard Steel
Doors and Frames

The following details represent the recommendation of the Steel Door Institute in this important corollary area.
This document should in no way be considered an endorsement of any manufacturer nor does it imply that any
materials not shown should be considered inferior weatherstripping.
The criteria employed in the selection of these details included:
1. The experience of the Institute with the details shown.
2. The adaptability of the material shown to standard steel doors and frames.
3. The ability to maintain gasketing at the door and frame during periods of normal thermal movement to the
balance of the building structure.
4. The availability of the material from normal commercial sources.
5. Ease of maintenance.
General
Gasketing and thresholds are used to control the flow of air, smoke, heat or cold, water, sound or other environ-
mental factors through the door opening. The location or intended use of the door assembly, the environment to
which it is exposed, and the performance expected will dictate the selection of gasketing and threshold products.
The variety of materials, their composition, profiles, and performance are virtually limitless. These are described
in ANSI/BHMA A156.21 or A156.22. Generally, gasket materials are sponge neoprene, rubber, vinyl, brushes, or
magnets. Retainers are generally steel, aluminum, brass, bronze, vinyl, or other non-ferrous materials. Information
in catalogs published by BHMA members aid in the selection of perimeter sealing “ systems” to meet the applicable
performance criteria of the door assembly.
Images within this section are examples of seal installations. Consult hardware manufacturer’s installation instruc-
tions for specifics.

Perimeter Seals
Sealing of gaps between door edges and the header or jambs
HEAD &
generally has the greatest effect on performance of the door LATCH SIDE
opening. The available options are as varied as their applica-
tions and their mounting surfaces e.g. steel, structural steel,
or wood. Care should be taken to select materials that will JAMB DOOR
assure performance under specific job requirements as well
as meeting the mounting surface criteria.
Gasketing products should never impede the operation, open-
JAMB DOOR
ing or closing of the door assembly. Simple contact is all that
is required for some products. Other products for more severe
installations require a slight compression.
HINGE SIDE
A simple test for gasket compression may be conducted by
inserting a sheet of 20 lb or copy paper into the gap and closing
the door. The paper should be held in place by the gasketing. self adhesive

Gasketing or weather-stripping, of any kind, should be furnished

and installed in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

vinyl brush bulb

16
 SDI 111E-24

Door Bottom Seals

In most instances, sealing of gaps between the bottom of doors and flooring or thresholds is accomplished with
door bottoms or overlapping strips in metal retainers. These may be of a design that extends beyond the bottom
of the door mechanically, or of a fixed protruding or overlapping design.
Door bottom gaskets must compress against a solid object to affect a proper seal. Carpeting by its pliant nature
does not provide a proper seal.

brush
vinyl

shoe

automatic door bottom

Astragal Seals
Sealing of door edges at meeting stiles, in lieu of or in addition to factory mounted astragals is accomplished by
supplemental gasketing. This gasketing may be closely abutting fixed members or by overlapping strips in metal
retainers.
Overlapping gasketing is normally used to avoid interference with edge mounted hardware such as locksets or
flush bolts. Closely abutting gasketing is commonly used where both doors must operate simultaneously or inde-
pendently as in egress doors.

brush vinyl

17
SDI 111E-24

Thresholds
Thresholds may be used in addition to or in lieu of door bottom seals. They may incorporate gaskets or other formed
profiles to allow for exit device latching or may be prepared for flush bolt latching. Thresholds should be provided
under the door and between the frame to allow for a smooth transition between floor coverings of different heights
or materials. Special consideration should be given to threshold designs used in means of egress or in handicap
accessible situations. The latter limitations are covered in ANSI/ICC A117.1.

saddle

* bumper insert available

bumper seal

* bumper insert available

rabbeted

Fire Door Considerations

When supplying products to be used on fire rated openings, care should be taken to maintain the proper clear-
ances around the perimeter of the door assembly in accordance with NFPA 80. Gasketing materials must be
investigated or “Listed” to determine that their installation does not adversely affect the fire resistance performance
of the assembly. For example, the performance of gasketing is observed during the fire test to ensure that flaming
does not occur on the exposed surface of door assemblies. It is important to note, however, that the ANSI/UL 10B,
ANSI/UL 10C and ANSI/NFPA 252 standard fire tests do not include evaluation of the door assembly relative to
preventing the passing of smoke or other products of combustion through or around the assembly. Openings that
require a smoke seal must be tested in accordance with UL 1784 and installed in accordance with NFPA 105. In
fire door applications it is VITAL that gasketing does not inhibit the ability of the door assembly to close and latch.

Performance Testing Criteria

Gasketing products are covered under ANSI/BHMA A156.22.
Included in that standard are:
• Closing Force Test
• Heat Test
• Cold Test
• Energy Test
• Intumescent Gasket Test
• Acoustic Test
• Smoke Infiltration Test
Thresholds are covered under ANSI/BHMA A156.21.
Included in that standard are:
• Weight Bearing Test

18
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
111F - 24

Recommended
Existing Wall Anchors
for Standard Steel Doors
and Frames

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2024 Steel Door Institute
SDI 111F-24

Recommended Existing Wall Anchors for Standard Steel Doors and Frames

This standard is a guide for architects to help

them recognize available options to the tradi-
tional sub buck detail widely used in the past.
The anchoring systems shown are available in
regular and labeled frames.
The details shown are typical of those em-
NOTE A
ployed by members of the Steel Door Institute,
Drill and form
but all of the details are not made by all of the
countersink at
members of the Institute. A general reference center of frame
to this document in your specifications should soffit for ¼˝ x 4 ¾˝
result in all of the members of the SDI and most FHMS or RHMS*
of the non-members being able to bid on the
job without a multitude of exceptions.
In order to make the installation successful,
careful consideration shall be given to all toler-
ances involved and that sufficient clearance is
figured to allow for them.
It has been “customary” to allow 1⁄4˝ clearance
Adjustable Anchor
around the frame perimeter when establishing
rough opening sizes or when figuring non-
standard overall frame sizes. Although this
dimensional requirement does not appear in In-
dustry publications, it is based on the following:
NOTE B
• Both SDI 117 and ANSI/NAAMM HMMA
Either bolt type
861 recognize a + tolerance in opening is available for
width and height. all anchors.
• Both of these documents recognize a ±
tolerance in frame face dimensions.
• Both ANSI/NAAMM HMMA 861 and
SDI 117 recognize a ± installation tolerance
for vertical plumb.
See note “A”
Frames will “fit and function” if made to these
dimensional tolerances and installed within
tolerances.
There is, however, relatively no assurance that
the substrate (walls) will be of suitable size or
alignment.
We therefore recommend that the rough open-
ings for these cases be no less than 3/16˝ larger
on all 3 sides than the “intended” overall frame
size. (Example: 3070 standard frame = 3´-4 3⁄8˝ x Lock-in “A” Anchor
7´-2 3/16˝). The installer carries the responsibility
for shimming and aligning as necessary. Gaps
are normally sealed as part of the installation or
caulking/painting process. Architectural Speci-
fications are to be consulted to determine the
appropriate sealant material to be used at fire
door or smoke control frames.

20
 SDI 111F-24

Weld to frame return

See note “A”

Weld to frame return

Hat Anchor
See note “A”

Pipe Anchor

Lock-in “B” Anchor

Hole plug

Weld to frame soffit

NOTE C
The head of the bolt may be filled in field See note “A”
with appropriate filler.
NOTE D
Up to 7´6˝ height minimum four (4)
anchor required per jamb

* Fire rated frames require 3/8˝ diameter

bolts. Steel expansion shields must be
used instead of lead shields.

“C” Anchor

21
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
111H - 24

High Frequency Hinge

Preparations for Frames

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2024 Steel Door Institute
 SDI 111H-24

High Frequency Hinge Preparations for Frames

Door Door
frame frame

Weld (3) places

as shown
Auxiliary
reinforcement

Hinge
Reinforcement Weld (3) places
as shown

Auxiliary
reinforcement

Hinge
Reinforcement

Example “A”* Example “B”*

Background:
There are occasions where steel frames used in extremely high frequency or high use areas need to be supplied
with additional reinforcing to eliminate potential door sag. These types of openings would include: main entrances
to schools, rear exits where severe abuse could be a factor, auditoriums, gymnasiums, and the like. When these
types of installations are required, there is a method in which this can be handled, efficiently and economically,
through providing auxiliary reinforcing to standard door frames. The specification for this is as follows:

Specification:
When a high frequency preparation is required, the top hinge of the door frame shall be provided with an auxiliary
reinforcement as shown in example “A” or “B.” For additional strength, the center and bottom hinge reinforcement
may also be provided with additional reinforcements.

* High frequency hinge preparations may vary between manufacturers.

23
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
111I - 24

Cast In Place
Hollow Metal Frames

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2024 Steel Door Institute
 SDI 111I-24

Cast In Place Hollow Metal Frames

The use of hollow metal frames in cast-in-place concrete walls is a common construction practice; to make the
installation successful, careful consideration shall be given to the following to ensure proper door function and
clearance when complete.
All mortised hardware preparations shall be covered with Grout Guard (Also referred to as Dust Cover Guard,
Masonry Guard, Mortar Guard, or Plaster Guard).
Frames shall be installed into cast in place fixture square, plumb, with braces at the middle and bottom of the
frame. See figure below.

90° 90°

Wood spreaders
between jambs

When cast in place frames are not an option, a rough opening should be blocked out no less than 3/16″larger
than the frame on all three sides. For example, the opening for a 3′0″ x 7′0″ standard frame with 2″ faces would
be 3′ 4-3/8″ x 7′ 2-3/16″ minimum. The installer is responsible for anchoring the frame per the manufacturer’s
installation instructions, shimming, and aligning as necessary.

25
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
111J - 25

Recommended Glazing
for Exterior
Hollow Metal Doors

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2025 Steel Door Institute
 SDI 111J-25

Recommended Glazing for Exterior Hollow Metal Doors

Glazing Hollow Metal Doors for Exterior Glass Lights

The following details represent recommendations for standard glazing for non-labeled exterior door
applications.
Standard steel doors can be provided with a variety of glass light designs and sizes. Proper installation
of light kit, glass and glazing materials is essential when designed for exterior applications, following
the correct method of installation will help prevent water and air infiltration at exterior hollow metal
door locations.
Whether a light kit is being glazed in the field or at the manufacturer, the glazing installer must fol-
low the light kit or door manufacturer’s installation instructions for best performance against water,
thermal, and wind elements.
The following instructions and illustrations are examples of glazing requirements and locations for
glazing tape or sealant.
1. Apply glazing tape/compound around entire light kit or glass perimeter on both sides as shown
(Illustrations 1, 2 & 3). There should be no gaps at meeting edges of glazing tape.
2. Insert blank (secure) side of light kit in door cutout. Lay in glass with glazing tape applied. Place
inner light kit frame in door cutout and secure with screws provided.
3. Visually inspect perimeter of glass and glazing to insure that contact is made and there are no
gaps or openings between light kit and glazing material.
4. For added weatherproofing, installer may apply additional sealant around perimeter of light kit at
meeting edge or underneath light kit between light kit frame and door surface.

Glazing compound applied Glazing compound applied Glazing compound applied

between frame and glass between frame and glass between frame and glass

Illustration 1 Illustration 2 Illustration 3

Additional Light Kit Design Examples

27
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
112 - 08(Reaffirmed 2023)

Zinc-Coated
(Galvanized/Galvannealed)
Steel Doors and Frames

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2023 Steel Door Institute
SDI 112-2008

Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Steel Doors and Frames

Purpose Galvannealed steel doors and frames are fabricated

from carbon steel sheet that has been coated by
It is the intent of this document to provide information
the continuous hot-dip process and further treated
regarding the zinc-coated sheet used in steel door and
to convert the zinc coating into a zinc-iron alloy. The
frame construction when a requirement for zinc-coated
zinc coated sheet receives an in-line heat treatment
doors and frames is specified. It should be noted that
immediately as the strip exits the molten zinc bath to
doors and frames of cold rolled or hot rolled steel are
convert the entire coating layer to a zinc-iron alloy by
normally protected with a satisfactorily applied coat of
diffusion of iron from the sheet into the zinc coating.
rust inhibiting paint, and that zinc-coated doors and
The galvannealed surface has a non-spangled matte
frames need only be specified when they are to be
finish with a nominal composition of 90% zinc and
exposed to corrosive atmospheric conditions.
10% iron. This type of coating is referred to with an “A”
designation (or “ZF” in SI Units).
Applicable standards The galvannealed coating has several advantages
compared to the galvanized coating: 1) improved paint
ASTM A 924 / A 924M – Standard Specification for Gen- adhesion; 2) the coated surface accepts paint very
eral Requirements For Steel Sheet, Metallic-Coated by readily without a pretreatment (a pretreatment will en-
the Hot-Dip Process. hance the performance); 3) the zinc-iron alloy coating
ASTM A 653 / A 653M – Standard Specifications for can be welded more easily; and 4) the coating is harder
Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron and more resistant to manufacturing processes.
Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip Process.

Coating designations
Types of zinc coatings Coating designations are written to represent the coat-
Galvanized steel doors and frames are fabricated from ing type, either G or A (Z or ZF in SI Units), and the
carbon steel sheet that has been coated with zinc on coating weight. The coating weight is the amount of
two sides by the continuous hot-dip process. The pro- zinc on the steel surface and is expressed to represent
cess results in a layer of zinc on each side of the steel the ounces per square foot of zinc as the total weight
sheet that is tightly adhered to the steel sheet through on both surfaces of the steel sheet.
the formation of an iron-zinc alloy bonding layer that
is formed by a diffusion process while the heated steel
strip is in contact with the molten zinc. The relatively Minimum coating weights
pure zinc coating exhibits a bright metallic color with
There are two coating weights used to specify zinc-
a pronounced “spangled” appearance. These coatings
coated steel doors and frames. In a coating weight
have a free zinc spangled surface and may be pro-
of 40 there are 0.4 ounces of zinc per square foot of
cessed in a manner that reduces spangle and results in
steel, and in 60 there are 0.6 ounces of zinc per square
a smooth dull-gray appearance. This type of coating is
foot of steel.
referenced with a “G” designation (or “Z” in SI Units).

2
 SDI 112-2008

Average coating thickness Painting

The average coating thickness specified in table 1 is Painting zinc-coated steel is recommended. In the fac-
based on the conversion factor of one ounce of zinc tory, steel is first chemically treated to ensure proper
coating per square foot of surface corresponding to an paint adhesion; then a factory applied coating of rust
average coating thickness of 0.0017" (0.043 mm). inhibiting primer is applied to the fabricated doors and
frames. When additional priming is required, care must
This coating thickness is not significant enough to make
be taken to ensure compatibility with the factory-applied
an appreciable difference in the measurable thickness
zinc surface.
of coated or uncoated steel of the same gage.
Refer to table 1 showing the coating designations,
minimum coating weights, and average coating thick- NOTES:
ness.
• Zinc-coating after fabrication is not available due
Corrosion resistance is directly proportionate to coating to thermal distortion of the product.
weight. The heavier the coating weight the more zinc is
• Although sometimes specified, the G Type zinc-
present and the more corrosion protection it will provide.
coating designation is not recommended for door
Therefore, under normal atmospheric conditions a 60
and frame construction.
designation will provide 50% more corrosion protection
than a 40 designation coating.

Table 1 – Coating designations, minimum coating weights, and average coating thickness

Coating Weight
Coating Average Coating
Designation Minimum Check Minimum Check Thickness / Side
Type
Limit Triple Spot Test Limit Single Spot Test

in-lb SI oz/ft2 * g/m2 * oz/ft2 * g/m2 * inches mm

G60 Z180 0.60 180 0.50 150 .0005 .013
Galvanized
G40 Z120 0.40 120 0.30 90 .0003 .009

A60 ZF180 0.60 180 0.50 150 .0005 .013

Galvannealed
A40 ZF120 0.40 120 0.30 90 .0003 .009

* NOTE: The weight of coating refers to the total coating on both surfaces.

3
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
113 - 23

Standard Practice
for
Determining the
Steady-State Thermal
Transmittance
of
Steel Door
and Frame Assemblies

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2023
© 2019 Steel
Steel Door
Door Institute
Institute
SDI 113-23

Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State

Thermal Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies

1 Purpose 5 Performance Ratings

1.1 The purpose of this practice is to establish a
Table 1
standard test specimen size, test conditions
and a rating system for determining the thermal U-Value < 1/2 Light > 1/2 Light Rating
transmittance of operable steel door and frame
assemblies. > 0.46 >0.52 > 0.57 0

1.2 This practice refers to the standardized thermal ≤ 0.45 ≤ 0.51 ≤ 0.56 1
transmittance; Ust of an operable steel door and ≤ 0.43 ≤ 0.49 ≤ 0.54 2
frame assembly installed vertically in the absence
of solar and air leakage effects. ≤ 0.41 ≤ 0.47 ≤ 0.52 3

1.3 This practice employs the use of ASTM C1363, ≤ 0.39 ≤ 0.45 ≤ 0.50 4
Standard Test Method for Thermal Performance ≤ 0.37 ≤ 0.43 ≤ 0.48 5
of Building Materials and Envelope Assemblies
by Means of a Hot Box Apparatus, ASTM C1199, ≤ 0.35 ≤ 0.41 ≤ 0.46 6
Standard Test Method for Measuring the Steady- ≤ 0.33 ≤ 0.39 ≤ 0.44 7
State Thermal Transmittance of Fenestration Sys-
tems Using Hot Box Methods and ASTM E1423 ≤ 0.31 ≤ 0.37 ≤ 0.42 8
Standard Practice for Determining Steady State ≤ 0.29 ≤ 0.35 ≤ 0.40 9
Thermal Transmittance of Fenestration Systems.
≤ 0.27 ≤ 0.33 ≤ 0.38 10
2 Test Specimen
2.1 Single doors and pairs of doors shall be tested as 6 Report
nominal 3′0″ (914mm) wide x 7′0″ (2134mm) high 6.1 The report shall contain the following information:
and 6′0″ (1828mm) wide x 7′0″ (2134mm) high
openings, respectively. 6.2 A detailed description of the test specimen com-
ponents, i.e. Door, frame, hardware, glazing and
2.2 The test specimens shall consist of door, frame, weather-strip that includes model or series num-
weather-stripping system, glazing (if included) and bers.
hardware and be fully operable prior to the sealing
of the assembly. 6.3 If the test specimen is of a size other than that
specified in Section 2.1, the reason for the devia-
Note: ASTM E1423 requires sealing of the test
tion should be noted.
specimen to prevent air leakage.
6.4 All of the information specified in Section 9 of test
3 Experimental Procedure method ASTM C1199.
3.1 The specimen shall be tested in accordance with 6.5 A statement affirming that the test was conducted
ASTM C1199, C1363 and E1423. in accordance with this standardized procedure.
4 Calculation 6.6 A rating as defined in Table 1.
4.1 The standardized Thermal Transmittance (Ust)
shall be calculated per the CTS method described
in ASTM C1199.

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
440/899-0010 • FAX 440/892-1404
www.steeldoor.org
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
117 - 23

Manufacturing Tolerances
for
Standard Steel Doors
and Frames

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2023 Steel Door Institute
This page left intentionally blank.
 SDI 117-2023

Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames

1 Introduction SDI 122-2021, Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

It is the intent of this publication to provide users for Standard Steel Doors and Frames
with definitive information regarding manufacturing SDI 134-2020 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal
tolerances of standard steel doors and frames. This Doors and Frames
document is not to be referenced for manufacturing
tolerances of specialty products, i.e., bullet, acousti-
cal, windstorm. This document is intended for in-plant 3 Notes
inspections. It may be used as a reference document
for on-site inspections where there is no evidence of 3.1 Tolerances
damage to material or improper installation. All values which do not carry specific tolerances or
The information contained herein pertains to doors are not marked maximum or minimum shall have the
and frames manufactured in accordance with ANSI/ following tolerances: Linear dimensions shall be ± 1/16
SDI A250.8, Specifications for Standard Steel Doors in. (1.6 mm). Weight or force shall be ± 2%. Angles
and Frames. It is not intended to be a reference for shall be ± 2 degrees. Where only minus tolerances are
specialty doors or unusual door and frame conditions. given, the dimensions are permitted to be exceeded at
the option of the manufacturers.

2 Reference Documents:
ANSI/SDI A250.8-2017 SDI 100 Specifications for 3.2 Gauge vs. Thickness
Standard Steel Doors & Frames While the term ‘gauge’ is no longer common for defining
material thickness it is still used to specify doors and
ANSI/SDI A250.6-2020 Recommended Practice for frames for ordering purposes. The term ‘thickness’ is
Hardware Reinforcings on Standard Steel Doors and used when defining the actual dimension of an item,
Frames and the term ‘gauge’ is used in the context of specify-
ANSI/SDI A250.3-2019 Test Procedure & Acceptance ing a particular door or frame.
Criteria for Factory Applied Finish Coatings for Steel
Doors & Frames
3.3 Metric
ANSI/SDI A250.10-2020 Test Procedure & Acceptance Values stated without parenthesis are the requirement.
Criteria for Prime Painted Steel Surfaces for Steel Values in the parenthesis are explanatory or approxi-
Doors & Frames mate information.
ANSI/SDI A250.11-2022 Recommended Erection
Instructions for Steel Frames 4 Materials and Finishes
ANSI/BHMA A115 Specifications for Steel Door and
Frame Preparation for Hardware (A115.1 – A115.18) 4.1 Steel Thickness
ASTM A568-2019 Standard Specification for Steel, Manufacturers no longer order sheet and coil to a
Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength, Low- specific gauge, but rather to a minimum decimal thick-
Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General Require- ness. This thickness is the lowest of the range for a
ments for specific gauge. The steel supplier is therefore permitted
to exceed, but not be less than the specified decimal
ASTM A653-2018 Standard Specification for Steel
thickness. These minimum values meet the stringent
Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galva­nized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-
requirements of test facilities and labeling agencies
Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip Process
such as UL Solutions, and ITS/Intertek Testing/War-
ASTM A924-2022 Standard Specification for General nock Hersey. Examples of minimum allowable steel
Requirements for Steel Sheet, Metallic-Coated by the thickness:
Hot-Dip Process
NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening
Protectives, 2022 Edition.

1
SDI 117-2023

Gauge (MSG) Minimum Face

±⅓2˝
20 0.032˝ Stop
18 0.042˝ ±⅓2˝

16 0.053˝
Rabbet
14 0.067˝ ±⅓2˝
12 0.093˝
Frame Throat
10 0.123˝ Opening
Depth
7 0.167˝ ±1⁄16˝ ±3⁄32˝

Gauge (MSG) are for reference purposes only.

4.2 Steel Coatings
Thickness of metallic coatings (generally zinc) are Figure A – Profile Tolerances
defined by ASTM A924, Standard Specification for
General Requirements for Steel Sheet, Metallic-Coated
by the Hot-Dip Process and A653, Standard Specifi- 5.2 Frame Opening & Vertical Locations
cation for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galva­nized) or
Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip
Process. The two most commonly used designations
are A40 and A60. Minimum requirements for these ±⅓2˝
designations are: C
L Hinge
A40 = 0.40 oz/ft total both sides.
2

A60 = 0.60 oz/ft2 total both sides.

±⅙4˝
For reference, 1 oz/ft2 = 1.7 mils thickness. Opening
Height
+1⁄16˝ –⅓2˝
4.3 Factory Applied Coatings ±⅙4˝
CL
Factory applied coatings (primer, finish paint, etc.) are Strike
subject to performance standards rather than thick-
ness, the dry film thickness is irrelevant. Such coatings
must comply with performance criteria of: ±⅓2˝
ANSI/SDI A250.3 – Test Procedure and Acceptance
Criteria for Factory Applied Finished Coatings for Steel
Doors and Frames
OR
Opening Width
ANSI/SDI A250.10 – Test Procedure and Acceptance +1⁄16˝ –⅓2˝
Criteria for Prime Painted Steel Surfaces for Steel
Doors and Frames.
Figure B – Opening Tolerances

5 Frame Tolerances
5.3 Bow or Twist of Jambs or Header
5.1 Frame Cross Section Profile Realizing that frames are somewhat “pliable”, and
Permissible tolerances in frame profile surfaces are as require bracing and alignment during installation,
shown in Figure A: allowable deformation (bow, twist, etc.) of jambs or
header of frame prior to installation shall not result
in a reduction of opening sizes more than 1/16˝ beyond
those shown in Figure “B” when measured at any point.

2
 SDI 117-2023

5.4 Horizontal Alignment of Door Within 6 Door Tolerances

Rabbet
Hinge and strike backsets shall allow the horizontal 6.1 Door Size, Thickness, and Vertical
centerline of the door to be in line with the horizontal Locations
centerline of the frame rabbet ± 1/32˝ prior to installa-
tion. Figure “C” is an example based on a 1 3/4˝ door
in a 1 15/16˝ rabbet. Door Width
±3⁄64˝ Door
Thickness
±⅓2˝
±1⁄16˝
C
L Hinge

±⅙4˝
Door
1˝ or 3⅓2˝ ± ⅓2˝ Height
±3⁄64˝
±⅙4˝ C
L Lock

Centerline of door
Lock
Height
±⅓2˝
1 ¾˝ door

Figure C – Horizontal Alignment

Figure E – Doors

5.5 Frames with Lights or Panels

Opening sizes (width or height) for side lights or tran-
som lights or panels and for borrowed light frames shall
be subject to a tolerance of ± 1/16˝ for each individual
6.2 Door Squareness
light or panel. These tolerances shall be non-accumu-
lative so that the overall frame opening sizes are not When measured diagonally from corner to corner along
increased by more than 1/8˝. (Reference Figure D.) the same face, the measurements shall be within 1/16˝
of each other. (Reference Figure F.)

± ⅛˝
± 1⁄16˝ ± 1⁄16˝ ± 1⁄16˝

± 1⁄16˝

± ⅛˝

± 1⁄16˝ Figure F – Squareness

Figure D – Frames with Lights or Panels

3
SDI 117-2023

6.3 Door Perimeter Flatness

Using a straightedge suitable for the size of the door,
the straightedge is laid against the door face at or within
1/4˝ of the top, bottom, hinge edge, and lock edge on
both faces any deviation between the face and the
straightedge shall not allow a 0.0625˝ rod or block to
pass. (Reference Figure G.)
Note: The straightedge shall be allowed to “rest” natu-
rally on the door surface, not pulled down at one end to
meet the door. Straightedge

⅛˝ max

Straightedge Door

Figure H – Flatness

1⁄16˝ max
6.5 Door Twist
The door is laid on a suitable, flat fixture or surface that
is free of any warp, bow, or twist. Support blocks of
1⁄16˝ max identical heights shall be inserted between the fixture
or surface and the door face at all four corners of the
door. Any deviation space between the face and the
support blocks shall not allow a 0.0625˝ rod or block
Straightedge
to pass. An additional two blocks shall be inserted be-
tween fixture or surface and the door face at or near
mid points of door height.
Figure G – Flatness
Note: The door shall be allowed to “rest” naturally on
the support blocks, not pulled down at any corner to
meet the blocks. (Reference Figure I.)
6.4 Door Face Bow or Crown (Flatness)
When a straightedge suitable for door size is laid di-
agonally against the door face at least 1/2˝ from corners
any deviation between the face and the straightedge Flat Surface

shall not allow a 0.125˝ rod or block to pass.

Note: The straightedge shall be allowed to “rest” natu-
rally on the door surface, not pulled down at one end to
meet the door. (Reference Figure H.) Door Surface

1
16 " MAX.

Figure I – Door Twist

4
 SDI 117-2023

6.6 Doors with Lights or Panels 8 Frame Installation

Opening sizes (width or height) for lights or panels cut
into doors shall be subject to a tolerance of ± 1/16˝ for 8.1 Frame Installation Tolerances
each individual light or panel. While this document is mainly concerned with toler-
ances relating to the manufacturing process, openings
7 Hardware Preparations will not function properly if the frame is not installed
within recognized tolerances.
7.1 Vertical Locations Figures “J-K-L-M” show examples of the accuracy to be
Tolerances for vertical locations are as noted in Para- maintained while setting and installing frames. Instruc-
graphs 5.2 and 6.1. tions for installation may be found in ANSI/SDI A250.11.

7.2 Horizontal Alignment 1⁄16˝ (1.58 mm)

Tolerances for horizontal alignment of door and rabbet
are as noted in Paragraph 5.4. Strike
Hinge Jamb
Jamb
7.3 Mortise Depth
The depth of hardware items mortised into edges of
doors (such as hinges, strikes, lock fronts, flushbolts)
shall be as defined on manufacturer’s templates and/ 1⁄16˝ (1.58 mm)
or ANSI A156.115 documents subject to an additional
tolerance of ± 1/64˝.
Strike
Hinge Jamb
7.3.1 Cutout Depth at Frame or Door Faces Jamb
To allow for field adjustments, typically accomplished
by shimming, hardware cutouts (such as hinges) that
extend from door edges around to faces or from frame
rabbet around to faces are allowed to exceed mortise Maximum 1/16” allowable tolerance on total opening.
depth by 1/16˝.
Figure J – Squareness
7.3.2 Depth for Recessed or Concealed
Hardware
The depth for hardware items recessed into top or bot-
tom of doors or edges of doors (such as pocket pivots,
floor closers, top pivots, concealed closers or holders,
etc) shall be as defined on manufacturer’s templates
subject to an additional tolerance of +1/16˝ –0˝. Notches
in door faces shall have similar tolerances.

5
SDI 117-2023

Head Level Head Level

1⁄16˝
(1.58 mm)

Hinge or Hinge or
Strike Jamb Strike Jamb

Bottom Bottom
1⁄16˝
(1.58 mm)

Figure K – Plumbness

1⁄16˝ (1.58 mm)

Figure L – Alignment

1⁄16˝ (1.58 mm)

Figure M – Twist

8.2 Troubleshooting
Further information regarding corrective actions for
door & frame openings may be found in SDI-122.

6
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 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 SDI

118 - 21
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES

Basic Fire Door,

Fire Door Frame,
Transom/Sidelight Frame,
and Window Frame
Requirements

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
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Technical Data Series SDI 118-2021

Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight

Frame, and Window Frame Requirements
1 Introduction 2 Doors
Fire testing of doors, door frames, transom/ The fire-protection classification of the wall into
sidelight frames, window frames, glazing, and which the door is installed dictates the required
hardware and the resulting labeling programs fire-protection rating of the door. The location
granted by third-party testing agencies are of the wall in the building and prevailing build-
complex subjects better understood when basic ing codes establish the fire-protection rating
rules and guidelines are applied. The following requirements for the wall. Fire door assemblies
information is based upon the requirements of are often required to also act as smoke and
draft control barriers by the building code in ad-
the International Building Code.
dition to the specified fire-protection rating. For
Note: Values stated without parentheses are openings in a smoke partition, no fire-protection
the requirement. Values in parentheses are rating is required for the door assembly but the
explanatory or approximate information. door cannot exceed the code’s maximum air

Table 1 – Fire door openings

Wall Door and

Opening Description and Use
Rating Frame Rating

3 Hour These openings are in walls that separate buildings or

4 Hour
(180 minutes) divide a single building into designated fire areas.

Openings of this type are used in enclosures of vertical

1-1/2 Hour communication or egress through buildings. Examples
2 Hour
(90 minute) of these types of openings include stairwells and eleva-
tor shafts.

1 Hour These door and frame assemblies divide occupancies

1 Hour
(60 minute) in a building.

3/4 Hour For use where there are openings in corridors or room
1 Hour
(45 minute) partitions.

1-1/2 Hour This opening is in a wall where there is the potential for
2 Hour
(90 minute) severe fire exposure from the exterior of the building.

This opening is in an exterior wall that has the potential

1 Hour
3/4 Hour to be exposed to moderate to light fire from the exterior
(45 minute) of the building.

1/3 Hour These openings are in corridors where smoke and draft
1/2 Hour control is required.
(20 minute)

These openings are in partitions required for smoke

No Fire- control in a building. No fire resistance rating is needed
Smoke and
protection for the door assembly. The air leakage rate for the as-
draft control
rating sembly cannot exceed 3.0 CFM/ft2 at 0.10 inch (0.9 m3/
min./m2 at 25 Pa).

1
SDI 118-2021

leakage rate. The associated door fire-protection that specifically states “Twenty-Minute-Rating
ratings are shown in Table 1. Tested Without Hose Stream.” These doors
may be provided with vision lights only limited
2.1 Hourly ratings
in size by the door manufacturer’s fire labeling
Steel fire doors are “rated” by the duration procedure.
of time (in minutes or hours) that a door has
Assemblies identified as “Twenty-Minute-Rating
successfully withstood exposure to fire test
Tested Without Hose Stream” should not be
conditions. Hourly ratings include 1-1/2-hour
confused with 1/3-hour fire-rated doors, which
(90 minute), 1-hour (60 minute), 3/4-hour (45
have been tested in accordance with the stan-
minute), and 1/3-hour (20 minute), with the
dard fire test procedure that includes the hose
maximum rating required of any swinging type
stream test.
fire door being 3-hour (180 minute). All doors
have been subjected to a hose stream test, 2.8 Smoke and Draft Control Door
unless otherwise noted on the label.
Doors marked as smoke and draft control door
2.2 Three-hour (180-minute) doors assemblies will be used in smoke partitions with
no fire resistance rating. These doors are used
A door with a three-hour fire-protection rating is
to control the passage of smoke from room to
usually required in walls that separate buildings
room where the partition must only provide
or that divide a large building into smaller fire
smoke and draft control. The door and frame
areas. The wall rating is four hours.
assembly with all hardware and gasketing are
2.3 1-1/2-hour (90-minute) doors required to have a maximum leakage rate not
to exceed 3.0 CFM/ft 2 at 0.10 in. (0.9 m 3/min./
Doors rated for 1-1/2 hours are required in 2-hour
m 2 at 25 Pa) of water. These assemblies will be
rated walls. These doors are commonly located
indicated by a leakage-rated door assembly
in stairwells, or other enclosures of vertical
label. These assemblies must be tested in
passage through a building. They also occur
accordance with UL 1784 and installed in ac-
in boiler rooms and in exterior walls that have
cordance with NFPA 105. For double egress
the potential for severe fire exposure from the
doors used as cross corridor smoke barriers,
outside of the building.
please refer to Section 15.
2.4 One-hour (60 minute) doors
2.9 Summary
One-hour rated doors are used in occupancy
Doors are typically rated for three-fourths of
separation walls, which are also one-hour rated.
the rating of the surrounding wall: A 3-hour
2.5 3/4-hour (45 minute) doors door is used in a 4-hour rated wall; a 1-1/2-hour
fire door is used in a 2-hour rated wall; and a
Doors with 3/4-hour fire-protection ratings are
¾-hour door is used in a one-hour rated wall.
used in one-hour walls. A 3/4-hour rated door
The exceptions are the 1-hour and the 1/3-hour
is required in walls of corridors and room
rated doors which are typically used with one-
partitions. A door with this rating may also be
hour rated walls.However, a door with a higher
located in the exterior wall of a building subject
fire-protection rating than the opening requires
to moderate fire exposure from the outside of
may also be specified. For example, a door
the building.
rated for 3 hours may be used in a 1-1/2-hour
2.6 1/3-hour (20 minute) doors opening. All requirements for the 3-hour rating,
such as maximum glazing materials size, door
One-third-hour or 20 minute doors are used in
size, and other restrictions for the higher rated
one-hour walls. These doors are used for corri-
door must be met.
dor applications and in other applications where
smoke and draft control is a primary concern.
3 Glazing Materials
2.7 Doors tested without hose stream
A wide variety of glazing materials and glaz-
Doors may be rated as 20 minutes without a ing compounds are available for use in fire
hose stream. These doors have successfully doors and frames. Wired glass that is 1/4″
passed a 20-minute fire test, with the omis- (6.35 mm) thick was once the most common
sion of the hose stream test, and bear a label type of glazing in fire-rated assemblies but is

2
 SDI 118-2021

generally prohibited for use in areas subject to UL

human impact. For this reason, ceramic and
Use the following link to access the UL “Online
other non-wired glazing materials, along with Certifications Directory”. Enter the “UL Category
filmed wire glass, are now the most common Code” indicated below for a listing of approved
types of glazing used in fire-rated assemblies. manufacturers or search by company name or
For glazing materials, the maximum exposed product type.
area per individual light, the minimum groove
https://productiq.ul.com (link valid as of
depth, glazing compound and the rating shall 7/13/2021)
be as indicated in the individual manufacturer’s
published listings. Consult the door and glazing Fire Door Manufacturers – GSYX or GSZN
manufacturers for the limitations of size, area
and number of vision lights in a door. Fire Door and Window Frame Manufactur-
ers – GVTV
The vision light kit or window frame used for
glazing materials must be approved for use in Glazing Manufacturers – KCMZ or CCET
a fire-rated door.
Two categories of glazing used in doors, door Intertek Testing Services (Warnock Hersey)
frames, transom/sidelight frames, and borrowed Use the following link to access the Intertek
light frames are available as follows: “Listed Product Directories”. Enter keywords
such as glass, glazing, fire door, fire door
Fire-Protection-Rated Glazing – This glaz- frame, fire window, or transom frame for a list
ing is evaluated for fire-protection ratings of approved manufacturers.
measured in minutes or hours in doors, https://bpdirectory.intertek.com/Pages/DLP_
door frames, and transom/sidelight frames Search.aspx (link valid as of 12/14/2021)
in accordance with UL 10C or NFPA 252
and borrowed light frames in accordance 4 Temperature rise doors
with UL 9 or NFPA 257. In certain applications, fire doors are required to
minimize the transmission of heat from one side
Fire-Resistance-Rated Glazing – Fire-re- of the door to the other, as in the stairwell of a
sistance-rated glazing is designed to limit high-rise building or in horizontal exits. These
the temperature rise on the unexposed doors are fire-resistance rated, as opposed to
surface in accordance with UL 263 or fire-protection rated. If the door can limit the
ASTM E119. Performance is rated in terms transmission of heat for a period of time, people
of temperature rise on the unexposed face can safely pass below the floor of fire origin in
at increments of time (minutes or hours). a burning building. These doors are built with
This glazing may be used in Temperature a core that is specifically designed to restrict
Rise Doors, explained in the next section. the transmission of heat and are referred to as
temperature rise doors.
Fire protection and fire resistance glazing
installed in fire doors and fire-rated windows In addition to the hourly rating, the fire door
label will also state the temperature rise rating
that are subject to human impact shall meet
of the door. Temperature rise ratings are 250°F
applicable impact safety standards (e.g. – 16
(139°C), 450°F (250°C), and 650°F(361°C), and
CFR 1201, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Com-
the ratings indicate the maximum rise in tem-
mission, “Standard for Architectural Glazing”). perature above ambient temperature measured
The reader may also wish to review NFPA 80, on the unexposed surface (non-fire side) of the
Chapter 4, Glazing Material in Fire Doors for door during the first 30 minutes of the standard
additional information on this topic. fire test. In some applications the International
Building Code (IBC) requires a 450° F (250°C)
The manufacturers’ listings for fire door, tran- temperature rise rating for doors, interior exit
som/sidelight frame, window frame, and glazing stairs and ramps, and exit passageways. The
may be obtained through the listing agencies 250°F (139°C) temperature rise designation is
as follows: the most stringent rating of the three, since it

3
SDI 118-2021

requires the most limited rise in temperature. Unless otherwise stated in the manufacturer’s
A 250°F (139°C) temperature rise door meets certification, grout or any other filler material is
the requirements of specifications calling for a not required for transom and sidelight frames
450°F (250°C) or 650°F (361°C) temperature installed in either drywall or masonry walls for
rise rating. any hourly rating.
The overall size of transom and sidelight frames
5 Louvers
is limited to the maximum size that a manu-
Listed louvers are permitted in 1-1/2-hour and facturer has listed. Since the size may vary, it
3/4-hour fire doors where the louver is installed is important to consult the manufacturer when
in accordance with the manufacturer’s listing. designing or writing specifications.
Louvers may not be used in 1/3-hour (20‑minute)
rated doors, or doors of other hourly ratings that 8 Fire window frames (borrowed light)
may be part of a smoke and draft assembly.
Fire window frames are labeled hollow metal
Doors with glass lights, or doors equipped with
glass light frames that are not attached to a
fire exit devices may not have louvers unless
door frame and are tested in accordance with
permitted by local building codes.
NFPA 257 or UL 9. Individual glazing material
exposed areas are not to exceed 1296 square
6 Fire door frames
inches (32.92 m 2)and the dimension for width or
Where a frame bears a recognized label qualify- height shall not exceed 54 inches (137.16 cm)
ing it as a fire door frame without an indicated unless otherwise tested. The maximum hourly
rating, it may support a 3-hour, a 1-1/2-hour, rating, overall window size, and individual
1-hour, a 3/4-hour, 1/3-hour, or a 20 minute door. glazing material exposed areas for frame and
Some state and local building codes may require glazing manufacturers may be obtained through
hourly ratings to be indicated on the certification the listing agencies as indicated in Section 3.
label. Frames used in masonry walls may be Fire window frames are typically used in cor-
used with a maximum 3-hour fire door, while ridor walls and may be provided for masonry
frames used in drywall stud walls are intended or drywall construction. Consult the frame
to be used with a maximum 1-½-hour fire door. manufacturer as to the ability to supply fire
Consult individual fire door frame manufacturers window frames for installation in drywall walls.
listings for fire door frames that can be used Unless otherwise stated in the manufacturer’s
in drywall stud walls with a maximum 3-hour certification, grout or any other filler material is
rating. Unless otherwise stated in the manu- not required for fire window frames installed in
facturer’s certification, grout or any other filler either drywall or masonry walls at any hourly
material is not required for fire-rated frames rating.
installed in either drywall or masonry walls for
any hourly rating. 9 Fire doors with builders hardware
Fire doors with builders hardware serve four
7 Transom and sidelight assemblies
main purposes:
Labeled door frames are available with tran-
1) To function as a door at all times; 2) to provide
som areas, sidelight areas, or a combination
ready egress; 3) to keep fire from spreading
of both. The transom and sidelight areas can
throughout the building; and 4) to protect life
be assembled with listed panel assemblies or
and property.
listed glazing material. Frames with solid tran-
som panel and/or side panels may be used in To adequately perform these functions, a fire
openings rated up to and including 3 hours. door must be equipped with labeled hardware
Transom and sidelight frames with labeled glaz- for dependable operation. Proper hardware
ing material may be used in openings rated up selections can be verified by consulting online
to 1-1/2 hours. The maximum hourly rating, overall listings published by UL LLC and Intertek. These
frame size, panel construction, and individual listings identify hardware and other products
glazing material exposed areas for frame and that may be used in fire-rated assemblies.
glazing manufacturers may be obtained through The information can also be accessed at the
the listing agencies as indicated in Section 3. following links:

4
 SDI 118-2021

UL except on doors in a means of egress, in which

http://productiq.ul.com (link valid as of case interconnected locks may be used which
10/16/2020) simultaneously retract the dead bolt with the
latch bolt. Dead bolts may not be used in place
Search by type of hardware, company of latch bolts.
name, or UL Category Code such as
GXHX or GYJT. When selecting latching devices, it is important
to use the correct length of latch bolt, a require-
Intertek Testing Services (Warnock Hersey) ment that can vary with the door construction
https://bpdirectory.intertek.com/Pages/DLP_ and the manufacturer’s listing. It is common for
Search.aspx (link valid as of 12/14/2021) a pair of doors to require a longer latch bolt
throw than a single door. The minimum latch
NFPA 80 provides requirements for installing
bolt length that must be used for any given
fire doors, frames, and hardware in the building
door is indicated on the fire door label.
openings, as well as requirements for annual
inspection, testing and maintenance. An exception to latching for fire-rated openings
is allowed by the IBC for double egress doors
9.1 Hinges
in corridors that are in a smoke barrier. State
A labeled fire door must be hung on steel ball- and local building code authorities may also
bearing-type or listed hinges. NFPA 80 allows allow latching to be omitted in certain openings.
the use of steel ball-bearing hinges without a Consult individual manufacturers for labeling
listing. Steel hinges that meet the criteria of capabilities.
NFPA 80 have been proven to be adequate
9.3 Fire exit hardware
during a fire. There are certain hinge designs
made of non-ferrous metals which may be used Fire exit hardware devices may be used on
on fire doors in accordance with the listing labeled doors provided the door labeling spe-
information for the particular hinge but may cifically states “Fire Door To Be Equipped With
result in a lower fire-protection rating. Fire Exit Hardware.” This label indicates that
the door has been properly reinforced for fire
Hinges with ball bearings are required in order
exit devices. Fire exit hardware used on doors
to provide smooth operation and to minimize
that bear this label must pass a panic loading
wear throughout the lifetime of the open-
test in accordance with UL 305 and a cycling
ing. Remember, a fire door must close in the
test in accordance with ANSI/BHMA A156.3
event of a fire. Exception: Some manufacturers
in addition to the standard fire test. The panic
may provide doors with hinges that use other
load test measures the structural capability of
antifriction bearing surfaces if they meet the
the door to allow the hardware to operate in a
requirements of ANSI/BHMA A156.1.
panic situation. The cycling test ensures that
NFPA 80 allows the use of standard weight the hardware is durable and does not malfunc-
(0.134 inch (3.4 mm) leaf thickness) 4-1/2″ tion due to every day use.
(114.3 mm) steel hinges as a minimum on 1-3/4″
Care must be taken when selecting exit devices
(44.45 mm) doors up to 4′-0″ (1.22 m) in width
for use on fire-rated doors, as some devices
and 8′-0″ (2.44 m) in height. Doors over 8′-0″
have been tested for panic applications only,
(2.44 m) in height shall have heavy weight (.180
and have not been fire tested. In addition, exit
inch (4.6 mm) leaf thickness) 4-1/2″ (114.3 mm)
devices have size and hourly rating restrictions,
hinges as a minimum. Some manufacturers have
and must be properly labeled and identified as
the capability of providing lighter weight hinges
fire exit hardware.
on doors over 8′-0″ (2.44 m) in height as part
of a listed assembly. (Consideration should be NFPA 80 provides additional guidance on use
given to larger hinge sizes for frequently used of other listed hardware in conjunction with fire
or heavy doors.) exit hardware devices.
9.2 Latching devices 9.4 Closing devices
Every swinging fire door must have a listed A properly sized closing device is the last of
and labeled self-latching device. Dead bolts the “basic” fire door hardware requirements.
may be provided in addition to the latch bolt, A fire door must be in a closed and latched

5
SDI 118-2021

position to serve as a protective barrier in the 11.2 Latching hardware

event of a fire. For this reason, either listed
11.2.1 Active leaf of pairs of doors
ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 spring hinges or a listed
door closer is required to ensure that the door An active leaf of a pair of doors may require
will close properly. labeled fire exit hardware, or any labeled latch
Note: Per NFPA 80, the authority having juris- that shall be opened by one obvious operation
diction may allow the closer to be omitted from from the egress side.
the inactive leaf of a pair of doors for equipment
rooms to allow the movement of equipment. 11.2.2 Inactive leaf of pairs of doors
9.5 Hold open devices Local codes may allow manual flush or surface
mounted bolts to be used to secure the inactive
Tests and investigations have proven that smoke
leaf of pairs of doors being used as entrances
and toxic gases are the main cause of death in
to equipment rooms or similar situations. The
fires. Listed closers with closer arms that are
equipped with a fusible link (if allowed by the IBC requires that the inactive leaf have no knob
local Authority Having Jurisdiction) or a listed or other visible hardware that implies means
combination closer/holder shall be used. Me- of egress.
chanical hold-open only devices and hold-open Labeled fire exit devices are mandatory for exits
only arms are not permitted on self-closing unless local authorities give specific approval for
doors. Doors with surface closers equipped with the use of labeled self-unlatching and latching
a listed hold open device (e.g. electromagnetic devices, such as automatic flush bolts on the
release) also prevent the passage of the toxic inactive leaf. The self-unlatching feature must
gases and smoke. These devices are activated work only when the active leaf is opened.
by electronic detectors that sense smoke and/
or the products of combustion. 11.3 Double egress pairs
Double egress pairs of doors should only be
10 Fire resistive frames
provided with vertical rod fire-exit hardware
The assemblies detailed above in sections 8 and devices on both leaves unless otherwise per-
9, where located in fire barriers, are limited to mitted by the code. The vertical rod devices
156 square feet (14.49 square meter) in area or may be either surface mounted or concealed.
an aggregate width of 25 percent of the length
of the wall. Where either of these parameters 11.4 Astragals
are exceeded, the opening protective must be The application of astragals on pairs of doors
tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL depend upon the individual door manufac-
263 and have a minimum fire-resistance rat- turer’s published listings. For pairs of doors
ing not less than the fire-resistance rating of that do require an astragal, the astragal shall
the wall. These are referred to as fire resistive project a minimum of 3/4-inch (19 mm) beyond
frame assemblies as they limit the radiant heat
the edge of the door to which the astragal is
transfer through the assembly in addition to the
attached. Pairs of doors that are in a required
passage of flame.
means of egress may not be equipped with an
astragal that inhibits the free use of either leaf.
11 Hardware – pairs of doors
An overlapping astragal may not be used on
Pairs of doors for rated openings have some pairs of doors swinging in the same direction
unique hardware requirements. with vertical rod exit devices on both leaves
11.1 Hinges and closing devices of the pair.

Pairs of doors for labeled openings require steel, In some situations a coordinator may be needed
ball-bearing-type hinges or a listed continuous to allow the inactive leaf to close before the
hinge. Closing devices are required on both active leaf. This ensures proper latching of pairs
leaves of a pair of doors except on mechanical of doors. Some manufacturers are able to sup-
equipment rooms where the closing device may ply labeled pairs of doors with an open-back
be omitted from the inactive leaf, if acceptable strike without an astragal, which eliminates the
with the authority having jurisdiction. need for a coordinator.

6
 SDI 118-2021

12 Product labeling per UL 1784 and NFPA 105 and fire-protection

ratings as previously discussed.
There are several materials and attachment
methods for fire labels that are approved by 14.1 Gaskets
recognized labeling agencies. These include Gaskets are typically required for doors to pass
steel, brass, aluminum, and non-metallic ma- a smoke and draft control test. The requirement
terials such as mylar. Metal labels are attached for a gasket also includes the meeting edges of
with welds, rivets, drive screws, or adhesive. a pair of doors. The gaskets used in a smoke
Non-metallic labels are either die-slit or tamper and draft control assembly must be fire-rated
proof with an adhesive back. Once applied, any and be listed for use in a smoke and draft con-
attempt to remove the label will indicate tamper- trol assembly. A bottom seal is not required for
ing. Embossed metal labels and embossments smoke and draft control assemblies.
directly applied to doors and frames may be
painted as long as the listing agency mark and 14.2 Marking
all listing information is legible. The IBC requires smoke and draft control as-
The mark of a labeling agency shall be provided semblies to have an identification mark of “S”
on all labels applied to fire-rated doors and which appears on the door label following the
frames. The agency mark or manufacturer isn’t hourly rating. The frame doesn’t require the “S”
required to be the same on the door, frame, and mark to be present on the label.
hardware. Labels are located on the edge of a
door between the top and middle hinges. Labels 15 Smoke barrier doors
are located on the frame rabbet between the The IBC includes a requirement for smoke bar-
top and middle hinges. Labels may be located rier doors. These doors need to provide smoke
on the top of the door or head of the frame, and fire protection as previously described in
or lock edge of door or face of door, if there is this document. The IBC includes an exception
interference with hardware (e.g. electric power for double egress doors that require that these
transfer, continuous hinge, smoke seals) that doors have the same characteristics of a fire
would obscure the label. door except a fire-protection rating and self
Fire labels on doors and frames are not intended latching are not required. Double egress doors
to survive a fire. The label is there to indicate used in a smoke barrier are used in cross cor-
that the opening is protected by a properly ridor applications.
constructed steel door and frame.
16 Field Labeling
13 Fire test methods If a product or component does not have a
There are two primary fire test methods recog- certification acceptable to the Authority Having
nized by the IBC to establish the fire-protection Jurisdiction (AHJ) or other vested party, field
ratings of doors. The first is ANSI/UL 10C and labelling can be performed by a testing and
is referred to as a ‘positive pressure’ test. The listing agency that is used by the manufacturer
of the product or component under review.
second is, NFPA 252 and is required by the
IBC to be conducted under positive pressure
17 Field modifications
test conditions.
If the product or component requires a field
Fire doors may be specified by calling out the
modification, the testing / listing agency that
test method or by indicating that the product
the product or component was listed with shall
must meet a specific section of a model build-
be contacted by the manufacturer and provided
ing code.
with a description of the proposed modification.
If the agency determines that the modification
14 Smoke and draft control
does not affect the integrity and fire protection
Doors that open into corridors that are used for capabilities of the opening and provides written
a means of egress may be required to have a authorization, then field modifications may be
smoke and draft control rating. Smoke and draft performed. Any modification of a non-fire-rated
control assemblies are tested for air leakage door assembly to achieve a fire-protection rating

7
SDI 118-2021

must be conducted under label service (See NFPA 257-2017 Standard Methods of Fire Tests
Field Labeling) evaluation process. of Window and Glass Block Assemblies
Underwriters Laboratories Standard for Safety
18 Fire door inspections
ANSI/UL 9 Standard for Fire Tests of Window
The 2018 edition of the International Building Assemblies, 8th Edition, July 2, 2009, revisions
Code and subsequent editions require fire up to and including March 20, 2020
door assemblies to be inspected after they are
Underwriters Laboratories Standard for Safety
installed, in addition to the acceptance and an-
ANSI/UL 10B Standard for Fire Tests of Door
nual requirements found in NFPA 80. Building
Assemblies, 10th Edition, February 7, 2008,
owners must have a qualified individual inspect
revisions up to and including May 4, 2020
all components of the fire door assembly and
document the results as outlined in NFPA 80. Underwriters Laboratories Standard for Safety
Any deficiencies noted during the inspection ANSI/UL 10C Standard for Positive Pressure
must be addressed with maintenance or compo- Fire Tests of Door Assemblies, 3rd Edition,
nent replacement, and a follow-up acceptance May 27, 2021
test performed.
Underwriters Laboratories Standard for Safety
ANSI/UL 263, Fire Tests of Building Construc-
19 References
tion and Materials, 14th Edition, June 21, 2011,
ANSI/BHMA A156.1-2016 Butts and Hinges revisions up to and including September 9, 2020
ANSI/BHMA A156.3-2014 American National Underwriters Laboratories Standard for Safety
Standard for Exit Devices ANSI/UL 305, Standard for Panic Hardware,
6 th Edition, July 12, 2012, revisions up to and
ASTM E119-2020 Standard Test Methods for
including March 22, 2017
Fire Tests of Building Construction and Ma-
terials Underwriters Laboratories Standard for Safety
ANSI/UL 1784, Standard for Air Leakage Tests
NFPA 80-2019 Standard for Fire Doors and
of Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protec-
Other Opening Protectives
tives, 4th Edition, February 21, 2020
NFPA 105-2019, Standard for Smoke Door As-
International Building Code, 2018
semblies and Other Opening Protectives
NFPA 252-2017 Standard Methods of Fire Tests
of Door Assemblies

8
This page left intentionally blank.
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 SDI

122 - 21
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES

Installation
Troubleshooting Guide
for
Standard
Steel Doors and Frames

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
¥
21
4UFFM
%PPS
*OTUJUVUF
This page left intentionally blank.
CONTENTS

Foreword.................................................................................................................................................... ii

Purpose..................................................................................................................................................... ii

Improper Door / Frame Clearance.............................................................................................................1

Door Bind Against Rabbet.........................................................................................................................6

Hinge Bind Against Stops..........................................................................................................................7

Twisted Door..............................................................................................................................................9

Twisted Door Adjustments.......................................................................................................................10

Twisted Frame.........................................................................................................................................12

Frame Set out of Square.........................................................................................................................13

Frame with Rabbets Toed In or Out.........................................................................................................17

Silencers..................................................................................................................................................19

Lock Fits Loose on Strike........................................................................................................................20

Lock Fits Too Tight in Strike.....................................................................................................................21

Lockset Off Location on Door or Strike Off Location in Frame in Wall.....................................................22

Miter Not Closed on Frame......................................................................................................................23

Clearance at Bottom of Door Too Small...................................................................................................24

Frame and Door Hinge Misalignment......................................................................................................25

Frame Loose on Drywall..........................................................................................................................27

Glazed Window Units..............................................................................................................................31

Label Missing from Fire-Rated Frame.....................................................................................................32

Label Missing from Fire-Rated Door........................................................................................................33

Paint Problems.........................................................................................................................................34

Water Stain Damage...............................................................................................................................35

Thermal Bow...........................................................................................................................................36

i
FOREWORD
The material contained in this document has been developed under the auspices of the Technical
Committee of the Steel Door Institute.
The Steel Door Institute does not condone or encourage repair methods which would adversely affect
product performance or violate and/or void product warranties.
The user of this document assumes all responsibility associated with but not limited to product
performance and violation of product warranties for any product associated with the installation and
suggested repair methods in this document.

PURPOSE
The intent of this document is to cover field installation problems most commonly experienced with
standard steel door and frame installations. It should be understood that most problems encountered are
because of inappropriate application of the products and/or improper installation.
The suggested method of repairs requires only basic hand tools and relatively little time. It should be
understood that more complex problems or compound problems could exist which warrant extensive field
repairs and modification to products. These types of field installation problems are not intended to be
covered in this document and should not be made without first consulting the manufacturer.
Modifications made to fire-rated-labeled doors and frames shall be made in compliance
with NFPA 80.

ii
Technical Data Series SDI 122-2021

SDI-122
Installation Troubleshooting Guide
for Standard Steel Doors and Frames

IMPROPER DOOR / FRAME CLEARANCE

To ensure proper door and frame function, the clearance between the door and frame must be properly
maintained. All standard steel door and frame manufacturers closely hold tolerances that result in
a nominal clearance between the door and frame of 1/8 inch. If this clearance is not maintained,
interference and hardware misalignment may occur.
Proper installation is extremely important in establishing clearances and preventing a multitude of potential
problems.
The Steel Door Institute has many publications which were developed to establish industry standards
and assist in specifying as well as installing standard steel doors and frames. One publication, ANSI/
SDI A250.11, Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames, will be of assistance regarding the
erection and installation of standard steel frames.

Even clearance
EVEN between door and UNEVEN
1/8 1/8
frame – all around –
nominal 1/8″
1/8 between edge of
door and rabbet

UNEVEN
EVEN
UNEVEN
EVEN

CONSISTENT CLEARANCE INCONSISTENT CLEARANCE

Even Clearances Uneven Clearances

1
SDI 122-2021

IMPROPER DOOR / FRAME CLEARANCE (continued)

Is door sagging?
Uneven clearances frequently result from improper
installation of frames and frame anchors. The
condition, characterized by lock edge clearances
narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, is called
“door sag”. The following suggested adjustments
may correct the condition.

Are hinges loose?

If hinge screw does not remain tight, the screw can
be held in place by the use of a “locktite” type product
which prevents the screw from loosening. Additionally,
“Nyloc” type fasteners can be used to replace the
normal machine screws.

Are hinges worn?

If excessive wear has occurred on hinge knuckles, the
door will not be held tightly. Replace hinges.

Are hinges properly swaged?

The hinge manufacturer’s specifications
should be checked to determine the proper
hinge swage.
Standard swaging of
Swaging is a slight offset of the hinge leaf standard-weight and
at the barrel which permits the leaves to heavy-weight full mortise
come together. hinges, when closed to the
parallel position, provides
a 1⁄16″ clearance between
leaves.

2
 SDI 122-2021

IMPROPER DOOR / FRAME CLEARANCE (continued)

Remove top hinge filler for non-

handed doors
The improper clearance condition may be
improved by removing the top hinge leaf
attached to the door and taking out the filler
(hinge filler) from behind the leaf. Once
completed, reattach hinge leaf to door. A hinge
filler is used on all non-handed doors.

Add shims to bottom and/or middle

hinge
On handed or non-handed doors, the lower half
of the door can be shifted upward and toward
the strike jamb. Remove the screws which
attach the middle and/or bottom hinge(s) to the
door. Insert shims between the hinge leaf and
door. Reattach hinge leaf to door.

Standard-weight to heavy-weight hinge modifications

Although styles and types vary, many manufacturers offer built-in features that allow hinge pockets
on doors and frames to be modified from standard-weight to heavy-weight. Examples of the different
methods are: grinding or flattening down raised embossments in shim plates or reinforcements; removing
or breaking off hinge filler shim plates; adjusting set screws; and removing wire shims. These options
all involve removing material from the pocket to allow for heavy-weight depth to be achieved. As always,
check with individual manufacturers to determine the type of modifications offered.

3
SDI 122-2021

IMPROPER DOOR / FRAME CLEARANCE (continued)

HEADER
Reswaging hinges
The following example shows how a hinge leaf
can be reswaged to correct minor improper door/
frame clearances. This particular method allows
HINGE the reswaging to be accomplished while the door
PIN remains in the opening and the hinge leaves
remain on the door and frame. The example
shows a top hinge reswaged to correct a sag-
HINGE JAMB type condition. However, any of the hinges can
be reswaged in this manner to compensate for
conditions opposite to that of a sag condition.

1. Remove top hinge pin.

DOOR LOCK
EDGE

STRIKE JAMB

CLEARANCE

2. Use a screwdriver to set the clearance between

the lock edge of the door and strike jamb.

HINGE LEAF
KNUCKLE ON FRAME

HINGE LEAF
KNUCKLE ON DOOR

3. Hinge knuckle will now be misaligned.

4
 SDI 122-2021

IMPROPER DOOR / FRAME CLEARANCE (continued)

Reswaging hinges (continued)

As shown, the hinge leaf knuckles on the door move
to a new location once the clearance at the strike
jamb is set. The hinge leaf knuckles on the frame
must now be reswaged (bent) to align with the new
location of the hinge leaf knuckles on the door. The
simplest way to do this is to use a 5/8″ – 11/16″ tube
wrench (a crescent wrench will do as a second 5/8

choice). Simply slip the tube wrench down around the

1st knuckle and align it with the new location. Once the 1ST
first knuckle has been aligned, the wrench will now 2ND
slip down to the 2nd knuckle for alignment. Repeat the 3RD
process on the third knuckle.

4. Reswage and align hinge knuckles.

HINGE PIN

NOTE: As always, caution should be

exercised when the hinge leaves are
not removed. Excessive pressure
could damage doors/frames. As an
alternate reswaging method, the hinge
can be removed and clamped in a vise
for reswaging.

5. Re-insert the hinge pin and remove the screwdriver.

Is the door binding?

Frames which are out of plumb will likely cause
improper operation of locksets and binding of bolts
in the strike. Check carefully the installation of the
frame prior to making hardware adjustments.

5
 BARREL
Hinge shimming drawings by Steve Gilliam, February 21, 2020
HINGE
JAMB
HINGE
JAMB

Selected drawings will potentially replace those in A250.11, Figures J and K

SHIM SHIM
SDI 122-2021
INCREASED HINGE INCREASED
HINGE REINF. HINGE
GAP GAP
REINF. REINF.
HINGE HINGE
DOOR DOOR
BARREL BIND AGAINST RABBET HINGE
DOOR
BARREL
E
Normally, door bind is found between the door and JAMB
rabbet. There
are several ways of shimming which will
move the door in different directions. The following guidelines should be used in shim applications.

Door - Frame - Hinge HINGE Door - Frame - Hinge HING

No Shims
HINGE REINF. INCREASED Full ShimSHIM
- Frame HINGE REIN
REINF. DOOR GAP REINF.
HS Illus 1 HINGE
BARREL HS Illus 2.1
DOOR

HINGE HINGE
JAMB JAMB

Door - Frame - Hinge Door - Frame - Hin

HINGE
Full Shim - Frame HINGE Half Shim - Fram
2.1 REINF.
This method will move the door REINF.

DOOR HS Illus 2.1

toward the Strike jamb. It will leave a small DOOR
HINGE
REINF. HS Illus 3.
gap between Hinge and Frame face. It willHINGE
BARREL
not prevent or help hinge bind. HINGE
JAMB

Door - Frame - Hinge Door - Frame - Hinge

No Shims INCREASED
GAP Full Shim - Frame
HINGE SHIM HI

HS Illus 1 REINF. HINGE RE

HS Illus 2.1
REINF.
HINGE HINGE
BARREL BARREL
DOOR
HINGE
JAMB

INCREASED 2.2 This method will move the door to-

INCREASED
GAP GAP
SHIM ward the Strike jamb. It will leave a small SHIM
HINGE Door - Frame - Hinge HING
REINF. gap between Hinge and Door
HINGE
Full Shim - Door REINF. face. It will REIN

DOOR HINGE not prevent or help hinge bind. DOOR

BARREL
HS Illus 2.2 HINGE
JAMB

INCREASED
Door - Frame - Hinge GAP
Door - Frame - Hin
SHIM
Full Shim - Door HINGE Half Shim - Door
SHIM REINF.
INCREASED HINGE
GAP REINF.
HS Illus 2.2 HINGE
BARREL
DOOR
HS Illus 3.
HINGE
JAMB

SHIM
INCREASED Door - Frame - Hinge SHIM
HINGE GAP
INCREASED
REINF.
Full
SHIMShim -HINGE
Door INCREASED
GAP GAP
REINF.
2.3 This method
HINGE will move the door HINGE
BARREL
toward the Strike jamb. It will leave a small HINGE HS Illus 2.2
DOOR
BARREL

These 6 drawings
gap between Hinge and Door and Frame
JAMB

face. It will not prevent or help hinge bind.

marked by LH at INCREASED
GAP SHIM
Door - Frame
INCREASED
GAP SHIM
HINGE SHIM- Hinge HING
February 2020 meeting REINF. INCREASED
GAP Full Shims - Door & Frame
HINGE
REINF.
REIN

DOOR HINGE
DOOR
BARREL

6 HS Illus 2.3 HINGE

JAMB

Door - Frame - Hinge INCREASED

Door - Frame - Hin
ting
GAP SHIM
Full Shims - Door & Frame HINGE Half Shims - Door & F
REINF.
 HINGE
JAMB
eve Gilliam, February 21, 2020
JAMB

ace those in A250.11,

INCREASED Figures J and K in
SHIM
HINGEAnnex A, and Hinge Bind drawings in SDI 122,
REINF.
HIN
HINGE GAP HINGE SDI 122-2021
SHIM REI
REINF.
HINGE HINGEREINF.
DOOR BARREL BARREL
HINGE DOOR
HINGE BIND AGAINST STOPS JAMB
Hinge bind against the frame stops is possible field condition. There are several ways of shimming which
will move the door in the desired direction. The following guideline should be used in shim application.
Door - Frame - Hinge HINGE Door - Frame - Hinge HINGE
REINF. REINF.
Full Shim - Frame Half Shim
SHIM- Frame
SHIM DOOR HINGE DOOR
HINGE INCREASED

HS Illus 3.1
REINF.
HS Illus 2.1
REINF. GAP
HINGE HI
BARREL BAR
HINGE HINGE
JAMB Door - Frame - Hinge
JAMB
Door - Frame - Hinge Half Shim - Frame
3.1 This method willHalfmove door
Shim to-
- Frame
ward Strike jamb. It will leave a small gap
HINGE
between
HINGE
REINF.
REINF.
HS Illus 3.1
Hinge and frame face. It will also
HINGE
HINGE
REINF.
REINF.
HS Illus 4.1
DOOR help if hinge bind is occurring. HINGE DOOR H
BARREL BA
HINGE HINGE
JAMB JAMB

INCREASED
Door - Frame - Hinge HINGE GAP Door - Frame - Hinge HING
FullSHIM
Shim - Frame
HINGE REINF. Half SHIM
Shim - Frame
HINGE REINF
HINGE
REINF. HINGE
REINF.

HS Illus 2.1
DOOR
BARREL
HINGE
JAMB
HS Illus 3.1
DOOR
BARREL

INCREASED
GAP SHIM
SHIM HINGE
Door - Frame - Hinge HINGE
REINF.
3.2 DoorThis- Frame
method will move door
- Hinge REINF.
Full Shim - Door
HINGE
toward Half
Strike jamb.
Shim ItHINGE
- Door will leave a smallDOOR
DOOR
REINF. gap between Hinge and REINF.Door face. It

HS Illus 2.2 HS Illus 3.2

HINGE H
BARREL will also help if hinge bind is occurring. BA
HINGE HINGE
JAMB Door - Frame - Hinge
JAMB
Door - Frame - Hinge Half Shim - Door
Half Shim - Door INCREASED
SHIM GAP SHIM
SHIM SHIM
HINGEHINGE INCREASED HINGEHINGE
REINF.REINF.
HS Illus 3.2 HS Illus 4.2
REINF.REINF. GAP
HINGE H
DOOR DOOR BA
BARREL
HINGE HINGE
JAMB JAMB

SHIM INCREASED
INCREASED HINGE
DoorSHIM
- Frame - Hinge GAP DoorSHIM
- Frame - Hinge HING
GAP REINF. SHIM
HINGE HINGE REIN
Full Shim - Door
REINF.
HINGE Half ShimHINGE
- Door
REINF.
BARREL BARREL
HINGE
3.3 This method will move door toward
HS Illus 2.2 HS Illus 3.2
DOOR JAMB DOOR
Strike jamb. It will leave a small gap between
Hinge and Door and Frame face. It will also
INCREASED SHIM
help if hinge bind
GAP is occurring.
SHIM
Door - Frame - Hinge HINGE
REINF.
Door - Frame - Hinge HINGE
Full Shims -SHIM
Door & Frame Half Shims -SHIM
Door & Frame REINF.
HINGE HINGE DOOR
INCREASED
REINF. GAP REINF.
DOOR

HS Illus 2.3 HS Illus 3.3

HINGE H
BARREL BA
HINGE HINGE
JAMB Door
JAMB 7 - Frame - Hinge
Door - Frame - Hinge Half Shims - Door & Frame
Half Shims - Door & Frame INCREASED
SHIM GAP SHIM
HINGE HINGE
A, and Hinge Bind drawings
HINGE
in SDI 122, pages 6-7.
BARREL
JAMB HINGE
JAMB
HINGE
SDI 122-2021 SHIM REINF.
HINGE
BARREL HINGE HINGE
GE REINF. REINF.
B HINGE BIND AGAINST STOPS (continued) HINGE
JAMB
DOOR DOOR

SHIM
HINGE
HINGE HINGE
P REINF.
REINF. HINGE Door - Frame - HingeREINF.
SHIM

Door - Frame - Hinge DOOR BARREL Half Shim - Frame

HINGE
Half Shim - Frame JAMB HINGE
JAMB

HS Illus
4.1 3.1
This method will pull- Frame
Door door - Hinge HS Illus 4.1
towardHINGE
Hinge jamb. It may
Halfcreate
Shim - Frame HINGE
hinge bind.
REINF. REINF.
DOOR DOOR

HS Illus 4.1
HINGE HINGE
REINF. REINF.
Door - Frame - Hinge
HINGE
Door - Frame - Hinge BARREL Half Shim - Frame
Half Shim - Frame HINGE HINGE
JAMB JAMB

D HS Illus 3.1
HINGE
HINGE
REINF. HS Illus 4.1
SHIM
AP
SHIMBARREL HINGE
HINGE REINF.
GE REINF. HINGE
B JAMB
DOOR
DOOR

SHIM
HINGE HINGE HINGE
REINF. REINF.
REINF.
HINGE 4.2 Door
This method
- Frame will pull door
- Hinge
Door - Frame - Hinge DOOR BARREL Half Shim - Door
toward Hinge jamb. It may create
HINGE HINGE
Half Shim - Door JAMB hinge bind. JAMB

HS Illus 3.2 HS Illus 4.2

ED
GAP Door - Frame - Hinge SHIM
SHIM Half Shim - Door HINGE
HINGE REINF.
REINF.
DOOR
DOOR

P
SHIM
HINGE
REINF.
HS Illus 4.2 SHIM
HINGE
REINF.
HINGE Door - Frame - Hinge
Door - Frame - Hinge HINGE
BARREL Half Shim - Door
HINGE
Half Shim - Door JAMB
JAMB
HINGE
SHIM
HS Illus 3.2 HS Illus 4.2
REINF.
D SHIM
HINGE
AP 4.3 This method will pull door
SHIMBARREL
HINGE
GE HINGE
B towardREINF.
Hinge jamb. It may create HINGE
JAMB REINF.
DOOR
hinge bind.
DOOR
SHIM SHIM
HINGE
HINGE
P REINF. SHIM
HINGE REINF.
HINGE Door - Frame - Hinge
REINF.
Door - Frame - Hinge DOOR
HINGE
BARREL Half Shims - Door & Frame
HINGE
Half Shims - Door & Frame JAMB
JAMB

ED
GAP HS Illus
8 3.3
SHIM
HINGE
Door - Frame - Hinge
Half Shims - Door & Frame
HS Illus 4.3
SHIM

HINGE
REINF.
REINF.
DOOR
DOOR
 SDI 122-2021

TWISTED DOOR
Normal installation results in the plane of the door face being parallel
with the plane of the frame face. If the frame is square and plumb, all
face surfaces of the frame will be in the same plane. A twisted door
will “break through” the frame’s face plane surface. BE SURE the
frame is square and plumb. If it is not, the problem is probably with
the frame installation and NOT the door. DOOR
JAMB

FACE OF DOOR
SHOULD BE
PARALLEL WITH
IMAGINARY
PLANE ACROSS
FACES OF FRAME

JAMB

IMAGINARY PLANE
ACROSS FACES
OF FRAMES

Door “Break-Through” or “Twist” can be found

in different locations on different doors. Usually
it is found diagonally between opposite lower
and upper corners.

9
SDI 122-2021

TWISTED DOOR ADJUSTMENTS

When required, it is possible to “spring” the door back to (or much closer to) its ideal position of being
parallel with the plane across the faces of the frame. This can usually be done with the door remaining in
the frame. A piece of wood blocking must be placed between the door and frame. Pressure is then applied
at the twisted area to “spring” the door. However, caution should be exercised on drywall installations
since the frame could possibly work lose from the wall, particularly with slip-on drywall type frames.

Twisted at Top
When the top lock area of a door is “breaking-
through” the plane, place a wood block on floor,
between door and frame as shown. Apply pressure
to the top lock area as shown to “spring” door back
into position. Remove wood block, close door and
check condition. Repeat if necessary.

WOOD
BLOCK

WOOD
BLOCK

Twisted at Bottom
When the bottom lock area of door is “breaking-
through” the plane, place a wood block between
frame head and door as shown. Apply pressure to
the bottom lock area as shown to “spring” door back
into position. Remove wood, close door and check
condition. Repeat if necessary.

10
 SDI 122-2021

TWISTED DOOR ADJUSTMENTS (continued)

An alternate method can also be used which will allow the door to remain in the opening. This method
might be appropriate in drywall installations as previously mentioned. Although the example shown
deflects the top half of the door, this method could be used on the bottom half of the door as well.

SOLID WOOD
SPACER ¾″

PULL DOWN
TOWARD TUBING
CLAMP WITH CLAMP

LOCATE CLAMP
CLAMP JUST BELOW
POINT OF "BOW"

SOLID WOOD
CLAMP SPACER ¾″

TUBING SUCH AS
2″ × 2″ × ¼″
WALL STRUCTURE
DOOR

11
SDI 122-2021

TWISTED FRAME
Wall conditions and anchoring methods can cause the frame to be “twisted” in the opening. The two jamb
(hinge and strike) faces are not in the same plane as discussed in the twisted door section. This can be
checked by using a level and/or plumb bob. Frames do not have adjustments when it comes to “twist”.
The “twist” condition is generally caused by the wall conditions. The frame jamb faces are prevented from
being set in the same plane because the walls are out of plane to begin with.
The options available to correct this problem depend, to a large extent, on the wall construction.

LEVEL
JAMB

90°

90°
CHECK WITH
LEVEL

This jamb is not level. Using a

level or plumb bob will show
which way the bottom of the
frame must move.

PLUMB BOB

12
 SDI 122-2021

FRAME SET OUT OF SQUARE

Proper frame installation cannot be overemphasized. In the
majority of wall constructions, (“slip-on” drywall type frames
being the major exception) “quick” or “easy” field fixes are limited.
Improperly set frames that are drastically out of square will cause
severe door and hardware problems. These types of situations
would require extensive field repair and may result in having to
remove frames from walls.
If the “out of square” condition is slight, some adjustment can be
made by shimming and/or adjusting anchors, particularly if the
frame being worked on is a slip-on drywall type.
The most versatile frame to work with in correcting these types Corner Clip
of conditions is the “slip-on” drywall frame. The manufacturers’
instructions should be referenced, but generally most “slip-on” Header to jamb connection
drywall frames have a sill anchor at the bottom of the jamb and a
compression anchor between the top hinge and the header. Also,
most jambs have corner clips that have a hole to accept a screw.
The corner clip and hole align with a hole in the header. The
adjustment of slip-on drywall frames can be made using these
anchors or corner clips.

90° 90°

Compression Anchor
(Cut-away view)

PROPERLY SET FRAME

All corners are 90º. The dimension taken
at Point “A” is equal to the dimension
checked at Point “B”. Both hinge and strike
jambs are plumb and level.
Sill Anchors
Snap-in type or screw type

13
SDI 122-2021

FRAME SET OUT OF SQUARE (continued)

The following examples illustrate how a frame can be set out of square.

85° 95° IMPROPERLY SET FRAME (A)

One corner is greater than 90º and one corner is less than 90º.
The miters do not properly align with one another and “gaps” are
created in the miters which are opposites of one another. The
A dimension taken at point “A” would remain the same when checked
at point “B” if the 90º corners are out of square an equal number of
degrees.
This condition can be corrected by adjusting the compression
anchors in and/or out of each jamb as required. Loosen the corner
clip screws if the frame is so equipped before making adjustments;
B retighten when finished. The compression anchors must be
adjusted (turned) in opposite directions to allow the jambs to move.
For the illustration shown, the strike jamb compression anchor
screw must be turned counterclockwise to retract the compression
anchor and give room for the frame to be adjusted back into
position using the hinge jamb compression anchor. The hinge jamb
compression anchor screw is then turned clockwise to advance
the anchor and push the frame towards the room made at the
strike jamb. The frame should be brought into square with
the header and the hinge jamb compression anchor. Once
this is done, the strike jamb compression anchor screw can
be turned clockwise, advancing the anchor snug against the
stud. The corner slip screws should then be retightened.

14
 SDI 122-2021

FRAME SET OUT OF SQUARE (continued)

IMPROPERLY SET FRAME (B)

85° 85°
The corners are both greater than or less than 90º. The
miters do not properly align with one another. When the
corner is less than 90º the miter will have a gap which
increases as it goes towards the return. When the corner
is greater than 90º the miter will have a gap, which
A increases as it goes towards the rabbet. Dimensions taken
at point “A” and “B” will not be equal. This condition will
always result in dimension “B” being either greater than or
less than the nominal opening dimension which would be
obtained if checked between jambs along the header.

95° 95°

Jambs Toed In at Sill

A

To correct this condition, the sill anchors must be

loosened to allow the bottom of each jamb to be
moved in and/or out. In the case of the snap-in
type sill anchor, the baseboard trim might have to B
be removed to gain access to the anchors. This
type of anchor is generally used because it can be
hidden by covering it with the baseboard trim.
If the jambs are toed in at the sills, the
compression anchors might have to be retracted
slightly so the sill (base) of the jambs can be
pushed out. The jambs should be plumbed,
squared with the header and leveled as they are
pushed out into their proper position. The sill
Jambs Toed Out at Sill
anchors should be reset, the compression anchors
adjusted and retightened. The baseboard trim should be reattached to the
wall if it had been removed.
A similar procedure should be used if the jambs are toed out at the sills.
The sill (base) of the jambs should be pushed in towards the opening.
The jambs should be plumbed, squared with the header and leveled as
they are pushed into their proper position. The sill anchors should be
reset, the compression anchors adjusted (extended) and retightened. The
baseboard trim should be reattached to the wall if it had been removed.

15
SDI 122-2021

FRAME SET OUT OF SQUARE (continued)

IMPROPERLY SET FRAME (C) 90° 95°

One corner is properly set at 90º while the other
corner is greater or less than 90º. The dimension
taken at point “A” will constantly change when
checked at various points going towards point “B.”
The corner miter will not properly align between A

the header and jamb which is not set at 90º

The jamb which is not 90º to the header must be
moved. To correct this condition, the sill anchor
must be loosened to allow the bottom of the jamb
B
to be moved in or out as required. In the case of
the snap-in type sill anchor, the baseboard trim
may have to be removed to gain access to the
anchor. This type of anchor is generally used
because it can be hidden by covering it with the
baseboard trim.

One Jamb Toed Out

85° 90°

If the jamb is toed in at the sill, the compression

A anchor may have to be retracted slightly so the sill
(base) of the jamb can be pushed out. The jamb
should be plumbed, squared with the header and
leveled as it is being pushed out into its proper
position. The sill anchor should be reset, the
compression anchor adjusted and retightened.
The baseboard trim should be reattached to the
wall if it had been removed.
B
A similar procedure should be used when the
jamb is toed out at the sill. The sill (base) of the
jamb should be pushed in towards the opening.
The jamb should be plumbed, squared with
the header and leveled as it is pushed into its
proper position. The sill anchor should be reset,
the compression anchor adjusted (fastened)
One Jamb Toed In and retightened. The baseboard trim should be
reattached to the wall if it had been removed.

16
 SDI 122-2021

FRAME WITH RABBETS TOED IN OR OUT

The importance of proper initial frame installation is evident in this condition. In the majority of wall
constructions, except for the “slip-on” drywall type frames, “quick,” “easy” field fixes are limited. Improperly
set frames which have the rabbets drastically toed in or out would require extensive field repair and in
most cases require that the wall be entered to gain access to frame anchoring.
The toed in or out condition is worse near the floor. The header prevents the upper portion of the jambs
from toeing in or out but as you move away from the header towards the floor, the jambs have greater
potential to be toed in our out during installation.
The only frame with this condition which can be corrected with little difficulty is the “slip-on” drywall frame.
Since the “slip-on” drywall frame uses only compression anchors near the head and sill anchors near the
bottom of the jambs, this condition is easily corrected.

AMOUNT OF PLANE OF WALL

TOE OUT 90°
Note that the rabbet surfaces are
not 90° to the plane of the wall. This
can be checked by placing a straight
edge across the face of both jambs.
The straight edge should set flat
across both faces at the same time.
90° If the jambs are twisted, a “gap” will
AMOUNT OF PLANE OF WALL
TOE OUT be created as shown in the figure to
PARALLEL TO PLANE OF WALL the left.

Typical toed-in or out condition

The figures to the right show the two typical

types of sill anchors used on the “slip-on”
drywall frame. A
“A” shows an anchor which will be covered
up by the baseboard trim. To gain access to
this anchor the baseboard trim must first be
removed. Next, the nails or screws holding
the anchors to the wall must be removed.
This will loosen the jamb and allow it to be
squared in the opening.
“B” illustrates a screw going through the
face of the frame into the wall. This holds
the sill of the frame in position. This screw
is exposed and is readily accessible.
Removing the screw will loosen the jamb B
and allow it to be “squared-up” in the
opening. If both jambs are toed in/out, they
both should be “squared-up.” This can be
checked by taking measurements as shown
below. Both the “A” and “B” dimensions will be the same when the frames are properly set. However, the
frame jambs must be plumb, level, and square with the head of the frame.

17
SDI 122-2021

FRAME WITH RABBETS TOED IN OR OUT (continued)

DIM. “A”

DIM. “B”

If both jambs are toed in/out, they both should be “squared-up.” This can be checked by taking
measurements as shown above. Both the “A” and “B” dimensions will be the same when the frames are
properly set.
The below figure shows a condition which can give the impression that the frame is properly installed.
Both dimensions “A” and “B” will be equal but the frame will not be square in the opening. Both jambs can
be twisted to create a parallelogram. This can be checked by placing a straight edge across the face of
both jambs (the straight edge is represented by the dotted line shown below). The straight edge should set
flat across both faces at the same time. If the jambs are twisted, a “gap” will be created as shown in the
illustration. The “gaps” will be to the same side if a parallelogram was created. The gaps could also be to
opposite sides as shown in the Typical Toed In or Out Condition figure on the previous page.
This condition can be corrected as outlined for the other “toe out” or “toe in” examples.

DIM. “A”

GAP
GAP
90°
90°
DIM. “B”

PARALLEL TO
PLANE OF WALL

18
 SDI 122-2021

SILENCERS
Some manufacturers provide a silencer hole in the frame stop to accept a push-in silencer. A “stick-on”
silencer is also available for application to frames without the silencer hole. The silencer acts as a “rubber
bumper” which evenly holds the door off the stop at a constant distance. If the door is held off of the stop
rather than being allowed to move slightly towards the stop, the latch tube will fit tighter into the strike.
Three silencers are placed on the strike jamb, one toward the top of the jamb (nearer the header) and one
toward the bottom of the jamb (nearer the sill) and the third near the strike preparation.

19
SDI 122-2021

LOCK FITS LOOSE ON STRIKE

This condition cannot be caused by an improperly set door and/or frame. If the lockset on the door was
not properly aligned with the strike on the frame, interference would occur or the latch bolt would bind in
the strike. Since this is not the case; the cause is something other than improper installation. The following
should be checked:

PROPER STRIKE
Is the proper strike plate attached to the frame?

RIM EXIT DEVICES

An adjustable strike plate is provided. Is the strike
plate properly adjusted to prove positive and secure
latching?

20
 SDI 122-2021

LOCK FITS TOO TIGHT IN STRIKE

Proper installation of the door and frame are essential. If the door and frame are not properly aligned, the
latch bolt could bind in the strike. The following items should be checked:

IMPROPER CLEARANCE/DOOR SAG

For various conditions, refer to pages 1-2.

HINGE BIND
For various conditions of hinge bind, refer to page 7.

TWISTED DOOR
For various conditions of twisted doors, refer to page 9.

TWISTED FRAMES
For various conditions of twisted frames, refer to page 12.

FRAME SET OUT OF SQUARE

For various conditions of frames set out of square,
refer to page 13.

PROPER STRIKE
Is the proper strike plate attached to the frame?

The previously mentioned items

should be checked and any problems
corrected. If the latch continues to
LE
FI tightly engage the strike, additional
clearance can be created by filing the
strike or bending the latch bolt lip as
shown. However, this should only be
done as a final option.
D
BEN

21
SDI 122-2021

LOCKSET OFF LOCATION ON DOOR OR

STRIKE OFF LOCATION IN FRAME IN WALL
Minor location adjustments usually can be accomplished by altering the strike plate. The strike plate
alteration would “extend” the opening to allow the latch tube to properly engage the strike. This is similar
to the section “Lock Fits Too Tight in Strike” except that the amount of material removed from the strike is
greater. This could compensate for minor mislocation of the strike plate on the frame and/or location of the
lockset on the door. These general steps should be followed for modifying the strike plate.

MARK AREA
TO BE REMOVED

• Mark the area on the strike plate which

must be removed.
• Remove strike plate from frame.
• Center punch corners of area to be re-
moved and drill a 1/8″ diameter hole in
each corner.
• Use a saber saw and cut from the exist-
ing opening up to the 1/8″ diameter holes.
The remaining material between the two
1/8″ holes should be filed away.
• Dress off all rough edges and corners
with a file. This must be done since any
irregular edges or edges with burrs could
cause the latch tube to “drag” or “hang up” DRILL HOLES
in the strike plate.
• Reassemble strike plate to frame and
check alignment with lockset on door as
well as latch tube function in and out of
strike plate.

CUT

22
 SDI 122-2021

MITER NOT CLOSED ON FRAME

The major cause of miters not properly lining up and “closing” is incorrect installation. The effects of
improper installation on miter seams are covered under the previous section of “Frame Set Out of Square.”
This section should be referenced for detailed explanations of conditions which could occur, and solutions
for correcting the problems.
This condition could also be caused by conditions as explained in the “Frame Loose on Drywall” section—
figures on page 27.

23
SDI 122-2021

CLEARANCE AT BOTTOM OF DOOR TOO SMALL

The available options for correcting this problem are limited. Frames which are permanently anchored to
the wall construction (such as masonry or steel stud) leave few alternatives. The only available “fix” is to
trim the bottom of the door, if the door’s construction will permit trimming. As shown in the figure below,
the nominal “sill clearance” should be ¾ of an inch. The sill clearance is the dimension from the bottom of
the door to the bottom of the frame jambs, and ¾″ is a standard industry dimension.
The frame jambs should be set at
floor level which then results in ¾
of an inch between the bottom of
the door and floor.
The 3/4″ also provides enough
room to allow the installation of
a “raised sill” which is a type of
flat threshold. If a raised sill is
used, the ¾ inch clearance is
decreased.
Before any alterations are made DIM. “B” DIM. “A”
the door height dimensions
should be checked.
The door height is determined
by taking a measurement
represented by dimension “A” in
the figure. If the door height is
“oversize” the clearance at the
bottom will be too small.
¾″ FLOOR
The frame jamb height (which LINE
is the same as the opening
height) is determined by taking
a measurement represented by
dimension “B”. If the jamb height is
“undersize,” the clearance at the bottom will be too small.
The bottom of the frame jambs should be set “on” the floor not “in” the floor. In some special cases the
jambs can be set “in” the floor but this requires special design consideration and adjustments in door
height and jamb heights. If this was not compensated for in the designed heights, the clearance at the
bottom could be too small.
By taking these basic dimensions, you can confirm what element of the opening is in error. If trimming the
bottom of the door is considered, you must make sure that the door’s design will allow such a modification
to be made. It is best to contact the distributor or the manufacturer to determine if and how much the
door can be trimmed. These types of trimming modifications can be relatively simple or more extensive
depending on door design.

24
 SDI 122-2021

FRAME AND DOOR HINGE MISALIGNMENT

Frame and door hinge misalignment can cause a variety of problems. When misalignment occurs, either
the door’s hinge locations or frame’s hinge locations are slightly off. This can apply to retrofitting existing
openings where either the door or frame is being replaced, but not both. When new doors and frames are
provided from a single manufacturer, this problem does not exist.
The example shown on the following page reflects the dropping of the hinge leaf which attaches to the
door from its relationship to the hinge leaf on the frame. However, by removing material from the opposite
end of the knuckles, the door hinge leaf could be raised as well. The frame hinge leaf can also be
relocated in similar fashion.

HINGE LEAF ON FRAME

MISALIGNMENT
HINGE LEAF ON DOOR – MUST MOVE DOWN

PROPER
CLEARANCE

25
SDI 122-2021

FRAME AND DOOR HINGE MISALIGNMENT (continued)

Hinge leaf Hinge leaf on door
on frame (must move down)

Since the hinge leaf on the door

must move down, material must be
taken off of the knuckles as shown.
Mark the amount to be removed
equal to the misalignment.

Hinge pin

Hinge leaf on frame Hinge leaf on door

Disassemble hinge.
Remove material on
knuckles equal to the
misalignment.

Hinge leaf Hinge leaf

on frame on door

Reassemble hinge leaves and insert hinge pin.

Note: Gaps will now exist between the
knuckles in the areas shown. Proper thickness
and diameter flat washers can be placed in
these areas during hinge assembly.

26
 SDI 122-2021

FRAME LOOSE ON DRYWALL

Frame manufacturers closely control the dimensions to which their frames are manufactured. Since
automated equipment is used these dimensions are easily repeated from piece to piece. The majority of
cases where frames are loose on drywall will reveal that the overall wall thickness has not been properly
maintained. Wall thickness conditions can vary from undersize to oversize. The thickness should be
checked, if possible, to verify the wall’s compliance with the job specification.
Frames installed in drywall walls can use two different anchoring methods:

WELDED/SNAP-IN STEEL, OR WOOD STUD ANCHORS

Some frames use welded or snapped-in steel or wood stud anchors. These frames are installed prior to
the drywall material being attached to the studs. The drywall can either be “butted-up” against the return
of the frame or be “tucked in” behind the return of the frame. Only in the installation where the drywall is
“tucked in” behind the return can there be a condition where the frame is loose on the drywall. This gap
could be uniform along the entire length (height) of the jamb or could be only in certain areas. Since the
frame cannot be removed, the only available options are to caulk the gap or cover it with trim.

Drywall “tucked in”

behind frame return.

Caulking
or trim

GAP

27
SDI 122-2021

FRAME LOOSE ON DRYWALL (continued)

DRYWALL FRAMES WITH COMPRESSION ANCHORS

These frames are intended to be installed after the wall construction is complete. The anchoring methods
that this type of frame uses allows the removal of the frame if so desired. The manufacturers’ installation
instructions should be followed anytime the frame is removed and reinstalled. Three conditions could exist
for drywall slip-on frames which are “loose on the wall.”
1) The first condition is a uniform gap along the entire length (height) of the frame jambs. The frame
should be removed from the opening and the wall thickness checked at numerous places around the
opening. These measurements should be compared to the job specifications. If the wall thickness is
undersize, two options are available.
a) If the gap is relatively small, the use of caulking or trim can be considered to cover the gap when
the frame is installed.
b) If the gap is larger, the use of “spacers” can offset the lacking wall thickness. The use of spacers
requires that the frame be removed from the opening, the spacer(s) attached, and the frame
reinstalled. The spacers can be used on either one or both of the frame returns which would
result in spacers on either one side or both sides of the wall. Spacers are available from the frame
manufacturer.

SPACERS ARE NOT TO BE USED ON LABELED FIRE DOOR FRAMES.

Use spacer on Use spacer on

one return both returns

Spacer

Check wall thickness

28
 SDI 122-2021

FRAME LOOSE ON DRYWALL (continued)

2) The second condition would be a gap

that changes along the length (height)
of the jamb. This condition is generally
found in steel stud construction and
results in “over thick” walls in the upper
corners of the opening, refer to Figure
5. This is usually a direct result of how
the steel stud headers were attached
to the vertical steel studs to form the
opening. When the wall is oversize
(in this area) it will force the header
and jamb miters to spread apart and
actually open up the throat dimensions
to accept the oversize wall. This will
cause the corners of the frame to be
extremely tight on the wall and as you
progress down the jamb, a gap will
begin to develop and then gradually
disappear closer to the floor, see figure Areas where wall thickness
on following page. may be over-thick in steel-
stud construction.

IZE
E RS
V
LLO
WA

HEAD

JAMB

Frame spreads apart with oversize wall.

29
SDI 122-2021

FRAME LOOSE ON DRYWALL (continued)

HEAD
This condition should be reported to the
appropriate jobsite personnel. The condition
can be corrected by putting a bearing plate on
each side of the corner and compressing the
internal steel studs with a clamp. However, the
responsibility for correcting this condition belongs HT
TIG
to the sub-contractor responsible for the actual wall JAMB
construction. AS
E
C RE
P IN
GA
E
AS
C RE
P IN
GA

SE
EA
E CR
PD
GA
E
AS
C RE
P DE
GA

CLAMP
FIT
ER
OP
PR

Gap produced by oversized wall.

Correct oversized wall

condition by compressing
internal steel studs.

3) The third condition is different from the first two which address the “fit” of the frame over the wall
thickness. The cause of this condition is compression anchors which have not been tightened. The
drywall frame would then be loose across the width of the opening and move from side to side against
the rough opening.
The frame should be plumbed, squared and secured in the opening by properly adjusting the
compression anchors following the manufacturers’ instructions.

30
 SDI 122-2021

GLAZED WINDOW UNITS

Hollow metal borrowed light, transom, and combination sidelight frames are an excellent choice for
exterior openings due to their design flexibility, thermal performance, and security. These types of frames
are not factory sealed to prevent water infiltration; the contractor/installer must seal all joints that are
exposed to the elements after the frame assembly is installed.
Whenever possible it is strongly recommended that the glass and glazing be installed on the exterior
rabbet of the frame. This will act as a deterrent to water penetration.
Manufacturers cannot control the workmanship associated with the installation of these types of frames,
therefore, this work must be specified in the installation/glazing/caulking section of specifications.

31
SDI 122-2021

LABEL MISSING FROM FIRE-RATED FRAME

Like doors, fire-rated frames are an important element of compliance with building codes and fire
protection standards. Consequently, proper control of the labels which are attached to the frame is top
priority for the manufacturer, code official and labeling agency. Once the product is in the field, whether it
is installed or not, no one, including the manufacturer is permitted to attach labels unless a representative
of the manufacturer’s labeling agency has inspected the product for compliance with the manufacturer’s
procedures. Only authorized individuals can be in possession of and attach labels to fire rated products in
the field.
All labels on fire rated frames are located on the hinge jamb between the top and middle hinge (see figure
below). It should be noted that some frames have an embossed label, rather than a surface-attached
label. The embossed label is stamped into the frame rabbet and can be painted over.
If the label or embossment is not present, the frame distributor should be contacted.

TOP HINGE

LABEL

Special Notes:
• Borrowed light frames may have MIDDLE HINGE
labels applied to soffit of frame
due to glass and glazing bead
location.
• Frames incorporating continu-
ous hinges may have labels
applied to soffit or frame head.
• See manufacturer’s procedures.

32
 SDI 122-2021

LABEL MISSING FROM FIRE-RATED DOOR

Fire-rated doors are an important element of compliance with building codes and fire protection standards.
Consequently, proper control of the labels is top priority for the manufacturer, code official and labeling
agency. (The manufacturer must account for every label used and the label can only be applied at the
manufacturer’s facility or at an authorized labeling distributor of the manufacturer.) Once the product is
in the field, whether it’s installed or not, no one, including the manufacturer is permitted to attach labels
unless a representative of the manufacturer’s labeling agency has inspected the product for compliance
with the manufacturer’s labeling procedures. Only authorized individuals may be in possession of and
attach labels to fire rated products in the field.
Labels on fire-rated doors are located in one of two places, either between the top and middle hinge, or on
the top channel (see figure). Be sure you are looking for the label in the correct location.
If the label is not present, the door distributor should be contacted.

TOP CHANNEL

Special Notes:
TOP HINGE
• Labeled doors incorporating con-
tinuous hinges may have labels
placed on the top channel of the
door. Check with the individual
LABEL manufacturer to determine location
of label.
• Labeled hollow metal transom
panels may need to be removed to
verify labeling if fully enclosed by
a fixed hollow metal frame.

MIDDLE HINGE • See manufacturer’s procedures.

BOTTOM HINGE

33
SDI 122-2021

PAINT PROBLEMS

PAINT PEELING TO BARE METAL

Two conditions exist that must be considered when evaluating paint peeling to bare metal.

1. Prime Paint Only

If the product is only prime painted, and peeling has occurred, then poor adhesion between the primer
and bare metal has occurred. This can usually be attributed to inadequate surface preparation before
prime painting. The bare metal must be adequately prepared to ensure good prime paint adhesion.
The door should be completely sanded, washed with solvent and re-primed. The sanding and washing
operations provide an adequate surface to assure good primer adhesion.

2. Prime Paint and Top (Finish) Coat

The failure could be caused by either poor surface preparation before prime painting or the use of a non-
compatible finish paint that has reacted with the primer and lifted all paint from bare metal. In either case
the corrective measure would be the same. The door should be completely sanded and washed with an
appropriate solvent. The door should then be re-primed. Lightly sand the prime coat, wipe and finish-paint
with a compatible top coat.
Whenever the door is being prepared for top or finish-coat painting the surface should be cleaned. Use the
same solvent that will be used to thin the topcoat paint and thoroughly clean all surfaces to be painted.

PAINT IN TAPPED HOLES

Both hollow metal doors and frames have various holes that are drilled and tapped. These holes are in
various components such as reinforcements. All of the components are brought together as an assembly
prior to the painting operation.
There are a variety of painting methods manufacturers can use. Some of these methods can result in
paint build-up in the tapped holes of the reinforcements. This build-up can make installation of screws
difficult. The build-up should be removed to make screw installation easier and assure that the screws are
properly seated.
The best method of cleaning the tapped holes is to use an actual thread tap which matches the screw
thread. The tap will easily cut though and clean paint build-up and by running it in and out of the hole. If
the build-up is not as great and extra screws are available (or can be obtained) a screw can be run in and
out of the hole to clean minor build-up prior to final screw installation.

34
 SDI 122-2021

WATER STAIN DAMAGE

Water stain damage is a direct result of improper storage. If the product is still in prime paint (no finish
coat has been applied) the condition is easily detectable as follows:
• Initially, the water stain appears as a discoloration or variance in sheen or
gloss in the primer. Damaged areas will look and possibly feel different from
the rest of the product.
• If the water stain has existed for a considerable length of time and was caused
by large amounts of water, rust will start to appear through the discolored areas.
If the product has had a finish coat of paint applied, water stain damage can cause failure of the finish
coat as well:
• Water stain damage can be detected by random areas of finish paint failure
on the door as well as the appearance of uniform rust development on those
areas. In some cases the finish paint will show good adhesion in water dam-
aged areas but will also show a uniform layer of rust developing through the
finish paint.

To correct water stain damage, use the following guidelines:

• For products that are prime painted only, the affected areas should be ad-
equately sanded. If necessary, the area should be sanded to bare metal. The
entire door/frame surface should then be lightly sanded and “feathered” into
any heavily sanded areas. The entire surface should then be re-prime painted.
• For products that are finish painted, the affected areas should be adequately
sanded. If necessary the area should be sanded to bare metal. The entire
remaining finish-painted area should then be lightly sanded and “feathered”
into any heavily sanded areas. If bare metal is showing, these areas should
be re-prime painted and lightly sanded to “feather” into the lightly sanded
finish-painted areas. The product should then be re-finish painted.
• When the door is being prepared for top or finish coat painting, the surface
should first be cleaned. Use the same solvent that will be used to thin the
topcoat paint and thoroughly clean all surfaces to be painted.

35
SDI 122-2021

THERMAL BOW
Installers need to be aware of a condition known as Thermal Bow. Thermal Bow is a temporary condition
which may occur in metal doors due to the inside-outside temperature differential. This is more common
when the direct rays of the sun are on a door surface. This condition is temporary, and to a great extent
depends on the door color, door construction, length of exposure, temperature, etc. This condition can
often be alleviated by painting the exposed surface a light color. Thermal bow can occur in reverse under
extremely cold conditions. Typical symptoms of thermal bow are hardware latching difficulty and door
clearance issues.

36
This page left intentionally blank.
This page left intentionally blank.
This page left intentionally blank.
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
124 - 22

Maintenance
of
Steel Door and Frame
Assemblies

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145

¥
22
4UFFM
%PPS
*OTUJUVUF
SDI 124-22

Maintenance of
Steel Door and Frame Assemblies

1 Introduction as the door swings into the closed position. Additional

force should not be needed to achieve latching. Silenc-
This document is intended to serve as a general outline
ers (mutes) should be replaced when latch operation
of maintenance activities needed for standard steel
is compromised by wear.
doors and frames. Maintenance will be, for the most
part, associated with the accessories and hardware
Strike plate
attached to the door and frame.
The strike plate should be firmly attached to the frame
Maintenance of any product is important and necessary
or inactive leaf of a pair of doors. Check for loose
to obtain the maximum benefits of product service and
screws and/or other notable defects. Service or remove
longevity. Steel door and frame assemblies are not dif-
and replace per the manufacturer’s instructions.
ferent. In fact, in some cases where the door and frame
assembly is used as a “fire rated” barrier or a “leakage
Closing devices
rated” smoke barrier, proper maintenance is crucial.
Basic maintenance to ensure the proper functioning Check all closing devices for loose attaching screws,
of the assembly is imperative and well worth the effort linkage arm and pin wear, fluid leakage or other
to provide for human life safety. notable defects. Service the device or remove defec-
tive parts and replace following the manufacturer’s
2 Areas to be inspected recommendations. The primary and secondary closing
speed adjustments should also be set and maintained
The following items should be periodically checked.
in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommenda-
The frequency with which these checks are performed
tions. The device should allow the door to operate
must be established at the discretion of the building
freely and smoothly throughout its entire swing range
owner, insurance company, labeling authority (as ap-
plicable), and maintenance service. Since doors in and positively latch (if so equipped) or remain in the
different areas of a building access service different closed position.
traffic, the frequency of periodic inspections would
occur respectively. Flush bolts
Check all flush bolts for loose attaching screws, rod
Hinges bolt adjustment and strike plate (on both door and
Check all hinges for loose attaching screws, hinge frame if so equipped) attachment. Service the devices
pin wear or other notable defects. Service the hinges or remove defective parts and replace following the
or remove defective parts and replace per the manu- manufacturer’s recommendations. The rod bolts should
facturer’s recommendations. The door should always retract, extend and engage the strike or keeper hole
swing freely and smoothly without obstruction from freely and smoothly for both manual and/or automatic
the opened to latched (when latching device is used) flush bolts.
position.
Glass lights
Locksets, panic devices, fire exit hardware The glazing material should be checked for cracks and/
Check all locksets for loose attaching screws, latch or missing pieces of glazing. The glazing mounting
wear or other notable defects. Service the lockset or frame should be checked to assure all attaching screws
remove defective parts and replace per the manufac- (if used) are tight and the unit is securely attached to
turer’s recommendations. The door should always latch the door. Service the glass light or remove defective
freely and smoothly without obstruction. Self latching parts and replace by following the manufacturer’s rec-
devices should always function freely and smoothly ommendations. Also be sure to use approved safety

1
 SDI 124-22

glass in appropriate applications/locations, or fire rated ing these doors in an open position is in violation of
glass and glazing in fire doors, windows or lights. intended use and purpose as established in building
codes. These doors must not be obstructed in any
Door and frame finish fashion preventing them from functioning as intended.
A general visual inspection of the door and frame finish
should be periodically conducted. Any excessive finish Gasketing/weatherstripping
defects should be repaired and repainted. Adequate A visual and operational inspection is periodically
protection is needed to help prevent the product from necessary for gasketed or weatherstripped areas such
rusting prematurely and shortening its service life. as perimeter seals, threshold seals, door bottoms, si-
Certification labels present shall not be painted over
lencers, mutes, etc. Inspect for signs of deterioration
during any repainting.
such as splitting, cracking or deforming of flexible com-
ponents. Install replacement components as needed.
Fire Door/Smoke Door Assemblies
Fire rated and/or smoke control assemblies are speci- To inspect operational integrity, position gasketing to
fied and installed to meet “safety to life code require- create proper contact along the door's entire perimeter.
ments.” It is imperative that these assemblies receive The test for proper contact is usually done with com-
regularly scheduled maintenance checks for all of the mon paper. The paper should be firmly held in place
above items. Additionally, for the assembly to serve its by inserting it between the door and gasket and then
purpose of stopping fire and/or smoke propagation it closing the door. If the paper is not firmly held in place,
must function freely with the ability to positively latch the seal is inadequate. The paper test should be con-
in the closed position. Therefore, propping or block- ducted along the entire perimeter.

Related Documents:
— NFPA 80 Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, Chapter 5
— NFPA 105 Standard for Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Protective Openings
— SDI-122 Installation and Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors and Frames

2
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
127

Industry Alerts

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2023 Steel Door Institute
SDI 127

The Industry Alerts that follow are the Steel Door and Frame Industry's considered views on scenarios
that are not explicitly addressed within other Steel Door Institute documents or that otherwise require
additional information.

Contents
127A - 24 End Channel Location ......................................................................................................................... 3
127B - 23 Door Edge Cutouts.............................................................................................................................. 5
127C - 23 Frame Cutout Limits............................................................................................................................. 7
127D - 24 Electric Hardware Preparation for Frames in Stud Walls...................................................................... 9
127E - 23 Prime Painted Materials......................................................................................................................11
127F - 23 Butted Frames Rough Opening Sizes.................................................................................................13
127G - 23 Environmental Considerations Relating to Factory Painted Steel Doors and Frames.........................15
127H - 23 Water Penetration...............................................................................................................................17
127I - 23 Grouting Frames in Drywall..................................................................................................................19
127J - 23 Back Coating of Frames..................................................................................................................... 21
127K - 23 Improper Wedges as Hold-Opens...................................................................................................... 23
127L - (Withdrawn) Buyer Beware: Steel Doors with Lead-Based Primer

NOTE: To reduce the visual clutter of providing both United States customary units of measurement
(US) and International System of Units (SI), this standard will present all measurements in only the
US units.

2
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
127A - 24

End Channel Location

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2024 Steel Door Institute
SDI 127A-24

End Channel Location

This alert is intended to raise awareness of the potential of interferences between top or bottom chan-
nels and the installation of surface mounted hardware items such as closers or door bottom seals.
The steel door industry utilizes a variety of end channel designs in standard doors. The most com-
mon are flush type end channels or inverted end channels. The inverted (legs upward) end channels
in many cases may create a necessity to reposition the mounting holes for hardware items such as
regular arm closers, surface overhead stops/holders, or door bottom accessories. To avoid interference
with the “web” of the end channel, mounting screws must be slightly repositioned.
Illustrated below are example channel conditions on standard steel doors. End channel systems vary
by manufacturer.
It is suggested that the hardware manufacturer and/or a hardware consultant be contacted for resolu-
tion of a hardware installation conflict.

Top of Door Top of Door Top of Door Top of Door

⅝" to 13⁄16" ⅝" to 13⁄16" ⅝" to 13⁄16" ⅝" to 13⁄16"

End Closure End Closure End Closure End Closure

web

Reinf.
Plate

Flush End Closure Flush End Closure Inverted End Closure Inverted End Closure with
with Insert Channel with Offset Channel with Reinforcement Plate Reinforcement Channel

Top of Door Bottom of Door Bottom of Door

Inverted End Closure with Inverted End Closure Inverted End Closure
Reinforcement Plate and with Screwed-in
Screwed-in Flush Channel Flush Channel

Refer to ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100) for Material Thickness

4
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
127B - 23

Door Edge Cutouts

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2023 Steel Door Institute
SDI 127B-23

Door Edge Cutouts

This alert is intended to raise awareness of the minimum distances required for common hardware
preparations from bend lines on the edges of steel doors.
The ability to form a crisp aesthetic cutout in the edge of a steel door, especially in the vicinity of a
bend line is directly influenced by the steel thickness and the proximity of the cutout to the bend line. A
cutout too close to the bend line will result in a flare‑out of the cutout area due to unevenly distributed
stress along the brake die or rollform rollers.
The following illustrations are intended to convey dimensional limitations of the hardware items to be
mortised into the edge of 1 3/4" thick standard steel doors.
Certain lock fronts, concealed hinges, strikes, or electrical devices do not comply with these limitations.
The resulting potential for inaccuracy or lack of aesthetics is inherent in the manufacturing processes
and is not to be considered a defect.
Notes: Tolerances – All values which do not carry specific tolerances or are not marked maximum or minimum shall have the
following tolerances: Linear dimensions shall be ± 1/16 in. Weight or force shall be ± 2%. Angles shall be ± 2 degrees.
Where only minus tolerances are given, the dimensions are permitted to be exceeded at the option of the manufactur-
ers.
Gauge vs. Thickness – While the term ‘gauge’ is no longer common for defining material thickness it is still used to
specify doors and frames for ordering purposes. The term ‘thickness’ is used when defining the actual dimension of
an item, and the term ‘gauge’ is used in the context of specifying a particular door or frame.

Edge seam system varies by

manufacturer (not shown).
Variable

Variable

Minimum distance Dimension is to

to hardware item is hardware item, not
nominally ¼" " to cutout in door.
minimum. 1 ¼ x.
m a

Minimum distance " " Minimum distance to

nominally 1.5x face 1¾ 1¾ cutout is nominally 3x
sheet thickness face sheet thickness
or 3⁄16" minimum.
Cutout Limits Cutout Limits
Cutout Around Corner Cutout On Edge

6
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
127C - 23

Frame Cutout Limits

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2023 Steel Door Institute
SDI 127C-23

Frame Cutout Limits

This alert is intended to raise awareness of the minimum distances required for common hardware
preparations from bend lines on steel frames.
The ability to form a crisp aesthetic cutout in steel frames, especially in the vicinity of a bend line is
directly influenced by the steel thickness and the proximity of the cutout to the bend line. A cutout too
close to the bend line will result in a flare‑out of the cutout area due to unevenly distributed stress
along the brake die or rollform rollers.
The following illustration is intended to convey dimensional limitations of the hardware items to be
mortised into the face, rabbet or stop of steel frames. Certain concealed hinges, strikes, or electrical
devices do not comply with these limitations. The resulting potential for inaccuracy or lack of aesthet-
ics is inherent in the manufacturing processes and is not to be considered a defect.
Notes: Tolerances – All values which do not carry specific tolerances or are not marked maximum or minimum shall have the
following tolerances: Linear dimensions shall be ± 1/16 in. Weight or force shall be ± 2%. Angles shall be ± 2 degrees.
Where only minus tolerances are given, the dimensions are permitted to be exceeded at the option of the manufactur-
ers.
Gauge vs. Thickness – While the term ‘gauge’ is no longer common for defining material thickness it is still used to
specify doors and frames for ordering purposes. The term ‘thickness’ is used when defining the actual dimension of
an item, and the term ‘gauge’ is used in the context of specifying a particular door or frame.

D
A A
C
Inside Outside
Backset
Bends Bends
Min. A B C D
Gauge
Thickness Min. Min. Min. Min.
18 0.042" 5/64" 7/32" 5/64" 7/32"
B
16 0.053" 3/32" 7/32" 3/32" 7/32"

14 0.067" 7/64" 7/32" 7/64" 7/32"

8
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
127D - 24

Electric Hardware
Preparation for
Frames in Stud Walls

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2024 Steel Door Institute
SDI 127D-24

Electric Hardware Preparation for Frames in Stud Walls

Steel or wood stud drywall constructions methods and frame anchorage could result in interference
between the stud and the electric strike, hinge or other electrical hardware preparation. Notching the
stud could result in compromising the stability of the frame and invalidating the fire rating of the opening.
Dependent on the dimensions of the strike, the cutouts may extend beyond the frame face or the re-
turns, thus leaving critical strike parts or wiring exposed.
Consideration should be given to specifying a strike suitably sized to fit the confines of a standard
2″ face frame or specify an alternate frame profile with larger frame faces that will accommodate it.
Situations exist where the electrical hardware preparation does not allow the drywall to penetrate the
throat of a fire rated frame the required 1/2-inch in the immediate area of the hardware. When this occurs,
a penetration or joint seal (e.g. intumescent caulk) listed for gypsum wall assemblies must be applied
to the affected area; thereby, sealing any potential gap and ensuring the continuity of the fire barrier.

2″
Standard
Minimum ½″
per NFPA-80

WALLBOARD
WALL THICKNESS

Area Commonly
Required for Strike

DOOR
WALLBOARD

½″ typical
A listed sealant must be used
when the minimum ½″
penetration cannot be met.

Typical Frame Profile

10
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
127E - 23

Prime Painted Materials

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2023 Steel Door Institute
SDI 127E-23

Prime Painted Materials

Prime Painted Doors, Frames, and Accessories (where applicable) shall comply with the acceptance
criteria specified in ANSI/SDI A250.10. Doors and frames are cleaned and treated prior to painting to
ensure maximum paint adhesion. All exposed surfaces are then given a factory-applied coat of rust
inhibiting “direct to metal” type primer. The primer is then baked, air dried, or otherwise cured as ap-
propriate for the primer.
This process is intended to protect the steel surfaces for a period of time under reasonable weather
exposure conditions. Factory applied primer coatings may be somewhat porous in order to accept
finish coatings. The primer coating may therefore be susceptible to the action of moisture or ambient
moisture condensation during shipping or storage. For example, transportation of materials in unpro-
tected “open” trucks during inclement weather (rain or snow) or on roadways where salt or other snow
melting agents are used will deteriorate the primer. Extended exposure to such conditions may result
in rusted or water stained areas. ANSI/SDI A250.8 (SDI-100) paragraph 4.1 presents Industry recom-
mended jobsite storage requirements.
Should the primer become scratched, abraded, rusted or stained, the affected areas may rust unless
sanded and reprimed with a suitable “direct to metal” primer containing rust inhibitors.
Prior to application of finish coats, the substrate shall be inspected by the Painting Contractor. All
Architectural Specification requirements along with all requirements of the paint manufacturer shall
be followed. These will generally include scuff sanding of the substrate to remove foreign materials,
scratches or abrasions from construction processes, along with any special or mandatory requirements
for primer touch-up or additional primers required by the paint system.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, the field applied primer and finish paint “systems” must be designed for direct
to metal applications and contain rust inhibiting properties.
IF COATING COMPATIBILITY IS A CONCERN, contact the SDI Manufacturers or their local distributors
who can provide information or “sample” materials for the painting contractor’s use.

12
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
127F - 23

Butted Frames
Rough Opening Sizes

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2023 Steel Door Institute
SDI 127F-23

Butted Frames Rough Opening Sizes

The variety of existing wall anchors available from SDI Members allow Standard Steel Door Frames
to be a reliable option for existing wall, structural steel wall framing or retrofit installations utilizing a
butted to wall application. In order to make the installation successful, careful consideration shall be
given to all tolerances involved and that sufficient clearance is figured to allow for them.
It has been “customary” to allow clearance around the frame perimeter when establishing rough opening
sizes or when figuring non-standard overall frame sizes. This clearance is necessary to compensate
for any allowable manufacturing tolerances, installation tolerances, or substrate conditions. Tolerances
and clearances are referenced both pictorially and verbally in a number of Industry documents such as:
• SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction (butted frames)
• SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, Accessories and Related Components
(existing wall anchors)
• SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (manufacturing tolerances)
• ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
• ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames
• NAAMM HMMA 840 Guide Specification for Receipt, Storage and Installation of Hollow Metal Doors and
Frames
• NAAMM HMMA 841 Tolerances and Clearances for Commercial Hollow Metal Doors and Frames
Frames will “fit and function” if made to these dimensional tolerances and installed within tolerances.
There is, however, relatively no assurance that the substrate (walls) will be of suitable size or alignment.
We therefore recommend that the rough openings for these cases be no less than 3/16″ larger on all 3
sides than the “intended” overall frame size. (Example: 3070 standard frame = 3′-4 3/8″ x 7′-2 3/16″). The
installer carries the responsibility for shimming and aligning as necessary. Gaps are normally sealed
as part of the installation or caulking/painting process. Architectural Specifications are to be consulted
to determine the appropriate sealant material to be used at fire door or smoke control frames.
Note: All values which do not carry specific tolerances or are not marked maximum or minimum shall
have the following tolerances: Linear dimensions shall be ± 1/16 in. Weight or force shall be ± 2%.
Angles shall be ± 2 degrees. Where only minus tolerances are given, the dimensions are permitted to
be exceeded at the option of the manufacturers.

14
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
127G - 23

Environmental
Considerations Relating to
Factory Painted Steel Doors
and Frames

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2023 Steel Door Institute
SDI 127G-23

Environmental Considerations Relating to Factory Painted Steel Doors and Frames

There is an industry need for a comprehensive revision of specifications, practices and procedures that will allow
compliance with existing and future regulations. The member companies of the Steel Door Institute have taken
the steps needed to eliminate from their primers, those elements identified by regulatory authorities as hazardous
to human health and the environment. This is not only a moral responsibility toward society, but also a survival
responsibility toward the business. The SDI encourages specification writers to look at these issues very carefully
when they specify coating requirements.
Federal and state laws have regulated the management of hazardous waste so as to not pose a threat to the
environment or human health. Environmental protection agencies are very strict in regulations that affect coating
applications, by limiting the emission to the atmosphere of the amount of VOC (Volatile Organic Compound), which
has curtailed the use of solvent base paints.
Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (Title III) sets up the reporting require-
ments in the metal fabricating industry for all wastes containing any listed toxic chemical, which affects the use of
heavy metals (such as Zinc-Chromates) as rust inhibitors.

16
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
127H - 23

Water Penetration

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2023 Steel Door Institute
SDI 127H-23

Water Penetration
Borrowed light assemblies, transom, sidelight, and combination transom sidelight frames are not factory
sealed to prevent water penetration. In situations where water penetration is a concern, the contractor
must seal all joints that are exposed to the elements after the frame assembly is installed.
Whenever possible, it is strongly recommended that glass and glazing be installed on the exterior rab-
bet of the frame assembly. This will help act as a deterrent to water penetration.
The member companies of the hollow metal industry can not control the workmanship associated with
the frame installation; therefore, it is the responsibility of the installer to assure all steps are taken to
prevent water penetration.

Exterior Rabbet Mounted Glazing (Recommended)

Vertical / Horizontal Mullion

Glazing Tape
Joint Sealant
Glass Stop Glass Stop

Setting Bead Exterior Setting Bead Exterior

Side Side
Caulk Screw Holes Caulk Screw Holes
Spacer Block
Sealant

Interior Rabbet Mounted Glazing

Vertical / Horizontal Mullion
Perimeter Bead
Glazing Glazing Perimeter Bead
Tape Tape

Exterior Exterior
Spacer Block Side Spacer Blocks Side

Joint Sealant

Glazing
Tape Perimeter Bead

18
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
127I - 23

Grouting Frames in Drywall

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2023 Steel Door Institute
SDI 127I-23

Grouting Frames in Drywall

Some architectural specifications require frames in stud and drywall partitions to be filled with grout
for sound deadening or to enhance structural integrity.
The Steel Door Institute is opposed to this practice for the following reasons:
• In drywall construction, this moisture has two places to go. It can soak into the drywall, potentially destroying
its cohesive integrity and thus the ability to retain anchors or frame integrity, or it can leach downward where
it will cause premature rusting of anchors, screws, stud connections, bottom of frames, etc.
• Grouting does not appreciably afford any additional structural rigidity to the frame. As an example, slip-on
drywall frames have passed fire and hose stream tests, cycle tests, and in some cases impact tests without
being grouted.
• If the intention is for sound deadening, SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel
Doors and Frames (Section 3) should be consulted. In addition, the same insulation as used between wall
studs (generally lightly packed fiberglass) will serve as a sound deadener without the potential for damage
to the frame or wallboard.
Higher STC (Sound Transmission Class) products (over STC 40) may require that the frame be grouted
with a cement-based grout or mortar as this was the tested condition. In these cases, the frames should
be grouted and thoroughly cured prior to installation of the frame in the drywall wall.
It is therefore the opinion of the Steel Door Institute that grouting should not be specified or used for
drywall construction except as described above.

Read more about the Risks of Grouting Frames at https://steeldoor.org/newsletters/13-july/.

20
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
127J - 23

Back Coating of Frames

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2023 Steel Door Institute
SDI 127J-23

Back Coating of Frames

Some Architectural Specifications require steel frames to be back coated with a “bituminous” coating
for corrosion protection and sound control. The term “Bituminous” is defined as an asphalt or tar ma-
terial obtained as a residue from heat refined petroleum. For years it was not recommended by Steel
Door Institute for frames to be factory back coated. This procedure was to be done at the jobsite by
the contractor or appropriate trade immediately prior to installation of the frame.
Modern materials available today offer manufacturers the opportunity to back coat frames with a more
user friendly and environmentally sound product. Some of these coatings are free of VOCs (Volatile
Organic Compounds) and can also easily be used to touch up frames that are welded on-site.
For corrosion protection, ANSI/SDI A250.11 paragraph 2.2.1 clearly states that “the contractor respon-
sible for installation” applies corrosion resistant coatings only where specified for anti-freeze agents
in the mortar. “Anti-freeze agents are accelerators (e.g. – calcium chloride) intended to increase the
rate of mortar strength development not reduce the freezing point of mortar. The Steel Door Institute
recommends not using any accelerating additives to the mortar used to back fill or grout frames. ANSI/
SDI A250.11, Paragraph 2.3.2 states that “grout shall be mixed to provide a 4″ maximum slump”. Grout
mixed to a thinner consistency has excessive moisture and requires longer cure times which increase
the potential for corrosion.

22
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
127K - 23

Improper Wedges
as Hold-Opens

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2023 Steel Door Institute
SDI 127K-23

Improper Wedges as Hold-Opens

It has come to the attention of the Steel Door Institute (SDI) that cleaning or maintenance personnel
have been incorrectly wedging doors to hold them open. This has been reported mainly in health care
or hotel-motel installations at patient rooms, utility rooms, sleeping rooms, and even stairways.
Instead of using rubber wedges at the bottom of doors or suitable hold-open mechanisms, wedges of
various materials have been inserted between the hinge edge of the door and the hinge jamb. This
practice puts an abnormal stress on the hinge reinforcements, hinge knuckles, and attachment screws
causing potential damage to any or all of these components.
Damage, loosening, or failure resulting from this practice shall not be construed as a door,
frame, or hardware defect or warranty issue. The SDI strongly discourages the use of wedges in
this manner or any methods for holding doors open that will compromise the fire or life safety
integrity of the openings.
The importance of unrestricted closing and latching of door openings in fire situations is further dis-
cussed in Sections 9 through 9.5 of SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame,
and Window Frame Requirements.

24
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
128 - 24

Guidelines for
Acoustical Performance
of Standard Steel Doors
and Frames

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2024 Steel Door Institute
SDI 128-24

Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of

Standard Steel Doors and Frames

1 General 2 Gauge vs. Thickness

1.1 Scope While the term ‘gauge’ is no longer common for defin-

This document shall provide guidelines for the speci- ing material thickness it is still used to specify doors
fying, installing, and adjusting of standard steel doors and frames for ordering purposes. The term ‘thick-
and frames in applications where sound control is a ness’ is used when defining the actual dimension of
consideration. an item, and the term ‘gauge’ is used in the context of
specifying a particular door or frame.
1.2 Definitions
1.2.1 Sound Transmission Class
A single number rating that indicates the sound trans- 3 Testing
mission loss over a defined range of frequencies of a
door assembly between adjacent closed rooms, ab- 3.1 Test Specimen
breviated STC. Higher values equate to better sound
Unless otherwise specified, the test specimen shall
reduction performance.
be a nominal 36˝ wide, by 84˝ high for single doors
1.2.2 Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class and 72˝ wide, by 84˝ high for pairs of doors. All doors
A single number rating used to compare door as- shall be 1 3/4˝ in thickness. All doors shall be fully oper-
semblies when subjected to exterior sounds, such able. A detailed description of the test assembly shall
as ground or air transportation noise, is abbreviated be included in the test report.
OITC.
Ratings derived from non-operable assemblies shall
1.2.3 Sound transmission loss – TL only be used for experimental purposes and are not
The reduction in sound level at specific frequency lev- part of this document.
els when sound passes through a door assembly.
3.2 Test Method
1.2.4 Frequency
The door assemblies shall be tested in accordance
The number of cycles per second of a sound wave, with ASTM E 90. The STC and OITC ratings shall
measured in units of Hertz and abbreviated Hz. be calculated in accordance with ASTM E 413 and
E 1332, respectively. The latest editions of the stan-
1.2.5 Decibel – dB
dards shall be used in determining the STC and OITC
A unit used to express the intensity of a sound wave, ratings. Testing shall be performed at laboratories that
equal to 20 times the common logarithm of the ratio of
are accredited under the National Voluntary Labora-
the pressure produced by the sound wave to a refer-
tory Accreditation Program (NVLAP)
ence pressure, usually 0.0002 microbar.

1.2.6 Sound Control Door Assembly 3.3 Test Results and Report

An assembly consisting of a door, frame, hardware, The test report shall be prepared by the test laborato-
threshold, and gasketing, capable of reducing the ry and shall contain the information identified in Sec-
transmission of sound. tion 13 of ASTM E 90 or Section 8 of ASTM E 1425.

2
 SDI 128-24

4 Design Criteria Walls, in addition to their STC rating, should be de-

signed to support the additional weight of acoustical
4.1 Performance Considerations doors. A wall that moves or flexes each time the door
is operated cannot ensure that the gasket alignment
The proper function of acoustical doors relies on a
will be maintained.
combination of factors that are under the control of
various firms, trades, specifiers, suppliers, and de- The manufacturer’s literature should be consulted to
signers. Without the cooperation of all concerned, the determine the weight of acoustical doors; especially,
installed opening may not function as intended. Prop- those that have higher acoustical ratings.
er seal installation and adjustment are critical to the
performance of the opening. The installation guide- 4.2 Field Testing
lines shall be provided by the manufacturer.
Results obtained from field-testing may vary from
Consideration must be given to correctly specifying those obtained under laboratory conditions. Atmo-
the door capability for the project condition. Some spheric conditions, room volumes, wall type and de-
doors, although rated higher in overall STC or OITC sign, sound diffusion, test equipment, etc. may affect
ratings may not perform as well as lower rated doors the results obtained when testing in the field.
at certain frequencies. The test reports should be re-
4.3 Hardware Considerations
viewed to establish the best TL values at the frequen-
cies under consideration for a given project. Hardware should be specified giving special consid-
eration to the fact that it will be used on acoustical
Room design should create a full enclosure equal to doors. Any type of hardware that may be the source
or greater than the door’s TL capabilities. For exam- of sound leakage should be avoided. Since all acous-
ple, walls that do not run full height to a similar rated tical doors depend on a tight perimeter seal, some
overhead structure will allow sound leakage through types of hardware will become difficult to operate due
ceilings, louvers, pipe chases, access doors, etc. to the compression required to seal the opening.
Carpeting, although considered a good source of
sound absorption, should not be used underneath
acoustical doors. Door bottom gaskets must com-
press against a solid object to affect a proper seal.
Carpeting by its nature does not provide that type of
surface.

3
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
129 - 24

Hinge and Strike

Spacing

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2024 Steel Door Institute
SDI 129-24

Cautionary Statement
The hinge and strike spacings presented in this brochure are intended as a reference to inform the reader of the
standard locations used in the manufacture of steel doors and frames by SDI member companies for the opening
sizes shown.
The user must be aware that these spacings shall not be relied upon when retrofitting doors or frames to an exist-
ing installation. Field verification of hinge and strike spacings in this situation is necessary.
Dimensions listed are valid at the time of publication. However, manufacturers do periodically revise their hinge
and strike spacing, therefore, the SDI strongly recommends that individual manufacturers be contacted to verify
dimensions.
The Steel Door Institute and its member companies shall not be held liable for products manufactured using the
information published here.

Notes
Tolerances – All values which do not carry specific tolerances or are not marked maximum or minimum shall have
the following tolerances: Linear dimensions shall be ± 1/16 in. (1.6 mm). Weight or force shall be ± 2%. Angles
shall be ± 2 degrees. Where only minus tolerances are given, the dimensions are permitted to be exceeded at the
option of the manufacturers.
Gauge vs. Thickness – While the term ‘gauge’ is no longer common for defining material thickness it is still used
to specify doors and frames for ordering purposes. The term ‘thickness’ is used when defining the actual dimension
of an item, and the term ‘gauge’ is used in the context of specifying a particular door or frame.

1
 SDI 129-24

Ceco Door

EC
L Note: Dimensions listed are valid at time of publication. However, manufacturers do
A periodically revise their hinge and strike spacing, therefore, the SDI strongly
Opening
Height recommends that individual manufacturers be contacted to verify dimensions.
D
Hinge
CL Spacing

B
Strike
CL
C

3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Hinge
3-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/8″ Thick Doors
Frame
F A B C D E F G H J

H
— — — — — — — — —
J
G

1 3/8
Door

4-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 31″
6′-10″ 2 @ 32″
4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Hinge Frame 7′-0″ 2 @ 33″
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 34″
7′-4″ 2 @ 35″
H
J 7′-6″ 41-13/16″ 9″ 2 @ 36″ 9″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G
7′-8″ 3 @ 24-21/32″
Door
1 3/4 7′-10″ 3 @ 25-21/64″
8′-0″ 3 @ 26″
9′-0″ 3 @ 30″
10′-0″ 3 @ 34″

5″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 31″
5" x 4 1/2" 6′-10″ 2 @ 32″
or
5" x 5" Hinge 7′-0″ 2 @ 33″
Frame
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 34″
7′-4″ 2 @ 35″
H
J 7′-6″ 41-13/16″ 9″ 2 @ 36″ 9″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G 7′-8″ 3 @ 24-21/32″
1 3/4 7′-10″ 3 @ 25-21/64″
Door
8′-0″ 3 @ 26″
9′-0″ 3 @ 30″
10′-0″ 3 @ 34″

2
SDI 129-24

Curries

EC
L Note: Dimensions listed are valid at time of publication. However, manufacturers do
A periodically revise their hinge and strike spacing, therefore, the SDI strongly
Opening
Height recommends that individual manufacturers be contacted to verify dimensions.
D
CL
Hinge Note: On 3 1/2″ hinge preparation for 1 3/8″ doors, the standard for non-fire rated
Spacing
frames is two (2) hinges.
B
Strike
CL
C

3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Hinge
3-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/8″ Thick Doors
Frame
F A B C D E F G H J

H
— — — — — — — — —
J
G

1 3/8
Door

4-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 30-1/4″
6′-10″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 31-1/4″
4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Hinge Frame 7′-0″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 32-1/4″
F 7′-2″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 33-1/4″
7′-4″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 34-1/4″
H
J 7′-6″ 40″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 35-1/4″ 7-1/4″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G
7′-8″ 12-3/8″ 3 @ 24-1/8″
Door
1 3/4 7′-10″ 12-1/8″ 3 @ 24-7/8″
8′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
9′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 29-1/2″
10′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 33-1/2″

5″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 30-1/4″
5" x 4 1/2" 6′-10″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 31-1/4″
or
5" x 5" Hinge 7′-0″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 32-1/4″
Frame
F 7′-2″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 33-1/4″
7′-4″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 34-1/4″
H
J 7′-6″ 40″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 35-1/4″ 7-1/4″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G 7′-8″ 12-3/8″ 3 @ 24-1/8″
1 3/4 7′-10″ 12-1/8″ 3 @ 24-7/8″
Door
8′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
9′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 29-1/2″
10′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 33-1/2″

3
 SDI 129-24

De La Fontaine Industries

EC
L Note: Dimensions listed are valid at time of publication. However, manufacturers do
A periodically revise their hinge and strike spacing, therefore, the SDI strongly
Opening
Height recommends that individual manufacturers be contacted to verify dimensions.
D
Hinge
CL Spacing

B
Strike
CL
C

3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Hinge
3-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/8″ Thick Doors
Frame
F A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 59-7/8″
H
J 6′-8″ 2 @ 29-15/16″
G 40-5/16″ 10-3/8″ 9-3/4″ 5/16″ 3/16″ 1/16″ 1/8″
7′-0″ 2 @ 31-15/16″

Door
1 3/8 7′-2″ 2 @ 32-15/16″

4-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 29-15/16″
6′-10″ 2 @ 30-15/16″
4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Hinge Frame 7′-0″ 2 @ 31-15/16″
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 32-15/16″
7′-4″ 2 @ 33-15/16″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 10-3/8″ 2 @ 34-15/16″ 9-3/4″ 3/8″ 1/4″ 1/16″ 1/8″
G
7′-8″ 3 @ 23-61/64″
Door
1 3/4 7′-10″ 3 @ 24-5/8″
8′-0″ 3 @ 25-19/64″
9′-0″ 3 @ 29-19/64″
10′-0″ 3 @ 33-19/64″

5″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 29-15/16″
5" x 4 1/2" 6′-10″ 2 @ 30-15/16″
or
5" x 5" Hinge Frame
7′-0″ 2 @ 31-15/16″
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 32-15/16″
7′-4″ 2 @ 33-15/16″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 10-3/8″ 2 @ 34-15/16″ 9-3/4″ 3/8″ 1/4″ 1/16″ 1/8″
G
7′-8″ 3 @ 23-61/64″

Door
1 3/4 7′-10″ 3 @ 24-5/8″
8′-0″ 3 @ 25-19/64″
9′-0″ 3 @ 29-19/64″
10′-0″ 3 @ 33-19/64″

4
SDI 129-24

Deansteel Manufacturing Co.

EC
L Note: Dimensions listed are valid at time of publication. However, manufacturers do
A periodically revise their hinge and strike spacing, therefore, the SDI strongly
Opening
Height recommends that individual manufacturers be contacted to verify dimensions.
D
Hinge
CL Spacing

B
Strike
CL
C

3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Hinge
3-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/8″ Thick Doors
Frame
F A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 61-1/2″
H
J 7′-0″ 40-5/16″ 11-3/4″ 2 @ 32-3/4″ 6-3/4″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G
7′-2″ 2 @ 33-3/4″
1 3/8
Door

4-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 30-1/4″
6′-10″ 2 @ 31-1/4″
4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Hinge Frame 7′-0″ 2 @ 32-1/4″
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 33-1/4″
7′-4″ 2 @ 34-1/4″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 35-1/4″ 7-1/4″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G
7′-8″ 24-1/8″, 24-1/4″, 24-1/8″
Door
1 3/4 7′-10″ 24-7/8″, 24-3/4″, 24-7/8″
8′-0″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
9′-0″ 3 @ 29-1/2″
10′-0″ 3 @ 33-1/2″

5″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 12-1/2″ 2 @ 30″
5" x 4 1/2" 6′-10″ 12-1/2″ 2 @ 31″
12-1/2″
or
5" x 5" Hinge
7′-0″ 2 @ 32″
Frame
F
7′-2″ 12-1/2″ 2 @ 33″
7′-4″ 12-1/2″ 2 @ 34″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 12-1/2″ 2 @ 35″ 7-1/2″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G 7′-8″ 12-1/2″ 3 @ 24″
1 3/4 7′-10″ 12-1/2″ 24-5/8″, 24-3/4″, 24-5/8″
Door
8′-0″ 12-1/2″ 25-3/8″, 25-1/4″, 25-3/8″
9′-0″ 12-9/16″ 3 @ 29-5/16″
10′-0″ 12-9/16″ 3 @ 33-5/16″

5
 SDI 129-24

Door Components Inc.

EC
L Note: Dimensions listed are valid at time of publication. However, manufacturers do
A periodically revise their hinge and strike spacing, therefore, the SDI strongly
Opening
Height recommends that individual manufacturers be contacted to verify dimensions.
D
Hinge
CL Spacing

B
Strike
CL
C

3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Hinge
3-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/8″ Thick Doors
Frame
F A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 29-15/16″
H
J 7′-0″ 40-5/16″ 10-3/8″ 2 @ 31-15/16″ 9-3/4″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G
7′-2″ 2 @ 32-15/16″
1 3/8
Door

4-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 29-15/16″
6′-10″ 2 @ 30-15/16″
4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Hinge Frame 7′-0″ 2 @ 31-15/16″
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 32-15/16″
7′-4″ 2 @ 33-15/16″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 10-3/8″ 2 @ 34-15/16″ 9-3/4″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G
7′-8″ 23-15/16″, 24″, 23-15/16″
Door
1 3/4 7′-10″ 3 @ 24-5/8″
8′-0″ 25-5/16″, 25-1/4″, 25-5/16″
9′-0″ 29-5/16″, 29-1/4″, 29-5/16″
10′-0″ 33-5/16″, 33-1/4″, 33-5/16″

5″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 29-15/16″
5" x 4 1/2" 6′-10″ 2 @ 30-15/16″
or
5" x 5" Hinge 7′-0″ 2 @ 31-15/16″
Frame
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 32-15/16″
7′-4″ 2 @ 33-15/16″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 10-3/8″ 2 @ 34-15/16″ 9-3/4″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G 7′-8″ 23-15/16″, 24″, 23-15/16″
1 3/4 7′-10″ 3 @ 24-5/8″
Door
8′-0″ 25-5/16″, 25-1/4″, 25-5/16″
9′-0″ 29-5/16″, 29-1/4″, 29-5/16″
10′-0″ 33-5/16″, 33-1/4″, 33-5/16″

6
SDI 129-24

Hollow Metal Xpress (HMX)

EC
L Note: Dimensions listed are valid at time of publication. However, manufacturers do
A periodically revise their hinge and strike spacing, therefore, the SDI strongly
Opening
Height recommends that individual manufacturers be contacted to verify dimensions.
D
Hinge
CL Spacing

B
Strike
CL
C

3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Hinge
3-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/8″ Thick Doors
Frame
F A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 30-3/4″
H
J 7′-0″ 40-5/16″ 11-3/4″ 2 @ 32-3/4″ 6-3/4″ 1/4″ 3/16″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G
7′-2″ 2 @ 33-3/4″
1 3/8
Door

4-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 30-1/4″
6′-10″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 31-1/4″
4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Hinge Frame 7′-0″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 32-1/4″
F 7′-2″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 33-1/4″
7′-4″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 34-1/4″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 35-1/4″ 7-1/4″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G
7′-8″ 11-1/4″ 3 @ 24-1/2″
Door
1 3/4 7′-10″ 10-1/4″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
8′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
9′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 29-1/2″
10′-0″ 12-1/4″ 4 @ 25-1/8″

5″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 30-1/4″
5" x 4 1/2" 6′-10″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 31-1/4″
12-1/4″ 2 @ 32-1/4″
or
5" x 5" Hinge
7′-0″
Frame
F
7′-2″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 33-1/4″
7′-4″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 34-1/4″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 35-1/4″ 7-1/4″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G 7′-8″ 11-1/4″ 3 @ 24-1/2″
1 3/4 7′-10″ 10-1/4″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
Door
8′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
9′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 29-1/2″
10′-0″ 12-1/4″ 4 @ 25-1/8″

7
 SDI 129-24

Mesker Door

EC
L Note: Dimensions listed are valid at time of publication. However, manufacturers do
A periodically revise their hinge and strike spacing, therefore, the SDI strongly
Opening
Height recommends that individual manufacturers be contacted to verify dimensions.
D
Hinge
CL Spacing

B
Strike
CL
C

3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Hinge
3-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/8″ Thick Doors
Frame
F A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 30-3/4″
H
J 7′-0″ 40-5/16″ 11-3/4″ 2 @ 32-3/4″ 6-3/4″ 1/4″ 3/16″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G
7′-2″ 2 @ 33-3/4″
1 3/8
Door

4-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 30-1/4″
6′-10″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 31-1/4″
4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Hinge Frame 7′-0″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 32-1/4″
F 7′-2″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 33-1/4″
7′-4″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 34-1/4″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 35-1/4″ 7-1/4″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G
7′-8″ 11-1/4″ 3 @ 24-1/2″
Door
1 3/4 7′-10″ 10-1/4″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
8′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
9′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 29-1/2″
10′-0″ 12-1/4″ 4 @ 25-1/8″

5″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 30-1/4″
5" x 4 1/2" 6′-10″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 31-1/4″
12-1/4″ 2 @ 32-1/4″
or
5" x 5" Hinge
7′-0″
Frame
F
7′-2″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 33-1/4″
7′-4″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 34-1/4″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 35-1/4″ 7-1/4″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G 7′-8″ 11-1/4″ 3 @ 24-1/2″
1 3/4 7′-10″ 10-1/4″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
Door
8′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
9′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 29-1/2″
10′-0″ 12-1/4″ 4 @ 25-1/8″

8
SDI 129-24

MPI

EC
L Note: Dimensions listed are valid at time of publication. However, manufacturers do
A periodically revise their hinge and strike spacing, therefore, the SDI strongly
Opening
Height recommends that individual manufacturers be contacted to verify dimensions.
D
Hinge
CL Spacing

B
Strike
CL
C

3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Hinge
3-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/8″ Thick Doors
Frame
F A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 30-3/4″
H
J 7′-0″ 40-5/16″ 11-3/4″ 2 @ 32-3/4″ 6-3/4″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G
7′-2″ 2 @ 33-3/4″
1 3/8
Door

4-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 30-1/4″
6′-10″ 2 @ 31-1/4″
4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Hinge Frame 7′-0″ 2 @ 32-1/4″
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 33-1/4″
7′-4″ 2 @ 34-1/4″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 35-1/4″ 7-1/4″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G
7′-8″ 2 @ 24-3/16″, 1 @ 24-1/8″
Door
1 3/4 7′-10″ 2 @ 24-13/16″, 1 @ 24-7/8″
8′-0″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
9′-0″ 3 @ 29-1/2″
10′-0″ 3 @ 33-1/2″

5″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 30
5" x 4 1/2" 6′-10″ 2 @ 31
or
5" x 5" Hinge 7′-0″ 2 @ 32
Frame
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 33
7′-4″ 2 @ 34
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 12-1/2″ 2 @ 35 7-1/2″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G 7′-8″ 3 @ 24
1 3/4 7′-10″ 2 @ 24-11/16″, 1 @ 24-5/8″
Door
8′-0″ 2 @ 25-5/16″, 1 @ 25-3/8″
9′-0″ 2 @ 29-5/16″, 1 @ 29-3/8″
10′-0″ 2 @ 33-5/16″, 1 @ 33-3/8″

9
 SDI 129-24

Pioneer Industries, Inc. – Standard

EC
L Note: Dimensions listed are valid at time of publication. However, manufacturers do
A periodically revise their hinge and strike spacing, therefore, the SDI strongly
Opening
Height recommends that individual manufacturers be contacted to verify dimensions.
D
Hinge
CL Spacing

B
Strike
CL
C

3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Hinge
3-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/8″ Thick Doors
Frame
F A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 30-3/4″
H
J 7′-0″ 38″ 11-3/4″ 2 @ 32-3/4″ 6-3/4″ 5/16″ 7/32″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G
7′-2″ 2 @ 33-3/4″
1 3/8
Door

4-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 30-1/4″
6′-10″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 31-1/4″
4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Hinge Frame 7′-0″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 32-1/4″
F 7′-2″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 33-1/4″
7′-4″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 34-1/4″
H
J 7′-6″ 38″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 23-1/2″ 7-1/4″ 5/16″ 7/32″ 3/32″ 3/32″
G
7′-8″ 12-3/16″ 3 @ 24-3/16″
Door
1 3/4 7′-10″ 12-5/16″ 3 @ 24-13/16″
8′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
9′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 29-1/2″
10′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 33-1/2″

5″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 12-1/2″ 2 @ 30″
5" x 4 1/2" 6′-10″ 12-1/2″ 2 @ 31″
or
5" x 5" Hinge 7′-0″ 12-1/2″ 2 @ 32″
Frame
F 7′-2″ 12-1/2″ 2 @ 33″
7′-4″ 12-1/2″ 2 @ 34″
H
J 7′-6″ 38″ 12-9/16″ 3 @ 23-5/16″ 7-1/2″ 5/16″ 7/32″ 3/32″ 3/32″
G 7′-8″ 12-1/2″ 3 @ 24″
1 3/4 7′-10″ 12-5/8″ 3 @ 24-5/8″
Door
8′-0″ 12-9/16″ 3 @ 25-5/16″
9′-0″ 12-9/16″ 3 @ 29-5/16″
10′-0″ 12-9/16″ 3 @ 33-5/16″

10
SDI 129-24

Pioneer Industries, Inc. – S-Series

EC
L Note: Dimensions listed are valid at time of publication. However, manufacturers do
A periodically revise their hinge and strike spacing, therefore, the SDI strongly
Opening
Height recommends that individual manufacturers be contacted to verify dimensions.
D
Hinge
CL Spacing

B
Strike
CL
C

3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Hinge
3-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/8″ Thick Doors
Frame
F A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 29-15/16″
H
J 7′-0″ 40-5/16″ 10-3/8″ 2 @ 31-15/16″ 9-3/4″ 5/16″ 7/32″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G
7′-2″ 2 @ 32-15/16″
1 3/8
Door

4-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 29-15/16″
6′-10″ 2 @ 30-15/16″
4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Hinge Frame 7′-0″ 2 @ 31-15/16″
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 32-15/16″
7′-4″ 2 @ 33-15/16″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 10-3/8″ 2 @ 34-15/16″ 9-3/4″ 5/16″ 7/32″ 3/32″ 3/32″
G
7′-8″ 3 @ 23-61/64″
Door
1 3/4 7′-10″ 3 @ 24-5/8″
8′-0″ 3 @ 25-19/64″
9′-0″ 3 @ 29-19/64″
10′-0″ 3 @ 33-19/64″

5″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 29-15/16″
5" x 4 1/2" 6′-10″ 2 @ 30-15/16″
or
5" x 5" Hinge Frame
7′-0″ 2 @ 31-15/16″
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 32-15/16″
7′-4″ 2 @ 33-15/16″
H 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 10-3/8″ 2 @ 34-15/16″ 9-3/4″ 5/16″ 7/32″ 3/32″ 3/32″
J
G
7′-8″ 3 @ 23-61/64″
Door
1 3/4 7′-10″ 3 @ 24-5/8″
8′-0″ 3 @ 25-19/64″
9′-0″ 3 @ 29-19/64″
10′-0″ 3 @ 33-19/64″

11
 SDI 129-24

Premier Steel Doors & Frames, Inc.

EC
L Note: Dimensions listed are valid at time of publication. However, manufacturers do
A periodically revise their hinge and strike spacing, therefore, the SDI strongly
Opening
Height recommends that individual manufacturers be contacted to verify dimensions.
D
Hinge
CL Spacing

B
Strike
CL
C

3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Hinge
3-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/8″ Thick Doors
Frame
F A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 1 @ 59-7/8″
H
J 7′-0″ 40-5/16″ 10-3/8″ 2 @ 31-15/16″ 9-3/4″ 1/4″ 3/16″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G
7′-2″ 2 @ 32-15/16″
1 3/8
Door

4-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 30-1/4″
6′-10″ 2 @ 31-1/4″
4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Hinge Frame 7′-0″ 2 @ 32-1/4″
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 33-1/4″
7′-4″ 3 @ 22-53/64″
H 40-5/16″ 12-1/4″ 7-1/4″ 3/8″ 1/4″ 1/16″ 1/8″
J 7′-6″ 3 @ 23-1/2″
G
7′-8″ 3 @ 24-11/64″
Door
1 3/4 7′-10″ 3 @ 24-53/64″
8′-0″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
9′-0″ 3 @ 29-1/2″

5″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 30-1/4″
5" x 4 1/2" 6′-10″ 2 @ 31-1/4″
or
5" x 5" Hinge 7′-0″ 2 @ 32-1/4″
Frame
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 33-1/4″
7′-4″ 3 @ 22-53/64″
40-5/16″ 12-1/4″ 7-1/4″ 3/8″ 1/4″ 1/16″ 1/8″
H
J 7′-6″ 3 @ 23-1/2″
G 7′-8″ 3 @ 24-11/64″
1 3/4 7′-10″ 3 @ 24-53/64″
Door
8′-0″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
9′-0″ 3 @ 29-1/2″

12
SDI 129-24

Republic Doors & Frames

EC
L Note: Dimensions listed are valid at time of publication. However, manufacturers do
A periodically revise their hinge and strike spacing, therefore, the SDI strongly
Opening
Height recommends that individual manufacturers be contacted to verify dimensions.
D
CL
Hinge Republic hinge locations effective as of 7/15/2015.
Spacing

B
Strike
CL
C

3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Hinge
3-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/8″ Thick Doors
Frame
F A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 61-1/2″
H
J 6′-8″ 2 @ 30-3/4″
G 40-5/16″ 11-3/4″ 6-3/4″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
7′-0″ 2 @ 32-3/4″

Door
1 3/8 7′-2″ 2 @ 33-3/4″

4-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 30-1/4″
6′-10″ 2 @ 31-1/4″
4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Hinge Frame 7′-0″ 2 @ 32-1/4″
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 33-1/4″
7′-4″ 2 @ 34-1/4″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 35-1/4″ 7-1/4″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G
7′-8″ 3 @ 24-11/64″
Door
1 3/4 7′-10″ 3 @ 24-53/64″
8′-0″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
9′-0″ 3 @ 29-1/2″
10′-0″ 3 @ 33-1/2″

5″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 30″
5" x 4 1/2" 6′-10″ 2 @ 31″
or
5" x 5" Hinge 7′-0″ 2 @ 32″
Frame
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 33″
7′-4″ 2 @ 34″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 12-1/2″ 2 @ 35″ 7-1/2″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G 7′-8″ 3 @ 24″
1 3/4 7′-10″ 3 @ 24-43/64″
Door
8′-0″ 3 @ 25-21/64″
9′-0″ 3 @ 29-21/64″
10′-0″ 3 @ 33-21/64″

13
 SDI 129-24

Steelcraft

EC
L Note: Dimensions listed are valid at time of publication. However, manufacturers do
A periodically revise their hinge and strike spacing, therefore, the SDI strongly
Opening
Height recommends that individual manufacturers be contacted to verify dimensions.
D
Hinge
CL Spacing

B
Strike
CL
C

3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Hinge
3-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/8″ Thick Doors
Frame
F A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 59-7/8″
H
J 6′-8″ 2 @ 29-15/16″
G 40-5/16″ 10-3/8″ 9-3/4″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
7′-0″ 2 @ 31-15/16″

Door
1 3/8 7′-2″ 2 @ 32-15/16″

4-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 29-15/16″
6′-10″ 2 @ 30-15/16″
4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Hinge Frame 7′-0″ 2 @ 31-15/16″
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 32-15/16″
7′-4″ 2 @ 33-15/16″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 10-3/8″ 2 @ 34-15/16″ 9-3/4″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G
7′-8″ 3 @ 23-61/64″
Door
1 3/4 7′-10″ 3 @ 24-5/8″
8′-0″ 3 @ 25-19/64″
9′-0″ 3 @ 29-19/64″
10′-0″ 3 @ 33-19/64″

5″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 29-15/16″
5" x 4 1/2" 6′-10″ 2 @ 30-15/16″
or
5" x 5" Hinge 7′-0″ 2 @ 31-15/16″
Frame
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 32-15/16″
7′-4″ 2 @ 33-15/16″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 10-3/8″ 2 @ 34-15/16″ 9-3/4″ 5/16″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G 7′-8″ 3 @ 23-61/64″
1 3/4 7′-10″ 3 @ 24-5/8″
Door
8′-0″ 3 @ 25-19/64″
9′-0″ 3 @ 29-19/64″
10′-0″ 3 @ 33-19/64″

14
SDI 129-24

Stiles

EC
L Note: Dimensions listed are valid at time of publication. However, manufacturers do
A periodically revise their hinge and strike spacing, therefore, the SDI strongly
Opening
Height recommends that individual manufacturers be contacted to verify dimensions.
D
Hinge
CL Spacing

B
Strike
CL
C

3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Hinge
3-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/8″ Thick Doors
Frame
F A B C D E F G H J
— — — — — — — — —
H
J
G

1 3/8
Door

4-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 30-1/4″
6′-10″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 31-1/4″
4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Hinge Frame 7′-0″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 32-1/4″
F 7′-2″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 33-1/4″
7′-4″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 34-1/4″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 23-1/2″ 7-1/4″ 3/8″ 1/4″ 1/16″ 1/8″
G
7′-8″ 12-3/4″ 3 @ 24″
Door
1 3/4 7′-10″ 11-3/4″ 3 @ 25″
8′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
9′-0″ 12-1/4″ 4 @ 22-1/8″
10′-0″ 12-1/4″ 4 @ 25-1/8″

5″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 12″ 2 @ 30-1/4″
5" x 4 1/2" 6′-10″ 12″ 2 @ 31-1/4″
or
5" x 5" Hinge 7′-0″ 12″ 2 @ 32-1/4″
Frame
F 7′-2″ 12″ 2 @ 33-1/4″
7′-4″ 12″ 2 @ 34-1/4″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 12″ 3 @ 23-1/2″ 7-1/2″ 3/8″ 1/4″ 1/16″ 1/8″
G 7′-8″ 12-1/2″ 3 @ 24″
1 3/4 7′-10″ 11-1/2″ 3 @ 25″
Door
8′-0″ 12″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
9′-0″ 12″ 4 @ 22-1/8″
10′-0″ 12″ 4 @ 25-1/8″

15
 SDI 129-24

The following companies are included for historical purposes only.

The validity of their hinge and strike spacing data cannot be confirmed.

16
SDI 129-24

Benchmark

EC
L Note: Benchmark is no longer a member of the Steel Door Institute. Its hinge and
A strike spacing are included for legacy purposes; the validity of the data cannot
Opening
Height be confirmed.
D
Hinge
CL Spacing

B
Strike
CL
C

3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Hinge
3-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/8″ Thick Doors
Frame
F A B C D E F G H J
— — — — — — — — —
H
J
G

1 3/8
Door

4-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 30-1/4″
6′-10″ 14-1/4″ 2 @ 30-1/4″
4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Hinge 7′-0″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 32-1/4″
Frame
F 7′-2″ 14-1/4″ 2 @ 32-1/4″
7′-4″ 40-5/16″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 34-1/4″ 7-1/4″ 11/32″ 1/4″ 1/8″ 3/32″
H
J 7′-6″ 14-1/4″ 2 @ 34-1/4″
G 7′-8″ 8-1/4″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
1 3/4 7′-10″ 10-1/4″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
Door
8′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 25-1/2″

5″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
— — — — — — — — —
5" x 4 1/2"
or
5" x 5" Hinge Frame
F

H
J
G

1 3/4
Door

17
 SDI 129-24

Black Mountain Door

(Formerly Amweld Building Products)

EC
L Note: Black Mountain Door is no longer a member of the Steel Door Institute. Its
A hinge and strike spacing are included for legacy purposes; the validity of the
Opening
Height data cannot be confirmed.
D
Hinge
CL Spacing

B
Strike
CL
C

3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Hinge
3-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/8″ Thick Doors
Frame
F A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 10-3/8″
H
J 7′-0″ 40-5/16″ 14-3/8″ 59-7/8″ 9-3/4″ 5/16″ 3/16″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G
7′-2″ 16-3/8″
1 3/8
Door

4-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 10-3/8″ 2 @ 29-15/16″
6′-10″ 8-3/8″ 2 @ 31-15/16″
4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Hinge Frame 7′-0″ 10-3/8″ 2 @ 31-15/16″
F 7′-2″ 12-3/8″ 2 @ 31-15/16″
7′-4″ 10-3/8″ 2 @ 33-15/16″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 12-3/8″ 2 @ 33-15/16″ 9-3/4″ 5/16″ 3/16″ 1/16″ 1/8″
G
7′-8″ 10-7/16″ 3 @ 23-15/16″
Door
1 3/4 7′-10″ 8-5/16″ 3 @ 25-5/16″
8′-0″ 10-5/16″ 3 @ 25-5/16″
9′-0″ 8-7/16″ 3 @ 29-15/16″
10′-0″ 11-7/16″ 3 @ 32-15/16″

5″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 10-3/8″ 2 @ 29-15/16″
5" x 4 1/2" 6′-10″ 8-3/8″ 2 @ 31-15/16″
or
5" x 5" Hinge 7′-0″ 10-3/8″ 2 @ 31-15/16″
Frame
F 7′-2″ 12-3/8″ 2 @ 31-15/16″
7′-4″ 10-3/8″ 2 @ 33-15/16″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 12-3/8″ 2 @ 33-15/16″ 9-3/4″ 5/16″ 3/16″ 1/16″ 1/8″
G 7′-8″ 10-7/16″ 3 @ 23-15/16″
1 3/4 7′-10″ 8-5/16″ 3 @ 25-5/16″
Door
8′-0″ 10-5/16″ 3 @ 25-5/16″
9′-0″ 8-7/16″ 3 @ 29-15/16″
10′-0″ 11-7/16″ 3 @ 32-15/16″

18
SDI 129-24

Copco

EC
L Note: Copco is no longer a member of the Steel Door Institute. Its hinge and strike
A spacing are included for legacy purposes; the validity of the data cannot be
Opening
Height confirmed.
D
Hinge
CL Spacing

B
Strike
CL
C

3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Hinge
3-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/8″ Thick Doors
Frame
F A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 29-15/16″
H
J 7′-0″ 40-5/16″ 10-3/8″ 2 @ 31-15/16″ 9-3/4″ 5/16″ 7/32″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G
7′-2″ 2 @ 32-15/16″
1 3/8
Door

4-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 29-15/16″
6′-10″ 2 @ 30-15/16″
4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Hinge Frame 7′-0″ 2 @ 31-15/16″
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 32-15/16″
7′-4″ 40-5/16″ 10-3/8″ 2 @ 33-15/16″ 9-3/4″ 5/16″ 7/32″ 1/32″ 3/32″
H
J 7′-6″ 2 @ 34-15/16″
G
7′-8″ 3 @ 23-19/64″
Door
1 3/4 7′-10″ 3 @ 24-19/64″
8′-0″ 3 @ 25-19/64″

5″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 29-15/16″
5" x 4 1/2" 6′-10″ 2 @ 30-15/16″
or
5" x 5" Hinge Frame 7′-0″ 2 @ 31-15/16″
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 32-15/16″
7′-4″ 40-5/16″ 10-3/8″ 2 @ 33-15/16″ 9-3/4″ 5/16″ 7/32″ 1/32″ 3/32″
H
J 7′-6″ 2 @ 34-15/16″
G
7′-8″ 3 @ 23-19/64″
1 3/4
Door 7′-10″ 3 @ 24-19/64″
8′-0″ 3 @ 25-19/64″

19
 SDI 129-24

Kewanee

EC
L Note: Kewanee is no longer a member of the Steel Door Institute. Its hinge and
A strike spacing are included for legacy purposes; the validity of the data cannot
Opening
Height be confirmed.
D
Hinge
CL Spacing

B
Strike
CL
C

3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Hinge
3-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/8″ Thick Doors
Frame
F A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 60-1/8″
H
J 7′-0″ 40-5/16″ 11-3/4″ 2 @ 32-1/16″ 9-5/8″ 1/4″ 3/16″ 1/8″ 1/16″
G
7′-2″ 2 @ 33-1/16″
1 3/8
Door

4-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 30-1/16″
6′-10″ 2 @ 31-1/16″
4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Hinge Frame 7′-0″ 2 @ 32-1/16″
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 33-1/16″
7′-4″ 40-5/16″ 10-1/4″ 2 @ 34-1/16″ 9-5/8″ 3/8″ 1/4″ 1/16″ 1/8″
H
J 7′-6″ 2 @ 35-1/16″
G
7′-8″ 24-1/16″, 24″, 24-1/16″
Door
1 3/4 7′-10″ 24-11/16″, 24-3/4″, 24-11/16″
8′-0″ 3 @ 25-3/8″

5″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 2 @ 30-1/16″
5" x 4 1/2" 6′-10″ 2 @ 31-1/16″
or
5" x 5" Hinge 7′-0″ 2 @ 32-1/16″
Frame
F 7′-2″ 2 @ 33-1/16″
7′-4″ 40-5/16″ 10-1/4″ 2 @ 34-1/16″ 9-5/8″ 3/8″ 1/4″ 1/16″ 1/8″
H
J 7′-6″ 2 @ 35-1/16″
G 7′-8″ 24-1/16″, 24″, 24-1/16″
1 3/4 7′-10″ 24-11/16″, 24-3/4″, 24-11/16″
Door
8′-0″ 3 @ 25-3/8″

20
SDI 129-24

Security Metal Products

EC
L Note: Security Metal Products is no longer a member of the Steel Door Institute.
A Its hinge and strike spacing are included for legacy purposes; the validity of
Opening
Height the data cannot be confirmed.
D
Hinge
CL Spacing

B
Strike
CL
C

3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Hinge
3-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/8″ Thick Doors
Frame
F A B C D E F G H J

H
— — — — — — — — —
J
G

1 3/8
Door

4-1/2″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 30-1/4″
6′-10″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 31-1/4″
4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Hinge Frame 7′-0″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 32-1/4″
F 7′-2″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 33-1/4″
7′-4″ 12-1/4″ 2 @ 34-1/4″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 10-1/4″ 2 @ 36-1/4″ 7-1/4″ 3/8″ 1/4″ 1/16″ 1/8″
G
7′-8″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 24-11/64″
Door
1 3/4 7′-10″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 24-53/64″
8′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 25-1/2″
9′-0″ 10-1/4″ 3 @ 30-5/32″
10′-0″ 12-1/4″ 3 @ 33-1/2″

5″ Hinge & Strike Comparison for 1-3/4″ Thick Doors

A B C D E F G H J
6′-8″ 12-1/2″ 2 @ 30″
5" x 4 1/2" 6′-10″ 12-1/2″ 2 @ 31″
12-1/2″
or
5" x 5" Hinge
7′-0″ 2 @ 32″
Frame
F
7′-2″ 12-1/2″ 2 @ 33″
7′-4″ 12-1/2″ 2 @ 34″
H
J 7′-6″ 40-5/16″ 10-1/2″ 2 @ 36″ 7-1/2″ 3/8″ 1/4″ 1/16″ 1/8″
G 7′-8″ 12-1/2″ 3 @ 24″
1 3/4 7′-10″ 12-1/2″ 3 @ 24-43/64″
Door
8′-0″ 12-1/2″ 3 @ 25-21/64″
9′-0″ 10-1/2″ 3 @ 30″
10′-0″ 12-1/2″ 3 @ 33-21/64″

21
This page left intentionally blank.

22
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
130 - 19

Electronic Hinge
Preparations

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
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 SDI 130-19

Electronic Hinge Preparations

1 Purpose
It is the intention of this document to furnish users of standard steel frames with practical information regarding an
acceptable method for preparing frames for 4-1/2″, 5″ or continuous electric hinges. This document will allow frame
manufacturers to provide frames prior to having knowledge of the specific electric hinge being used.

2 Scope
The information contained herein pertains to frames manufactured in accordance with ANSI/SDI A250.8. The
preparation as defined herein will accommodate the majority of electric hinges sold. It is the responsibility of the
hardware specifier to assure compatible hinges are used.

3 Reference Documents
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcings on Standard Steel Doors and Frames
ANSI/SDI A250.8 SDI 100 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors & Frames
ANSI/BHMA A156.7 Template Hinge Dimensions
ANSI/BHMA A156.115 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames

4 Tolerances
All values which do not carry specific tolerances or are not marked maximum or minimum shall have the follow-
ing tolerances: Linear dimensions shall be ± 1/16 in. (1.6 mm). Weight or force shall be ± 2%. Angles shall be ± 2
degrees. Where only minus tolerances are given, the dimensions are permitted to be exceeded at the option of
the manufacturers.

5 Location
The preparation for electric hinges is intended to be non-load bearing. Therefore it shall be located in the center
hinge preparation on frames with 1-1/2 pair of hinges, and on the second hinge from the bottom on frames with
2 pair of hinges.

6 Hinge Reinforcement
The hinge reinforcement shall comply with ANSI/SDI A250.6 and ANSI/SDI A250.8, and shall incorporate cutouts
as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4.

7 Junction Box
A junction box may be provided to facilitate wiring and connector installation. In addition, a hole shall be provided
at the top and bottom of the junction box to facilitate conduit (see Figure 4). It is the responsibility of the electrical
contractor to plug any unused holes.

1
SDI 130-19

Note 1: The hinge backset on the door varies by hollow metal door manufactures from 3/16″ to 1/4″
Note 2: The hinge backset on the frame varies by hollow metal frame manufactures from 5/16″ to 3/8″
Note 3: Extra holes may occur in the reinforcement for tooling and installation fixturing.
Note 4: Some manufacturers offer a removable feature (e.g. - wire, shim, standoff projection) to allow conver-
sion of a standard weight preparation for use with heavy weight hinge butt.
Note 5: The most common mortise depths are in accordance with ANSI/BHMA A156.1 as follows:
Standard Weight butt 0.146″
Heavy weight butt 0.190″

Figure 1 – Preparation of 1 3/4″ Steel Doors & Frames for 5″ Full Mortise Electric Hinge

2
 SDI 130-19

Note 1: The hinge backset on the door varies by hollow metal door manufactures from 3/16″ to 1/4″
Note 2: The hinge backset on the frame varies by hollow metal frame manufactures from 5/16″ to 3/8″
Note 3: Extra holes may occur in the reinforcement for tooling and installation fixturing.
Note 4: Some manufacturers offer a removable feature (e.g. - wire, shim, standoff projection) to allow conver-
sion of a standard weight preparation for use with heavy weight hinge butt.
Note 5: The most common mortise depths are in accordance with ANSI/BHMA A156.1 as follows:
Standard Weight butt 0.134″
Heavy weight butt 0.180″

Figure 2 – Preparation of 1 3/4″ Steel Doors & Frames for 4 1/2″ Full Mortise Electric Hinge

3
SDI 130-19

Note 1: The hinge backset on the door varies by hollow metal door manufactures from 3/16″ to 1/4″ when hinge
filler is in place.
Note 2: The hinge backset on the frame varies by hollow metal frame manufactures from 5/16″ to 3/8″
Note 3: Extra holes may occur in the reinforcement for tooling and installation fixturing.
Note 4: Some manufacturers offer a removable feature (e.g. - wire, shim, standoff projection) to allow conver-
sion of a standard weight preparation for use with heavy weight hinge butt.
Note 5: The most common mortise depths are in accordance with ANSI/BHMA A156.1 as follows:
Standard Weight butt 0.134″
Heavy weight butt 0.180″

Figure 3 – Preparation of 1 3/4″ Steel Doors & Frames for 4 1/2″ Full Mortise Electric Hinge Non-handed

4
 SDI 130-19

Figure 4 – Electrified Continuous Hinge Preparation on Standard Steel Frame

5
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
131 - 24

Accelerated Physical Endurance

Test Procedure for Steel Doors

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2024 Steel Door Institute
 SDI 131-24

Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors

1 Purpose 4 Preparation for Test

The purpose of this test procedure is to provide The door shall be hung in the frame on hinges
manufacturers with an accelerated method of conforming to the most current edition of ANSI/
testing the performance of doors. BHMA A156.7, Template Hinge Dimensions. The
hinges and their locations shall be noted on Form
This test procedure will provide performance data
1 of the report.
for comparative purposes and is not intended
to simulate field operating conditions. This test Care shall be taken to ensure the hinges are
subjects the product to more severe conditions properly attached to the door and frame, and
than those experienced in normal field operation. any required hinge fillers are in place. The initial
clearances between the door and frame shall be
2 Reference Documents recorded as part of the performance test report.
Silencers, weather strip or gasketing shall be
ANSI/BHMA A156.7-2022, Template Hinge Di- installed on the frame, and the stop face of the
mensions door shall contact them.
ANSI/SDI A250.4-2022, Test Procedure and Ac-
ceptance Criteria for – Physical Endurance for 5 Test Specimen
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors The test shall be performed on a 3'0" wide x
7'0" high nominal size door; although, other sizes
3 Apparatus and Equipment are permitted to be evaluated at the discretion
The testing structure shall be constructed as of the sponsor.
shown in Figures 1 and 2. The structure shall A detailed description of the door construction
conform to the parts shown, except the opening shall be recorded as part of the test report.
width and height are permitted to vary, allowing This information shall cover all components as
the testing of various door sizes. well as applicable processes (such as welding,
The cycling mechanism shall be positioned so that bonding, etc.) used for attaching and connecting
the connecting arm is perpendicular to the stop components.
face of the door. It shall have a threaded swivel
connector that is attached to the door through 6 Cycle Test
the lock preparation or by means of a bracket The duration of the test shall be 250,000 cycles
mounted directly to the door face at the vertical for Level C; 500,000 cycles for Level B; 1,000,000
and horizontal location of the lock preparation. cycles for Level A; or longer, if specified by the
The cycling mechanism shall have an operating test sponsor. A general inspection of the door
stroke so that the door lock edge will be opened shall be made at 25,000 cycle intervals for the
not less than 4 inches from the frame stop and first 100,000 cycles and at 50,000 cycles there-
then returned to the closed position. The mini- after until the completion of the required number
mum cycle rate shall be one cycle per second. of cycles. The general inspection shall cover all
A mechanical or electronic counter shall be used components readily accessible, such as face
to record the cycles. skins, exposed hinge and/or lock edges, head

1
SDI 131-24

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Figure 1 – Cycle Test Detail

and sill closures, flush-closing channels, hinge fixture (if a separate fixture is used) and clamped
reinforcements, etc. Additionally, the inspection in place as shown in ANSI/SDI A250.4.
shall cover the welding, bonding, staking, me-
If the same fixture is used for both the cycle test
chanical interlocking, etc., used to connect the and twist test, the hinge pins shall be removed
various door components. and the door clamped in place as shown in ANSI/
The results shall be recorded on a standard per- SDI A250.4.
formance report “Door Test Form 1.” Loads in 30-pound increments shall be applied
When an independent individual or organization at the upper or lower lock edge corner through
is employed to certify the overall performance the screw jack and force gauge in an area as
of the door design, they shall validate the initial, described in ANSI/SDI A250.4. The deflection
mid-point, and final observations. noted on the dial indicator shall be plotted against
the load applied to the corner. A maximum 300
7 Twist Test pounds pressure shall be applied. The pressure
shall then be reduced in 30-pound increments
The deterioration of the door strength during and the deflection recorded on the inspection
the cycle test, if any, shall be checked through interval form. A smooth curve drawn through the
a series of twist tests. These tests shall be per- points shall graphically demonstrate the reaction
formed before the cycle test begins and at 25,000 of the door. Use “Performance Report – Door Test
cycle intervals for the first 100,000 cycles and at Form 2” to graphically represent the deflections.
50,000 cycle intervals for the balance of the test.
Measurements for deflections shall be taken
At the recorded intervals, the hinge pins shall be one minute or less after the force has been
removed and the door moved to the twist test stabilized.

2
 SDI 131-24

At the completion of each twist test, and prior 8.4 Doors of stile and panel or stile and rail
to the continuance of the cycle test, the hinges construction shall not be misaligned.
shall be inspected and lubricated or replaced,
8.5 Where visible seams are inherent in the door
if necessary.
design, no opening or spreading shall occur.
8 Acceptance Criteria 8.6 As a result of the twist test, the maximum
deflection shall not exceed 2- 1/2 " when loaded
8.1 Doors shall not show any visible signs of
to 300 lb for Level C doors. For Level B and A
metal fatigue cracking, or deformation on the
doors, the maximum deflection shall not exceed
edges or the door face.
1- 1/4 " when loaded to 300 lb.
8.2 Doors of either laminated or welded construc-
8.7 Permanent deflection measured within
tion shall not delaminate or have weld breakage in
5-minutes after the force is removed shall not
excess of 10% of total bonded or welded surface.
exceed 1/8 ".
8.3 Top, bottom, and/or edge channels, if ap-
plicable, must remain securely in place, with no
signs of weld or bond breakage.

2 ¼" max
2 ¼" max

Screw
jack*

Force
gauge* Remove hinge
pins Pressure pad
between force gauge
Test frame and door, 2 ½" dia.

Long range Lever operated

dial indicator toggle clamps at
adjacent corners * Screw jack and force gauge can
be mounted at upper or lower lock
edge corner.

Note: Twist test to be made at beginning

and end of cycle test.

Figure 2 – Twist Test Detail

3
4
Performance Report – Cycle Test Form No. 1

Door Manufacturer: Door Model: Hinge Manufacturer:

SDI 131-24

Weight of Door: Door Size: Hinge Model:

Test No.: Start Test Date: Finish Test Date:

Inspection Intervals – (000)

25 50 75 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 950 1000

Edge Condition

Top

Intermediate

Hinge
Preparations
Bottom

Top Closer Condition

Bottom Closer Condition

Condition of Core

Condition of Panels

“S” indicates satisfactory performance. Use footnotes under remarks for any further explanations.

Remarks:
 Performance Report — Twist Test Form No. 2

Test No: Date:

Door Manufacturer: Door Model:
Door Size: Weight of Door:

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

Deflection – Inches
1.0

0.5

0.0
0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270 300 270 240 210 180 150 120 90 60 30 0
Applied Load – LBF

5
SDI 131-24
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
133 - 22

Guideline for Specifying

Steel Doors and Frames
for Blast Resistance

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145

¥
22
4UFFM
%PPS
*OTUJUVUF
 SDI 133-2022

Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors and Frames for Blast Resistance

1 Introduction 2.3 Positive Phase Impulse: The area under the

curve formed by the integral of blast pressure
Blast-resistant hardening, or the structural
(Pmax) vs. time (Td).
strengthening of buildings, is one measure an
owner may employ to minimize the risk to people 2.4 Charge Weight: The equivalent explosive
and equipment from the hazards of accidental or weight (lbs or kg) of TNT in the blast event.
intentional explosions. Many architects are finding Different agencies have specific requirements for
it necessary to include blast-resistant products in charge weight to be used. See agency specific
new and existing construction. These products do criteria for DoD, VA, GSA, and DOS to determine
not fall under any building code, but are required required charge weight and in some cases, the
by a number of government agencies such as required standoff distance.
the Department of Defense (DoD), Veterans Af- 2.5 Duration: The amount of time it takes the
fairs (VA), Department of State (DOS), and the peak pressure to decay to ambient conditions
General Services Administration (GSA). They are (or zero), typically specified in milliseconds (ms).
backed by analysis or 3 rd party test data (from an
accredited lab) to show their performance level 2.6 Rebound: Load acting in the opposite
under blast load conditions. This document will direction of the initial blast load that may be a
serve as a guide to identify the proper criteria, result of negative phase pressure loading and
system response, and is typically expressed as
and to give brief explanations of each criterion.
a percentage of the initial peak blast pressure.
Additional requirements, fire rating, swing, etc.
are not covered. 2.7 Stand-off Distance: The distance from the
centroid of the explosive device to the specified
2 Definitions opening or structure.
2.1 Blast Resistant Product: Assembly comprised 2.8 Seated/Unseated: The orientation of the door
of a door (or pair of doors) and a frame with in the frame, in relation to the blast origin.
hardware, or a glazing system that is rated to resist
a specified blast peak pressure and impulse to a
required performance level. Higher level doors and
frames are typically sold and shipped as one unit
in order to be certified by the manufacturer that
it will meet the projected blast and performance
requirements. Seated Unseated
2.2 Blast Pressure: The maximum pressure to
2.9 Blast Product Response & Damage Category
be exerted on the assembly by the blast event,
(Also referred to as Level of Protection in the
typically specified as peak-reflected pressure.
Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC)): The amount
of structural damage (permanent deformation)
present after the blast event. With respect to
max

a door and frame unit, the operability of the

p

Impulse door, and whether or not the door and/or frame

become detached and present a debris hazard.
Pressure

With respect to a glazing system, whether or not

the glazing fractures, and if it presents a flying
t
d
debris hazard. There are multiple standard test
Time methods written that outline test procedures to
follow to show how a blast-resistant unit will react
Blast Wave (Idealized) in a blast event.

1
SDI 133-2022

Blast Product Response & Damage Categories

UFC 4-010-01 2018 – Levels of Protection

Below AT Standards Severe damage and/or collapse of structure

Very Low Heavy structural damage

Low Moderate damage, unable to be repaired economically

Medium Minor damage, able to be repaired economically

High Minimal damage, no permanent deformation

ASTM F2247-18 – Response Categories

Category I No permanent deformation to the specimen is present, and the door is fully operable.

Category II Measurable permanent deformation is present, but the door is operable.

Category III Non-catastrophic failure, however the unit is inoperable. For unseated loads, the latching
mechanism is permitted to fail, allowing the door to swing open, but the door remains sup-
ported by the hinges.
Category IV The unit is severely deformed and may become detached from the hinges; however the door
will not become a flying debris hazard.

ASTM F2912-17 – Hazard Ratings

No Break (H1) No fractures are present in the glazing, and no damage is visible to the unit.

No Hazard (H1) The glazing has fractured, but no breakage has occurred (no debris).

Minimal Hazard (H2) The glazing has fractured, and minimal fragments are present on the floor near the interior
face of the glazing system (between 0 and 40 inches).
Very Low Hazard The glazing has fractured and noticeable fragments are present on the floor near the interior
face of the glazing system (between 40 and 120 inches). The total fragment weight cannot
(H3) exceed 15 grams.
Low Hazard (H4) The glazing has fractured, and fragments have fallen between 40 and 120 inches from the
specimen. The witness panel, which is 120 inches away, has 25 or less perforations below 20
inches above the floor, and 10 or less perforations above 20 inches above the floor. 5 or less
perforations may fully penetrate the full layered witness panel.
Moderate Hazard The glazing has fractured, and fragments have fallen between 40 and 120 inches from the
specimen. The witness panel has numerous perforations below the 20 inch mark above the
(H5) floor, and 25 or less perforations above the 20 inch mark. 5 or less perforations may fully
penetrate the full layered witness panel.
High Hazard The glazing has fractured and the witness panel, which is 120 inches away, has more than 25
perforations higher than the 20 inch mark above the floor. There are more than 5 perforations
that fully penetrate the full layered witness panel.

ASTM F2927-21 – Door Response Damage Categories

Category I The door specimen is unchanged and fully operable.

Category II The unit has acceptable permanent deformation but is still operable.

Category III / S The door remains secure during and after the loading event. The door may get lodged in the
frame, and cannot be opened or passed through by a person without the use of tools, from
the threat side.
Category III / U The door does not remain secure after the loading event. The door can be opened or passed
through without the use of the supplied hardware, and without the use of tools. The door can
swing open during rebound, but remains attached to the frame at the hinges.
Category IV The door can become separated from the frame and cause a flying debris hazard, or the door
and frame unit may separate from the wall and cause a debris hazard. The flying debris will
not go further than 3 meters.
Category V The door or the door and frame unit together become dislodged and cause a flying debris
hazard that will go further than 3 meters.

2
 SDI 133-2022

2.9.1 Paraphrased response and damage 3.5 GSA-TS01-2003 – Standard Test Method for
categories are given on page 2 to highlight the Glazing and Window Systems Subject to Dy-
differences in test methods and design criteria. For namic Overpressure Loadings – The sole test
the full verbiage, please reference the specified protocol by which blast resistant windows and
test methods and standards organization. related hazard mitigation technology and products
shall be evaluated for facilities under the control
3 Blast Standard Test Methods and De- and responsibility of the US General Services
sign Criteria Administration.
3.1 ASTM F2247-18 – Standard Test Method for 3.6 ASCE 2010, 2 nd edition – Design of Blast
Metal Doors Used in Blast Resistant Applica- Resistant Buildings in Petrochemical Facilities
tions (Equivalent Static Load Method) – Deter-
3.7 PIP STC01018-2014 – Blast Resistant Build-
mines ultimate static capacity. Requires further
ing Design Criteria
evaluation to relate to explosive charges or other
dynamic loads 3.8 UFC 4-010-01 2018 – Department of Defense
Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings
3.2 ASTM F2927-21 – Standard Test Method
– The intent is to minimize mass casualties in
for Door Systems Subject to Airblast Loadings
buildings or portions of buildings owned, leased,
– Used to determine blast capacity for a shock
privatized, or otherwise occupied, managed, or
wave created by live explosives or a shock tube.
controlled by or for DoD in the event of a terror-
3.3 ASTM F2912-17 – Standard Specification for ist attack.
Glazing and Glazing Systems Subject to Airblast
Loadings – Used to determine blast capacity from
a shock wave or explosion
3.4 ASTM F1642-17 – Standard Test Method for
Glazing and Glazing Systems Subject to Airblast
Loadings – The data obtained from this test
method is used in ASTM F2912 to determine a
hazard rating.

Blast Requirements to be provided Sample Criteria Sample Criteria

(Except DoD Projects) (Door) (Window)
Product Size (Scheduled Opening) 3´-0˝ x 7´-0˝ Door & Frame Assembly 4´-0˝ x 4´-0˝ Window
Peak Reflected Pressure, Duration, & Rebound 4psi, 100ms, 50% Rebound 2psi, 200ms
Door Configuration (Seated/Unseated) Seated in Frame —
Wall Conditions Welded to Steel Subframe Anchored to Wall
Category Response II Very Low Hazard (H3)
per ASTM F2912-17
Applicable Blast Test Standard ASTM F2927-21 ASTM F1642-17
Glazing Requirements/Thickness No Vision Light Required TBD by Manufacturer

Blast Requirements to be provided Sample Criteria

(DoD Projects) (Door)
Product Size 3´-0˝ x 7´-0˝
Charge Weight II
Stand-off Distance 250 ft
Level of Protection Medium
UFC Revision, Revision Date, and Change Date UFC 4-010-01, 12 December 2018
(If Applicable)

3
 Sample Blast Quote Request Form
Blast Resistant Door – Request for Quote

4
Door Blast Requirements ➍ Frame ➎ Hwr ➏
Opening Door UL 10c Seated or Peak Reflected, Impulse Duration % Response Jamb Wall Lock
➊ Type Fire Unseated Load Side-on (psi-ms) (ms) Rebound Category Width Type (C, Type
Qty Swing Width Height Material Rating (psi) or Free- Response M, or S)
SDI 133-2022

➋ ➌ Field

1
2
3
4
5
Interior – Secure Area Material: The doors material type (CR-Cold
Rolled, GV-Galvanized, or SS-Stainless Steel)
(Note: Stainless Steel doors may have mild steel internal
➊ RH LH RHR LHR Width Height reinforcements. Glavannealed doors may have cold-
Exterior – Public Area (Key side of door) rolled or mild steel internal reinforcements)
Door Swing Hinges: Heavy Duty S.S. Hinges 32D
Glazing will be specified as necessary to meet the blast require-
ments. Please specify if the glazing is to be supplied by the Manu-
➋ facturer or if you, the customer, will provide the glazing

(F) Flush (V) Vision (N) Narrow Light (G) Half Glass (FG) Full Glass Glass by Manufacturer Glass provided by customer

➌ Fire Rating – Opening is required to withstand a fire for 1/3, 3/4, 1-1/2 or 3-hour rating.
Peak Load – Peak blast Rebound Response – Represents the expected psi Category:
pressure expressed in psi. capacity the door will be required to withstand in the op- I No permanent damage
Peak Load stated above is posite direction of the blast in percent form. II Permanent damage to the panel, but
Peak Reflected Pressure 0% No rebound response required. the door remains operable
Seated Unseated unless noted otherwise 50% Rebound response is capa- III The door panel is damaged & inoper-
Seated or Unseated is whether Duration – Blast duration in ble of 50% of the specified able, and the latch may fail, allowing
➍ door will blast towards the door milliseconds. blast load (psi) the door to swing open in rebound
stop or away from the door stop, Impulse – Impulse is a function 100% Rebound response capacity IV Door panel is severely deformed with
please choose one. of Peak Load and Duration. It is equal to blast load. openings between the door and frame.
is only necessary to provide Note: Rebound is not applicable for an unseated blast Under dynamic load, the door may
either impulse or duration load or static loading. separate from the frame, and/or the
frame anchorage may fail.
Jamb width – Overall width of the frame section profile (depth) Contact Person:
➎ Wall type – Wall condition the frame will be anchored to (Concrete, Masonry or Structural Steel [Tube steel]) Title:

Lock Type – Mortise Panic Device (MP) or Mortise Lock (ML) – Stainless Steel Finish Company:
➏
Test Method: Project Name: Phone:
Revision: Project Location: E-mail:
Project Mgr: Fax:
Contact Phone: Date:
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
134 - 20

GLOSSARY OF TERMS
FOR HOLLOW METAL
DOORS AND FRAMES

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
©© 2019
2020 Steel
Steel Door
Door Institute
Institute
Technical Data Series SDI 134-2020

Glossary of Terms
for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames

Definitions of terms commonly used in connection with Hollow Metal Work, defined as they apply
specifically to hollow metal, may be defined differently by other industries.
The following glossary is adapted with permission from the Hollow Metal Manufacturers Associa-
tion’s HMMA 801-12.

ACTIVE DOOR (ACTIVE LEAF): In a pair of doors, the door or doors in

which the latching device is installed.

ACTUAL DOOR SIZE: The largest measured width by height of the

door leaf as manufactured. Equal to the nominal door size minus design
clearance. Also referred to as Net Door Size.

ADJUSTABLE BASE ANCHOR: See ADJUSTABLE FLOOR ANCHOR.

ADJUSTABLE FRAME: A frame with profile in two or more pieces to

accommodate various wall thickness. Also referred to as an expandable
frame or split frame.

ANCHOR: A metal device provided inside of a jamb, head, sill or mullion

used to secure the frame to the adjacent structure, such as wall, ceiling
or floor. Also referred to as jamb anchor, wall anchor, floor anchor, etc.
See listing;

ADJUSTABLE FLOOR: A metal device used to secure a frame

to floor at base which allows the jamb to be positioned at a
location in height above floor. Typically used at a depressed slab
or unlevel floor condition. Also referred to as Adjustable Base
Anchor.

STEEL STUD WOOD STUD

COMPRESSION: An adjustable metal device, used to secure,

adjust and square a slip on frame.

1
SDI 134-2020

EXISTING WALL: A hole preparation, generally in the soffit of

a frame member, with internal reinforcing and/or guide for an
expansion bolt, machine bolt, or screw. Used to secure the frame
to an existing opening.

FIXED FLOOR: A metal device attached to the bottom of the

frame to secure a frame to the floor. Also referred to as Base
Anchor or Sill Anchor.

MASONRY STRAP & STIRRUP: A fixed metal device

used to secure the frame to new masonry walls.

MASONRY “T”-SHAPED: A loose metal device used to secure

the frame to new masonry walls.

MASONRY WIRE: A loose metal device used to

secure the frame to new masonry walls.

MULLION: A metal clip or angle in either 1 or 2 pieces, secured

to the floor in which mullion is then positioned over.

POURED IN PLACE: A metal device used to secure a frame to

new concrete pour in place wall.

2
 SDI 134-2020

SILL: A metal channel secured to the floor in which the sill

section of a hollow metal frame is positioned over.

STEEL STUD: A metal device secured in

a frame to be used for attachment to a wall
built with steel studs.

WOOD STUD: A metal device secured in a frame to be used for

attachment in a wall built with wood studs.

APPLIED STOP: A separate surface mounted channel, typically used on

a cased opening section. Creates a rabbeted frame profile.

APPLIED TRIM: A decorative piece mounted to the face of a frame or

door.

ARMOR PLATE: A plate that can be of various materials and

thicknesses applied to a door and /or frame externally, and can extend
to the full height and width of the door. Not to be confused with ballistic
resistance armor.

3
SDI 134-2020

ASTRAGAL: A component or combination of components applied to;

(a) a single door; (b) one or both doors of a pair at their meeting stiles
to cover the door edge clearance; (c) the bottom edge of the flush
transom panel; or ( d) the bottom of the top leaf of a dutch door. The
Astragal closes the clearance gap for the purpose of ensuring privacy;
minimizes the passage of light; retard the passage of air, sound, smoke
or flame; and provides additional security. Provided by the hollow metal
manufacturer, or the hardware supplier.

FLAT SURFACE: A one-piece steel strip attached to one door

and overlapping the other door when in the closed position.

INTEGRAL: Either face of a door in a pair, formed at its lock

edge to overlap the adjacent leaf.

WRAP AROUND: A formed piece of steel attached to one leaf

of a pair, and overlapping the other door when in the closed
position.

RETURN

BACKBEND: The element of the frame profile which extends from the
return and is formed parallel to the wall, inside the throat. Also referred BACKBEND

to as second return, double return or drywall return. See FRAME

ELEMENTS for additional details.

BACKSET: The distance from a cutout or datum line for a hardware

preparation from a defined datumn a door or frame.

CL
FLUSH BOLT: The distance from the centerline of the lock edge
of a door to the centerline of the bolt. Shown on beveled edge
door. CL

HINGE: On a door, the distance from the push side face sheet
to the edge of the hinge cutout. On a frame rabbet, the distance
from the stop to the edge of the hinge cutout.

4
 SDI 134-2020

LOCK: The distance from the centerline of the lock edge of a

door to the centerline of the lock face prep. Shown on beveled
edge door.

STRIKE: On a frame rabbet, the distance from the stop to the

edge of the strike cutout. On the door edge, the distance from
the push side face sheet to the edge of the strike cutout.

BASE: See SILL.

BASE ANCHOR: See ANCHOR.

BASE ANCHOR EXTENSION: See FLOOR ANCHOR EXTENSION.

BELOW FLOOR: Below the top of the concrete or structural slab. See
also Jamb Extension.

BEVELED EDGE: See EDGE, BEVELED.

BLANK JAMB: See JAMB.

BLAST RESISTANT: Refers to a hollow metal assembly designed

and manufactured to resist a specified series of impulse pressures of
designated magnitude in pounds-force (Newtons).

BORROWED LIGHT: A glazed opening frame installed in an interior

partition prepared for field installation of stationary (fixed) glazing.
Mullions may be used to divide individual glazed areas. Similar to
WINDOW.

BOTTOM CHANNEL: The horizontal stiffener channel secured into the

bottom of a door. Also referred to as end channel.

5
SDI 134-2020

BULL-NOSE: See EDGE, BULL-NOSE.

BULL-NOSE TRIM: A radius shaped component applied to the vertical

door edge. A typical application would be on double acting doors.

BULLET RESISTANT: A hollow metal assembly designed and

manufactured to resist penetration by fire arms projectiles.

BUTT JOINT: Intersection of members, which are not mitered.

BUTTED FRAME: A frame which fits against a wall rather than wrap
around it.

CAMLIFT HINGE: A hinge designed and manufactured to provide lifting

of the door to a specific height as it is opened through a specific degree
of opening. Commonly used on sound retardant door.

CASED OPENING FRAME: A frame without a stop and soffit. See

FRAME PROFILE for detail.

CEILING STRUT: An adjustable member extending vertically from frame

to a rigid support above to hold the frame in place.

CENTER RAIL: See RAIL. ALT. PIPE SLEEVE

CLASSIFIED: “Products or material of a specific group category that

are constructed, inspected, tested and subsequently reinspected in
accordance with an established set of requirements.” (Taken directly from
NFPA 80.)

CLEARANCE: A term used to define a distance between two items.

FLOOR: The distance between the bottom of the door and

the top of the material directly below the door. This varies with
applications, such as concrete, any floor covering and/or a
threshold. (For additional information, see HMMA TechNote
HMMA 810-TN01-03,“Defining Undercuts”.)

6
 SDI 134-2020

DESIGN: The distance around a door established by the

manufacturer, used to determine the Actual Door Size.

DOOR EDGE: The distance between either the edge of

the door and frame rabbet, or the edges of two doors of a
pair.

FRAME INSTALLATION, BUTTING WALL: The distance

between a frame and the wall construction where the frames
butts against the wall.

FRAME INSTALLATION, OVERLAPPING WALL: The distance

between the frame return or backbend to accommodate
irregularities in the thickness in the wall, when the frame is
capping the wall.

STOP: The distance between the frame stop and the face of the
door when the door is in the closed position. Typically equal to
the thickness of the silencer.

CLOSED SECTION: A frame member without a throat opening such as a

mullion or transom bar.

CLOSER REINFORCEMENT: A metal plate or channel in a door or

frame to provide additional strength for the attachment of a door closer.
Sized and located to accommodate hardware requirements.

PARALLEL ARM: Reinforcing in soffit of frame header or

transom mullion.

7
SDI 134-2020

TOP JAMB MOUNT: Reinforcing in push side face of

frame header, transom mullion, or panel.

REGULAR ARM: Reinforcing in pull side face of frame header,

transom mullion, or panel.

SLEEVE: Reinforcing inside frame header conforming to soffit,

rabbet, stop, and face.

CLOSURE CHANNEL: An additional channel section fitted between the

flanges of the top or bottom channel of a door, with its flanges projecting
inward and its web in line with the door edge.

COMMERCIAL HOLLOW METAL: Steel door and frame products

manufactured for use in office buildings, schools, hospitals, stores and
other applications. (See ANSI/NAAMM HMMA 861 Guide Specification.)

COMMERCIAL SECURITY HOLLOW METAL: Steel door and frame

products designed, tested and manufactured to resist intrusion or forced
entry in commercial applications. (See ANSI/NAAMM HMMA 862 Guide
Specification.)

COMMUNICATING FRAME: Hollow metal frame fabricated such that a

door is installed in each rabbet of a double rabbetted frame (2 doors total)
to facilitate dual access and control of the opening, i.e. hotel/motel suites,
and acoustical applications.

COMPOSITE DOOR: A door consisting of a nonmetal core bonded to a

metal facing.

CONTINUOUS WELD: See WELD.

CONTINUOUSLY WELDED: See WELDED.

CONTRA-SWING FRAME: A frame with two doors swinging in

opposite direction incorporating a fixed or removable hollow metal
mullion between the doors.

8
 SDI 134-2020

CORE: The material(s) of a hollow metal door or panel.

CORNER CLIP: See REINFORCING GUSSET.

CORNER JOINT: The intersection of either the perimeter members of a

metal frame product or glass stops.

CORNER GUSSET: See REINFORCING GUSSET.

90°

CORNER POST, (CORNER MULLION): A closed section, which

facilitates a turn in the hollow metal frame assembly. The angle of the turn
may vary, although 45 degree and 90 degree turns are common.

COVER PLATE: A removable piece of metal used to cover the hardware

preparation or provide access to the interior of door or frame.

CUT-OFF STOP: The stops and soffit on a jamb or mullion at a door

opening that are terminated at a specified distance above the floor, and
are closed square or at an angle. To facilitate cleaning the floor. Also
referred to as Hospital Stops, Sanitary Base or Terminated Stop.

CUTOUT: A hole in the hollow metal door or frame to accommodate

hardware, light kits, louvers or other options.

DESIGN CLEARANCE: See CLEARANCE.

DETENTION SECURITY HOLLOW METAL: A steel door and frame

assembly designed, tested, and manufactured for the containment of
individuals to designated areas within detention or correctional facilities.
(See also ANSI/NAAMM HMMA 863 Guide Specifications.)

DOOR CLEARANCE: See CLEARANCE.

DOOR EDGE: The vertical surfaces of the door.

HINGE: The vertical edge of a door to which hinges or pivots are

attached.

LOCK: The vertical edge of a door in which locking or latching

hardware may be installed.
9
SDI 134-2020

Channel or
angle may be
DOOR EDGE SEAM: The connection of face used in place
of plate
sheets at the vertical edge.

LOCK SEAM PAN & SKIN CENTER SEAM

DOOR FACE: The exposed surface of the door not including the vertical
edges and top and bottom.

DOOR FRAME: An assembly of members surrounding and supporting a

door, or doors.

DOOR INSET: The distance from the face of the door to the face of the
frame on the pull side.

DOOR LIGHT: The provision for glazing material in a door.

Door Inset

DOOR OPENING: The area in a frame product into which a door or

doors are installed.

DOOR OPENING HEIGHT: The distance measured vertically between

door rabbet and the top of floor or bottom of frame minus jamb
extensions. Also referred to as nominal door height. (For additional
information, See HMMA TechNote HMMA-810 TN01-03 “Defining
Undercuts”)

DOOR OPENING WIDTH: The distance measured horizontally between

door rabbets. Also referred to as nominal door width.

DOOR RABBET: See RABBET.

Door
DOOR REVEAL: The distance from the face of the door to the face of the Reveal
frame on the push side.

DOOR SCHEDULE: The listing of all door openings on the project by the
Architect’s/Designer’ s mark number, including a description of each door
opening. The schedule is normally found in the drawings or specifications.

DOOR STOP: That part of a frame profile against which the door closes.

DOUBLE-ACTING DOOR: A door that swings in both directions. May

incorporate bull-nose edge[s].

DOUBLE-ACTING FRAME: A frame for double-acting doors.

10
 SDI 134-2020

DOUBLE EGRESS DOORS: A pair of doors swinging in opposite

directions, located in the same plane within the frame.

DOUBLE EGRESS FRAME: A frame prepared to receive double egress.

DOUBLE RABBET: A frame provided with two rabbets. See FRAME

PROFILE for detail.

DOUBLE RETURN: See BACKBEND.

DOUBLE SWING FRAME: See PAIR FRAME.

DRIP: A head mounted molding designed to reduce rainwater infiltration

at top of door.

DRYWALL FRAME: A frame designed for installation in a wall

constructed with studs and gypsum wallboard or other dry sheet facing
material.

DRYWALL PROFILE: Description of a frame with backbends. Slip-on

frames utilize this type of profile.

DRYWALL RETURN: See BACKBEND.

DUST COVER BOX: See GROUT GUARD.

DUTCH DOOR: A door consisting of two separate leaves, one above the
other. May be provide with shelf at its top edge of the bottom leave.

DUTCH DOOR FRAME: A frame prepared for a dutch door.

11
SDI 134-2020

EDGE PROFILE: Description of the vertical door edge; beveled, bull

nosed, rabbeted, or squared, Available on lock and/or hinge edge.

⅛"

BEVELED: The vertical door edge has a 1/8˝ in 2˝ (3.1 mm in, 2"

50.8 mm) slope from a plane perpendicular to the door pull side
face.

BULL-NOSED: The vertical door edge simulates a 2-1/8˝ (54

mm) radius.

RABBETED: The vertical door edge which overlaps another

door or frame.

SQUARED: The vertical door edge that is formed 90 degree to 90°

the face of the door.

EDGE SEAM: The connection of the face sheet at the vertical edge.

ELEVATION: An orthographic projection of the vertical side of a hollow

metal assembly (doors, frames, etc.) usually shown on the architectural
plans in conjunction with the vertical side view of a building wall.

EMBOSSED: Having a raised and/or indented pattern impressed on a

surface by means of patterned rolls or stamping dies.

END CHANNEL: See TOP CHANNEL and BOTTOM CHANNEL.

EXISTING WALL ANCHORS: See ANCHORS

EXPANDABLE FRAME: See ADJUSTABLE FRAME.

FACE WELDED: See WELDED.

FIELD SPLICE: A connection of hollow metal frame components

accomplished in the field. Also referred to as Shipping Splice.

FILLER PLATE: A metal plate used to fill unused mortise cutouts in a

door or frame.

12
 SDI 134-2020

FINISHED FLOOR: See FLOOR.

FIRE ENDURANCE RATING: See FIRE RATING.

FIRE PROTECTION RATING: See FIRE RATING.

FIRE-RATED: A product which has successfully met all conditions of

acceptance of the fire test standard specified in the governing model
or building code, is “Listed” or “Classified” and eligible for labeling by a
recognized testing agency having a factory inspection service.

FIRE RATING: A numeric designation indicating the duration of fire test

exposure to which a product has been exposed, and successfully met
all acceptance criteria of the standard to which it is tested. For swinging
doors and frame products, typical fire ratings include 3, 1-1/2, 1, 3/4, and
1/3 hour. Also called Fire Protection Rating.

FIXED STOP: See STOP

FLOOR: The top of the concrete or structural slab. Also referred to as

finished floor. (For additional information, see HMMA TechNote HMMA-
810 TN01-03 “Defining Undercut.”)

FLOOR ANCHOR: See ANCHOR

FLOOR CLEARANCE: See CLEARANCE.

FLOOR COVERING: Any material applied on top of the floor. (For

additional information, see HMMA TechNote HMMA-810 TN01-03,
“Defining Undercuts”)

FLOOR STILT: A metal device attached to the jamb of a door frame to

hold the frame above the finished floor. ABOVE
FLOOR

FLUSH DOOR: A door having no glass lights, panels, louvers or grilles.

FRAME: See DOOR FRAME.

FRAME CLEARANCE: See CLEARANCE.

13
SDI 134-2020

FRAME FACE: The elements of a frame profile which is visual on the

vertical side of a hollow metal assembly. See FRAME ELEMENTS for
details.
STOP
RETURN

RABBET
FRAME ELEMENTS: Within a Frame profile, a specific part such as;
soffit, stop, rabbets, faces and returns. (For additional information, see BACKBEND
HMMA TechNote HMMA-820 TN 02-03,“Continuously Welded Frame”.) SOFFIT

RABBET

FRAME GASKET: See GASKETING. FACE

FRAME JOINT: The intersection of two or more frame members.

HEAD
JAMB

FRAME MEMBER: A component in a frame product such as a jamb,

MULLIONS
head, mullion or sill. (For additional information, see HMMA TechNote
JAMB
HMMA-820 TN 02-03, “Continuously Welded Frame”.)

SILL

FRAME PROFILE: Visual description of a frame member. Typically

referred to as cased opening, single rabbet, double rabbet, and double
egress. Refer to individual description for detail.

RABBET RABBET

RABBET

RABBET

SINGLE RABBET CASED OPENING DOUBLE EGRESS DOUBLE RABBET

FRAME PRODUCTS: Used to describe, as a group, “Frames”, “Transom

Frames”, “Sidelight Frames” and “Window Frames”.

FRAME SECTION: Cross cut of a frame member. See FRAME

PROFILE.

FRAME SILL: The bottom horizontal member of a sidelight or borrowed

light frame. Also referred to as Base.

14
 SDI 134-2020

FULL PROFILE WELDED: See WELDED

FULL (FULLY) WELDED: See WELDED.

FULL (FULLY) WELDED FRAME: See WELDED.

FULLY WELDED SEAMLESS DOOR: See WELDED.

GASKETING: Material applied around the door or frame to close the

clearance opening and minimize or restrict the passage of smoke, light,
sound or weather.

GAUGE (GAGE): An numeric value used to define the nominal thickness

of material. (See NAAMM/HMMA 803-08 “STEEL TABLES”.)
While the term ‘gauge’ is no longer common for defining material
thickness it is still used to specify doors and frames for ordering
purposes. The term ‘thickness’ is used when defining the actual
dimension of an item, and the term ‘gauge’ is used in the context of
specifying a particular door or frame.”

GLAZING: The process of installing glazing materials.

GLAZING (GLASS) BEAD: A removable formed metal section used to

secure glazing or panel in a door or frame.

GLAZED, (GLASS) LIGHT: In a frame, the light is formed by the

assembly of jamb, head, sill and mullion members into a rectangular or
shaped opening. The light is equipped with factory installed glazing bead
used to retain the glazing that is installed by the glazing contractor. In a
door, the light is formed by providing a rectangular or shaped cutout in
the door and equipping it with molding and removable bead to receive the
glazing.

GLAZING, (GLASS) MOLDING: The portion of the assembly retaining

glazing materials or in-fill panels in a hollow metal door which contain the
integral stop, and to which a glazing bead is attached. Also referred to as
Glazing Stop.

GLAZING MATERIAL: A transparent or translucent material used in door

assemblies and windows.

GLAZING STOP: See GLAZING, (GLASS) MOLDING

GROUT: A substance used to fill up voids in hollow metal frame cavities.

(For additional information SeeNAAMM/HMMA 820 TN1-03 Technical
Note “Grouting”.)
15
SDI 134-2020

GROUT GUARD: A metal cover attached to a frame behind

reinforcement for mortised or recessed hardware items, to prevent grout
from entering the mounting holes. Also referred to as Dust Cover Guard,
Masonry Guard, Mortar Guard, or Plaster Guard.

GROUTED FRAME: Frame filled with grout.

HANDING: A term used to designate the direction of door swing.

HARDWARE SCHEDULE: Complete listing of all hardware specified

for a project, organized by opening numbers including Door Headings,
manufacturers names, template numbers, and special hardware
locations. Prepared in accordance with industry standards for or by the
Architect/Designer and issued for bid. Once contract is awarded and
Hardware Schedule is approved, it becomes part of construction contract.

HARDWARE TEMPLATE: A detailed drawing of the hardware

preparation provided by hardware manufacturing for providing preparation
of hardware.

HEAD, (HEADER): The horizontal member which forms the top of a

frame.

HEAD STIFFENER: A metal angle or channel attached inside the head

of a door. Not to be used as a load-carrying member.

HINGE JAMB: See JAMB.

HINGE REINFORCEMENT: A metal plate or angle attached to a door or

frame to which a hinge is attached.

HINGE SIDE: See PULL SIDE:

HOLLOW METAL: A term used to reference to doors, frames, partitions,

enclosures and other items, fabricated from metal sheet.

HOSPITAL PROFILE: See SPLADE STOP.

HOSPITAL STOP: See CUT-OFF STOP.

INACTIVE DOOR or LEAF: The leaf of a pair of doors which does not
contain a lock but is secured, when closed, by top and/or bottom bolts
and contains a strike to receive the latch or bolt of the active leaf.
16
 SDI 134-2020

INFILL PANEL: See PANEL, INFILL.

INTEGRAL ASTRAGAL: See ASTRAGAL.

INTEGRAL STOP: See STOP, INTEGRAL.

INTERGAL TAB and SLOT: Formed as part of the frame profile used
to align machined mitered frame comer joints in mechanical alignment
construction.

INTERLOCKING SEAM: See LOCK SEAM DOOR.

JAMB: The vertical frame member forming the perimeter of a frame.

BLANK: A jamb without mortised hardware preparation.

HINGE: A jamb of a frame prepared for hinges or pivots.

STRIKE: A jamb prepared for a strike.

JAMB ANCHOR: See ANCHOR.

JAMB DEPTH
JAMB DEPTH / JAMB WIDTH: The dimension of a frame member OR
JAMB WIDTH
measured perpendicular to the face from one face to the other.

JAMB EXTENSION: That portion of a jamb which extends below the

level of the floor. See Also BELOW FLOOR. (For additional information,
see HMMA TechNote HMMA-810 TN01-03,“Defining Undercuts.”)

JAMB OPENING: See DOOR OPENING, WIDTH.

JAMB WIDTH: See JAMB DEPTH.

KERFED FRAME: A frame that is formed with an integral pocket or

recess in the area of the stop to receive gasket or seals.

KNOCKED DOWN: A frame product that is shipped disassembled,

commonly abbreviated “KD.”
17
SDI 134-2020

LABEL: A metal plate, sticker, or embossment, on a product to indicate a

performance level in accordance with a specific standard.

LAMINATED CORE: A door or panel construction utilizing; kraft

honeycomb, rigid foam, mineral core or steel stiffeners, in which steel
face sheets are bonded.

LEADING EDGE: Intersection of the lock edge and the pull side face of a
door.

LEAD-LINED: A door or frame, which is lined with lead to prevent

radiation penetration.

LEAF: A single door.

LEAVES: More than one door.

LOCK CENTER CLIP: A part to position a mortised lock inside the

center of a door.

LOCK EDGE: See DOOR EDGE.

LOCK REINFORCEMENT: A plate attached inside of a door to which a

lock is fastened.

LOCK SEAM: Interlocking construction of a door or panel edge.

LOUVER: A series of slats, blades, or piercings to allow passage of air LOCK SEAM

through an opening.

LOUVER INSERT: A louver that is fabricated separately and inserted into

a preparation in the door or frame.

MASONRY GUARD: See GROUT GUARD.

MEETING STILE: The vertical edge of a door, in a pair, which is adjacent

to the other door.

MITER JOINT: The intersection of frame members, (typically head and

jambs) or frame elements (stops) in which the faces meet at an angle.
18
 SDI 134-2020

MORTAR: See GROUT.

MORTAR GUARD: See GROUT GUARD.

MORTISE: A recess on a minimum of 3 sides of a hardware item closely

surrounding the contour of the item allowing its faceplate to finish flush
with the door or frame finished surface.

MORTISE PREPARATION: For hardware, a cutout recessed into a door

or frame, which may include, drilling and tapping.

RABBET

MULLION: A closed member within a frame, separating doors, a

door and sidelights, glazed areas or panels. A mullion may be fixed
or removable. Typically a double or single rabbeted profile. RABBET

MUNTIN: A bar or formed material supporting and separating panes of

glass within a door, sidelight, transom, borrowed light, or window frame.

MUTE: See SILENCER.

NAILING FLANGE: A reveal flange in which nail holes are provided.

NARROW SIDE OF DOOR: See PUSH SIDE OF DOOR.

NET DOOR SIZE: See ACTUAL DOOR SIZE.

NOMINAL DOOR HEIGHT: See DOOR OPENING HEIGHT.

NOMINAL DOOR SIZE: (Door opening width) by (door opening height).

NOMINAL DOOR WIDTH: See DOOR OPENING WIDTH.

OPENING SIZE: The frame opening measured between the rabbets

horizontally and between the header, rabbet and bottom of frame
vertically.

OPERABLE TRANSOM: Panel or glass lite above door opening which

may be opened for ventilation purposes.
19
SDI 134-2020

OVERLAPPING ASTRAGAL: See ASTRAGAL, FLAT SURFACE.

PANEL, HOLLOW METAL: An assembly made of the same material and

construction as a door.

PANEL, INFILL: An assembly comprised of steel sheet secured to each

face of a backing material (gypsum or cement board, etc.), installed like
glazing materials, in doors, transom, sidelight and window assemblies.

PERIMETER FRAME JOINT: The intersection of two or more frame

members that are accessible through the throat or from the unexposed
side of the frame member. (For additional information, See HMMA
TechNote HMMA-820 TN02-03,“Continuously Welded Frames.”)

PLANKING: Wood spacers used in storage of doors and frames.

PLASTER GUARD: See GROUT GUARD:

PLINTH: A section of sheet metal, usually stainless steel, used as a base PLINTH
for a door frame at the floor. It has the same thickness and profile as the
jamb section, and is flush with the jamb on all surfaces.

POCKET DOOR: A door designed to slide/recess into a wall cavity

to open, and slide out of the wall cavity to close.
JAMB WIDTH

POCKET DOOR FRAME: Frame designed to allow a door to slide

inside a pocket located within the cavity of a wall.

PRESSURE RESISTANT: Refers to a hollow metal assembly designed

and manufactured to resist uniform static pressure of a specified
magnitude over its exposed surface.

PRIMER / PRIME PAINT: Paint coating used as a base for finish paint.

PULL SIDE OF DOOR: The face of a door opposite the frame stops. Also
referred to as Hinge Side or Wide Side.

PUSH SIDE OF DOOR: The face of door, which contacts the frame
stops. Also referred to as stop side or narrow side.
20
 SDI 134-2020

RABBET: On a frame, the area that is between the stop and the face,
capable of accepting doors, panels or glazing materials. Also referred to
as Door Rabbet. See FRAME ELEMENT for detail.

RABBETED: Description of a door edge formed to interlock with another

door, frame or panel.

TOP RAIL
RADIATION SHIELDING: Refers to a hollow metal assembly designed
and manufactured to resist penetration by a specified type of radiation.

CENTER RAIL

RAIL: The horizontal member forming the top or bottom edge of a

door, or separating panels or glazed areas. Referred to as Top Rail,
Intermediate Rail or Bottom Rail.
BOTTOM RAIL

REINFORCING GUSSETT: A flat or formed component at junction of

head and jamb used in interlocking of knock-down (KD) frames. May be
used as an alignment feature on punch mitered frames.

REMOVABLE MULLION: A frame member designed for temporary

removal. See MULLION for detail.

REMOVABLE STOP: See STOP

RETURN: The element of the frame profile, which extends inward from RETURN

the face to the throat.

REVEAL FLANGE: The element of the frame profile, which extends from REVEAL
FLANGE
the return. Typically formed parallel to the wall.

REVEAL
REVEAL RETURN: The element of the frame profile, which extends from RETURN
the reveal flange.

REVERSE BEVEL: Refers to hand of door or lock on outswing doors.

21
SDI 134-2020

RIB: See STIFFENER.

ROUGH BUCK FRAME: An assembly which consists of a finished

frame and anchoring channels.

ROUGH OPENING: The size of the wall opening into which a frame is to
be installed.

SANITARY BASE: See CUT-OFF STOP.

SEAM, INTERLOCKING: See LOCKSEAM.

SEAMLESS DOOR: A door having no visible seams on its faces or

edges.

SHIPPING BAR: See SPREADER.

SHIPPING SPLICE: See FIELD SPLICE.

SIDELIGHT: A framed area immediately aside a door opening which may

contain fixed glazing, panel or other filler.

SILENCER: A of resilient material attached to the stop on a frame to

cushion the closing of a door. Also referred to as Mute.

SILL ANCHOR: See ANCHOR.

SILL: The bottom horizontal member of a sidelight or borrowed light

frame. Also referred to as Base.

SINGLE-ACTING DOOR: A door which only opens in one direction.

SINGLE RABBET FRAME: A frame having only one rabbet See FRAME
PROFILE, for detail.

SLIP-ON FRAME: Frame designed to be installed after the wall is

erected.
22
 SDI 134-2020

SMOKE CONTROL ASSEMBLY: A door and frame assembly with

gasketing (by others) designed to resist the passage of smoke when the
door is in the closed position. May or may not be Fire-Rated.

SOFFIT: The element of a door frame; (a) between the stops on a double
rabbeted frame, (b) between the stop and face opposite door side of a
single rabbeted frame. See FRAME ELEMENT for detail.

SOUND RETARDANT: A characteristic of a hollow metal assembly

designed and manufactured to resist sound transmission. The Sound
Transmission Classification (STC) rating of the assembly indicates the
level of resistance to sound transmission.

SPAT: A protective covering, usually of stainless steel, applied over the SPAT

bottom of jambs to facilitate cleaning and reduce frame damage.

SPLADE PROFILE: A frame member where the transition from stop to

opposite face is sloped. Also referred to as Hospital or sloped Profile.
RABBET

SPLIT FRAME: See ADJUSTABLE FRAME.

SPOT WELD: See WELDING.

SPREADER (SPREADER BAR): A metal channel or angle temporarily

attached to the base of a door frame, extending between jambs, to keep
the frame in proper alignment during shipping and handling.

SQUARE-EDGE DOOR: A door having vertical edges that are

perpendicular to its face. See EDGE PROFILE for detail.

STEEL STUD ANCHOR: See ANCHOR.

STIFFENER: An internal formed steel component used to strengthen a

door panel or frame member.
23
SDI 134-2020

STILE STILE

STILE: The vertical member which form the edge of a door.

STOP: An element of a frame profile. See also DOOR STOP and

GLAZING (GLASS) BEAD. See FRAME ELEMENT for detail.

INTEGRAL: A stop, which is formed as part of the frame profile.

REMOVABLE: Metal channel or angle which is removable to

allow installation of glass, panel or door.

STOP SIDE: See PUSH SIDE OF DOOR.

STRIKE JAMB: See JAMB.

STRIKE REINFORCEMENT: A metal plate or formed unit attached inside

a door or frame to attach a strike.

STRUT: See CEILING STRUT.

SUB-BUCK OR SUB-FRAME: See ROUGH BUCK FRAME.

SURFACE HARDWARE REINFORCEMENT: A metal plate attached

inside a door or frame to receive surface-mounted hardware applied in
the field.

SWING: A term used to describe the operation of a hinged door.

SWINGING DOOR: A door mounted on hinges or pivots.

TEMPERATURE RISE RATED DOOR: A fire rated door designed to limit

the transfer of heat over a specified duration to a specified temperature.

TERMINATED STOP: See CUT-OFF STOP, also called Hospital Stops.

24
 SDI 134-2020

THERMAL BOW: A temporary condition, affecting the operation of

an exterior door due to the inside temperature differential. The extent
of this condition will vary with environmental conditions, door color,
door construction, length of exposure, etc. This condition can often be
alleviated by painting the outside surface of the door a light color.

THICKNESS: The actual dimension of an item, see “Gauge” for defining

steel material.

THROAT: The distance between Returns or Backbend Returns of a THROAT

frame profile.

TOLERANCE: Permissible deviation from a nominal or specified

dimension or value. All values which do not carry specific tolerances or
are not marked maximum or minimum shall have the following tolerances:
Linear dimensions shall be ± 1/16 in. (1.6 mm). Weight or force shall be
± 2%. Angles shall be ± 2 degrees. Where only minus tolerances are
given, the dimensions are permitted to be exceeded at the option of the
manufacturers.

TOP CHANNEL: Horizontal stiffener channel secured into the top of a

door. Also referred to as End Channel.

TOP RAIL: See RAIL:

TRANSOM: A framed area immediately above a door opening which may

containing fixed glazing, an operating sash, panel or other filler.

TRANSOM BAR: See TRANSOM MULLION.

TRANSOM FRAME: A frame containing a door opening and transom

with or without a transom mullion.

TRANSOM MULLION: The horizontal frame member, which separates

the door opening from the transom. Also referred to as transom bar.

TRIM: See FRAME FACE.

UNDERCUT: The Distance between the bottom of door and the

bottom of the frame. (See NAAMM/HMMA 810 TN01-03 Technical Note
“Determining Undercuts”.)

25
SDI 134-2020

VISION LIGHT: A glazed opening in a door.

WEEPHOLE: A opening provided to permit the drainage of moisture.

WELD/WELDING: A process for the joining of metal parts, with the

necessary heat being provided by an electric arc struck between an
electrode and the metal or between two electrodes.

WELD, CONTINUOUS: A weld having no gaps or PUNCH MITERED SAW MITERED

spaces, over its entire length.

WELDED CONTINUOUSLY, DOOR: A door having

all joints on its vertical edge continuously welded and
finished smooth.

WELDED CONTINUOUSLY, FRAME: Also called

Full or Fully Welded and/or Full Profile Welded.
Comer/Perimeter joints shall have all elements of
the frame member continuously welded: soffits,
stops, rabbet, faces and returns. (See NAAMM/
HMMA 820 TN2-03 Technical Note “Continuously
Welded Frames” for additional information.)

WELDED, FACE, FRAME: Comer/perimeter joints shall have a

continuous weld at the faces only.

WICKET DOOR: A swinging door within a door.

WIDE SIDE: See PULL SIDE.

WINDOW: A glazed opening frame installed in an exterior wall prepared

for field installation stationary (fixed) glazing. Mullions may be used to
divide individual glazed areas. Similar to BORROWED LIGHT.

WOOD STUD ANCHOR: See ANCHOR

WRAP-AROUND FRAME: A frame which fits over the wall. The frame
throat is nominal 1/8˝ (3mm) larger than the wall thickness.

26
This page left intentionally blank.
This page left intentionally blank.
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
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Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
135 - 25

Guidelines to Measure
for Replacement Doors
in Existing Frame Openings

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2025 Steel Door Institute
 SDI 135-25

Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors

in Existing Frame Openings

1 Introduction and the term ‘gauge’ is used in the context of specifying

a particular door or frame.
This document is intended to provide guidance for
measurement and recording of existing opening and/ 2 Preparation
or door dimensions required to fully detail a replace-
ment door(s). The included figures identify the basic Installation conditions and issues will affect door opera-
dimensions of frame openings and doors with standard tion and should be considered beforehand. Door and
hardware applications. Separate illustrations are pro- hardware in an improperly installed frame may function
vided for detailing single and paired frame openings poorly. Check the floor clearance and the frame opening
as well as detailing individual doors. to verify acceptable square and level conditions. Ref-
erence SDI-122 to check for frame installation issues.
1.1 Reference Documents Slight adjustment may be possible without removal.
Note: Frame may need to be replaced for proper func-
Related SDI Technical Series documents provide ad-
tion of the opening.
ditional technical guidance on this topic:
Basic door and frame terminology used in instructions
SDI-108-23 Recommended Selection and Usage
and illustrations is explained in more detail below and
Guide for Standard Steel Doors
in SDI-134.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel
The term “nominal dimensions” refers to the width and
Doors, Frames, and Accessories height dimensions of the frame opening. When applied
SDI-122-21 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for to a door size, it is implicit that the door is undersized
Standard Steel Doors and Frames to properly fit into the nominal frame opening with
proper clearances. The term “net dimension” refers to
SDI-129-24 Hinge & Strike Spacing the door’s width and height dimensions. To illustrate,
SDI-134-20 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors the door width and height dimensions in (Fig 3) are
and Frames actual or “net” dimensions.

1.2 Other Reference Materials Technical Data Series SDI-129, “Hinge and Strike
Spacing”, provides standard locations for hinge and
ANSI/BHMA A156.1-2021 Butts and Hinges strike preparations in SDI member doors and frames.
ANSI/BHMA A156.7-2022 Template Hinge Dimensions Manufacturers’ locations may change so it is impera-
tive that the hinge and strike locations be measured
ANSI/SDI A250.14-2023 Hardware Preparation in Steel for replacement doors and frames.
Doors and Steel Frames
Hardware preparations of the replacement door must
1.3 Notes be sized and located to coincide with those on the
existing frame to ensure proper fit, positioning and
1.3.1 Tolerances
clearances for door operation.
All values which do not carry specific tolerances or For hardware applications not covered below, contact
are not marked maximum or minimum shall have the replacement door or hardware manufacturer.
the following tolerances: Linear dimensions shall be
± 1/16 in. Weight or force shall be ± 2%. Angles shall 3 Measurements
be ± 2 degrees. Where only minus tolerances are given,
the dimensions are permitted to be exceeded at the 3.1 Tools
option of the manufacturers. • Standard tape measure
1.3.2 Gauge vs. Thickness • Laser tape measure
• Steel rule
While the term ‘gauge’ is no longer common for defining • Calipers (optional)
material thickness it is still used to specify doors and • Framing square and small square
frames for ordering purposes. The term ‘thickness’ is • Level (24″ minimum)
used when defining the actual dimension of an item, • Plumb bob (optional)

1
SDI 135-25

– Opening #
B A Handing
E
B Opening Width (Min)
Hinge Record the smallest of the 3
D
Size P C Opening Height (Min)
F D Hinge Size
Q
E First Hinge
M
F Second Hinge
N G Third Hinge (if 4)
C H Fourth Hinge
O
J Hinge Backset
B
K Hinge Weight
G
L Strike Size

Strike M Top of Strike

L
Size N (C/L) Strike Plate
O DLK Strike Size
P DLK Strike Top
H Q (C/L) DLK Strike
Opening / Mark Number
R Threshold Height
_______________ S /T Sill Condition
U Door Thickness
V Door Rabbet
X Stop Height
B
Y Label Requirements

All Measurements ±1/32"

Threshold All Measurements are of Existing Frame.
R

Double Rabbet Frame Single Rabbet Frame

Stop Height
X Interior Exterior New Door Interior
New Door

Stop Height Exterior Slab Slab Slab

X Slab

Hinge Hinge
J J
Backset Backset
Choose
S One T

Door V Door V

INSIDE
Door Door LH RH
U Rabbet U Rabbet
A
Door Thickness Door Thickness LHR RHR
OUTSIDE
Hinge Weight K
HANDING

Figure 1 – Existing Frame Opening – Single Door

2
 SDI 135-25

4 Frame Opening Measurements 5 Frame Hardware Measurements

4.1 The included illustrations provide guidance as fol- 5.1 Hinge Height
lows: The height of the hinge leaf. The most common hinge
• Figure 1 – frame opening dimensions for height (size) is 4-½″, then 5″, followed by 3-½″, 4″ and
single door installation 6″, then other sizes.
• Figure 2 – hinge weights 5.2 Hinge Weight
• Figure 3 – frame opening dimensions for
door pair installation The hinge leaf thickness. Hinge mortise depth nor-
mally corresponds to this individual hinge leaf thickness.
• Figure 4 – actual door dimensions
Please note that special applications exist for “double-
• Figure 5 – multiple frame openings
mortise” and “surface applied”. For 4-1/2″ hinge size,
worksheet
standard weight is 0.134″ and heavy weight is 0.180″.
4.2 Frame opening width and height. These dimensions Standard and heavy weight vary by hinge size as shown
are to be taken from rabbet-to-rabbet surfaces. It is rec- in Figure 2, a table adapted from ANSI/BHMA A156.1.
ommended that dimensions of both width and height Additional hinge details are provided in A156.7 for hinge
be taken at three locations and the smallest of these templating and A156.115 for door preps.
measurements be used for sizing of the door. 5.3 Hinge Backset
4.3 Frame profile rabbet. The door thickness must be The distance from the edge of the applied hinge leaf to
compatible to this frame dimension. It is important that the frame stop. This is a critical measurement and must
you have this dimension especially if you do not have be accurate within 1/32″. The most common dimension
the door. is 5/16″. The hinge backset on the door will be properly
adjusted from this measurement (typical - 1/16″) to ensure
Example – standard 1-3/4″ thick door is used with 1-15/16″
proper clearance.
wide rabbet
5.4 Hinge Locations
4.4 Threshold height (if existing or planned) from the
floor. Door undercut may need to be adjusted to allow The vertical location of each hinge cutout. The recom-
clearance for thresholds. mended method of measurement is from the door rabbet
surface of the existing frame head to the top of each
4.5 Openings may have certification requirements such hinge (i.e. “top-to-top”).
as fire ratings. Such requirements should be indicated
by labels attached to the door (and sometimes frame). 5.5 Strike Height
These label requirements should be noted and recorded Vertical dimension of the frame strike cutout. The most
on the form. common is 4-7/8″, followed by 2-¾″ then 3-½″.

Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4

Hinge Height Triple Weight Double Weight Heavy Weight Standard Weight Light Weight
+0/-0.015 in
Thickness of Metal
Inches +/-0.005 in.

3″ – – – – – >0.077

3-1/2″ – – – 0.123 0.123 >0.085

4″ – – – 0.130 0.130 >0.085

4-1/2″ – – 0.180 0.134 0.134 –

5″ – – 0.190 0.146 0.146 –

6″ – – 0.203 0.160 0.160 –

8″ (not in A156.1) – – 0.203 – – –

Figure 2 – Hinge Weights (adapted from ANSI/BHMA A156.1)

3
SDI 135-25

5.6 Strike Location 8.2 Hinge Weight

The recommended measurement for replacement The hinge leaf thickness. Hinge mortise depth normally
doors is from the door rabbet surface of the frame head corresponds to this individual hinge leaf thickness
to the top of the strike plate (top-to-top). where 0.134″ is the most common (standard weight),
followed by 0.180″ (heavy-weight), then other less com-
6 Additional Measurements for Paired mon thicknesses. Please note that special applications
Opening may exist for “double-mortise” and “surface applied”
hinge mortises.
Paired openings add a variety of latching options for
both active and inactive doors, particularly devices that 8.3 Hinge Backset
latch vertically into strikes located in the frame head
The distance from the edge of the applied hinge leaf to
and floor/sill/threshold. If device strikes mortised into
the door face nearest the frame stop. This is a critical
either the frame head or the floor/sill/threshold and
measurement and must be accurate within 1/32″. The
are intended to be re-used, it becomes important to
most common dimension is 1/4″.
note their size and centerline (C/L) of engagement.
These dimensions may restrict replacement hardware 8.4 Hinge Locations
options. Strike plates are indicated on the illustrations The vertical location of each hinge cutout. The recom-
for the “Existing Frame Openings - Paired Openings” mended method of measurement is from the top of the
as dimensions S.1, S.2, T.1 & T.2. Consult replacement door to the top of each hinge (i.e., “top-to-top”).
door manufacturer if moving surface-mounted strikes
is necessary. 8.5 Latch Dimension
The width and height of the latch plate on the edge
7 Door Measurements of the door. The most common are cylindrical (1-1/8″ x
7.1 Door Width 2-1/4″) and mortise (1-1/8″ x 8″).

Dimensions taken from edge to edge across the door 8.6 Latch or Lock Location
using steel tape. On doors with beveled edges, mea- The recommended measurement for replacement
surements should be taken from the wide side of the doors is from the top of the door to the top of the cutout
door, noting whether beveled on lock, hinge or both in edge of door if applicable or top of door to centerline
edges. For doors of door pairs, application or absence (C/L) of latch face plate (i.e., “top-to-top”).
of an astragal affects door width.
8.7 Lock Backset
7.2 Door Height
The horizontal dimension from the door edge to the
Dimensions taken from top to bottom edges of door centerline (C/L) of the latch actuating plate on face of
using a steel tape. door. The most common backset dimension is 2-3/4″
7.3 Door Thickness for cylindrical and mortise locks. Doors with beveled
lock edges should be measured from the wider bev-
Dimension of door thickness using steel tape or caliper. eled side.
While the term ‘gauge’ is no longer common for defin-
ing material thickness it is still used to specify doors 9 Door Accessories
and frames for ordering purposes. As such, the terms Note: Instructions vary by accessory manufacturer and
‘thickness’ is used when defining the actual dimension replacement door manufacturer.
of an item and ‘gauge’ is used in the context of specify-
9.1 Glass Kits / Inserts
ing a particular door or frame.
9.1.1 Measure from top of door to top of cutout, top of
8 Door Hardware Measurements outside edge of insert, or top of visible glass.
8.1 Hinge Height 9.1.2 For locating off centered inserts; measure from
lock edge of door to edge of cutout; outside edge of
The height of the hinge leaf. The most common hinge
insert; edge of visible glass.
height (size) is 4-½″, then 5″, followed by 3-½″, 4″ and
6”″ then other sizes. Note: hinge width does not impact 9.1.3 Exposed glass size – specifies the resulting vis-
frame hardware measurement. ible glass area shown once installed.

4
 SDI 135-25

– Opening #
E S.1 S.2 A Handing
B B Opening Width (Min)
Record the smallest of the 3

C Opening Height (Min)

F D Hinge Size
E First Hinge
F Second Hinge
G Third Hinge (if 4)
D
Hinge
C Size H Fourth Hinge
J Hinge Backset

G
K Hinge Weight
B L Threshold Height
M/N Sill Condition
N (C/L) Strike Plate
O Door Thickness
Opening / Mark Number P Door Rabbet
H
Q Stop Height
S.1 Head Strike (C/L)
S.2 Head Strike (C/L)
S.3 Head Strike Type
B T.1 Floor Strike (C/L)
T.2 Floor Strike (C/L)
U Label Requirements
T.1 T.2 Recommended to verify that hinge locations
are the same on both hinge jambs of Double
L Threshold Openings.

Single Rabbet Frame Measurements S and T locate mortised or

Double Rabbet Frame
surface-applied strikes in the frame header or
floor / threshold.
Stop Height
Q All Measurements ±1/32"
Stop Height All Measurements are of Existing Frame.
Q

Hinge Hinge
R K
Backset Backset Interior Exterior Interior
New Door
New Door

Exterior Slab Slab Slab

Slab

Door P Door P
Choose
M One N
Door Door
O Rabbet O Rabbet

Door Thickness Door Thickness INSIDE

LH RH
K A
Hinge Weight
LHR RHR
OUTSIDE

HANDING

Figure 3 – Existing Frame Opening – Door Pair

5
SDI 135-25

Note 1
If Door Has Beveled Edges, Measure
The Wide Side For Actual Door Width
Note: If Glass Light or Louver is Required,
.
Specify Location Dimensions on Door Elevation
with Exposed Glass Size or Louver Size.

Top of Door Actual Door Width 1

Note 5

Top of DdLk Front

Latch Face

Center of DdLk
Dimensions

Glass Kits &

Actual Door Height

Louvers

Location Dims
plus
Exposed Glass
Dims
Top of Lock Front

Center of Lock

C/L

Note 4
Hinge Note 3
C/L
Dimensions
Req’d if 4
Hinges

Note 2
Lock Backset
Hinge (2- ¾″ common)
Hinge
Size Backset

Qty Req’d . Mark Number . Label Req’d .

A Hand of Door D Lock Provisions

LH RHR CYL. GOV’T. 161 – 1- ⅛″ x 2- ¼″ EDGE
RH LHR MORTISE EDGE – 1-- ¼″ x 8″
BLANK - NO CUTOUT
LH INSIDE RH
DEADLOCK - 1- ⅛″ x 2-- ¼″ EDGE
PANIC : RIM VERTICAL ROD CONCEALED
LHR OUTSIDE RHR
E Hinge Provisions

B Door Thickness 3- ¼″ STD. WGHT.

1- ¾″ 1- ⅜″ 4-- ¼″ HEAVY WGHT.
5″ .
C Material
20 GA COLD ROLLED F Closer Reinforcements
18 GA GALVANIZED REQUIRED NOT REQUIRED
16 GA STAINLESS If Inactive Leaf:
G
14 GA
ASTRAGAL NO ASTRAGAL (WIDTH + 3⁄32″)

Fill in all dimensions FLUSH BOLTS

Respond to all OTHER .

Figure 4 – Replacement Door Details

6
 SDI 135-25

9.2 Louvers 10 Replacement Door Details

9.2.1 Measure from top of door to either top of cutout Existing frame opening dimensions should coincide
or top of outside edge of insert with door measurements plus proper clearances. Basic
options of door construction, hardware and accessories
9.2.2 For locating off centered inserts, measure from (door gauge and finish, glass kits dimensions and loca-
lock edge of door to edge of cutout; outside edge of tion, lock provisions, closer reinforcements and astragals
insert. on pairs) are listed on Figure 4.

– Opening

A Handing

B Opening Width

C Opening Height

D Hinge Size

E First Hinge

F Second Hinge

G Third Hinge (if 4)

H Fourth Hinge

J Hinge Backset

K Hinge Weight

L Strike Size

M Top of Strike

N (C/L) Strike Plate

O Threshold Height

P/Q Sill Condition

R Door Thickness

S Door Rabbet in Frame

T Frame Stop Height

U Label Requirements

Refer to Measuring Directions for guidance on where and how to measure existing frames.

Figure 5 – Existing Frame Measurement – Single Door – Multiple Openings

7
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 SDI
TECHNICAL DATA SERIES
136 - 24

Guideline for Specifying

Windstorm Products

STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE

30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
© 2024 Steel Door Institute
 SDI 136-24

Guideline for Specifying Windstorm-Resistant Products

1 Introduction Florida Building Code (FBC) – set of standards

designed by the Florida Building Commission for
Modern building design and construction science
the construction of buildings in the state of Florida.
have evolved to a degree where ‘near-absolute’
protection can be achieved, providing occupants High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) – the
and contents safety from nature’s most severe geographic area of Broward and Dade counties.
windstorm events. In parallel to this evolution, I C C 5 0 0 – S ta n d a rd fo r t h e D e s i g n a n d
building codes have advanced to provide both Construction of Storm Shelters.
optional and mandatory requirements to ensure
life safety and the protection of property from International Building Code (IBC) – a model
these destructive forces of nature. building code developed by the International Code
Council (ICC) and adopted for use as a base code
This guide is intended to inform the reader about by most jurisdictions in the United States.
the methodology and criteria used for specification
International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
and selection of windstorm-resistant door open-
– a model code applicable to renovations and
ing assemblies for non-residential construction.
additions to existing buildings, developed by the
In order to properly specify products for these
International Code Council (ICC) and adopted for
applications, the user must understand multiple use by many jurisdictions in the United States.
parameters including the type of threat – hurricane
or tornado – the geographic area in which the Large Missile – a No. 2 or better Southern Yellow
building is located, and the design pressures as Pine or Douglas Fir 2 × 4 in. lumber having a
calculated by the structural engineer of record. It mass of between 9 and 15 lbs.
is important to note that buildings with multiple Registered Design Professional – an individual
openings will often have different calculated design registered or licensed to practice their respective
pressures for each opening, based on multiple design profession as defined by the statutory
factors as determined by ASCE 7. Once these requirements of the professional registration laws
parameters have been identified, a specification of the state or jurisdiction in which the project is
and product selection process can begin. The to be constructed.
following sections provide an overview of the
Risk Category – a categorization of buildings
definitions and process for determining the design
for determination of loads based on the risk
requirements associated with each threat. associated with unacceptable performance of
the building.
2 Definitions
Small Missile – a solid steel ball having a mass
ASCE 7 – Minimum Design Loads for Buildings of 0.07 oz with a 0.315 in nominal diameter.
and Other Structures.
Wind-Borne Debris Region – Areas within
Design Pressure – expressed in pounds-per- hurricane-prone regions located within 1 mile of
square-foot, the positive and negative wind loads the mean high water line where an Exposure D
to which a door opening assembly is subjected. condition exists upwind at the waterline and the
Enhanced Hurricane Protection Area (EHPA) – ultimate design wind speed is 130 mph or greater;
criteria within the FBC applicable to specific or in areas where the ultimate design wind speed
is 140 mph or greater.
portions of K-12 and Florida college educational
facilities in order to serve as public hurricane Wind Speed Map – graphic depiction of wind
evacuation shelters. velocity indicated by contour lines.

1
SDI 136-24

3 Wind-Borne Debris-Resistant Opening 4 Impact Protectives within Storm Shelters

Protectives During Tornado, Hurricane, or Other Se-
vere Windstorm
The Florida Building Code is widely regarded as the
most comprehensive document for addressing the With the issuance of the ICC 500 Standard in 2008,
unique performance characteristics of wind-borne a distinct standard explicitly written for the design
debris-resistant construction for wind-borne debris and construction of storm shelters was available
regions and the High Velocity Hurricane Zone. The for the first time. This document sought to improve
International Building Code additionally provides and further develop the concepts of protection
performance characteristics for wind-borne debris against high winds, hurricanes, and tornadoes as
regions outside of Florida. These model codes clas- first discussed in FEMA 320 and FEMA 361, for all
sify building types by Risk Category I through IV, parts of storm shelter design including residential
using wind speed maps for the categories. and non-residential structures. Impact protective
systems such as doors, are used within the storm
In order to calculate the design pressure for a shelter envelope to protect openings and provide
particular opening, the Registered Design Profes- needed access and egress.
sional must first define the following variables as
Since the introduction of the ICC 500 Standard,
they pertain to the project:
it has been a referenced standard in the IBC and
1. Risk Category of the building subsequently became a mandated requirement for
protection of life against high winds, hurricanes,
2. Applicable Wind Speed Map for the identified
and tornadoes across the U.S.
Risk Category
ICC 500 was first included in the 2009 Edition of
3. Geographic location of the building on
the IBC and was first mandated within the 2015
the wind speed map and the wind speed IBC for K-12 schools and critical emergency op-
associated with that location eration centers located in areas where the design
Following the methodology of ASCE 7, these vari- wind speeds for tornadoes are designated at 250
ables are utilized to calculate design pressures for mph. These facilities include 911 call stations,
each specific opening. The unique calculation also emergency operation centers, fire, rescue, ambu-
takes into account the opening’s location relative to lance and police stations as well as educational
the height above grade-plane, the proximity to the occupancies through grade 12 with occupant loads
corners of the building, exposure of the building to of 50 or greater. ICC 500 was also included in
the surrounding terrain, as well as other attributes. the 2018 Edition of the IEBC, relative to additions
The result of the calculation is a design pressure, constructed for existing educational occupancies.
expressed in both positive and negative values, in Impact protective systems are listed with a design
pounds-per-square foot. tornado pressure, design wind pressure, or both.
These pressures are calculated based upon the
Openings located in the wind-borne debris region
location of the structure and the maximum wind
also require a level of impact resistance. During
speeds shown in the design tornado speed and
testing, wind-borne debris is simulated by small or
design wind speed map within ICC 500. The test
large missile impacts as described in the Florida
standard requires an impact-protective assembly
Building Code and International Building Code. The
and the components within the assembly to be able
determination of small versus large missile require- to sustain a specified Design Pressure with a safety
ments is based on the elevation of the opening in factor of 20%, as well as resist multiple impacts,
the building envelope, relative to grade-plane. This while providing protection for the occupants inside.
test, when combined with the dynamic pressurized The missile impact details for various storm shelter
cycling of the assembly, will ensure the integrity constructions are listed below:
of the opening so that it does not fail during a
hurricane or other windstorm event and allow the 1. Fifteen pound 2x4 missile fired at a velocity
building envelope to be breached. up to one hundred miles per hour for tornado
and combination tornado/hurricane shelters
Design pressures, missile impact requirements and
the specific attributes (size, swing, and glazing) of 2. Nine pound 2x4 missile fired at a velocity up
to ½ the design wind speed
an opening, most often found in a door schedule,
provide the basis for the selection of wind-borne ICC 500 evaluates protective assemblies such as
debris-resistant door opening assemblies. swinging shutters or doors with frames, latching

2
 SDI 136-24

hardware and all other assembly components. The This guideline is provided by the Steel Door Insti-
Registered Design Professional must determine key tute to assist the reader in doing so.
parameters for the project such as:
6 Disclaimer
1. design pressure
This guideline is intended to provide general in-
2. opening size
formation and should not be used as a substitute
3. occupant load and egress requirements for the role of a Registered Design Professional.
4. swing direction
7 Additional Resources
5. geographic location of building
American Society of Civil Engineers,
These factors will allow someone to properly specify www.asce.org
and select compliant openings. Since these impact
Florida Building Commission,
protective assemblies are a product of many compo-
www.floridabuilding.org
nents working together, substitution of other types of
hardware or any materials is not permitted without International Code Council,
additional testing or evaluation being completed by www.iccsafe.org
the listing agency. Even the smallest change can
Intertek Directory of Building Products
have significant consequences to the performance
bpdirectory.intertek.com
of an assembly in a severe weather event.
Steel Door Institute,
5 Summary www.steeldoor.org
Tornado and hurricane-resistant opening protec- Texas Department of Insurance
tives, often required by the building code, are www.tdi.texas.gov
complex pieces of the overall building envelope.
Underwriters Laboratories Directory,
To ensure their proper function, it is essential that
www.ul.com/ul-databases-and-directories
they be specified correctly and installed per the
manufacturers’ listing and installation instructions.

3
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 ANSI/SDI A250.3-2019
Revision of ANSI A250.3-2007

Test Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for —

Factory Applied Finish Coatings
for Steel Doors and Frames
ANSI/SDI A250.3-2019

SPONSOR
Steel Door Institute
Approved November 14, 2019
This page left intentionally blank.
 ANSI/SDI ®
A250.3-2019
Revision of
ANSI/SDI A250.3-2007

American National Standard

Test Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for

Factory Applied Finish Coatings
for Steel Doors and Frames

Secretariat
Steel Door Institute

Approved November 14, 2019

American National Standards Institute, Inc.
American Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by ANSl
that the requirements for due process, consensus, and other criteria for
National approval have been met by the standards developer.

Standard Consensus is established when, in the judgement of the ANSl Board of

Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly
and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much more
than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires
that all views and objections be considered, and that a concerted effort
be made toward their resolution.
The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; their exis-
tence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether they have approved
the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or using
products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the standards.
The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and
will in no circumstances give any interpretation of any American National
Standard. Moreover, no person shall have the right or authority to issue
an interpretation of an American National Standard in the name of the
American National Standards Institute. Requests for interpretations should
be addressed to the secretariat or sponsor whose name appears on the
title page of this standard.
CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or
withdrawn at any time. The procedures of the American National Stan-
dards Institute require that action be taken periodically to reaffirm, revise,
or withdraw this standard. Purchasers of American National Standards
may receive current information on all standards by calling or writing the
American National Standards Institute.

Published by

Steel Door Institute

30200 Detroit Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44145-1967

Copyright © 2020 by Steel Door Institute

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any

form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise,
without prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

ANSI/SDI A250.3-2019
Contents
Page
Foreword............................................................................................. ii
1 General..........................................................................................1
1.1 Scope......................................................................................1
1.2 Reference Documents..............................................................1
2 Material. . ........................................................................................1
3 Testing...........................................................................................2
3.1 Salt spray test. . ........................................................................2
3.2 Condensation testing (humidity)...............................................2
3.3 Accelerated weathering test.....................................................2
3.4 Impact test...............................................................................2
3.5 Film adhesion test....................................................................2
3.6 Abrasion test............................................................................2
4 Acceptance criteria........................................................................2
4.1 Salt spray resistance................................................................2
4.2 Condensation resistance..........................................................2
4.3 Accelerated weathering resistance...........................................2
4.4 Impact test...............................................................................3
4.5 Film adhesion...........................................................................3
4.6 Abrasion resistance..................................................................3
5 Report.. ..........................................................................................3
6 General..........................................................................................3
6.1 Testing laboratory. . ...................................................................3
6.2 Certification. . ............................................................................3
Tables
1 Rust grades...................................................................................3
2 Rating of failure at scribe (procedure A). . .......................................4
3 Classification of adhesive test results............................................7
Figures
1 Visual reference for percentage of rust .........................................4
2 Blister size #2 . . .............................................................................5
3 Blister size #4 . . .............................................................................5
4 Blister size #6 . . .............................................................................6
5 Blister size #8 . . .............................................................................6

i
Foreword (This Foreword is not part of American National Standard A250.3-2007)

The material contained in this document has been developed under the
auspices of the Technical Committee of the Steel Door Institute.
The original standard was issued on July 28, 1980 and was last revised
in 2007. The current edition is a revision of the 2007 document with the
contents being updated to reflect changes and advances that have taken
place in the steel door and frame industry since that time.
Suggestions for improvement gained in the use of this standard will be
welcome. They should be sent to the Steel Door Institute, 30200 Detroit
Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44145-1967.
The organizations that have approved this standard are as follows:
Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association
Canadian Steel Door Manufacturers Association
Cedar Valley Associates
D.H. Pace Company
Door and Hardware Institute
ESTM Services
FM Approvals
Hollow Metal Manufacturers Association / Division of National Association
of Architectural Metal Manufacturers Association
Intertek
Ray and Associates
Steel Door Institute
Therma-Tru
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
Vetrotech / Saint Gobain

ii
The Accredited Standards Committee A250 TC-1 developed this standard
and had the following personnel at the time of approval:

Craig Ordmandy, Chairman

J. Jeffery Wherry, Secretary
Organization Represented Name of Representative
Allegion........................................................................................ Marilyn Latham
Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association........................... Mike Tierney
Canadian Steel Door Manufacturers Association....................... Mike Van Geyn
Ceco Door................................................................................... Tom Janicak
Cedar Valley Associates.............................................................. Stan Horsfall
Curries......................................................................................... David Bill
Deansteel..................................................................................... Claus Heide
Door and Hardware Institute....................................................... Laura Frye
Door Components Inc................................................................. Tom Popow
D.H. Pace Company.................................................................... Jerry Rice
ESTM Services............................................................................ Mike Kolovich
FM Approvals.............................................................................. Jeff Gould
HMX............................................................................................. Steve Hoag
Hollow Metal Manufacturers Association /
Division of National Association of Architectural
Metal Manufacturers Association................................................ Russell Tauscher
Intertek........................................................................................ Dan Johnson
Mesker Door LLC........................................................................ Mike Mehaffy
Metal Products Inc,..................................................................... David McConnell
Pioneer Industries........................................................................ Kamal Sheikh
Premier Steel Doors and Frames................................................ Joey Meggs
Ray and Associates..................................................................... Ron Ray
Republic Doors & Frames........................................................... Steve Gilliam
Security Metal Products.............................................................. Kurt Roeper
Steel Door Institute...................................................................... J. J. Wherry
Therma-Tru.................................................................................. Steve Jasperson
Underwriters Laboratories Inc..................................................... Luke Woods
Vetrotech / Saint Gobain............................................................. Kevin Norcross

iii
AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD ANSI/SDI A250.3-2019

American National Standard

Test Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for —

Factory Applied Finish Coatings
for Steel Doors and Frames

1 General ASTM D4214-07 (2015) Standard Test Method

for Evaluating Degree of Chalking of Exterior
1.1 Scope
Paint Films
These methods prescribe the procedures to be
ASTM D523-14 (2018) Standard Test Method
followed in the selection of material, chemical
for Specular Gloss
preparation, coating application, testing, and
evaluation of factory applied finish coatings ASTM D2244-16 Standard Practice for Cal-
for steel doors and frames. Coatings covered culation of Color Tolerances and Color Dif-
by this standard include paints, stains, clear ferences from Instrumentally Measured Color
coats, and powder coats. Coordinates
1.2 Reference Documents
2 Material
ASTM B117-18 Standard Practice for Operating
2.1 The test specimen shall be the exact type
Salt Spray (Fog) Testing Apparatus
and gauge of steel as used in the manufac-
ASTM D1654-08 (2016)e1 Standard Test Method ture of the product. The specimen shall be a
for Evaluation of Painted or Coated Specimens minimum of 4″ (102 mm) × 6″ (152 mm) with
Subjected to Corrosive Environments a 1/4 ″ (6.4 mm) diameter hole at the center of
the 4″ (102 mm) width, 1/2 ″ (12.7 mm) in from
ASTM D4585 / D4585M-18 Standard Practice
the end. Identification marks shall be added
for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using
to the specimen as required for control pur-
Controlled Condensation
poses. The test specimen shall be handled at
ASTM G154-16 Standard Practice for Operating all stages of the process with clean gloves to
Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure prevent contamination.
of Nonmetallic Materials
2.2 The specimen(s) shall be hung using a
ASTM D4587-11 Standard Practice for Fluo- method representative of that used in produc-
rescent UV-Condensation Exposures of Paint tion.
and Related Coatings
2.3 The test specimen(s) shall be cleaned,
ASTM D2794-93 (2019) Standard Test Method pretreated and coated in accordance with the
for Resistance of Organic Coatings to the Ef- manufacturer’s normal production method and
fects of Rapid Deformation (Impact) procedure. All coating weights used on test
specimens shall be documented and represen-
ASTM D3359-17 Standard Test Method for
tative of the individual manufacturer’s normal
Measuring Adhesion by the Tape Test
production material.
ASTM D4060-14 Standard Test Method for
2.4 At the end of the coating process, the
Abrasion Resistance of Organic Coatings by
specimen(s) shall be removed from the system
the Taber Abraser
and handled carefully. The coated surface of
ASTM D610-08 (2019) Standard Test Method the specimen shall not be handled or come in
for Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted contact with other objects in such a way as to
Steel Surfaces disrupt the coated surface.
ASTM D714-02 (2017) Standard Test Method
for Evaluating Degree of Blistering of Paints
1
 ANSI/SDI A250.3-2019

2.5 Specimens shall be allowed to age at an on the panel that have a dry film thickness within
ambient room temperature for a minimum 72 the tolerance range for the coating process.
hour duration before any testing commences. Apply one-inch (25.4 mm) wide, #600 Scotch
cellophane pressure-sensitive tape firmly to the
3 Testing impact area and pull off sharply.
3.1 Salt spray test 3.5 Film adhesion test
a) Apparatus – The apparatus used for salt The coating film adhesion shall be tested in
spray testing shall be of such design as to accordance with method “B” of ASTM D3359.
conform to ASTM B117. A total of (11) parallel cuts shall be made with
a sharp instrument, 0.039″ (1 mm) apart in
b) Test performance – Salt spray testing shall
both a vertical and horizontal direction forming
be conducted as specified in ASTM B117
a grid. One-inch (25.4 mm) wide #600 Scotch
for a test period of 120 continuous hours.
cellophane pressure sensitive-tape shall be
The test specimen shall be scribed in ac-
firmly applied to the scribed surface and pulled
cordance with ASTM D1654, section 6.1.
off sharply.
3.2 Condensation testing (humidity)
3.6 Abrasion test
a) Apparatus – The apparatus used for con-
The coating film shall be tested with a Taber
densation (humidity) testing shall be of
Abraser Testing Apparatus using a No. CS-10
such design to conform with ASTM D4585
Resilient Calibrase Wheel in accordance with
/ D4585M
ASTM D4060. The specimen shall be run for a
b) Test performance – Condensation (humidity) maximum of 1000 cycles, or until breakthrough
testing shall be conducted as specified in of the finish coating occurs.
ASTM D4585 / D4585M, for a test period of
480 continuous hours. Exposure tempera- 4 Acceptance criteria
tures shall be maintained at a minimum of
4.1 Salt spray resistance
100°F (38°C). To ensure adequate conden-
sation, maintain at least a 20°F differential The coating film on the unscored surface of
between the room and the vapor. Actual test the test specimen shall have a rust grade of
temperature shall be noted in the report. no less than 6 as defined per ASTM D610.
See Table 1 and Figure 1 herein for evalua-
3.3 Accelerated weathering test
tion of the rust grades. The coating film at the
a) Apparatus – The apparatus used for ac- scribe line shall not be undercut by rust more
celerated weathering testing shall be of than 1/8 ″ (3.2 mm) or a Rating Number 6 on
such design to conform with ASTM G154, each side of the scribe line when evaluated in
The bulb type used shall be a UVA340. accordance with and rated per ASTM D1654.
See Table 2 herein, “Rating of failure at scribe
b) Test performance – Accelerated weathering
(Procedure A)”.
testing shall be conducted in accordance
with ASTM D4587, for a test period of 300 4.2 Condensation resistance
hours duration. The cycle schedule for
The coating film shall be allowed to exhibit the
operating this type of equipment shall be
dense pattern of #8 blisters, but shall have no
18 hours of light exposure at 140°F (60°C)
more than the “few” pattern of #6 blisters as
followed by a 6 hour condensation cycle at
illustrated in the photographic reference ASTM
120°F (49°C).
D714. See Figures 2 through 5 herein for vi-
3.4 Impact test sual representations of the various degrees
of blistering.
The coating shall be tested in accordance with
ASTM D2794 with 20 inch pounds of direct 4.3 Accelerated weathering resistance
impact using a Gardner Impact Tester with a
When tested in accordance with Paragraph
1/2 ″ (12.7 mm) diameter ball or punch at room 3.3 herein, the paint film shall exhibit the fol-
temperature of 70°-75°F (21°C - 24°C). The test
lowing traits:
specimen shall be impacted at three locations

2
ANSI/SDI A250.3-2019

Table 1 – Rust grades 4.6 Abrasion resistance

Rust Grade Maximum % of rusted area The coating film shall have a wear index of 100
(0.10 mg weight loss per cycle) or less when
10 00.01
tested in accordance with Paragraph 3.6 herein.
9 00.03 The wear index shall be calculated using the
8 00.10 actual number of cycles to which the specimen
7 00.30 was subjected.
6 01.00 5 Report
5 03.00
5.1 The report shall state the date the test was
4 10.00 performed and the issue date of the report.
3 16.67
5.2 Identification of the specimen tested, source
2 33.33 of supply, manufacturer, model or series num-
1 50.00 ber, or both, and any other pertinent information.
0 100.00 5.3 A detailed description of the specimen
or specimens tested shall include the type of
prime or barrier coating if used, the method
of coating application, the procedure used to
4.3.1 No rust, checking, cracking, erosion or
cure it and the dry film thickness.
flaking shall be present.
5.4 Any modifications made on the test speci-
4.3.2 No more than the “few” pattern of #6
men to obtain the values of acceptance shall
blisters as illustrated in the photographic ref-
be noted and described in detail in the report.
erence ASTM D714. Visual representations of
the various degrees of blistering are shown in 5.5 A statement that the test or tests were
Figures 2 through 5 herein. conducted in accordance with the methods
and procedures as specified herein. If devia-
4.3.3 A degree of chalking not to exceed “visible”
tions from these methods and procedures were
as described in test method B of ASTM D4214.
made, they shall be described in the report.
4.3.4 No more than a 50% decrease in gloss
5.6 When the test is made to check the confor-
when tested in accordance with ASTM D523.
mance of the unit specimen to test requirements
4.3.5 No more than a 10% change in color (fade) of a particular specification, the identification
when tested in accordance with ASTM D2244. or description of the specification shall be in-
cluded in the report.
4.4 Impact test
No coating film removal shall occur other than at 6 General
an area 1/8 ″ (3.2 mm) in diameter at the center
6.1 Testing laboratory
of the impact area, when tested in accordance
with Paragraph 3.4 herein. All tests shall be conducted and certified by
a nationally recognized, independent testing
4.5 Film adhesion
laboratory.
There shall be no adhesion loss less than a
6.2 Certification
grade 3B as defined in ASTM D3359. This
grade represents a film removal of between 5 When reference is made to this specification
and 15%. Table 3 herein illustrates the various the following statement shall be used: “Finish
classifications for adhesion loss. coating has been tested in conformance with
ANSI/SDI A250.3.”

3
 ANSI/SDI A250.3-2019

Table 2 – Rating of failure at scribe (procedure A)

Representative Mean Creepage from Scribe

Inches Rating
Millimeters
(Approximate) Number
Zero 0 10
Over 0 to 0.5 0 to 1/64 9
Over 0.5 to 1.0 1/64 to 1/32 8
Over 1.0 to 2.0 1/32 to 1/16 7
Over 2.0 to 3.0 1/16 to 1/8 6
Over 3.0 to 5.0 1/8 to 3/16 5
Over 5.0 to 7.0 3/16 to 1/4 4
Over 7.0 to 10.0 1/4 to 3/8 3
Over 10.0 to 13.0 3/8 to 1/2 2
Over 13.0 to 16.0 1/2 to 5/8 1
Over 16 to more 5/8 to more 0

Figure 1 – Visual reference for percentage of rust

4
5
Visual examples illustrating degrees of blistering
ANSI/SDI A250.3-2019

FEW MEDIUM MEDIUM DENSE DENSE

Figure 2 – Blister size #2

FEW MEDIUM MEDIUM DENSE DENSE

Figure 3 – Blister size #4
 Visual examples illustrating degrees of blistering

FEW MEDIUM MEDIUM DENSE DENSE

Figure 4 – Blister size #6

FEW MEDIUM MEDIUM DENSE DENSE

Figure 5 – Blister size #8

6
ANSI/SDI A250.3-2019
ANSI/SDI A250.3-2019

Table 3 – Classification of adhesive test results

Surface of cross-cut areas from

Classification which listing has occurred. (Ex- Rate of adhesion
ample for six parallel cuts.)

The edges of the cuts are

completely smooth; none of
5B None
the squares or the lattice are
detached.

Small flakes of coating are

detached at intersections; less
4B
than 5% of the area is af-
fected.

Small flakes of coating are

detached along edges and at
3B intersections of cuts. The area
affected is 5 to 15% of the
lattice.

The coating has flaked along

the edges and at parts of the
2B
squares. The affected area is
15 to 35% of the lattice.

The coating has flaked along

the edges of cuts in large rib-
1B bons and entire squares have
detached. The area affected is
35 to 65% of the lattice.

0B Flaking and detachment in excess of 65%.

7
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 ANSI/SDI A250.4-2024
Revision of ANSI/SDI A250.4-2022

Test Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for –

Physical Endurance for
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors
ANSI/SDI A250.4-2024

SPONSOR
Steel Door Institute
Approved July 8, 2024
 ANSI/SDI
A250.4-2024
Revision of ANSI/SDI A250.4-2022

American National Standard

Test Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for –
Physical Endurance for
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors

Secretariat
Steel Door Institute

Approved July 8, 2024

American National Standards Institute, Inc.
American Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by ANSl
that the requirements for due process, consensus, and other criteria for
National approval have been met by the standards developer.

Standard Consensus is established when, in the judgement of the ANSl Board of

Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly
and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much more
than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires
that all views and objections be considered, and that a concerted effort be
made toward their resolution.
The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; their
existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether they have ap-
proved the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or
using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the standards.
The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and
will in no circumstances give any interpretation of any American National
Standard. Moreover, no person shall have the right or authority to issue
an interpretation of an American National Standard in the name of the
American National Standards Institute. Requests for interpretations should
be addressed to the secretariat or sponsor whose name appears on the
title page of this standard.
CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or
withdrawn at any time. The procedures of the American National Standards
Institute require that action be taken periodically to reaffirm, revise, or
withdraw this standard. Purchasers of American National Standards may
receive current information on all standards by calling or writing the Ameri-
can National Standards Institute.

Published by

Steel Door Institute

30200 Detroit Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44145-1967

Copyright © 2024 by Steel Door Institute

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any

form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise,
without prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

ANSI/SDI A250.4-2024
Contents
Page

Foreword ........................................................................................... ii
1 Purpose.........................................................................................1
1.1 Reference Documents. . .............................................................1
1.2 Disclaimers. . .............................................................................1
1.2.1 Tolerances..........................................................................1
1.2.2 Gauge vs. Thickness . . ........................................................1
2 Apparatus and Equipment..............................................................1
2.1 Door Opener.. ...........................................................................1
2.2 Hardware..................................................................................1
3 Preparation for Test........................................................................2
4 Test Specimen...............................................................................3
4.1 Doors.......................................................................................3
4.2 Frames.....................................................................................3
5 Swing Test.....................................................................................3
5.1 Doors.......................................................................................3
5.2 Frames and Frame Anchors......................................................4
6 Twist test.. ......................................................................................4
7 Acceptance Criteria........................................................................5
7.1 Doors.......................................................................................5
7.2 Frames and Frame Anchors......................................................5
Figures
1 Swing Test Detail For Standard Frame......................................2
1A Swing Test Detail For Channel Iron Frame................................3
2 Twist Test Detail.......................................................................4
Performance Reports
Swing Test Form 1.........................................................................6
Swing Test Form 2.........................................................................7
Twist Test Form 3...........................................................................8
Annex
A Acceptance Criteria for Laminated Doors. . ......................................9

i
Foreword (This Foreword is not part of American National Standard A250.4-2024)

The material contained in this document has been developed under the
auspices of the Technical Committee of the Steel Door Institute.
The original standard was issued on July 28, 1980 and was revised in
1987, 1994, 2001, 2011, 2018 and 2022. The current edition is a revision
of the 2022 document with the contents being updated to reflect changes
that have taken place in the steel door and frame industry since that time.
Suggestions for improvement gained in the use of this standard are wel-
come, and should be sent to the Steel Door Institute, 30200 Detroit Road,
Cleveland, Ohio 44145-1967.
The organizations which approved this standard and are part of the Accred-
ited Standards Committee A250 formed February 8, 1991, are as follows:
Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association
Canadian Steel Door Manufacturers Assoc.
D. H. Pace Company
Door and Hardware Institute
Door Control Services
ESTM Services, LLC
GCI Consultants, LLC
HMMA/Division of NAAMM
Intertek
MasterSpec
Rosa D. Cheney AIA
Steel Door Institute
UL Solutions
Vetrotech / Saint Gobain
The Technical Committee of the Steel Door Institute, which developed this
standard, had the following personnel at the time of approval:

David Bill, Chairman

Claus Heide, Vice Chairman
J. Jeffery Wherry, Managing Director
Organization Represented Name of Representative
Ceco............................................................................................ Kurt Roeper
Curries......................................................................................... David Bill
De La Fontaine Industries, Inc. ................................................... René Bouchard
Deansteel Manufacturing Company............................................ Claus Heide
DCI.............................................................................................. Henry Ray
Hollow Metal Xpress.................................................................... Adam Matusz
Mesker Door................................................................................ Mike Mehaffy
MPI.............................................................................................. David McConnell
Pioneer........................................................................................ Kamal Sheikh
Premier........................................................................................ Jason Lisewski
Republic....................................................................................... Marilyn Latham
Steelcraft...................................................................................... Tim Weller
Stiles............................................................................................ Terry Fittje

ii
AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD ANSI/SDI A250.4-2024

American National Standard

Test Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for –

Physical Endurance for Steel Doors, Frames
and Frame Anchors

1 Purpose 1.2.2 Gauge vs. Thickness

The primary purpose of this procedure shall be to While the term ‘gauge’ is no longer common for de-
establish a standard method of testing the perfor- fining material thickness it is still used to specify
mance of a steel door mounted in a hollow metal doors and frames for ordering purposes. The term
or channel iron frame installed with appropriate an- ‘thickness’ is used when defining the actual dimen-
sion of an item, and the term ‘gauge’ is used in the
chors, under conditions that might reasonably be
context of specifying a particular door or frame.
considered an accelerated field operating condi-
tion.
2 Apparatus and Equipment
The user of this performance standard must temper
The apparatus and equipment used shall be the
their usage with the knowledge that there are many same when testing doors or frames with frame
variables that affect door and frame performance, anchors. The main testing structure shall be con-
such as different hardware, anchors, glass and lou- structed as shown in figures 1 and 2. The structure
ver cutouts, field modification by parties other than shall conform to the parts shown, except the open-
the manufacturer, environmental factors, such as ing width and height are permitted to vary to allow
heat, cold, moisture, etc. the testing of various door sizes. The test frame for
testing doors and frames shall be anchored in such
1.1 Reference Documents
a manner as to ensure rigidity.
ANSI/BHMA A156.1-2021 Butts and Hinges The swinging mechanism shall be in two parts:
ANSI/BHMA A156.3-2020 Exit Devices 2.1 Door Opener
ANSI/BHMA A156.4-2019 Door Controls – Clos- The door opener shall be an air cylinder positioned
ers at 65° to the plane of the door in its closed and
1.2 Disclaimers latched position that will actuate an exit device
mounted on the test door. The contact point shall
1.2.1 Tolerances be set to push the door open 60° ± 5°, and retract
to allow the door closer to bring the door back into
All values which do not carry specific tolerances or
its original closed position and then begin the cycle
are not marked maximum or minimum shall have again. See the requirements in figures 1 and 1A.
the following tolerances: Linear dimensions shall
be ± 1/16 in. (1.6 mm). Weight or force shall be ± 2.2 Hardware
2%. Angles shall be ± 2 degrees. Where only minus The exit device, door closer and hinges used in
tolerances are given, the dimensions are permitted testing shall be selected based on the door manu-
to be exceeded at the option of the manufacturers. facturers’ recommendations for the testing level

1
ANSI/SDI A250.4-2024

described in Swing Test Form 1. The manufacturer erly applied to the door and frame as recommend-
and model numbers shall be recorded in the report. ed by the hinge manufacturer, and any hinge fillers
All hardware shall be applied to the door and frame or shims, are in place. The clearances between the
with fasteners provided by the hardware manufac- door and the frame shall be recorded in the test
turer (for example, machine screws or sex bolts) in report.
the location recommended by the door manufac-
turer. The hardware shall conform to the latest edi- The door frame shall be securely fastened to the
tions of American National Standards ANSI/BHMA test frame opening structure in accordance with
A156.1, 3 and 4. The device shall be set to close the door manufacturer’s instructions. The manufac-
the door at a rate of 15 cycles, ± 1, per minute. turer is permitted to select anchors for specific wall
Inspect all hardware and silencers at regular in- applications (i.e., wood stud anchors or steel stud
tervals, and adjust or replace as necessary. It is anchors, loose or welded in or existing masonry
acceptable to apply lubrication to hinges and exit wall anchors).
devices.
Silencers shall be installed on the frame and the
Note: Where the applicable BHMA Test Standards stop face of the door shall contact the silencers.
have been followed, this information shall be record-
ed in the test report. The frame shall be plumb, square, and rigid.
When applicable, wall surface materials (e.g., dry-
3 Preparation for Test wall) shall be applied to the test frame opening at
The door shall be hung in the frame on the hinges. the frame throat to simulate actual construction
Care shall be taken to ensure the hinges are prop- conditions.

Cylinder
1" dia. x 5" long
roller contact pad Detail "A"

Contact panic
bar at center Cylinder
third of door stand

Set screw
attach to
65° Mechanical counter piston rod
Panic bar or equivalent

Detail "A"

Full mortise butts

60° Door
Door closer 3070 Standard hollow metal frame mounted in
channel iron frame (shown) or in a frame
in accordance with manufacturer’s
selected anchor types.

Figure 1 – Swing Test Detail For Standard Frame

2
 ANSI/SDI A250.4-2024

4 Test Specimen as well as the means of attachment in the frame

and the weight of the door used for the test shall
4.1 Doors
be recorded in the test report, Swing Test Form 2.
Unless specified otherwise, the test shall be per-
formed on a 3′-0″ x 7′-0″ nominal size door. A 5 Swing Test
detailed description of the construction of the door
5.1 Doors
and the applicable processes such as welding,
bonding, etc., used for attaching components, shall Duration of the test shall be 250,000 cycles with
be recorded in the test report, Swing Test Form 1, latching for Level C doors; 500,000 cycles
under the “remarks” section. with latching for Level B doors; and 1,000,000
cycles with latching for Level A doors. A general
4.2 Frames
inspection of the door shall be made at 25,000
Unless specified otherwise, the test shall be per- cycle intervals for the first 100,000 cycles and at
formed on a 3′-0″ x 7′-0″ nominal size frame hav- 50,000 cycles thereafter. A mechanical counter or
ing a 5 3/4″ jamb depth. A detailed description of the equivalent shall be used to record the cycles.
door frame and the applicable processes such as
The general inspection shall cover perimeter clear-
welding, bonding, etc. used for attaching compo-
ances between door and frame and all compo-
nents, shall be recorded in the report, Swing Test
nents readily accessible, such as door face skins,
Form 2, under the “remarks” section.
exposed hinge and lock stiles, flush closing chan-
A detailed description of the frame and anchoring nels, end closures, hinge reinforcements, and lock
system which shall cover all details of the anchors, body/face plate reinforcements and shall cover the

Cylinder 1" dia. x 5" long

roller contact
pad Detail "A"

Contact panic Cylinder

bar at center stand
third of door
Set screw
Panic bar attach to
65° Mechanical counter piston rod
5" adjustable C.I.
or equivalent
frame location varies
to accomodate
Detail "A" 5" stationary C.I. frame
different size doors

Applied stops
Half mortise butts
60° Door
Door closer
3070
Door can be tested in channel
iron frame with half mortise
hinges (no pressed steel frame).

Figure 1A – Swing Test Detail For Channel Iron Frame

3
ANSI/SDI A250.4-2024

2 ¼" max

2 ¼" max
Screw
jack*

Force
gauge* Remove hinge
pins Pressure pad
between force gauge
Test frame and door, 2 ½" dia.
Lever operated
Long range
toggle clamps
dial indicator
at adjacent corners
* Screw jack and force gauge can be
mounted at upper or lower lock
edge corner.

Figure 2 - Twist Test Detail

Figure 2 – Twist Test Detail

integrity of assembly methods used to connect the 6 Twist test

door components.
The twist test is applicable in evaluating door con-
Doors which have passed the cycling criteria at struction only.
one level shall be deemed to have passed all lower
The deterioration of the door strength during the
levels. The results shall be recorded on a standard
cycle test, if any, shall be checked through a series
performance report, Swing Test Form 1.
of twist tests. These twist tests shall be performed
5.2 Frames and Frame Anchors before the cycle test begins and then at 25,000
cycle intervals for the first 100,000 cycles and at
Duration of the test shall be 250,000 cycles for
50,000 cycle intervals for the balance of the test.
Level C frames; 500,000 cycles for Level B frames;
and 1,000,000 cycles for Level A frames. A general During the twist test, the hinge pins and silenc-
inspection of the frame shall be made at 25,000 ers shall be removed from the door and frame as-
cycle intervals for the first 100,000 cycles and at sembly and the exit device shall be unlatched. The
50,000 cycle intervals thereafter. door is then clamped in place as noted in figure
2. If necessary to facilitate twist testing, the door
The general inspection shall cover perimeter clear-
is permitted to be taken from the test fixture and
ances between door and frame and all frame
installed in a separate twist fixture. Loads in 30 lb.
components readily accessible, such as corner
increments shall be applied at the upper or lower
clips and screws, corner tabs and slots, head and
lock edge corner through the screw jack and force
jamb tabs/slots hinge reinforcements, and strike
gauge in the area illustrated in figure 2. The de-
reinforcements and shall cover the integrity of as-
flection noted on the dial indicator shall be plotted
sembly methods used to connect the frame com-
against the load applied to the corner on Twist Test
ponents
Form 3. A maximum 300 lb. load shall be applied.
Door frames which have passed the cycling criteria The load shall then be reduced in 30 lb. increments
at one level shall be deemed to have passed all and corresponding deflections recorded and plot-
lower levels. The results shall be recorded as part ted on Twist Test Form 3. A smooth curve drawn
of the test report, Swing Test Form 2. through the points shall graphically demonstrate

4
 ANSI/SDI A250.4-2024

the reaction of the door to increasing and decreas- 7.1.8 Permanent deflection for doors shall not ex-
ing pressures at different cycle intervals. ceed 1/8″ when load is removed after each twist
test.
At the completion of each twist test, the hinges
shall be reassembled by means of inserting the 7.1.9 Tapped holes shall not strip.
hinge pins, silencers shall be reinstalled, the exit
7.1.10 At the completion of the swing and twist
device shall be latched, and the assembly shall be
tests, the door shall be fully operable. If the door
subjected to another 25,000 or 50,000 cycles. The
becomes inoperable, the door will be considered
condition of the silencers shall be noted and re- to have failed and the previous passed cycle will
placements made where deemed necessary. be recorded.

7 Acceptance Criteria 7.1.11 Upon completion of the foregoing checks

and measurements, remove door from test struc-
7.1 Doors ture and cut door into four equal sections with a
7.1.1 Doors shall not show any visual indication of horizontal and a vertical cut at the center of the
metal fatigue, cracking or deformation at hardware door height and door width. Internal construction
cutouts or along form contours. Door must remain of door shall be inspected visually for delamina-
operable during the test. If the door fails to operate, tion, metal fatigue, cracking and weld failure. The
it will be deemed to have passed the last passed results of this inspection shall be recorded in the
cycle. test report.

7.1.2 Doors of laminated construction (cores lami- 7.2 Frames and Frame Anchors
nated to face sheets, channels or stiffeners lami- 7.2.1 Frames shall remain plumb, square, rigid,
nated to face sheets, etc.) shall not delaminate in and show no visual signs of metal fatigue, crack-
excess of 10% of the total laminated surface area. ing, or deformation at hardware cutouts or along
7.1.3 In doors of welded construction (stiffeners form contours.
or channels welded to face sheets, etc.) breakage 7.2.2 Corners shall stay aligned with seams in a
of welds shall not exceed 10% of the total weld of closed position.
those face stiffeners.
7.2.3 Perimeter clearances between door and
7.1.4 Top, bottom or edge channels shall remain frame shall not be greater than 1/16″ from those
securely in place, without any weld breakage. listed at onset of test.
7.1.5 Where seams occur on doors, there shall be 7.2.4 All hardware reinforcements shall remain se-
no opening or spreading of the seam. curely in place and show no visual signs of metal
fatigue, cracking or deformation.
7.1.6 All hardware reinforcements shall remain se-
curely in place and show no visual signs of metal 7.2.5 Tapped holes shall not strip.
fatigue, cracking or deformation.
7.2.6 At any time during the test, the frame shall
7.1.7 As a result of the twist test, the maximum not limit door operation. If during the test the door
deflection permitted shall not exceed 2 1/2″ when becomes inoperable, it shall be determined wheth-
loaded to 300 lb. for Level C. For Level B and Level er a defective door frame, hardware reinforcement,
A doors the maximum deflection shall not exceed hinge, frame anchor, etc., caused the failure and
1 1/4″ when loaded to 300 lb. shall be so noted in the test report.

5
ANSI/SDI A250.4-2024

Performance Report — Swing Test Form 1 Date

Test#

Manufacturers Type and Size of Doors

Weight of Door

Inspection at 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
indicated cycle 25 50 75 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 950 1000
M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M
intervals (1)

Condition of edge
weld/bond

Condition of lock
prep.
Condition of hinge
prep.

Top

Center

Bottom

Condition of top
closure
Condition of bottom
closure
Condition of door
core/stiffeners
Condition of panels
— general
Level C Door  Level B Door  Level A Door 
(1)
Indicates condition in appropriate columns:
S — Satisfactory
Use footnotes under Remarks for further explanation

Hinge Manufacturer & Number

Lock Manufacturer & Number
Closer Manufacturer & Number

Remarks:

6
 ANSI/SDI A250.4-2024

Performance Report — Swing Test Form 2 Date

Manufacturers Test#

Jamb Width Type and Size of Frame

Weight of Door Type of Anchors

Inspection at 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
indicated cycle 25 50 75 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 950 1000
M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M
intervals (1)

Condition of general
appearance

Condition of
perimeter clearance
Condition of strike
prep.
Condition of hinge
prep.

Top

Center

Bottom

Condition of
silencers
Condition of wall
anchors
Condition of floor
anchors

Condition of miters

Level C Door  Level B Door  Level A Door 

Indicates condition in appropriate columns:
(1)

S — Satisfactory
Use footnotes under Remarks for further explanation

Hinge Manufacturer & Number

Lock Manufacturer & Number

Remarks:

7
8
Performance Report — Twist Test Form 3

Test No. Date

Product Description
ANSI/SDI A250.4-2024

480

450

420

390

360

330

300

270

240

210

180

150

Pounds / Load Applied

120

90

60

30

0
0.1 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

Inches / Deflection
 ANSI/SDI A250.4-2024

Annex A
(informative)

Acceptance Criteria for Laminated Doors

Doors of laminated construction (cores laminated to face sheets, channels or stiffeners laminated to face
sheets, etc.) shall not delaminate in excess of 10% of the total laminated surface area.

9
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 ANSI/SDI A250.6-2024
Revision of ANSI/SDI A250.6-2020

Recommended Practice for

Hardware Reinforcing
on Standard Steel Doors and Frames
ANSI/SDI A250.6-2024

SPONSOR
Steel Door Institute
Approved October 17, 2024
This page left intentionally blank.
 ANSI/SDI
A250.6-2024
Revision of ANSI/SDI A250.6-2020

American National Standard

Recommended Practice
for Hardware Reinforcing
on Standard Steel Doors and Frames

Secretariat
Steel Door Institute

Approved October 17, 2024

American National Standards Institute, Inc.
This page left intentionally blank.
American Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by ANSl
that the requirements for due process, consensus, and other criteria for
National approval have been met by the standards developer.

Standard Consensus is established when, in the judgement of the ANSl Board of

Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly
and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much more
than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires
that all views and objections be considered, and that a concerted effort be
made toward their resolution.
The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; their
existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether they have ap-
proved the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or
using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the standards.
The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and
will in no circumstances give any interpretation of any American National
Standard. Moreover, no person shall have the right or authority to issue
an interpretation of an American National Standard in the name of the
American National Standards Institute. Requests for interpretations should
be addressed to the secretariat or sponsor whose name appears on the
title page of this standard.
CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or
withdrawn at any time. The procedures of the American National Standards
Institute require that action be taken periodically to reaffirm, revise, or
withdraw this standard. Purchasers of American National Standards may
receive current information on all standards by calling or writing the Ameri-
can National Standards Institute.

Published by

Steel Door Institute

30200 Detroit Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44145-1967

Copyright © 2024 by Steel Door Institute

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any

form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise,
without prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

ANSI/SDI A250.6-2024
This page left intentionally blank.
Contents
Page
Foreword.. ............................................................................................ ii
1 
G eneral........................................................................................1
1.1 
Purpose. . ......................................................................................1
1.2 
S cope. . .........................................................................................1
1.3 
Reinforcing Methods.....................................................................1
2 
Reference Documents. . .................................................................1
3 
Recommended Reinforcing Thickness...........................................1
4 Recommended Application of Hardware........................................3
4.1 Mortised Hardware.......................................................................3
4.2 
Field Drilling and Tapping.............................................................3
4.3 Thru-Bolting. . ................................................................................3
4.4 Sheet Metal Screws......................................................................4
5 
Continuous Hinges.. ......................................................................4

Tables
1 Minimum Hardware Reinforcing Thickness. . ...................................2
2 #10-24 thread...............................................................................4
3 #12-24 thread...............................................................................4
4 Tap drills and clearance drills for machine screws
with American National Thread form.............................................5

Figures
1 Examples of equivalent reinforcing methods. . ................................1
2 Full #12-24 threads. . .....................................................................2
3 Extrusion to create (3) full threads of #12-24................................2
4 Maintain a minimum of 65% of full thread.....................................3
5 Full thread shall not fall below 65%..............................................3
6 Proper thru-bolting........................................................................4
7 Improper thru-bolting....................................................................4

Appendices
A Conclusion.. ..................................................................................6
B Bibliography. . ................................................................................7

i
Foreword (This Foreword is not part of American National Standard A250.6-2024)

The first edition of this standard was developed under the auspices of the
Technical Committee of the Steel Door Institute and published in 1978 as
SDI-107 Hardware on Steel Doors (Reinforcement – Application). In 1994,
the word “standard” was added to the document’s title and the decision was
made to promulgate SDI-107 as an American National Standard. A250.6
was officially approved by the American National Standards Institute on Oc-
tober 22, 1997. Substantive changes between SDI-107 and the revised and
redesignated A250.6-1997 Hardware on Standard Steel Doors (Reinforce-
ment – Application) include the addition of metric equivalents, revised tap
and drill sizes to eliminate those that are not recommended, and a better
definition for “factory mortise.”
In 2001, the TC-1 Committee of the Accredited Standards Committee A250
initiated the 5-year review process, and changed the title of A250.6 to
Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Doors
and Frames to more accurately define the content of the standard. In ad-
dition, this revision includes the following substantive changes: Addition of
Appendices A and B, both informative; discontinuation of the use of “gauge”
in favor of decimal equivalents; addition of information relating to continu-
ous hinges; redefinition of the scope to exclude “architecturally specified
or specialized conditions.”
In 2015, A250.6 was revised due to the following updates: Figure 1 – title
changed from “Rigidity of angle or channel versus plate” to “Examples of
equivalent reinforcing methods”; Figure 6 – Sex-bolted changed to “proper
thru-bolting. Description changed from sex nut full door thickness” to
“Grommet nut of sex bolt or barrel nut spans full door thickness”; Figure
7 – “Grommet nut does not span full door thickness changed to “Grommet
nut of sex bolt or barrel nut does not span full door thickness”; Section
1.3.1 – “equal strength” was changed to “equal strength, pull-out strength”
In 2020 the standard was balloted and approved as a revision, due to up-
dates in the “Reference documents” section.
In 2024 the standard was balloted and approved as a revision, due to
updates in the “Reference documents” section and the removal of metric/
metric equivalents throughout.
Suggestions for improvement gained in the use of this standard will be
welcome, and should be sent to the Steel Door Institute, 30200 Detroit
Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44145-1967.

ii
The organizations of the Accredited Standards Committee A250 that have
approved this standard are as follows:
Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association
Canadian Steel Door Manufacturers Association
Rosa D. Cheney AIA
D.H. Pace
Door and Hardware Institute
Door Control Services
ESTM Services, LLC
GCI Consultants, LLC
HMMA/Division of NAAMM
Intertek
MasterSpec
Steel Door Institute
UL Solutions
Vetrotech / Saint Gobain

The Accredited Standards Committee A250 TC-1 developed this standard

had the following personnel at the time of approval:

David Bill, Chairman

Claus Heide, Vice Chairman
J. Jeffery Wherry, Secretary
Organization Represented Name of Representative
Ceco............................................................................................ Kurt Roeper
Curries......................................................................................... David Bill
D.H. Pace Company.................................................................... Jerry Rice
DCI.............................................................................................. Henry Ray
De La Fontaine Industries, Inc. ................................................... René Bouchard
Deansteel Manufacturing Company............................................ Claus Heide
Hollow Metal Xpress.................................................................... Adam Matusz
Mesker Door, Inc......................................................................... Mike Mehaffy
MPI.............................................................................................. David McConnell
Pioneer........................................................................................ Kamal Sheikh
Premier........................................................................................ Jason Lisewski
Republic...................................................................................... Marilyn Latham
Steelcraft..................................................................................... Tim Weller
Stiles............................................................................................ Terry Fittje

iii
This page left intentionally blank.
AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD ANSI/SDI A250.6-2024

American National Standard

Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing

on Standard Steel Doors and Frames

1 General of threads may be rendered in a lighter gauge

part with a pierced and dimpled (“extruded”)
1.1 Purpose
hole as compared to a heavier gauge part
It is the intention of this publication to furnish manufactured with conventional processes. For
users and prospective users of standard steel example, equal thread depth can be achieved
doors and frames with practical information on a piece of 0.067″ metal and on a flat plate
regarding accepted design methods for reinforc- of 0.123″ metal (see figures 2 and 3). The
ing and recommended practices for proper field extrusion process results in equal strength,
preparation for builders’ hardware. pull-out strength, equivalent number of threads
and a lighter weight than the parent metal or
1.2 Scope
equivalent flat reinforcing plate.
The information contained herein pertains to
2 Reference Documents
doors and frames manufactured in accordance
with ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Stan- ANSI/SDI A250.4-2024 Test Procedure and
dard Steel Doors and Frames published by Acceptance Criteria for – Physical Endurance
the Steel Door Institute. It is not intended to for Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors
reference architecturally specified or specialized
ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023 Specifications for Stan-
situations beyond the scope of this document
dard Steel Doors and Frames
or documents herein.
Machinery's Handbook
1.3 Reinforcing Methods
This standard recognizes as equal a variety 3 Recommended Reinforcing Thick-
of reinforcing methods produced by unique ness
manufacturing processes. These processes in-
The Manufacturer, based on individual con-
clude forming options (see figure 1) or integral
struction methods and tooling capabilities, shall
gussets or fillets on lighter gauge members
reinforce their product to ensure performance
to achieve strength and performance equal to
in accordance with ANSI/SDI A250.4. This
heavier gauge members.
reinforcing shall include (unless noted other-
1.3.1 Where reinforcements require tapping for wise) reinforcing and tapped mounting holes
machine screw threads, an equivalent number for template hinges and ANSI defined locks

Figure 1 – Examples of equivalent reinforcing methods

1
ANSI/SDI A250.6-2024

Hole to be pierced and

dimpled (extruded) through
parent steel before tapping.
(3) Full Threads 0.123 0.067

Figure 2 – Full #12-24 threads Figure 3 – Extrusion to create (3) full threads
of #12-24

Table 1 – Minimum Hardware Reinforcing Thickness

Door Frame
Hardware Item
inches MSG No. (6)
inches MSG No. (6)
Mortise Hinge 1-3/8″ Door (1) 0.093 12 0.093 12
Mortise Hinge 1-3/4″ Door (1) (2) 0.123 10 0.123 10
Mortise Lock or Deadbolt (1) 0.067 14 0.067 14
Bored Lock or Deadbolt (1) 0.067 14 0.067 14
Flush Bolt Front (1)
0.067 14 0.067 14
Surface Bolt (3)
0.067 14 0.067 14
Surface Applied Closer (4)
0.067 14 0.067 14
Hold Open Arm (3)
0.067 14 0.067 14
Pull Plates and Bar (3)
0.053 16 0.053 16
Surface Exit Device (3)
0.067 14 0.067 14
Floor Checking Hinge 0.167 7 0.167 7
Pivot Hinge 0.167 7 0.167 7
Continuous Hinges (5) Per Specification Per Specification
Kick / Push Plate Per Specification Per Specification

Note: The minimum steel thickness for each specific gauge is derived from the published
figures of UL Solutions. Thickness listed is in addition to door/frame specified thickness.
(1)
Thinner steel may be employed as long as tapped holes used for mounting the hardware
are extruded to produce an equivalent number of threads.
(2)
If reinforcing is angular or channel shaped, 0.093″ is permitted.
(3)
When reinforcing is omitted, thru-bolting via the use of spacers or sex-bolts is required.
(4)
Reinforcement shall occur on both sides.
(5)
Refer to section 6.
(6)
MSG No. to be used for reference purposes only.

2
 ANSI/SDI A250.6-2024

as specified. Additional reinforcing for surface or to provide adjustment that can only be pro-
applied hardware shall be built into the door vided at time of installation. The installer shall
at the factory when specified. use a template provided with the device or the
device itself to locate hole spacing.
As a guide to specification writers, table 1
shows the minimum thickness of steel to be 4.2.1 A suitably sized punch shall be used
used for hardware reinforcing as endorsed by to locate the drilling for pilot holes to prevent
ANSI/SDI A250.8. drill creeping, off-center holes and improper
screw alignment.
4 Recommended Application of Hard-
IMPORTANT NOTE: Use only the correct size
ware
drill for pilot holes, as recommended by Ma-
The hardware installer shall carefully follow the chinery’s Handbook (see table 4). Larger holes
hinge manufacturer’s instructions for fastener will decrease screw holding power causing the
preparations. screw to be pulled from the reinforcing under
normal stresses (see figures 4 and 5).
4.1 Mortised Hardware
Tables 2 and 3 illustrate the effect of variances
Standardized and ANSI defined preparations
in pilot hole sizes on thread holding power.
are made at the factory to allow installation of
mortise hardware such as hinges and locks. 4.2.2 The installer shall assure that tapped
Holes shall be made to precise diameters and holes have 75% of full thread (considered a
accurately tapped to ensure maximum thread normal condition). This percentage shall not fall
engagement and holding strength. Cutouts shall below 65% to be considered adequate for proper
be pierced to surround the mortised hardware hardware fastenings. Drills shall be positioned
item to close tolerances on three or all four so the bit enters the reinforced area in perpen-
sides. The hardware shall be installed using dicular position as holes formed at angles will
only the proper screws as furnished with or not permit proper seating of the screw head.
specifically recommended for each device. After the proper pilot holes are drilled, proceed
with the tapping operation. The tap shall match
NOTE: The installer must exercise caution upon
initial insertion of screws to prevent cross thread- the thread size of the screws provided and the
ing, especially with the smaller diameter screws. tap shall be held perpendicular to the surface.
4.2 Field Drilling and Tapping 4.3 Thru-Bolting
Doors and frames shall be prepared by the in- Where reinforcing has not been specified or
staller in the field for surface applied hardware, provided for other than mortised hardware, at-
such as surface closers or holders, track type tachment shall be accomplished by thru-bolting.
concealed closers or holders, pulls, exit device The hardware manufacturer’s instruction sheets
cases, or vertical rod latches. In addition, some shall be closely followed for recommended
hardware such as anchor hinges, thrust pivots, procedures. Where thru-bolting is required on
pivot reinforced hinges or floor mounted pivots hollow metal doors, spacers or sex-bolts shall
must be field prepared due to design variations

Correct drill size Incorrect drill size

for pilot hole for pilot hole

Figure 4 – Maintain a minimum of 65% of full Figure 5 – Full thread shall not fall below 65%
thread

3
ANSI/SDI A250.6-2024

Table 2 – #10-24 thread Table 3 – #12-24 thread

Drill Size Drill Diameter % Full Thread Drill Size Drill Diameter % Full Thread
#23 0.154″ 66% #15 0.180″ 66%
#24 0.152″ 70% #16 0.177″ 70%
#25 0.149″ 75% #17 0.173″ 75%
#26 0.147″ 79% Machinery’s Handbook recommendation in BOLD
#27 0.144″ 85%

Machinery’s Handbook recommendation in BOLD

be used to prevent collapsing of face sheets 5 Continuous Hinges

as illustrated in figures 6 and 7.
5.1 Standard preparation for continuous gear
NOTE: The most popular thru-bolting applica- type or barrel type hinges shall not include any
tions are door closers, exit devices, overhead
factory reinforcing, drilling and/or tapping in
holders, pulls and bar sets.
doors or frames. All mounting shall be prepared
4.4 Sheet Metal Screws in the field by the hardware installer.
Sheet metal screws are normally used to attach 5.2 For continuous hinges that require rein-
accessory hardware such as kickplates, mail forcing (either for fasteners, door weight, door
slots, room numbers, identification signs, and size or frequency of use situations) reinforcing
in many instances, push or pull plates. These shall be indicated at the time of order.
areas are not reinforced beyond the thickness
of the face sheets. Properly sized holes and 5.2.1 Standard reinforcing shall be a 0.067″
correct sheet metal screws as provided with steel strip no less than 1-1/4″ in width securely
the hardware item or as specified in the mount- welded inside the hinge edge of doors and
ing instructions shall be used for hardware hinge jamb door rabbet of frames.
attachment. 5.2.2 Optional reinforcing shall be a 0.067″
4.4.1 The best performance is achieved when steel strip no less than 1-1/4″ in width securely
the space between the threads is equal to or welded inside the hinge jamb door side face
greater than the thickness of the face sheets. of frames.

Grommet nut of sex bolt Grommet nut of sex bolt

or barrel nut spans full or barrel nut does not
door thickness span full door thickness

Figure 6 – Proper thru-bolting Figure 7 – Improper thru-bolting

4
 ANSI/SDI A250.6-2024

Table 4 – Tap drills and clearance drills for machine screws

with American National Thread form

Size of Screw Tap Drills Clearance Hole Drills

No. of
No. Threads Close Fit Free Fit
Decimal per Drill Decimal
or Drill Decimal Drill Decimal
Equiv. Inch Size Equiv.
Diam. Size Equiv. Size Equiv.

0 .060 80 3/64 .0469 52 .0635 50 .0700

64 53 .0595
1 .073 48 .0760 46 .0810
72 53 .0595
56 50 .0700
2 .086 43 .0890 41 .0960
64 50 .0700
48 47 .0785
3 .099 37 .1040 35 .1100
56 45 .0820
36* 44 .0860
4 .112 40 43 .0890 32 .1160 30 .1285
48 42 .0935
40 38 .1015
5 .125 30 .1285 29 .1360
44 37 .1040
32 36 .1065
6 .138 27 .1440 25 .1495
40 33 .1130
32 29 .1360
8 .164 18 .1695 16 .1770
36 29 .1360
24 25 .1495
10 .190 9 .1960 7 .2010
32 21 .1590
24 16 .1770
12 .216 2 .2210 1 .2280
28 14 .1820
20* 10 .1935
14 .242 D .2460 F .2570
24* 7 .2010
20 7 .2010
1/4 .250 F .2570 H .2660
28 3 .2130
18 F .2570
5/16 .3125 P .3230 Q .3320
24 I .2720
16 5/16 .3125
3/8 .375 W .3860 X .3970
24 Q .3320
14 U .3680
7/16 .4375 29/64 .4531 15/32 .4687
20 25/64 .3906
13 27/64 .4219
1/2 .500 33/64 .5156 17/32 .5312
20 29/64 .4531
* Screws marked with asterisk (*) are not in the American Standard but are from
the former ASME Standard.

5
ANSI/SDI A250.6-2024

Appendix A
(informative)

Conclusion

It has been the experience of the Steel Door Institute that most failures of hardware attachments
have been caused by improper field installation rather than insufficient reinforcement. It is quite
obvious that it is easier to tap an oversize pilot hole than to tap one of correct size necessary for
maximum strength. Oversized holes will not ensure adequate product performance.
Manufacturing tolerances and dimensions may not always be consistent on machine and sheet
metal screws when compared with different sources of supply.
The material used for the manufacture of screws is also a factor in the overall performance of
the attachment. Stainless steel, for example, is a stronger fastener than aluminum or plain carbon
steel. On installations where vibration or unusual frequency of operation is a factor, the use of
thread locking inserts, liquids on threads, or binding heads should be considered.
Standard steel doors and builders hardware are made to provide many years of service and are
very compatible. The specification writer and construction superintendent must be aware, however,
that proper installation methods must be considered on an equal basis with door and hardware
construction requirements to achieve this compatibility on the job.

6
 ANSI/SDI A250.6-2024

Appendix B
(informative)

Bibliography

— HMMA 803 Steel Tables

— HMMA 830 Hardware Selection for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames
— HMMA 840 Guide Specification for Installation and Storage of Hollow Metal Doors and Frames
— SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames
— SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors and Frames
— SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames

7
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023
Revision of ANSI/SDI A250.8-2017

Specifications for
Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

SPONSOR
Steel Door Institute
Approved April 6, 2023
This page left intentionally blank.
 ANSI/SDI ®
A250.8-2023
Revision of ANSI/SDI A250.8-2017

American National Standard

Specifications for
Standard Steel Doors and Frames
(SDI-100)

Secretariat
Steel Door Institute

Approved April 6, 2023

American National Standards Institute, Inc.
This page left intentionally blank.
American Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by ANSl
that the requirements for due process, consensus, and other criteria for
National approval have been met by the standards developer.

Standard Consensus is established when, in the judgement of the ANSl Board of

Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly
and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much more
than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires
that all views and objections be considered, and that a concerted effort
be made toward their resolution.
The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; their exis-
tence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether they have approved
the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or using
products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the standards.
The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and
will in no circumstances give any interpretation of any American National
Standard. Moreover, no person shall have the right or authority to issue
an interpretation of an American National Standard in the name of the
American National Standards Institute. Requests for interpretations should
be addressed to the secretariat or sponsor whose name appears on the
title page of this standard.
CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or
withdrawn at any time. The procedures of the American National Stan-
dards Institute require that action be taken periodically to reaffirm, revise,
or withdraw this standard. Purchasers of American National Standards
may receive current information on all standards by calling or writing the
American National Standards Institute.

Published by

Steel Door Institute

30200 Detroit Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44145-1967

Copyright © 2023 by Steel Door Institute

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any

form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise,
without prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023
This page left intentionally blank.
Contents
Page

Foreword.. ............................................................................................ ii
1 G eneral..........................................................................................1
1.1 S cope..........................................................................................1
1.2 Reference Documents..................................................................1
1.3 A pproval Drawings and Hardware Schedules................................2
1.4 C lassification — Level, Performance, Model.................................2
1.5 S izes. . ..........................................................................................3
2 Products.........................................................................................3
2.1 G eneral.......................................................................................3
2.2 M anufacturers Standard Gauge (MSG)
vs. Minimum Steel Thickness.......................................................5
2.3 Construction Features..................................................................5
2.4 Frames........................................................................................6
3 H ardware Preparation.....................................................................9
3.1 Reinforcings. . ...............................................................................9
4 S torage, Handling, and Installation.. .............................................. 10
4.1 J obsite Storage. . ........................................................................ 10
4.2 Frame Installation...................................................................... 10
4.3 D oor Installation........................................................................ 10
4.4 H ardware Installation................................................................. 10
4.5 Installation of Factory Applied Finish Painted Materials.............. 10
4.6 D oor and Frame Maintenance.................................................... 10
4.7 D oor and Frame Repair............................................................. 10

Tables
1 Standard opening sizes.. .................................................................3
2 Steel thickness / door faces............................................................5
3 Minimum steel thickness / frames...................................................7
4 Minimum hardware reinforcing thickness.........................................8
5 Hardware locations.........................................................................9

Appendices
A Fire Door Considerations. . ............................................................ 11
B General Considerations................................................................ 13
C S ection 081113 Hollow Metal Doors and Frames
(intended as a sample specification).. ........................................... 15

i
Foreword (This Foreword is not part of American National Standard A250.8-2023)

The material contained in this document has been developed under the
auspices of the ANSI A250 Committee. This committee has a diverse mem-
bership of users, producers, and general interest in addition to members
of the Steel Door Institute. The committee has been charged with the de-
velopment of standards, test methods, and other matters relating to steel
doors and frames.
The current edition is a revision, and replaces the ANSI/SDI A250.8-2017
document. The contents have been updated to reflect changes that have
take place in the steel door and frame industry since the time of the previ-
ous publication.
Suggestions for improvement gained in the use of this standard will be
welcome, and should be sent to the Steel Door Institute, 30200 Detroit
Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44145-1967.
The organizations of the Accredited Standards Committee A250 that have
approved this standard are as follows:
Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association
Canadian Steel Door Manufacturers Association
Cedar Valley Associates
D.H. Pace Company
Door Control Services
Door and Hardware Institute
ESTM Technical Services, LLC
HMMA/Division of NAAMM
Intertek
MasterSpec
Ray and Associates
Steel Door Institute
UL Solutions
Vetrotech/Saint-Gobain

ii
The Accredited Standards Committee A250 TC-1 developed this standard
had the following personnel at the time of approval:

James Urban, Chairman

J. Jeffery Wherry, Secretary
Organization Represented Name of Representative
Allegion........................................................................................ Tim Weller
Builders Hardware Institute.......................................................... Michael Tierney
Canadian Steel Door Manufacturers Association........................ Mike van Geyn
Ceco Door Products.................................................................... Dwayne Charlton
Cedar Valley Associates.............................................................. Stan Horsfall
Curries Company......................................................................... David Bill
Deansteel.................................................................................... Claus Heide
De La Fontaine Industris, Inc....................................................... Rene’ Bouchard
DCI.............................................................................................. Henry Ray
D.H. Pace..................................................................................... Jerry Rice
Door Control Services................................................................. Craig Ordmandy
ESTM Technical Services, LLC................................................... Michael Kolovich
Hollow Metal Xpress (HMX)........................................................ Adam Matusz
HMMA/Division of NAAMM.......................................................... Russell Tauscher
Intertek......................................................................................... Justin Hendricks
MasterSpec................................................................................. Rick Howard
Mesker Door................................................................................ Mike Mehaffy
MPI.............................................................................................. David McConnell
Pioneer Industries....................................................................... Kamal Sheikh
Premier Steel Doors & Frames.................................................... Joey Meggs
Ray and Associates..................................................................... Ron Ray
Republic Doors and Frames........................................................ Marilyn Latham
Steel Door Institute...................................................................... J. J. Wherry
Stiles Custom Metal..................................................................... Steve Stiles
UL Solutions................................................................................ Michael Nicasio
Vetrotech/Saint-Gobain................................................................ Kevin Norcross

iii
This page left intentionally blank.
AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

American National Standard

Specifications
for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)

1 General – SDI-117-2019 Manufacturing Tolerances for

Standard Steel Doors and Frames
1.1 Scope
– SDI-118-2021 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door
This specification for standard swinging steel
Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and Window
doors and frames offers a variety of choices
Frame Requirements
suitable for any commercial application. Spe-
cific performance levels of doors and frames – SDI-124-2022 Maintenance of Standard
are defined herein. SDI-108, Recommended Steel Doors and Frames
Selection and Usage Guide for Standard Steel
Doors shall be used as a guide. This Standard – SDI-134-2020 Glossary of Terms for Hollow
shall not act as an obstruction to the develop- Metal Doors and Frames
ment of new, modified or improved products 1.2.2 ANSI Standards
that meet the intent of this specification.
– UL 9 Standard for Fire Tests of Window As-
This specification covers sizes, design, mate- semblies, 8th Edition, Dated July 2, 2009,
rials, general construction requirements and including revisions through March 20, 2020
finishing of standard steel doors and frames.
SDI-100 is intended to define standard items – UL 10B Standard for Fire Tests of Door As-
not subject to variations. The products defined semblies, 10th Edition, February 7, 2008,
in this standard have demonstrated successful revisions up to and including May 4, 2020
performance to established test procedures and – UL 10C Standard for Positive Pressure Fire
physical usage (see Section 1.2).
Tests of Door Assemblies, 3rd Edition, June
It is the user’s responsibility to coordinate the 9, 2016, revisions up to and including May
information contained herein with applicable 27, 2021
building and/or fire code requirements.
– UL 1784, Standard for Air Leakage Tests
1.2 Reference Documents of Door Assemblies and Other Opening
1.2.1 SDI Standards Protectives, 4th Edition, February 17, 2015,
revisions up to and including February 21,
– SDI-108-2023 Recommended Selection and 2020
Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors
– NFPA 80-2022 Standard for Fire Doors and
– SDI-111-2009 Recommended Details for Other Opening Protectives
Standard Steel Doors, Frames, Accessories
and Related Components – NFPA 252-2022 Standard Methods of Fire
Tests of Door Assemblies
– SDI-112-2008 (R23) Zinc Coated (Galva-
nized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors – NFPA 257-2022 Standard Methods of Fire
and Frames Tests of Window Assemblies
– SDI-113-2013 (R18) Standard Practice for – ANSI/SDI A250.3-2019 Test Procedure and
Determining the Steady-State Thermal Trans- Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Fin-
mittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies ish Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames
1
ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

– ANSI/SDI A250.4-2022 Test Procedure and tion. When specified, shop drawings shall be
Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance submitted for approval prior to manufacturing
for Steel Doors, Frames, Frame Anchors and/or delivery of product to the site. They
– ANSI/SDI A250.6-2020 Recommended Prac- shall show elevations of each door design,
tice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard door construction details, hardware locations,
Steel Doors and Frames dimensions, and shapes of materials, anchor-
age and fastening methods, door frame types
– ANSI/SDI A250.10-2020 Test Procedure and and details, and finish requirements. SDI-111,
Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel Recommended Details for Standard Steel
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames Doors, Frames, Accessories and Related Com-
– ANSI/SDI A250.11-2022 Recommended ponents and SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for
Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (For- Hollow Metal Doors and Frames shall be used
merly SDI-105) as guides in the development of the necessary
product schedule.
– ANSI/BHMA A156.115-2016 Hardware Prepa-
ration in Steel Doors or Steel Frames 1.4 
Classification — Level, Performance,
1.2.3 ASTM Standards Model

– ASTM A1008-2021a Standard Specification For each of the following levels and models,
for Steel, Sheet, Cold-Rolled, Carbon, Struc- doors, frames, frame anchors, and hardware
tural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, High-Strength reinforcings shall be provided to meet the re-
Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, Re- quirements of the performance levels indicated
quired Hardness, Solution Hardened, and below. The material used in manufacturing
Bake Hardenable these products and components shall comply
with Tables 2, 3, and 4 of this document. The
– ASTM A568-2019a Standard Specification
physical performance levels are determined by
for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and
testing assemblies in accordance with ANSI/
High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and
SDI A250.4, Test Procedure and Acceptance
Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
Criteria for Physical Endurance for Steel Doors,
– ASTM A1011-2018a Standard Specification Frames, Frame Anchors and Hardware Rein-
for Steel, Sheet and Strip, Hot-Rolled, Car- forcings. See Section 2.3.1.1 and 2.3.1.2 for a
bon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, description of Full Flush and Seamless.
High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved
Formability, and Ultra-High Strength Level 1
and Physical Performance Level C
– ASTM A653-2022 Standard Specification
for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Standard-duty 1-3/8″ (34.9 mm) and 1-3/4″
or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by (44.5 mm)
the Hot-Dip Process Model 1 – Full Flush
– ASTM A879-2022 Standard Specification for Model 2 – Seamless
Steel Sheet, Zinc Coated by the Electrolytic Level 2
Process for Applications Requiring Designa-
and Physical Performance Level B
tion of the Coating Mass on Each Surface
Heavy-duty 1-3/4″ (44.5 mm)
– ASTM A924-2022 Standard Specification
Model 1 – Full Flush
for General Requirements for Steel Sheet,
Model 2 – Seamless
Metallic-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process
1.3 
A p p rova l D raw i n g s a n d H a rdwa re Level 3
Schedules and Physical Performance Level A

It is intended that approval drawings will not Extra Heavy-duty 1-3/4″ (44.5 mm)
be required for these items and that the manu- Model 1 – Full Flush
facturer’s published details, together with this Model 2 – Seamless
standard, will provide all the needed informa- Model 3 – Stile and Rail
2
 ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

Table 1 – Standard opening sizes

Widths* Ft-in 2′0″ 2′4″ 2′6″ 2′8″ 2′10″ 3′0″ 3′4″ 3′6″ 3′8″ 3′10″ 4′0″

mm 610 711 762 813 864 914 1016 1067 1118 1168 1219

* Sizes shown are for single doors only; equal pairs of doors use twice the width
indicated. Pairs of doors can consist of two unequal widths.

Heights 1-3/4″ Doors Ft-in 6′8″ 7′0″ 7′2″ 7′10″ 8′0″ 9′0″ 10′0″

mm 2032 2134 2184 2388 2438 2743 3048

1-3/8″ Doors Ft-in 6′8″ 7′0″ 7′2″

mm 2032 2134 2184

Level 4 and Ultra-High Strength and A568, Standard

and Physical Performance Level A Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Struc-
tural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled
Maximum-duty 1-3/4″ (44.5 mm)
and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for.
Model 1 – Full Flush
Model 2 – Seamless 2.1.1.3 When specified, hot dipped zinc coated
steel shall be of the alloyed type and comply
1.5 Sizes with ASTM A924, Standard Specification for
General Requirements for Steel Sheet, Metallic-
Standard doors and frames are sized to fit Coated by the Hot-Dip Process and A653,
openings noted in Table 1. Standard Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-
Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated
2 Products (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip Process. The
2.1 General coating weight shall meet or exceed the mini-
mum requirements for coatings having 0.4 oz/ft²
2.1.1 Steel Specifications (122 g/m²), total both sides, i.e., A40 (ZF120).
See SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvan-
All steel used to manufacture doors, frames,
nealed) Standard Steel Doors and Frames for
anchors, and accessories shall meet at least
further information.
one or more of the following requirements.
2.1.1.4 When zinc coated steel is specified for
2.1.1.1 Cold rolled steel shall conform to
anchors and accessories, and electrolytically
ASTM A1008, Standard Specification for Steel, deposited zinc coated steel is provided, it shall
Sheet, Cold-Rolled, Carbon, Structural, High- comply with ASTM A653 Standard Specification
Strength Low-Alloy, High-Strength Low-Alloy for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or
with Improved Formability, Required Hardness, Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the
Solution Hardened, and Bake Hardenable and Hot-Dip Process. The minimum coating desig-
A568, Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, nation shall be A40 i.e., 0.4 oz/ft² (122 g/m2).
Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength, Low-
Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General 2.1.2 Fire Doors and Related Frames
Requirements for. 2.1.2.1 Fire Doors and Frames
2.1.1.2 Hot rolled, pickled and oiled steel shall When specified for either insurance rating
comply with ASTM A1011, Standard Specifica- purposes or for compliance to building codes,
tion for Steel, Sheet and Strip, Hot-Rolled, Car- manufacturers shall provide the type of fire door
bon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, High- and frame assembly that has been investigated
Strength Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, and/or successfully fire tested in accordance
3
ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

with the latest revision of UL 9, Fire Tests of 2.1.4 Factory Applied Finish Paint
Window Assemblies, UL10B, Standard for Fire
When specified, doors and frames shall be
Tests of Door Assemblies, UL10C, Standard for
finish painted on all surfaces of the door and
Positive Pressure Fire Tests of Door Assemblies,
frame exposed to view. The factory applied finish
or NFPA 252, Standard Methods of Fire Tests
paint shall meet the performance requirements
of Door Assemblies, or NFPA 257 Standard
and acceptance criteria as stated in ANSI/
Methods of Fire Tests of Window Assemblies.
SDI A250.3, Test Procedure and Acceptance
The assembly shall be identified by labels
Criteria for Factory Applied Finish Coatings
and/or an approved identification marking of
for Steel Doors and Frames. Consult individual
an agency accepted by the authority having
manufacturers for product availability and color
jurisdiction. The door label shall indicate the ap-
plicable fire test rating for the door construction selection. Proper job site storage, as outlined
furnished. See Appendix “A”, and SDI-118, Basic in Section 4.1, shall be followed.
Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight 2.1.5 Field Applied Finish Paint
Frame, and Window Frame Requirements for
additional information. Unless doors and frames are factory finish
painted, a compatible coat of finish paint shall
2.1.2.2 Smoke Control Doors be applied in the field. The finish paint shall be
When specified, manufacturers shall provide of a type recommended for use on prime-painted
the type of fire door and frame assembly that steel. Consult the door and frame manufac-
has been investigated and/or successfully turer’s literature for description of primer used.
tested in accordance with the latest revision The manufacturer of the finish paint should
of UL1784 Standard for Air Leakage Tests of verify compatibility with the primer.
Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protec- 2.1.6 Tolerances
tives. See SDI-118, Basic Fire Door, Fire Door
Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and Window SDI-117, Manufacturing Tolerances for Stan-
Frame Requirements for additional information. dard Steel Doors and Frames shall apply to
the standard steel doors and frames specified.
2.1.2.3 Steel Astragals on Fire Doors
Note: All values which do not carry specific
Where required by a manufacturer’s listing or tolerances or are not marked maximum or
NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other minimum shall have the following tolerances:
Opening Protectives, a steel overlapping as- Linear dimensions shall be ± 1/16 in. (1.6 mm).
tragal shall be provided. Weight or force shall be ± 2%. Angles shall
2.1.2.4 Louvers for Fire Doors be ± 2 degrees. Where only minus tolerances
are given, the dimensions are permitted to be
When specified, fire doors shall be provided exceeded at the option of the manufacturers.
with fire labeled louvers. See SDI-118, Basic
Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight 2.1.7 Test Procedures
Frame, and Window Frame Requirements for The products furnished under this standard shall
acceptable labeling methods. have demonstrated successful performance to
2.1.3 Prime Finish the following established standard test methods:
Doors and frames shall be thoroughly cleaned ANSI/SDI A250.3 – Test Procedure and Ac-
and chemically treated to ensure paint adhesion. ceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish
All surfaces of the door and frame exposed Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames.
to view shall receive a factory applied coat of
ANSI/SDI A250.4 – Test Procedure and Ac-
rust inhibiting primer, either air-dried or baked-
ceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for
on. The finish shall meet the requirements for
Steel Doors, Frames, Frame Anchors and
acceptance stated in ANSI/SDI A250.10, Test
Hardware Reinforcings.
Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for Prime
Painted Steel Surfaces for Steel Doors and ANSI/SDI A250.10 – Test Procedure and
Frames. Proper job site storage as outlined in Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel
Section 4.1, shall be followed. Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames.
4
 ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

Table 2 – Steel thickness / door faces

Minimum Thickness
Level Model MSG No. (1)
Inches mm
1 0.032 0.8 20
1
2 0.032 0.8 20
1 0.042 1.0 18
2
2 0.042 1.0 18
1 0.053 1.3 16
3 2 0.053 1.3 16
3 See Sec. 2.3.3 Construction Features 16
1 0.067 1.7 14
4
2 0.067 1.7 14
(1)
MSG No. to be used for reference purposes only.

SDI-113 – Standard Practice for Determin- 2.1.9 Steel Thickness (see Table 2)

ing the Steady-State Thermal Transmittance 2.2 Manufacturers Standard Gauge (MSG)
of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies. vs. Minimum Steel Thickness
2.1.8 Design Clearances The minimum steel thickness for each specific
2.1.8.1 The clearance between the door and gauge is derived from the published figures of
UL Solutions, and shall be used for reference
frame shall be a maximum of 1/8″ (3.2 mm) in
purposes only.
the case of both single swing and pairs of doors.
2.3 Construction Features
2.1.8.2 The clearance between the meeting
edges of pairs of doors shall be 3/16″ (4.8 mm) 2.3.1 Door Faces and Edge
± 1/16″ (1.6 mm). For fire rated applications, the 2.3.1.1 Full Flush
clearances between the meeting edges of pairs
Each door face shall be formed from a single
of doors shall be 1/8″ (3.2 mm) ± 1/16″ (1.6 mm). sheet of steel of a thickness as defined by
2.1.8.3 The clearance measured from the bot- Table 2. There shall be no visible seams on
tom of the door to the bottom of the frame or the surface of the faces. A full height vertical
seam is permitted on door edges.
finished floor (Undercut) shall be a maximum
of 3/4″ (19.1 mm) unless otherwise specified. 2.3.1.2 Seamless
Fire door undercuts shall comply with NFPA In addition to the requirements for full flush
80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Open- doors, no visible seams are permitted along the
ing Protectives. vertical edges. One of the following methods,
at the discretion of the manufacturer, shall be
2.1.8.4 The clearance between the face of
used when a seamless door is specified:
the door and the stop shall be 1/16″ (1.6 mm)
to 3/32″ (2.4 mm). • vertical seam edge filled, dressed smooth

2.1.8.5 All clearances shall be, unless other- • intermittently welded seams, edge filled,
wise specified in this document, subject to a dressed smooth
tolerance of ±1/32″ (0.8 mm). • continuously welded seam dressed smooth
5
ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

2.3.1.3 Door Edges 2.3.3 

Construction Features – Stile and
Rail – Flush Panel
Door edges shall be fabricated utilizing the
following different profiles: Stiles and rails shall be made of steel at a
minimum of 0.053″ (1.3 mm) in thickness. Door
• Square Edge – edge of door which is 90° corners shall be mitered or butted. Mitered
to the face joints shall be internally reinforced, welded and
ground smooth such that no miter joints appear
• Beveled Edge – edge of a door which is
on door faces. Where specified, intermediate
not at a 90° angle to the face of the door rails shall be butted and either permanently
(standard bevel is 1/8″ (3.2 mm) in 2″ (50.8 mechanically fastened or internally welded to
mm) – narrow side of door is in contact door stiles. Butted joint seams shall remain vis-
with stop of frame when door is closed ible. Center panels shall be made using steel
with a minimum thickness of 0.042″ (1.0 mm),
Unless specified, door edges will be manu-
and shall be reinforced with manufacturer’s
factured in accordance with manufacturer’s standard core material. Panel faces shall be
standard for that model. flush with perimeter surfaces and shall be
2.3.1.4 End Channels or Closures joined to abutting perimeter members by weld-
ing or permanent mechanical fastening. Where
The top and bottom of the door shall be closed specified, panels shall be recessed in lieu of
with either flush or inverted channels or clo- flush. Recessed panels shall be reinforced and
sures. The channels or closures shall have a fastened as specified for flush panels. Hardware
minimum material thickness of 0.042″ (1.0 mm). reinforcements shall be as specified in Table 4
and located as specified in Table 5.
2.3.1.5 Decorative Faces
2.3.4 Vision Lights
When specified, door faces shall be fabricated
When doors are specified to contain glazed
of textured and/or embossed steel. These ma-
openings, the manufacturer’s standard light kit
terials shall meet the requirements of Table 2. shall be supplied unless otherwise specified.
2.3.2 Core Construction 2.3.5 Louvered Doors
The core design shall be at the discretion of When specified, doors shall be provided with
the manufacturer. louvers. SDI-111C, Recommended Louver De-
tails for Standard Steel Doors shall be used as
Doors of the following core designs have met
a guide in detailing/specifying louvers.
the performance requirements of the documents
listed under Section 2.1.7: 2.4 Frames

• KraftPaper Honeycomb 2.4.1 General

• Polystyrene Provide steel frames for doors, transoms,

sidelights, mullions, interior glazed panels and
• Polyurethane other openings, where indicated. Provide either
knockdown field assembled type, or welded unit
• Mineral Board type frames as specified.
• Vertical Steel Stiffeners Performance tests shall be conducted on
This shall not restrict the development of alter- 3-sided door frames and corresponding door
nate core materials that meet the performance designs. The variety and complexity of openings
containing transom, sidelights, or other such
requirements specified above.
configurations preclude the use of these test
The thermal transmittance of the steel door methods on such designs.
assembly is determined by subjecting the as- SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal
sembly to the testing defined in SDI-113. This Doors and Frames and SDI-111, Recommended
standard establishes a specimen size, test Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, Ac-
conditions and a rating system. cessories and Related Components shall be
6
 ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

Table 3 – Minimum steel thickness / frames

Thickness
Level MSG No. (1)
inches mm

1 0.042 1.0 18

2 0.053 1.3 16

3 0.053 1.3 16

4 0.067 1.7 14
(1)
MSG No. to be used for reference purposes only.

used as guides in the development of frame Full Profile Welded: (Also specified as fully
details. welded or continuously welded.) The joints
between all elements of the head and jamb
2.4.1.1 Knockdown Frames
profiles, i.e., soffit, stops, rabbets, faces and
Unless otherwise specified, frames shall be returns, shall be completely welded. Faces
supplied as knockdown, and shall have rigidly and returns may be welded either internally
interlocked frame joints so as to maintain align- or externally, all other frame elements shall
ment and assure performance of completed be welded internally. Faces and returns shall
frames when field assembled. These frames be ground and finished smooth with no visible
can consist of either single rabbet or double seam. The joint at other frame elements shall
rabbet profiles. appear as a hairline seam on the external side.
Face joints at meeting mullions or between
2.4.1.2 Frames for Existing Drywall Open- mullions and other frame members shall be
ings completely externally welded on the faces only,
When frames are specified for installation in welds shall be ground and finished smooth. The
existing drywall construction they may be of meeting joints of other mullion profile elements
the slip-on drywall type. These frames are not are not welded.
available with welded corners. A welded frame Welded frames shall be provided with a tem-
may be used in an existing opening when butted porary spreader bar for shipping and handling
against wall and/or stud. Frame with existing purposes only. This temporary spreader bar
wall anchors may also be installed in existing shall be removed and a setting spreader, sup-
drywall wall construction. plied by the installer, shall be used for instal-
lation of the frame. See ANSI/SDI A250.11,
2.4.1.3 Welded Frames
Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel
Welded frames required to comply with this Frames for details.
standard shall be supplied as face welded un- 2.4.2 Manufacturers Standard Gauges for
less otherwise specified as either full profile Frames
welded, fully welded or continuously welded.
Table 3 shall be used to determine the proper
Face Welded: The joint between the head and gauge thickness for the corresponding door
jamb faces shall be completely welded along levels.
their length either internally or externally. The
remaining elements of the frame profile, i.e., 2.4.3 
Frames with Mullions and Transom
soffit, stops, rabbets, are not welded. Face Bars
joints shall be ground and finished smooth Mullions and transom bars shall be joined to
with no visible seam. Face joints at meeting adjacent members by welding (see 2.4.1.3) or by
mullions or between mullions and other frame rigid mechanical connection, so as to maintain
members shall be welded externally, ground, alignment of parts and assure performance of
and finished smooth. completed frames when field assembled. When
7
ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

Table 4 – Minimum hardware reinforcing thickness

Hardware Item inches mm MSG No. (5)

Mortise Hinge 1-3/8″ [34.9 mm] Door (1) 0.093 2.3 12

Mortise Hinge 1-3/4″ [44.5 mm] Door (1) (2) 0.123 3.1 10

Mortise Lock or Deadbolt (1) 0.067 1.7 14

Bored Lock or Deadbolt (1) 0.067 1.7 14

Flush Bolt Front (1)

0.067 1.7 14

Lock or Dead Bolt 0.067 1.7 14

Surface Bolt (3) 0.067 1.7 14

Surface Applied Closer 0.067 1.7 14

Hold Open Arm (3) 0.067 1.7 14

Pull Plates and Bar (3) 0.053 1.3 16

Surface Exit Device (3) 0.067 1.7 14

Floor Checking Hinge 0.167 4.2 7

Pivot Hinge 0.167 4.2 7

Continuous Hinge (4) Not Required

Kick / Push Plate Not Required

Note: The minimum steel thickness for each specific gauge is derived from the published figures
of Underwriters Laboratories LLC.
(1)
Thinner steel may be employed as long as tapped holes used for mounting the hardware are
extruded to produce an equivalent number of threads.
(2)
If reinforcing is angular or channel shaped, 0.093″ (2.3 mm) is permitted.
(3)
When reinforcing is omitted on doors, thru-bolting via the use of spacers or sex-bolts is required.
(4)
Refer to ANSI/SDI A250.6, Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel
Doors and Frames.
(5)
MSG No. to be used for reference purposes only.

specified, vertical mullions shall be provided 2.4.4.2 Base Anchors

with floor anchors.
Provide frames, other than slip-on drywall type,
2.4.4 Frame Anchors for Wall Conditions with base anchors that are not less than 0.042″
Each jamb for openings up to and including 60 (1.0 mm) in thickness for attachment to the
inches (1520 mm) high shall be provided with floor. For wall conditions that do not allow for
two anchors, and an additional anchor shall be the use of a floor anchor, an additional jamb
provided on each jamb for each additional 30 anchor shall be specified.
inches (762 mm) of height or fraction thereof. 2.4.5 Glazing Beads
Provide anchors of not less than 0.042″ (1.0 mm)
in thickness or 0.167″ (4.2 mm) diameter wire. On frame assemblies that incorporate glazed
openings, the frame shall be provided with
2.4.4.1 Slip-On Drywall Frame Anchors glazing beads designed to receive the glazing
Slip-on drywall frames shall have an anchoring materials specified. The glazing beads shall be
system that allows installation of the frame after butted at the corners. Glazing beads shall be
the wall has been constructed and finished. of snap-on or screw-applied design.
8
 ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

2.4.6 Terminated Stops 3.1.2 Surface Applied Hardware

When specified, stops for interior door frames When specified, doors and frames shall be
shall be terminated above the floor 6″ (152.4 reinforced for surface applied hardware. Drilling
mm) standard, measured from frame bottom and/or tapping shall be completed by others.
to bottom of terminated stop. The stop is cut
3.1.3 Function Holes
at a 45° or 90° angle and closed with a steel
filler plate welded in place. Terminated stops The preparation for locks and/or exit devices
on frames for lightproof doors, sound-rated shall include reinforcements (as shown in
doors, double egress, smoke and draft control, Table 4) and function holes. Trim and/or mount-
or lead-lined doors are not available. ing holes are not included.
3.1.4 Anchor or Pivot Reinforced Hinges
3 Hardware Preparation
Where specified, the appropriate recessing and
3.1 Reinforcings
reinforcing shall be provided. Mounting holes
Provide minimum hardware reinforcing gauges shall be field drilled and tapped by others.
as noted in Table 4 and ANSI/SDI A250.6, Rec-
3.1.5 Hinge Preparations
ommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing
on Standard Steel Doors and Frames. See Table 5. Two reinforcements shall be pro-
vided for openings not exceeding 60 inches
3.1.1 Mortise Hardware Preparations
(1520 mm) in height, an additional reinforce-
Doors and frames shall be reinforced, drilled ment shall be provided for each additional 30
and tapped to receive mortised hinges, locks, inches (762 mm) of height or fraction thereof.
latches, and flush bolts as required. Prepara- Exception: 1-3/8″ (34.9 mm) thick, 6′8″ (2032
tion shall be in accordance with ANSI/BHMA mm) high non-fire rated doors shall be prepared
A156.115 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors for a minimum of two hinges.
or Steel Frames and ANSI/SDI A250.6, Rec-
3.1.6 Hardware Locations
ommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing
on Standard Steel Doors and Frames where Hardware shall be located in accordance with
applicable. Table 5.

Table 5 – Hardware locations

Cylindrical and Mortise Deadlock strikes shall be located at 48″ (1219 mm) from bottom of frame
unless otherwise specified by local authority.

Locks, Latches, Roller Latches and Double

Handle Sets 38″ – 42″ (965 mm – 1067 mm) Centerline of Lock Strike from Bottom
of Frame
Rim and Mortise Panic Devices

Cylindrical and Mortise Deadlocks 48″ (1219 mm) to Centerline of Strike from Bottom of Frame

Push Plates Centerline 45″ (1143 mm) from Bottom of Frame

Pull Plates Centerline of Grip @ 42″ (1067) from Bottom of Frame

Combination Push Bar Centerline of 42″ (1067 mm) from Bottom of Frame

Centerline of Lower Base is 45″ (1143 mm) from Bottom of Frame with
Hospital Arm Pull
Grip Open at Bottom

Up to 11-3/4″ (298.5 mm) from Rabbet Section of Frame to Centerline

Top
of Hinge
Hinges
Bottom Up to 13″ (330.2 mm) from Bottom of Frame to Centerline of Hinge

Intermediate Equally Spaced Between Top and Bottom Hinges

9
ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

Other items of hardware shall be located accord- probable deformation or discoloration of certain
ing to the door and/or hardware manufacturer’s wall constructions. Standard mortar protection
directions. This includes, but is not limited to, in frames is not intended for thin consistency
the door closers, floor hinges, overhead door grout or drywall compound.
holders, pocket pivot, and most specialized-
Steel Frames, including fire-rated frames do
purpose hardware.
not require grouting. GROUTING SHALL NOT
BE USED FOR FRAMES INSTALLED IN DRY-
4 Storage, Handling, and Installation
WALL WALLS. Exception: Frames for acoustical
4.1 Jobsite Storage STC openings are permitted to be pre-grouted
All doors and frames shall be stored vertically prior to installation into drywall walls.
under cover. The units shall be placed on 4.3 Door Installation
at least 4″ (102 mm) high wood sills or in a
manner that will prevent rust or damage. The Doors shall be installed and fastened to maintain
use of non-vented plastic or canvas shelters alignment with frames to achieve maximum op-
that can create a humidity chamber shall be erational effectiveness and appearance. Doors
avoided. A 1/4″ (6.3 mm) space between the shall be adjusted to maintain perimeter clear-
doors shall be provided to promote air circula- ances as specified in Section 2.1.8. Shimming
tion. If the wrapper on the door becomes wet, shall be performed by the installer as needed
it must be removed immediately. Proper jobsite to assure the proper clearances are achieved.
storage is extremely important in maintaining See “How to Shim Door Hinges” article at
the quality and integrity of the factory applied steeldoor.org.
paint. Improper Storage of material will have 4.4 Hardware Installation
an adverse effect on the factory applied paint’s
ability to meet the requirements of ANSI/ SDI Installation of hardware items shall be in ac-
A250.10, Test Procedure and Acceptance Cri- cordance with the hardware manufacturer’s
teria for Prime Painted Steel Surfaces for Steel recommendations and templates. ANSI/SDI
Doors and Frames or ANSI/SDI A250.3, Test A250.6, Recommended Practice for Hardware
Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for Fac- Reinforcing on Standard Steel Doors and
tory Applied Finish Coatings for Steel Doors Frames shall be consulted for other pertinent
and Frames. information.
4.2 Frame Installation 4.5 Installation of Factory Applied Finish
4.2.1 Frames shall be installed plumb, level, Painted Materials
rigid and in true alignment as recommended In addition to storage and handling precautions
in ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection noted in Section 4.1, it is IMPERATIVE that
Instructions for Steel Frames. the work of all other rough trades MUST be
All frames, other than drywall slip-on types, completed prior to the installation of factory
shall be fastened to the adjacent structure so applied finished painted product.
as to retain their position and stability. Slip-on 4.6 Door and Frame Maintenance
drywall frames shall be installed in prepared
wall openings in accordance with manufacturer’s It is the responsibility of the installer or end
instructions. user to properly maintain the doors and frames
in accordance with SDI-124, Maintenance of
4.2.2 Where grouting is required in masonry Standard Steel Doors and Frames.
installations, frames shall be braced or fastened
in such a way that will prevent the pressure of 4.7 Door and Frame Repair
the grout from deforming the frame members. Any repair required to either the door or frame
Grout shall be mixed to provide a 4″ (102
in a fire rated opening shall be conducted in
mm) maximum slump consistency and hand
accordance with NFPA 80, Standard for Fire
troweled into place. Grout mixed to a thinner,
Doors and Other Opening Protectives.
“pumpable” consistency shall not be used.
Excess water from thin consistency grout will Prior to any repair contact the manufacturer,
cause premature rusting of steel frames and per NFPA 80.
10
 ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

Appendix A
(informative)

Fire Door Considerations

Fire door testing

There are two primary fire test methods that are used to establish the fire ratings of doors. The
first is UL 10B, Fire Tests of Door Assemblies, and is referred to as neutral pressure; the second is
UL 10C, Positive Pressure Fire Tests of Door Assemblies, and is referred to as positive pressure.
The difference between the two test methods concerns the location of a neutral pressure plane
in the test furnace. In the late 1990’s the test method required in building codes changed to a
positive pressure test method. This change was adopted in the Uniform Building Code (UBC) and
the International Building Code (IBC) for swinging-type fire doors.
Fire doors required to be tested by either method may be specified by calling out the test method
or by indicating that the product must meet a specific section of a model building code.
These tests incorporate two phases: A fire test phase utilizing an established time-temperature
curve and a structural integrity phase utilizing a hose stream test conducted under established
time-pressure criteria determined by exposure time and area of the assembly. To be a valid fire
door assembly, the unit must pass both phases of the test.
In certain instances as permitted by building codes, the integrity portion (hose stream) is deleted.
The deletion of this requirement negates the assembly’s use as a true fire door.
The fire test procedures also include a measurement of unexposed surface temperatures at regu-
lar intervals up to 30 minutes.
The fire test does not address or measure the amount of smoke leakage through the assembly.
For this criteria, NFPA-105 Standard for the Installation of Smoke Door Assemblies and Other
Opening Protectives and UL 1784 Air Leakage Tests of Door Assemblies should be consulted.

Fire door ratings

Swinging steel doors and frames are commonly tested as flush (non-glazed) units for a 3-hour
time period. This allows their usage for all lower fire protection ratings. Lights in doors may be
permitted based on the performance of flush doors when evaluated with the testing database and
experience of the test lab or certifying agency.
Typical hourly ratings for swinging steel fire doors are 3-hours, 1-1/2-hours, 3/4-hours, and 1/3-hour.
Usage of these ratings is as follows:
3-Hour — Openings in fire walls that divide a single building into fire areas, normally 4-hour
rated walls.
1-1/2-Hour — Openings in enclosures of vertical communications through buildings and in 2-hour
partitions providing horizontal fire separations. These may also be used as non-glazed doors for
openings in exterior walls subject to severe fire exposure from outside of the building.
1 Hour — Openings in interior exit stairways, interior exit ramps, and exit passageways (where
specified by the code)
3/4-Hour — Openings in 1-hour rated (or less) partitions between rooms and corridors, or other
separation of occupancy. With certain light restrictions these may also be used in exterior walls
subject to moderate or light fire exposure from outside of the building. The 3/4-hour fire door may
also be used as a smoke and draft control door.

11
ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

1/3-Hour (20 minute) — Doors of this rating are used for the protection of openings bet ween
living quarters and corridors and where smoke control is a primary concern. They may also be
used as a smoke partition across corridors.

Fire door temperature rise

In addition, a temperature rise rating may be required by building codes in areas such as en-
closures of vertical communications or in areas of storage for hazardous materials. Temperature
rise ratings indicate the maximum temperature, above ambient, of the unexposed surface at 30
minutes into the fire test. Two ratings, 250°F (139°C) or 450°F (250°C) are recognized, with the
250°F (139°C) rating being the most thermally efficient. Ratings over 450°F (250°C) are not rec-
ognized as temperature rise doors.

Fire door labeling

Doors and frames may bear labels or marks of a recognized third party certification agency, ac-
ceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. Fire door labels must indicate the hourly rating and
either the latch throw for single point locks or must bear a notation “Fire door to be equipped with
fire exit hardware”. Fire door labels may also indicate the temperature rise rating.
Door labels may be of metal (installed by welding, riveting, adhesive or drive screw) or of mylar.
The existence of a label is the only method of verification that the door is rated.
Frame labels, except in specific instances, may not indicate hourly ratings. Fire door frames as-
sume the rating of the fire door installed or a rating that corresponds to the rating of the wall in
which it is installed, whichever is less.
Frame labels may be of metal (installed by welding, riveting, adhesive, or drive screw), mylar, or
may be embossed into the frame.
Door and/or frame labels may be of the same or different certifying agencies. A door assembly
may consist of labeled components of different manufacturers.

Other fire door considerations

The effectiveness of a fire door assembly is dependent on the use of listed or labeled items for
all components. These may include glazing material, locks, hinges, closers, latches, light frames,
other hardware items, etc. The substitution of a non-rated component or one that is rated less
than the intended fire protection rating of the assembly results in a corresponding decrease in
rating or the loss of the rating in its entirety.
For further information, see SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and
Window Frame Requirements or NFPA 80 Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives.
For information on fire doors used in a means of egress consult NFPA-101 Life Safety Code®.

12
 ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

Appendix B
(informative)

General Considerations

Steel coating types

ASTM A924, Standard Specification for General Requirements for Steel Sheet, Metallic-Coated by
the Hot-Dip Process and A653, Standard Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized)
or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip Process provide specifications for both
galvannealed (A Type) and Galvanized (G Type) coatings. For purposes of this standard, G type
coatings are not recommended due to problems related to paint adhesion and welding. In addition,
heavier coating weights, i.e., G60 and G90 are known to experience cracking and peeling of the
coating resulting in potential performance failures under ANSI/SDI A250.10, Test Procedure and
Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames and ANSI/SDI
A250.3, Test Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish Coatings for Steel
Doors and Frames.

Steel thickness
When ordering steel directly from the mill, manufacturers order sheet and coil to a minimum decimal
thickness and not a nominal gauge. This thickness is generally at the low end of the range for a
specific gauge. For example, the nominal thickness of 16 gauge is 0.059″ (1.5 mm). The thickness
tolerance permitted by ASTM A568, Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural,
and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for, is ± .006″
(0.15 mm). Therefore the minimum ordering dimension would then become 0.053″ (1.3 mm) as
shown in Table 2. These minimum values meet the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories
LLC. Steel gauges, or MSG numbers may be used for reference purposes only.

Thermal bow
Thermal bow is a condition which may occur in metal doors due to an inside / outside temperature
differential. It is warping of the top and bottom of the lock edge of the door either toward or away
from the frame stop. This condition may result in force on the latch that increases the difficulty
of opening the door and may increase the air leakage of the opening.
This condition, and the degree of bowing, depends on the door color, construction, length of ex-
posure, temperature, etc. Thermal bow can often be alleviated by painting the exposed surface a
light color. In some cases of extreme cold, this condition may also occur in reverse.

Thermal transmittance
The thermal transmittance of the steel door assembly is determined by subjecting the assembly
to the testing defined in SDI 113. This standard establishes a specimen size, test conditions and
a rating system.

Metric disclaimer
Values stated without parenthesis are the requirement. Values in the parenthesis are explanatory
or informative information.

13
ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

Aesthetics
The production of steel doors and frames relies on a variety of manufacturing processes including
spot welding, projection welding, arc welding ground smooth, grinding, filling, etc. These processes
may result in a show-through after application of finished paint. These characteristics are inherent
in production and are not to be considered as manufacturing defects.
The show-through characteristics increase as the paint gloss increases. This standard recom-
mends a maximum paint gloss rating of 20% reflectance, measured using a 60° gloss meter,
which should be suitable for most applications. Translucent paints may emphasize show-through
characteristics and their use is not recommended. The 20% reflectance is equivalent to a Master
Painters Institute (MPI) gloss rating description of a traditional “eggshell-like” finish.

Water penetration
Borrowed light, transom, sidelight, and combination transom sidelight frames are not factory sealed
to prevent water penetration. In situations where this is a concern, the contractor must seal all
joints that are exposed to the elements after the frame assembly is installed.
Whenever possible, it is strongly recommended that glass and glazing be installed on the exterior
rabbet of the frame assembly, which will help act as a deterrent to water penetration. It should
be noted that a fully welded corner does not ensure a water tight condition.
The member companies of the hollow metal industry cannot control the workmanship associated
with the frame installation and therefore, this work must be specified in the installation/glazing/
caulking section of the specifications. It is the responsibility of the contractor to assure all steps
are taken by the installer, glazer, or others to prevent water penetration.

Back coating of frames

Some architectural specifications require steel frames to have their throat areas coated with a
material that improves corrosion protection or sound control performance. This material can be
a bituminous coating or other more environmentally friendly products. Back coating, bituminous
coating, etc., may or may not be offered by the manufacturer. Consult manufacturer for availability
and specifications.

14
 ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

Appendix C
(informative)

Section 081113 Hollow Metal Doors and Frames

(intended as a sample specification)

GENERAL NOTES TO SPECIFIER

This Specification Section has been prepared by the Steel Door Institute www.steeldoor.org to
assist design professionals in the preparation of project specific, or office master, specifications.
It follows the guidelines of the Construction Specifications Institute’s (CSI) “SectionFormat” and
“PageFormat,” and therefore may be used with most commercial guide specification systems with
minor editing.
Edit to suit project requirements by deleting and inserting appropriate text. Green text proceeded
by **** and ending with **** offers suggestions on editing this Section. Delete the **** green text
**** before publication of specification.
Verify that referenced section numbers and titles are coordinated with remainder of Project Manual.
Section numbers and titles used in this specification are based on CSI’s MasterFormat 2020 edition.
Select and/or delete [bracketed] options as appropriate for the door assemblies applicable for
the Project.
ANSI/SDI and SDI standards used in this specification are available for free from the SDI website
www.steeldoor.org
SDI is not liable in any way for revisions to, or use of, this specification by any end user.
Contact the Steel Door Institute at info@steeldoor.org regarding questions or comments.

PART 1 – GENERAL

1.01 SUMMARY
A. Section Includes:
1. Interior standard hollow-metal doors and frames.
2. Exterior standard hollow-metal doors and frames.
3. Interior borrowed lites.
B. Related Requirements:
1. Section 087100 - Door Hardware, for door hardware applicable for hollow-metal door
and frames.
2. Section 088000 - Glazing, for glazing installed in hollow-metal door and frames.
3. Section 099100 - Painting, for field painting of hollow-metal door and frames.

1.02 REFERENCES
**** After editing specification, retain only references below that remain in the specification. Consider
deleting “Reference” Article, in its entirety, if Project Manual includes Section 014200 - References and
Section 014200 includes all references incorporated into the edited version of this Section. ****

15
ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

A. American National Standards Institute (ANSI):

1. ANSI/BHMA A156.115-2016: Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames.
2. ANSI/SDI A250.3-2019: Test Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied
Finish Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames.
3. ANSI/SDI A250.4-2022: Test Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endur-
ance for Steel Doors, Frames, Frame Anchors.
4. ANSI/SDI A250.6-2020: Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard
Steel Doors and Frames.
5. ANSI/SDI A250.8-2017: Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100).
6. ANSI/SDI A250.10-2020: Test Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted
Steel Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames.
7. ANSI/SDI A250.11-2022: Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames.
B. ASTM International (ASTM):
1. ASTM A153/A153M-16a: Standard Specification for Zinc(Hot-Dip) on Iron and Steel
Hardware.
2. ASTM A568/A568M-19a: Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural,
and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for.
3. ASTM A653/A653M-20: Standard Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galva-
nized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip Process.
4. ASTM A879/A879M-22: Standard Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated by the
Electrolytic Process for Applications Requiring Designation of the Coating Mass on
Each Surface.
5. ASTM A924/A924M-22: Standard Specification for General Requirements for Steel
Sheet, Metallic-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process.
6. ASTM A1008/A1008M-21a: Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Cold-Rolled,
Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved
Formability, Required Hardness, Solution Hardened, and Bake Hardenable.
7. ASTM A1011A1011M-18a: Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet and Strip, Hot-Rolled,
Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved
Formability, and Ultra-High Strength.
8. ASTM C518-21: Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Proper-
ties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus.
9. ASTM C665-17: Standard Specification for Mineral-Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation
for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing.
10. ASTM C1363-19: Standard Test Method for Thermal Performance of Building Materi-
als and Envelope Assemblies by Means of a Hot Box Apparatus.
11. ASTM E136-19a: Standard Test Method for Assessing Combustibility of Materials
Using a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750 oC.
12. ASTM E1423-21: Standard Practice for Determining Steady State Thermal Transmit-
tance of Fenestration Systems.
C. Code of Federal Regulations:
1. 16 CFR 1201-2012: Safety Standard for Architectural Glazing Materials.
D. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
1. NFPA 80-2022: Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives.
2. NFPA 252-2022: Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Door Assemblies.

16
 ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

3. NFPA 257-2022: Standard on Fire Test for Window and Glass Block Assemblies.
E. Steel Door Institute (SDI):
1. SDI 108-2023: Recommended Selection and Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors.
2. SDI 111-2009: Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, Accessories
and Related Components.
3. SDI 112-2008 (Reaffirmed 2023): Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Steel Doors
and Frames.
4. SDI 113-2013 (Reaffirmed 2018): Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State
Thermal Transmittance of Steel Door & Frame Assemblies.
5. SDI 117-2023: Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames.
6. SDI 118-2021: Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and Win-
dow Frame Requirements.
7. SDI 124-2022: Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors and Frames.
F. Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL):
1. UL9-2020: Standard for Fire Tests of Window Assemblies.
2. UL 10B-2020: Standard for Fire Tests of Door Assemblies.
3. UL 10C-2021: Standard for Positive Pressure Fire Tests of Door Assemblies.
4. UL 1784-2020: Standard for Air Leakage Tests of Door Assemblies and Other Open-
ing Protectives.

1.03 ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

**** Preinstallation Conference in first paragraph below is typically not required. Retain for complex
installations. If retaining, consider adding text describing purpose of conference, and required attendees.
****

A. Preinstallation Conference: Conduct conference at Project site.

1.04 ACTION SUBMITTALS

A. Product Data: For the following, include material descriptions, core descriptions, construc-
tion details, [Fire-resistance ratings,] [Temperature-rise ratings,] and factory finishes:
1. Doors.
2. Frames.
3. Frame anchors.
4. [Vision panel frames.]
5. [Louvers.]
B. Shop Drawings: Include the following:
1. Elevation of each door type.
2. Details of each type of door, including the following:
a. Vertical and horizontal edge details.
b. Metal thicknesses.
3. Details of each type of frame, including the following:
a. Frame profile and dimensions.
b. Metal thicknesses.
4. Locations of hardware reinforcing.
17
ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

5. [Details of electrical raceways.]

6. [Details of door and frame preparations for electrified door hardware.]
7. [Details of vision panel frames.]
8. [Details of louvers.]
9. Details of filed splices.
10. Jamb and head details of each type of wall opening.
11. Details of frame anchorages and spacing.
C. Product Schedule: Prepared by or under the supervision of supplier.
1. Format: Use same door numbers indicated on Drawings.
2. Content: Include the following:
a. Opening location.
b. Opening size.
c. Door thickness.
d. Door type.
e. Door material.
f. Frame type.
g. Frame material.
h. Fire-rating.
i. Hand of door.
D. Samples: For doors and frames specified to be factory color finished.
E. Certificates:
**** Retain first subparagraph below if Project includes oversize fire-rated openings. ****
1. Oversize Opening Certification: For fire-rated door assemblies exceeding limitations
of labeled openings.
2. Paint Compatibility Certificates: From manufacturers of topcoats applied over shop
primers, certifying that shop primers are compatible with topcoats.
3. For manufacturer, indicating Steel Door Institute certification.

1.05 INFORMATIONAL SUBMITTALS

A. Qualification Statements:
1. For manufacturer.
**** Retain first subparagraph below if Project includes fire-rated openings. ****
2. For fire-rated door inspector.
**** Retain first paragraph below if Project includes fire-rated openings. ****

B. Field Quality Control Submittals:

1. Field quality control reports.
C. Sustainable Design Submittals:
**** Retain first two subparagraphs below and insert additional submittal requirements if applicable to
Project’s sustainability program. ****

18
 ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

1. Recycled Content: Indicate postconsumer and preconsumer recycled content and cost.
2. Energy Performance Certificates: For each type of exterior door, from manufacturer,
stating NFRC-certified energy performance values, including air leakage rate, U-value
and SHGC.

1.06 CLOSEOUT SUBMITTALS

**** Retain first paragraph below if Project includes fire-rated openings. ****

A. Record Drawings: For fire-rated doors, listing door numbers and applicable room names
and numbers to which fire-rated door accesses.

1.07 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Manufacturer’s Qualifications: Certified under the Steel Door Institute’s certification program.
**** Retain first paragraph below if Project includes fire-rated openings. ****

B. Fire-Rated Door Inspector Qualifications: Comply with qualifications listed in NFPA 80,
section 5.2.3.1, and one of the following:
1. Certified under the Door and Hardware Institute’s Fire and Egress Door Assembly
Inspector (FDAI).
2. Certified under Door Safety, LLC’s Door Safety Inspector (DSI).
**** Retain first paragraph below if Project is designed under NFPA 101. ****

C. Egress Door Inspector Qualifications: Comply with qualifications listed in NFPA 101, sec-
tion 7.2.1.14.4, and one of the following:
1. Certified under the Door and Hardware Institute’s Fire and Egress Door Assembly
Inspector (FDAI).
2. Certified under Door Safety, LLC’s Door Safety Inspector (DSI).

1.08 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

A. Deliver doors and frames in a manner that provides protection during transit and Project
site storage.
1. Mark each door and frame with Architect’s opening number.
2. Do not use non-vented plastic of canvas for packaging.
3. Provide welded frames with temporary bottom spreaders welded to jambs and mullions.
B. Store doors and frames vertically under cover, placed on at least 4-inch (102-mm) high
wood blocking or in a manner that will promote air circulation and prevent rust or damage.
1. Provide a minimum ¼-inch (6.3 mm) space between doors to promote air circulation.
2. Remove and replace damaged or wet packaging material immediately.

PART 2 – PRODUCTS

2.01 MANUFACTURERS
A. Acceptable Manufacturers:
1. Republic Doors & Frames/Allegion
2. Steelcraft/Allegion
3. Ceco, An ASSA ABLOY Group Company

19
ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

4. Curries, An ASSA ABLOY Group Company

5. Pioneer, An ASSA ABLOY Group Company
6. DCI
7. Deansteel Manufacturing Company
8. De La Fontaine Industries, Inc.
9. Hollow Metal Express (HMX)
10. Mesker Door
11. MPI
12. Premier Steel Doors and Frames
13. Stiles, An ASSA ABLOY Group Company

2.02 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

A. Fire-Rated Door Assemblies: Comply with NFPA 80, and be listed and labeled by either
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) or Intertek Group plc, as acceptable to authorities
having jurisdiction, for the fire-protection ratings [and temperature-rise limits] indicated
on the Drawings, based on positive pressure testing in accordance with NFPA 252 or
UL 10C.
1. Oversize Fire-Rated Assemblies: For assemblies exceeding sizes of tested assemblies,
provide certification by a qualified testing agency, acceptable to authorities having
jurisdiction, certifying that doors and frames comply with the construction require-
ments for tested and labeled fire-rated assemblies except for size.
2. Temperature-Rise Limit: At locations indicated on Drawings, provide door assemblies
that have a maximum transmitted temperature end point of not more than 450 degrees
F (250 degrees C) above ambient after 30 minutes of standard fire-test exposure.
B. Smoke and Draft Control Assemblies: Comply with NFPA 105, and be listed and labeled
by either Underwriters Laboratories or Intertek Group plc, as acceptable to authorities
having jurisdiction, based testing in accordance with UL 1784.
C. Fire-Rated Borrowed-Lite Assemblies: Comply with NFPA 80, and be listed and labeled
by either Underwriters Laboratories or Intertek Group plc, as acceptable to authorities
having jurisdiction, for the fire-protection ratings indicated on Drawings, based on testing
in accordance with NFPA 257 or UL 9.
D. Thermally-Rated Door Assemblies: For exterior locations, provide door assemblies with
U-factor of not more than [0.60 degrees Btu per degree per hour per square foot (2.84
W/K per square meter)] [Insert U-factor] when tested in accordance with ASTM C518,
ASTM C1363, or ASTM E1423.

2.03 EXTERIOR DOORS AND FRAMES

A. Standard Exterior Doors: Comply with ANSI/SDI A250.8 as follows:
**** Select one of four Classification Levels below and coordinate with Physical Endurance Level. Clas-
sification Level 1, for standard-duty doors, is associated with Physical Endurance Level C; Classification
Level 2, for heavy-duty doors, is associated with Physical Endurance Level B; Classification Level 3, for
extra heavy-duty doors, is associated with Physical Endurance Level A; and Classification Level 4, for
maximum-duty doors, is associated with Physical Endurance Level A. ****
1. Classification Level: [1] [2] [3] [4].
2. Model: [1, Full flush] [2, Seamless] [3, Stile and rail].

20
 ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

3. Physical Endurance: When tested in accordance with ANSI/SDI A250.4, pass the
following:
a. Swing Test: [Level A] [Level B] [Level C].
b. Twist Test: [Level A] [Level B] [Level C].
4. Door Type: As indicated on Drawings.
5. Door Thickness: 1-3/4 inches (44.4 mm).
6. Face: ASTM A653/A653M, [A40] [A60], Commercial Steel (CS), Type B, metallic-
coated steel sheet.
**** Face thickness is associated with Classification Level above. First option is for Level 1; second
option is for Level 2; third option is for Level 3; and fourth option is for Level 4. First option represents
the outdated “20 gauge”; second option represents the outdated “18 gauge”; third option represents the
outdated “16 gauge”; and the fourth option represents the outdated “14 gauge.” ****
a. Thickness: [0.032 inches (0.8 mm)] [0.042 inch (1.0 mm)] [0.053 inches (1.3
mm)] [0.067 inch (1.7 mm)].
7. Edge Design: [Manufacturer’s standard design] [Square] [Beveled].
8. Core: [Polyurethane] [Polystyrene] [Polyisocyanurate] [Kraft-paper honeycomb]
[Mineral board] [Vertical steel stiffeners with insulation].
a. Fire-Rated Doors: As required to provide fire-protection rating indicated on Draw-
ings.
9. Top Closure: 0.042-inch (1.0 mm) thick flush channel.
10. Bottom Closure: 0.042-inch (1.0 mm) thick [flush] [inverted] channel.
B. Standard Exterior Door Frames: Comply with ANSI/SDI A250.8 as follows:
1. Classification Level: [1] [2] [3] [4].
2. Material: ASTM A653/A653M, [A40] [A60], Commercial Steel (CS), Type B, metallic-
coated steel sheet.
**** Material thickness is associated with Classification Level above. First option is for Level 1; sec-
ond option is for Level 2 and Level 3; third option for Level 4. First option represents the outdated “18
gauge”; second option represents the outdated “16 gauge”; and the third option represents the outdated
“14 gauge.” ****
a. Thickness: [0.042 inch (1.0 mm)] [0.053 inches (1.3 mm)] [0.067 inch (1.7 mm)].
3. Sidelite [and Transom] Frames: Same material and thickness as door frame.
4. Constructed: [Face welded] [Full profile welded] [Knockdown].

2.04 INTERIOR DOORS AND FRAMES

A. Standard Interior Doors: Comply with ANSI/SDI A250.8 as follows:
**** Select one of four Classification Levels below and coordinate with Physical Endurance Level. Clas-
sification Level 1, for standard-duty doors, is associated with Physical Endurance Level C; Classification
Level 2, for heavy-duty doors, is associated with Physical Endurance Level B; Classification Level 3, for
extra heavy-duty doors, is associated with Physical Endurance Level A; and Classification Level 4, for
maximum-duty doors, is associated with Physical Endurance Level A. ****
1. Classification Level: [1] [2] [3] [4].
2. Model: [1, Full Flush] [2, Seamless] [3, Stile and rail].
3. Physical Endurance: When tested in accordance with ANSI/SDI A250.4, pass the
following:

21
ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

a. Swing Test: [Level A] [Level B] [Level C].

b. Twist Test: [Level A] [Level B] [Level C].
4. Door Type: As indicated on Drawings.
5. Door Thickness: 1-3/4 inches (44.4 mm).
6. Face: [ASTM A1008/A1008M, Commercial Steel (CS), Type B or ASTM A1011.
A1011M, Commercial Steel (CS), Type B] [ASTM A653/A653M, A40, Commercial
Steel (CS), Type B, metallic-coated steel sheet].
**** Face thickness is associated with Classification Level above. First option is for Level 1; second
option is for Level 2; third option is for Level 3; and fourth option is for Level 4. First option represents
the outdated “20 gauge”; second option represents the outdated “18 gauge”; third option represents the
outdated “16 gauge”; and the fourth option represents the outdated “14 gauge.” ****
a. Thickness: [0.032 inches (0.8 mm)] [0.042 inch (1.0 mm)] [0.053 inches (1.3
mm)] [0.067 inch (1.7 mm)].
7. Edge Design: [Manufacturer’s standard design] [Square] [Beveled].
8. Core: [Polyurethane] [Polystyrene] [Polyisocyanurate] [Kraft-paper honeycomb]
[Mineral board] [Vertical steel stiffeners with insulation].
a. Fire-Rated Doors: As required to provide fire-protection rating indicated on Draw-
ings.
9. Top Closure: 0.042-inch (1.0 mm) thick [flush] [inverted] channel.
10. Bottom Closure: 0.042-inch (1.0 mm) thick [flush] [inverted] channel.
B. Standard Interior Door Frames: Comply with ANSI/SDI A250.8 as follows:
1. Classification Level: [1] [2] [3] [4].
2. Material: [ASTM A1008/A1008M, Commercial Steel (CS), Type B or ASTM A1011.
A1011M, Commercial Steel (CS), Type B] [ASTM A653/A653M, A40, Commercial
Steel (CS), Type B, metallic-coated steel sheet].
**** Material thickness is associated with Classification Level above. First option is for Level 1; sec-
ond option is for Level 2 and Level 3; third option for Level 4. First option represents the outdated “18
gauge”; second option represents the outdated “16 gauge”; and the third option represents the outdated
“14 gauge.” ****
a. Thickness: [0.042 inch (1.0 mm)] [0.053 inches (1.3 mm)] [0.067 inch (1.7 mm)].
3. Sidelite [and Transom] Frames: Same material and thickness as door frame.
4. Constructed: [Face welded] [Full profile welded] [Knockdown].

2.05 BORROWED LITE FRAMES:

A. Material: [ASTM A1008/A1008M, Commercial Steel (CS), Type B or ASTM A1011.A1011M,
Commercial Steel (CS), Type B] [ASTM A653/A653M, A40, Commercial Steel (CS),
Type B, metallic-coated steel sheet].
1. Thickness: [0.042 inch (1.0 mm)] [0.053 inches (1.3 mm)].
B. Construction: [Face welded] [Full profile welded] [Knockdown].

2.06 ACCESSORIES
A. Hollow-Metal Panels: Match material, construction, and finish of adjacent door.
B. Interior Louvers: Comply with SDI-111C.

22
 ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

1. Frames: ASTM A1008/A1008M, Commercial Steel (CS), Type B or ASTM A1011.A1011M,

Commercial Steel (CS), Type B.
a. Thickness: 0.032 inch (0.8 mm).
2. Blade: ASTM A1008/A1008M, Commercial Steel (CS), Type B or ASTM A1011.A1011M,
Commercial Steel (CS), Type B.
a. Thickness: 0.024 inch (0.6 mm).
b. Style: [Inverted “V”] [“Z” Blade] [Inverted “Y”] [Chevron-type] [Lightproof]
[Adjustable blade].
3. Fire-Rated Automatic Louvers: Fusible-link, self-closing at 135 degrees F (57 degrees C).
a. Fire-Rating: Comply with fire-rating of door assembly; UL or Intertek Group plc
listed.
C. Vision Lite Frames:
1. Material:
a. Exterior Locations: ASTM A653/A653M, [A40] [A60], Commercial Steel (CS),
Type B, metallic-coated steel sheet.
1) Thickness: 0.032 inch (0.8 mm).
b. Interior Locations: ASTM A1008/A1008M, Commercial Steel (CS), Type B or
ASTM A1011.A1011M, Commercial Steel (CS), Type B.
1) Thickness: 0.032 inch (0.8 mm).
2. Profile: Flush type, with [Square] [Beveled] stops.
3. Corner Construction: [Butted] [Mitered], welded.
4. Fasteners: Countersunk type.
5. Locate fixed stops as follows:
a. Exterior Doors: Interior side.
b. Interior Doors: Keyed side.
6. Fire-Rated Doors: Comply with NFPA 80, and NFPA 252 or UL 10C.
D. Frame Anchors: Comply with ANSI/SDI A250.4.
1. Material:
a. Exterior Locations: ASTM A653/A653M, [A40] [A60], Commercial Steel (CS),
Type B, metallic-coated steel sheet.
1) Thickness: 0.042 inch (1.0 mm) for sheet metal anchors and 0.167-inch (4.2
mm) diameter for wire anchors.
b. Interior Locations: ASTM A1008/A1008M, Commercial Steel (CS), Type B or
ASTM A1011.A1011M, Commercial Steel (CS), Type B.
1) Thickness: 0.042 inch (1.0 mm) for sheet metal anchors and 0.167-inch (4.2
mm) diameter for wire anchors.
2. Jamb Anchors:, Suitable for adjoining wall construction.
a. Quantity: Other than at slip-on drywall frames, provide the following:
1) Frames Up to 7’-6” in Height: Three anchors per jamb.
2) Frames Over 7’-6” in Height: Three anchors per jamb plus one additional
anchor per jamb for each 2 feet of additional height.
b. Floor Anchors: Provide one floor anchor for each jamb and mullion extending
to floor.

23
ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

E. Mineral-Fiber Insulation: ASTM C665, Type I.

1. Combustibility: Pass ASTM E136.
F. Glazing: As specified in Section 088000 - Glazing.
G. Shop Primer: Door manufacturer’s standard lead and chromate free primer complying
with ANSI/SDI A250.10, compatible with field-applied finishes.
H. Fasteners: Hot-dip galvanized in accordance with ASTM A153/A153M.
1. Power-Actuated Fasteners in Concrete: Type applicable for required installation;
corrosive-resistant material.

2.07 FABRICATION
A. Fabrication of Doors [and Hollow-Metal Panels]: Comply with ANSI/SDI A250.8.
1. Form metal to sizes and profiles required, with minimum radius for thickness of metal.
2. Factory cut glazed lite openings in doors.
3. Door Astragals: When required to comply with fire-rating of door assembly, provide
overlapping astragal on inactive leaf of pairs of doors.
4. Hardware Preparation: Comply with ANSI/BHMA A156.115,where applicable.
5. Hardware Reinforcing: Comply with ANSI/SDI A250.6 and ANSI/SDI A250.8, Table 4.
**** Retain first two paragraphs below for exterior doors. ****
6. Provide weep-hole openings in bottom of exterior doors to permit moisture to escape.
7. Seal joints in top edges of exterior doors to prevent water intrusion.
8. Attach fire-rating label to each fire-rated door.
9. Attach S label to each smoke and draft control door.
B. Fabrication of Frames: Comply with ANSI/SDI A250.8.
1. Form metal to sizes and profiles required, with minimum radius for thickness of metal.
2. Fabricate frames in single unit, except where handling and transporting limitations
require multiple units.
a. Provide concealed alignment plates at each joint for multiple unit frames.
3. Termination Stops: Where indicated on Drawings, terminate stops 6 inches (152 mm)
above finish floor at a 45 degree downward angle.
a. Close open end of stop with metal to match material and thickness of door frame.
b. Fill open portion of frame below termination stop with metal to match material
and thickness of door frame.
c. Weld all joints with welds ground smooth and flush with adjacent frame.
4. Door Silencers: Except for doors scheduled to receive weatherstripping or sound seals
specified under Section 087100, drill frame stops to receive door silencers.
a. Quantity:
1) Single Door Frames: Three holes in strike jamb stop.
2) Double Door Frames: Two holes in head stop.
5. Hardware Preparation: Comply with ANSI/BHMA A156.115,where applicable.
6. Hardware Reinforcing: Comply with ANSI/SDI A250.6 and ANSI/SDI A250.8, Table 4.
7. Attach fire-rating label to each fire-rated frame.
8. Attach S label to each smoke and draft control frame.

24
 ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

C. Fabrication Tolerances: Comply with SDI-117 and ANSI/SDI A250.8.

2.08 SHOP FINISHING

A. Primer Finish:
1. Clean and prepare doors and frames to receive shop primer.
2. Shop finish in compliance with ANSI/SDI A250.10.

PART 3 – EXECUTION

3.01 EXAMINATION
A. Verification of Conditions: Examination areas and conditions under which Work is to be
performed and identify conditions detrimental to proper and timely completion.
1. Verify rough-in openings and built-in anchorage are correctly sized, installed, and
located.
2. Do not proceed until unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected.

3.02 PREPARATION
A. Remove factory-installed welded-in door frame shipping spreaders.
1. Restore appearance and finish of door frames at weld locations to result in a smooth,
flush surface.
a. Touch-up primer using same primer as applied in shop.
2. Drill and tap doors and frames schedule to receive field-applied non-templated, mor-
tised, and surface-mounted hardware.

3.03 INSTALLATION
A. Installation of Frames: Comply with ANSI/SDI A250.11.
1. Fire-Rated Assemblies: Comply with NFPA 80.
2. Smoke Control Assemblies: Comply with NFPA 105.
3. Install frames plumb and level, in alignment with adjacent construction.
4. Provide temporary supports and braces for frames installed prior to wall erection.
a. Remove temporary supports and braces after wall erection is completed.
5. At field splices, secure separate units of frames by continuous welds.
a. Restore appearance and finish of frames at weld locations to result in a smooth,
flush surface.
b. Touch-up primer using same primer as applied in shop.
6. At STC-rated walls, install mineral-fiber insulation inside frames.
7. At in-place concrete and masonry walls, secure frames using post-installed anchors
with spacer tube between frame and wall.
a. Countersink anchors, and fill recess to create a smooth, flush surface.
B. Installation of Doors:
1. Install doors in frames using hardware specified in Section 087100.
2. Install doors to within specified installation tolerances.
a. Shim as necessary using metal shims.
3. Fire-Rated Assemblies: Comply with NFPA 80.

25
ANSI/SDI A250.8-2023

4. Smoke Control Assemblies: Comply with NFPA 105.

C. Installation Tolerances for Doors and Frames:
1. Non-Fire-Rated Assemblies: Comply with ANSI/SDI A250.8.
2. Fire-Rated Assemblies: Comply with NFPA 80.

3.04 REPAIR
A. Immediately after installation, repair rusted and damages areas of shop primer.
B. Touch-up primer using same primer as applied in shop.
C. FIELD QUALITY CONTROL
**** Retain this Article for fire-rated assemblies ****

D. Inspection Agency: Engage a qualified inspector to perform inspections and to furnish

reports.
E. Inspections:
1. Fire-Rated Door Inspections: Inspect each fire-rated door in accordance with NFPA 80,
Section 5.2.
**** Retain “Egress Door Inspections” Subparagraph below for projects under NFPA 101, for Assembly,
Educational, Day-Care, and Residential Board and Care occupancies. ****
2. Egress Door Inspections: Inspect each door equipped with exit panic hardware, each
door equipped with fire exit hardware, each door located in an exit enclosure, each
electrically controlled egress door, and each door equipped with special locking ar-
rangements, in accordance with NFPA 101, Section 7.2.1.15.
F. Repair or remove and replace installations where inspections indicate that they do not
comply with specified requirements.
G. Reinspect repaired or replaced installations to determine if replaced or repaired door
assembly installations comply with specified requirements.
H. Prepare and submit separate inspection report for each fire-rated door assembly indicat-
ing compliance with each item listed in [NFPA 80] [and] [NFPA 101].

3.05 ADJUSTING
A. Adjust doors to function smoothly and correctly.

3.06 CLEANING
A. Clean exposed surfaces, hardware [, and glass materials].

END OF SECTION

26
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 ANSI/SDI A250.10-2020
Revision of A250.10-2011

Test Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for —

Prime Painted Steel Surfaces
for Steel Doors and Frames
ANSI/SDI A250.10-2020

SPONSOR
Steel Door Institute
Approved June 24, 2020
This page left intentionally blank.
 ANSI/SDI ®
A250.10-2020

American National Standard

Test Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for

Prime Painted Steel Surfaces
for Steel Doors and Frames

Secretariat
Steel Door Institute

Approved June 24, 2020

American National Standards Institute, Inc.
This page left intentionally blank.
American Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by ANSl
that the requirements for due process, consensus, and other criteria for
National approval have been met by the standards developer.

Standard Consensus is established when, in the judgement of the ANSl Board of

Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly
and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much more
than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires
that all views and objections be considered, and that a concerted effort be
made toward their resolution.
The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; their
existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether they have ap-
proved the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or
using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the standards.
The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and
will in no circumstances give any interpretation of any American National
Standard. Moreover, no person shall have the right or authority to issue
an interpretation of an American National Standard in the name of the
American National Standards Institute. Requests for interpretations should
be addressed to the secretariat or sponsor whose name appears on the
title page of this standard.
CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or
withdrawn at any time. The procedures of the American National Standards
Institute require that action be taken periodically to reaffirm, revise, or
withdraw this standard. Purchasers of American National Standards may
receive current information on all standards by calling or writing the Ameri-
can National Standards Institute.

Published by

Steel Door Institute

30200 Detroit Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44145-1967

Copyright © 2020 by Steel Door Institute

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any

form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise,
without prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

ANSI/SDI A250.10-2020
Contents
Page
Foreword.. ............................................................................................ ii
1 General..........................................................................................1
1.1 Scope......................................................................................1
1.2 Referenced Documents............................................................1
2 Material..........................................................................................1
3 Testing. . ..........................................................................................1
3.1 Salt Spray Testing. . ..................................................................1
3.2 Condensation testing (humidity)...............................................2
3.3 Impact Test..............................................................................2
3.4 Film adhesion test...................................................................2
4 Acceptance criteria.........................................................................2
4.1 Salt Spray resistance...............................................................2
4.2 Condensation resistance..........................................................2
4.3 Impact test.. .............................................................................2
4.4 Film Adhesion..........................................................................2
5 Report............................................................................................2
6 General..........................................................................................3
6.1 Test laboratory.........................................................................3
6.2 Certification.............................................................................3
Tables
Table 1 – Rust grades....................................................................2
Table 2 – Classification of adhesive test results.............................6
Figures
Figure 1 – Visual reference for percentage of rust..........................3
Figure 2 – Blister size #2...............................................................4
Figure 3 – Blister size #4...............................................................4
Figure 4 – Blister size #6...............................................................5
Figure 5 – Blister size #8...............................................................5

i
Foreword (This Foreword is not part of American National Standard A250.10-2020)

The material contained in this document has been developed under the
auspices of the Technical Committee of the Steel Door Institute.
The original standard was issued on July 28, 1980 and was revised in 1990
and 1998. The 1998 edition was reaffirmed in 2004, and revised in 2011.
The current edition is a revision of the 2011 document with the contents
being updated to reflect changes and advances that have take place in the
steel door and frame industry.
Suggestions for improvement gained in the use of this standard are wel-
come and should be sent to the Steel Door Institute, 30200 Detroit Road,
Cleveland, OH 44145-1967.
The organizations that have approved this standard are as follows:
Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association
Canadian Steel Door Manufacturers Assoc.
Cedar Valley Associates
D. H. Pace Company
Door and Hardware Institute
Door Control Services
ESTM Services, LLC
HMMA/Division of NAAMM
Intertek
MasterSpec
Ray and Associates
Steel Door Institute
Underwriters Laboratories LLC
Vetrotech / Saint Gobain

ii
The Accredited Standards Committee A250 TC-1 developed this standard
and had the following personnel at the time of approval:

Craig Ordmandy, Chairman

J. Jeffery Wherry, Secretary
Organization Represented Name of Representative
Allegion........................................................................................ Marilyn Latham
Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association............................ Mike Tierney
Canadian Steel Door Manufacturers Assoc................................. Mike van Geyn
Ceco Door Products
An ASSA ABLOY Door Group Company................................. Tom Janicak
Cedar Valley Associates.............................................................. Stan Horsfall
Curries Company
An ASSA ABLOY Door Group Company................................. David Bill
D.H. Pace Company.................................................................... Jerry Rice
DCI.............................................................................................. Tom Popow
Deansteel Manufacturing Company............................................ Claus Heide
Door and Hardware Institute........................................................ Laura Frye
Door Control Services................................................................. Craig Ordmandy
ESTM Service, LLC..................................................................... Mike Kolovich
HMMA/Division of NAAMM.......................................................... Russell Tauscher
Hollow Metal Xpress.................................................................... Steve Hoag
Intertek......................................................................................... Dan Johnson
MasterSpec................................................................................. Rick Howard
Mesker Door, Inc.......................................................................... Mike Mehaffy
Metal Products, Inc...................................................................... David McConnell
Pioneer Industries, Inc.
An ASSA ABLOY Door Group Company................................. Kamal Sheikh
Premier Steel Door & Frames...................................................... Joey Meggs
Ray & Associates......................................................................... Ron Ray
Republic....................................................................................... Steve Gilliam
SMP
An ASSA ABLOY Door Group Company................................. Kurt Roeper
Steel Door Institute...................................................................... J. J. Wherry
Underwriters Laboratories LLC.................................................... Luke Woods
Vetrotech Saint-Gobain................................................................ Kevin Norcross

iii
AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD ANSI/SDI A250.10-2020

American National Standard

Test Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for —

Prime Painted Steel Surfaces
for Steel Doors and Frames

1 General width, 1/2″ (12.7mm) in from the end. Identification

marks shall be added to the specimen as required
1.1 Scope
for control purposes. The test specimen shall be
These methods prescribe the procedures to be fol- handled at all stages of the process with clean
lowed in the selection of material, chemical prepa- gloves to prevent contamination.
ration of the steel substrate, prime paint coating
application, testing, and evaluation of prime paint- 2.2 The specimen(s) shall be hung using a meth-
ed steel surfaces for steel doors and frames. od representative of that used in production.

1.2 Referenced Documents 2.3 The specimen(s) shall be cleaned, pre-treated

and prime painted in accordance with the manufac-
ASTM B117-16 Standard Practice for Operating turer’s normal production method and procedure.
Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus All dry fill thickness used on test specimens shall
ASTM D610-08 (2012) Standard Practice for Evalu- be documented and representative of the individu-
ating Degree of Rusting on Painted Steel Surfaces al manufacturer’s normal production material.
ASTM D714-09 (2017) Standard Test Method for 2.4 At the end of the coating cycle, the specimen(s)
Evaluating Degree of Blistering of Paints shall be removed from the system in such a man-
ner as to avoid any contact with the primed sur-
ASTM D1654-08 (2016)e1 Standard Test Method
face by any other object. The primed surface of the
for Evaluation of Painted or Coated Specimens
specimen shall not be handled or come in contact
Subjected to Corrosive Environments
with other objects in such a way as to disrupt the
ASTM D2794-93 (2010) Standard Test Method for primed surface.
Resistance of Organic Coatings to the Effects of
Rapid Deformation (Impact) 2.5 All specimens shall be allowed to age at ambi-
ent room temperature, for a minimum 72 hour du-
ASTM D3359-17 Standard Test Methods for Rat- ration before any testing commences.
ing Adhesion by Tape Test
ASTM D4585 / D4585M-13 Standard Practice for 3 Testing
Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Con- 3.1 Salt Spray Testing
trolled Condensation
a) Apparatus – The apparatus used for salt spray
2 Material testing shall be of such design as to conform to
ASTM B117.
2.1 The test specimen shall be of the ASTM speci-
fication per ANSI/SDI A250.8 as used in the man- b) Test performance – Salt spray testing shall be
ufacturing of the products. Separate specimens conducted as specified in ASTM B117 for a
shall be used for each test. The specimen shall test period of 120 continuous hours. The test
be a minimum 4″ (102mm) x 6″ (152mm) with a specimen(s) shall be scribed with an “X” per
1/4″ (6.4mm) hole at the center of the 4″ (102mm) ASTM D1654, sections 4.1 and 5.1.
1
ANSI/SDI A250.10-2020

3.2 Condensation testing (humidity) Table 1 – Rust grades

a) Apparatus – The apparatus used for conden-
Rust Maximum %
sation (humidity) testing shall be of such de-
Grade of rusted area
sign as to conform to ASTM D4585.
10 00.01
b) Test performance – Condensation (humid-
9 00.03
ity) testing shall be conducted as specified in
ASTM D4585 for a test period of 240 continu- 8 00.10
ous hours. Exposure temperatures shall be 7 00.30
maintained at a minimum of 100° Fahrenheit 6 01.00
(380 C). Actual test temperature shall be noted
5 03.00
in the report.
4 10.00
3.3 Impact Test
3 16.00
The prime paint coating shall be subject to one 2 33.00
impact per ASTM D2794 with 20 inch pounds of
1 50.00
direct impact using a Gardner Impact Tester with a
1/2″ (12.7 mm) diameter ball or punch at room tem- 0 100.00
perature of 70° – 75° Fahrenheit. Apply one-inch
(25.4 mm) wide #600 Scotch cellophane pressure-
sensitive tape firmly to the impact area and pull off when tested in accordance with paragraph 3.1
sharply. (or a Rating Number 6 on each side of the scribe
line, when evaluated and rated in accordance with
Note: In order to ensure adhesion, #600 Scotch ASTM D1654, Table 1. “Rating of Failure at Scribe
cellophane pressure sensitive tape must be stored (Procedure A).”)
and used within shelf life, as recommended by the
4.2 Condensation resistance
manufacturer.
Applied prime paint shall be allowed to exhibit
3.4 Film adhesion test
the dense pattern of #8 blisters but, shall have
The prime coating film adhesion shall be tested in no more than the “few” pattern of #6 blisters as
accordance with method “B” of ASTM D3359. illustrated in the photographic reference of ASTM
D714. See Figures 2 through 5 herein for visual
A total of (11) parallel cuts are made with a sharp
representations of the various degrees of blister-
instrument, 0.039″ (1 mm) apart in both a vertical
ing.
and horizontal direction, forming a grid.
Testing shall be in accordance with paragraph 4.2
One-inch (25.4 mm) wide pressure-sensitive tape
of ASTM D714.
is then firmly applied to the scribed surface and
pulled off sharply. 4.3 Impact test
Note: In order to ensure adhesion #600 Scotch No prime paint coating film removal shall occur
cellophane pressure sensitive tape must be stored other than at an area 1/8″ (3.2 mm) in diameter at
and used within shelf life, as recommended by the the center of the impact area, when tested in ac-
manufacturer. cordance with paragraph 3.3.
4.4 Film Adhesion
4 Acceptance criteria
There shall be no adhesion loss less than a grade
4.1 Salt Spray resistance
3B as defined in ASTM D3359. This grade rep-
Applied prime paint on the unscored surface of the resents a film removal of between 5% and 15%.
test specimen shall have a rust grade of no less Table 2 illustrates the various classifications for ad-
than 6 as defined in ASTM D610. hesion loss.
Table 1 and the depictions shown in Figure 1 il-
5 Report
lustrate the scale used to evaluate the rust grades.
The painting film at the scribe line shall not be un- 5.1 The report shall cover the date the test was
dercut by rust more than 1/8″ (3.2 mm) each side, performed and the issue date of the report.
2
 ANSI/SDI A250.10-2020

5.2 Identification of the specimen tested, source of tion or description of the specification shall be
supply, manufacturer, model or series number, or included in the report.
both, and any other pertinent information.
5.3 A detailed description of the specimen or spec- 6 General
imens tested shall include the type of prime paint, 6.1 Test laboratory
the method of paint application and the procedure
used to cure it, the dry film thickness and the ASTM All tests shall be conducted by a testing labora-
grade of the steel substrate. tory accredited to the standards referenced in this
document.
5.4 A statement that the test or tests were con-
ducted in accordance with the methods and proce- 6.2 Certification
dures as specified herein. If deviations from these When reference is made to this specification, the
methods and procedures were made, they shall be following statement shall be used: “Prime paint fin-
described in the report. ish has been tested in conformance with ANSI/SDI
5.5 When the test is made to check the confor- A250.10.”
mance of the unit specimen to the test require-
ments of a particular specification, the identifica-

Figure 1 – Visual reference for percentage of rust

3
4
Visual examples illustrating degrees of blistering
ANSI/SDI A250.10-2020

FEW MEDIUM MEDIUM DENSE DENSE

Figure 2 – Blister size #2

FEW MEDIUM MEDIUM DENSE DENSE

Figure 3 – Blister size #4
 Visual examples illustrating degrees of blistering

FEW MEDIUM MEDIUM DENSE DENSE

Figure 4 – Blister size #6

FEW MEDIUM MEDIUM DENSE DENSE

Figure 5 – Blister size #8

5
ANSI/SDI A250.10-2020
ANSI/SDI A250.10-2020

Table 2 – Classification of adhesive test results

Surface of cross-cut areas from

Classification which listing has occurred. (Ex- Rate of adhesion
ample for six parallel cuts.)

The edges of the cuts are

completely smooth; none of
5B None
the squares or the lattice are
detached.

Small flakes of coating are

detached at intersections; less
4B
than 5% of the area is af-
fected.

Small flakes of coating are

detached along edges and at
3B intersections of cuts. The area
affected is 5 to 15% of the
lattice.

The coating has flaked along

the edges and at parts of the
2B
squares. The affected area is
15 to 35% of the lattice.

The coating has flaked along

the edges of cuts in large rib-
1B bons and entire squares have
detached. The area affected is
35 to 65% of the lattice.

0B Flaking and detachment in excess of 65%.

6
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 ANSI/SDI A250.11-2022
Revision of ANSI/SDI A250.11-2012

Recommended
Erection Instructions for Steel Frames
ANSI/SDI A250.11-2022

SPONSOR
Steel Door Institute
Approved March 17, 2022
This page left intentionally blank.
 ANSI/SDI ®
A250.11-2022
Revision of ANSI/SDI A250.11-2012

American National Standard

Recommended
Erection Instructions
for Steel Frames

Secretariat
Steel Door Institute

Approved March 17, 2022

American National Standards Institute, Inc.
American Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by ANSl
that the requirements for due process, consensus, and other criteria for
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Standard Consensus is established when, in the judgement of the ANSl Board of

Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly
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than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires
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American National Standards Institute.

Published by

Steel Door Institute

30200 Detroit Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44145-1967

Copyright © 2022 by Steel Door Institute

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any

form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise,
without prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

ANSI/SDI A250.11-2022
Contents
Page

1 S cope. . ...........................................................................................1
2 S torage and Preliminary Assembly.. ................................................2
3 P lumbing and bracing frames.........................................................3
4 A ccessories....................................................................................4
5 N ew masonry construction.............................................................5
6 E xisting masonry construction........................................................5
7 S teel stud wall construction, studs erected with frame. . .................6
8 D ouble egress frames in steel stud wall construction.....................7
9 Wood stud construction (studs erected with frame)........................8
10 Wood/steel stud construction (studs erected before frame)........ 11
11 S lip-on drywall.. ..........................................................................12
12 B utted or Existing Steel or Wood Stud Wall Construction........... 13

Figures
1 – Examples of the accuracy to be maintained while setting frames..2
2 – Spreader. . ......................................................................................3
3 – Plumbing the frame.......................................................................3
4 – Bracing the frame..........................................................................4
5 – Rubber silencers. . ..........................................................................4
6 – Extended base anchor...................................................................4
7 – New masonry construction............................................................5
8 – Masonry anchors...........................................................................5
9 – Existing masonry construction.......................................................5
10 – Rough Opening. . ..........................................................................5
11 – Existing masonry or concrete wall anchors..................................6
12 – Steel stud wall construction. . .......................................................6
13 – Channel type steel stud...............................................................7
14 – Erect frame..................................................................................7
15 – Anchor jambs..............................................................................8
16 – Anchor header.............................................................................8
17 – Erect frame..................................................................................8
18 – Wood stud wall construction. . ......................................................9

i
 Page

19 – Weld in strap anchors wood/steel studs......................................9

20 – Snap or weld in anchors wood/steel studs..................................9
21 – Hollow metal steel door frame with wood stud anchors. . .............9
22 – Z Type weld in anchors steel studs. . .......................................... 10
23 – Hollow metal door frame with steel stud anchors...................... 10
24 – Rough opening shown in wood stud.......................................... 11
25 – Wood stud wall construction. . .................................................... 11
26 – Weld in strap anchors wood/steel studs.................................... 11
27 – Snap or weld in anchors wood/steel studs................................ 12
28 – Z Type weld in anchors steel studs. . .......................................... 12
29 – Rough opening per manufacturer recommendations.................. 12
30 – Align corner gussets..................................................................13
31 – Level and square frame............................................................. 13
32 – Anchor adjusting screw.. ............................................................ 13
33 – Fasten base anchors to wall stud.............................................. 14
34 – Hole plug mount........................................................................15
35 – Countersink mount.. ...................................................................15

Annexes
A Manufacturing Tolerances
for Standard Steel Doors and Frames......................................... 16
B For Installation.............................................................................22

ii
Foreword (This Foreword is not part of American National Standard A250.11-2022)

The material contained in this document has been developed under the
auspices of the Technical Committee of the Steel Door Institute.
Suggestions for improvement gained in the use of this standard will be
welcome. They should be sent to the Steel Door Institute, 30200 Detroit
Road, Cleveland, OH 44145-1967.
The organizations that have approved this standard are part of the ANSI
A250 Accredited Standards Committee, formed February 8, 1991, and are
as follows:
Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association
Canadian Steel Door Manufacturers Association
Cedar Valley Associates
D. H. Pace
Door and Hardware Institute
Door Control Services
ESTM Services
HMMA / Division of NAAMM
MasterSpec
Intertek Testing Services
Ray & Associates
UL Solutions
Vetrotech / Saint Gobain

The Technical Committee of the Steel Door Institute, which developed this
standard, had the following personnel at the time of approval:
David McConnell, Chairman
David Bill, 1 st Vice Chairman
Claus D. Heide, 2 nd Vice Chairman
J. Jeffery Wherry, Manager
Organization Represented Name of Representative
Ceco Door Products.................................................................... Tom Janicak
Curries Company........................................................................ David Bill
Deansteel Manufacturing Co....................................................... Claus Heide
DCI.............................................................................................. Henry Ray
HMX ............................................................................................ Jason Lisewski
Mesker Door................................................................................ Mike Mehaffy
MPI ............................................................................................. David McConnell
Pioneer Industries........................................................................ Kamal Sheikh
Premier........................................................................................ Joey Meggs
Republic ..................................................................................... Marilyn Latham
Steelcraft..................................................................................... Tim Weller
Steel Door Institute...................................................................... J. Jeffery Wherry

iii
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AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD ANSI A250.11-2022

American National Standard

Recommended Erection Instructions

for Steel Frames

1 Scope HMMA 841-13, Tolerances and Clearances for

Commercial Hollow Metal Doors and Frames
1.1 Recommended methods for the installation
of steel frames for swinging doors in a variety of 1.2.1 Further information on wall construction,
wall conditions, commonly used in commercial anchoring, details, manufacturing tolerances
buildings, are covered within this standard. The or installation may be found in the following:
installation of transom/sidelight (or panel) type
SDI 110-2018, Standard Steel Doors and
frames and single or multiple borrowed lights
Frames for Modular Masonry Construction
are not covered in this standard.
SDI 111-A-H, Recommended Standard Details
1.1.1 It is not the intention of this document to
for Steel Doors, Frames, Accessories and Re-
obstruct the development of alternative installa-
lated Components
tion methods, nor is it intended to restrict frame
installation solely to the wall types noted herein. SDI 122-2015, Installation and Troubleshooting
1.1.2 Although this document is commonly Guide for Standard Steel Doors and Frames
referenced for severe windstorm installations, SDI 127D-2006 (R2019), Electric Strikes in
critical performance requirements (such as Stud Walls
type, quantity, and location of anchors) shall
be as indicated in the manufacturer’s published 1.3 Metrication
Approvals or Listings. 1.3.1 Standard dimensions used in this docu-
1.2 Reference documents ment are in inch-pound units. Metric values,
where applicable, are included in parenthesis
SDI 127E-2006 (R2021), Prime Painted Ma- for reference only. These are “soft conversion”
terials Alert approximates.
SDI 127F-2019, Butted Frames Rough Open- Values stated without parentheses are the re-
ing Sizes quirement. Values in parentheses are explana-
SDI 127J-2010 (R2018), Back Coating of tory or approximate information.
Frames 1.4 Notes
SDI 117-2019, Manufacturing Tolerances for 1.4.1 Tolerances
Standard Steel Doors and Frames
Note: All values which do not carry specific
NFPA 80-2022, Standard for Fire Doors and tolerances or are not marked maximum or
Other Opening Protectives (National Fire minimum shall have the following tolerances:
Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Linear dimensions shall be ± 1/16 in. (1.6 mm).
Quincy, MA 02269; www.nfpa.org) Weight or force shall be ± 2%. Angles shall
UL10C-2009 (R2021), Standard for Safety be ± 2 degrees. Where only minus tolerances
Positive Pressure Fire Tests of Door Assemblies are given, the dimensions are permitted to be
exceeded at the option of the manufacturers.
ANSI/SDI A250.8-2017, Recommended Speci-
fications for Standard Doors and Frames 1.4.2 Gauge vs. Thickness
HMMA 840-16, Installation and Storage of Hol- While the term ‘gauge’ is no longer common
low Metal Doors and Frames for defining material thickness it is still used to
1
ANSI A250.11-2022

specify doors and frames for ordering purposes. 2  

S torage and Preliminary Assembly
The term ‘thickness’ is used when defining (see SDI 127E, and ANSI/SDI A250.8)
the actual dimension of an item, and the term 2.1 All frames, including knocked-down, shall
‘gauge’ is used in the context of specifying a be stored under cover.
particular door or frame. 2.1.1 Knocked-down frames shall be placed
1.4.3 Frame Installation in Cast-In-Place flat on at least 4″ (102 mm) wood sills to pre-
vent the frames from resting on the ground.
Concrete Walls
2.1.2 Assembled frames shall be stored verti-
While the use of hollow metal frames in cast- cally. The units shall be placed on at least 4″
in-place concrete walls is a common construc- (102 mm) high wood sills or in a manner that
tion practice, the SDI does not recommend the will prevent rust or damage.
inclusion of the frame as part of the process 2.1.3 Non-vented plastic or canvas shelters
of pouring the wall. Instead, a rough-opening that can create a humidity chamber shall not
should be blocked out no less than 3/16″ be used.
(4.8 mm) larger than the frame on all three 2.1.4 Refer to project specifications for re-
sides. For example the opening for a 3′ 0″ x quired cleanup and touchup work.
7′ 0″ standard frame with 2″ faces would be 2.2 Back Coating (see SDI 127J for further
3′ 4-3/8″ x 7′ 2-3/16″ minimum. The installer information)
is responsible for anchoring the frame per the 2.2.1 When temperature conditions necessi-
manufacturer’s installation instructions, shim- tate the use of anti-freezing agents in plaster or
ming and aligning as necessary. mortar, the inside of the frame shall be coated

1⁄16˝ (1.58 mm)

Head Level Head Level
Strike 1⁄16˝
Hinge Jamb (1.58 mm)
Jamb

Hinge or Hinge or
Strike Jamb Strike Jamb
1⁄16˝ (1.58 mm)

Strike
Hinge Bottom Bottom
Jamb 1⁄16˝
Jamb (1.58 mm)

Maximum 1⁄16˝ allowable tolerance on total opening.

1b – Plumbness

1a – Squareness

1⁄16˝ (1.58 mm)

1⁄16˝ (1.58 mm)

1c – Alignment 1d – Twist

Figure 1 – Examples of the accuracy to be maintained while setting frames

2
 ANSI A250.11-2022

at the jobsite with a corrosion resistant coating for shipping purposes shall not be used as
by the contractor responsible for installation. installation spreaders.
2.3 Grouting of frames (see ANSI/SDI 3.1.1 Wood spreaders shall be square and
A250.8 for further information) fabricated from lumber no less than 1″ (25.4
mm) thick. Correct length is the door opening
2.3.1 Where grouting is required in masonry
width between the jambs at the header (i.e.,
installations, frames shall be braced or fastened
Single Door 3′-0″ = 36″= 915 mm). Length
in such a way that will prevent the pressure of
tolerance is +1/16″, -0″ (+1.6 mm, -0). Cut
the grout from deforming the frame members.
clearance notches for frame stops. Spreader
2.3.2 Grout shall be mixed to provide a 4″ shall be nearly as wide as frame jamb depth
(102 mm) maximum slump consistency (self- for proper installation.
consolidating grout), and be hand troweled
3.2 Equipment for plumbing the frame
into place. Grout mixed to a thinner “pumpable”
(see Figure 3)
consistency shall not be used.
3.2.1 The contractor should be equipped with
2.3.3 Standard mortar protection in frames is
a carpenter level, square and wood spreaders.
not intended for thin consistency grout. Steel
frames, including fire-rated frames, do not re- 3.2.2 Where welded frames are provided with
quire grouting. Grouting is not recommended spreader bars, they shall be removed with a
for frames installed in drywall. suitable saw or chisel and filed flush before
setting frames. Any bare metal surfaces shall
2.4 Assembly of frame/anchor provisions
be retouched with suitable primer.
2.4.1 Follow manufacturers’ recommended
procedure for assembly of frame and quantity
and spacing of anchors. If not indicated, install
anchors at hinge levels and directly opposite
at strike jamb.
2.5 Verification

Plumb
2.5.1 Prior to installation, jobsite personnel
shall ensure correct swing, size and labeling.
Level
2.6 Installation tolerances
2.6.1 Openings will not function properly if Square
the frame is not installed within recognized
tolerances.
Figure 1 shows examples of the accuracy to
Section A–A
be maintained while setting frames.

3  
P lumbing and bracing frames A A

3.1 Wood Spreaders (see Figure 2)

Wood spreader
The Contractor(s) responsible for installation between jambs
shall have available a sufficient supply of wood
spreaders for bracing frames. Spreader bars

Figure 3 – Plumbing the frame

Frame
Depth

Door opening at header

Figure 2 – Spreader
3
ANSI A250.11-2022

3.3 Bracing the frame (see Figure 4) 4  

Accessories
3.3.1 Frame bracing shall be as shown or 4.1 Install rubber silencers where re-
shore to a structure above. quired (see Figure 5)
3.3.2 Bracing shall be perpendicular to the
intended wall.

Figure 5 – Rubber silencers

4.1.1 Install rubber silencers before frame

erection to avoid grout filling rubber silencer
holes. In some cases rubber silencers are fac-
tory installed.
4.1.2 Cut the point from a #6d box or finish-
ing nail. Insert nail in hole to elongate rubber
silencers.
Moisten the end and insert rubber silencers in
predrilled holes on frame stop, remove nail. The
thickness of the silencer shall permit latching
of door with 1/16″ to 3/32″ (1.6 to 2.4 mm) clear-
Figure 4 – Bracing the frame ance between face of door and stop of frame.
4.2 Extended base anchor (see Figure 6)

3.4 Positioning the frame 4.2.1 Extended base anchors are supplied

upon request only. (If required for tool attach-
3.4.1 Set the frame in the desired location and ment.)
level the header. Square jambs to header. Shim
under jambs if necessary. With frame properly
aligned, insert wood spreaders at bottom and
mid-height and fasten jambs to floor through
floor anchors. A
3.4.2 Plumb and square jambs. Install verti-
cal brace to support header for openings over
4′-0″ (1219 mm) wide.
3.4.3 Do not remove spreaders until wall is
erected and cured.

Figure 6 – Extended base anchor

4
 ANSI A250.11-2022

5  
N ew masonry construction (see 5.4.1 Frames may also be supplied with an-
Figure 7) chors welded in place.
5.5 Continually check plumb and square as
wall progresses.
90° 90°
6  
E xisting masonry construction
(see Figure 9, Figure 10, and SDI 127F)
6.1 Rough openings for existing wall, structural
steel framing, or retrofit installations utilizing
Wood spreaders a butted to wall application shall be no less
between jambs

90° 90°

Wood spreader
Figure 7 – New masonry construction
between jambs
5.1 Assemble frame per manufacturer’s in-
structions.
5.2 Erect, brace, square and plumb frame.
5.2.1 Fasten frame to floor through base
anchors.
5.3 Set second spreader at the mid-height of
the door opening to maintain the door open-
ing size. See Annex B for proper spacing of
spreaders.
5.4 Install anchors (See Figure 8). Utilize Figure 9 – Existing masonry construction
mortar in the area of all anchors ensuring
each anchor is embedded into the masonry
joint. When grouting of frames is specified or
required, adhere to the project specifications
listed therein (See SDI’s Risks of Grouting
Hollow Metal Frames at www.steeldoor.org).
Rough opening height + 3⁄16"

Rough opening width

+ ⅜"

Figure 8 – Masonry anchors

Figure 10 – Rough Opening
5
ANSI A250.11-2022

than 3/16″ (4.8 mm) larger than the frame on 6.5.1 Drill appropriate size hole (per fastener
all three sides. manufacturer’s instructions) for one-piece an-
chor bolts. Leave holes “rough” for added grip.
6.1.1 The installer is responsible for any shim-
ming or aligning required. Gaps are normally 6.6 Insert anchor bolts and tighten securely,
sealed as part of the installation or sealant/ checking for frame alignment periodically.
painting process.
6.7 Install plugs to cover bolt heads (if so
6.1.2 Refer to architectural specifications for equipped).
the appropriate sealant material to be used at
6.8 Backer rod and / or sealant shall be used
fire or smoke control doors.
where gaps occur between frame and wall.
6.2 Assemble frame per manufacturer’s in-
structions. 7  
S teel stud wall construction, studs
erected with frame (see Figure 12)
6.3 Install snap-in anchors (see Figure 11)
and tap with a hammer to align with pierced 7.1 Assemble frame per manufacturer’s in-
holes in jambs. structions.
6.3.1 Frames may also be supplied with an- 7.2 Install snap-in anchors. Position anchors
chors welded in place. in frame through the throat and tap in with a
hammer.
6.4 Slide frame into wall opening; install wood
spreaders. 7.2.1 Frames may also be supplied with an-
chors welded in place.
6.5 Where needed, use shims between the
wall and frame at the location of anchors and 7.3 Erect, brace, square and plumb frame as
spreaders to maintain squareness and align- shown.
ment of frame, and to maintain door opening
7.4 Install wood spreaders.
sizes.
7.5 Attach jambs to floor through floor anchor.
7.6 Install jamb studs to floor, header chan-
nels, and ceiling runners butted tightly against
Prepared for ⅜˝ diameter expansion
anchor or #24 wood screw

Ceiling runner Header channel

Jamb
studs
90° 90°

Countersink 9⁄16˝ Clearance hole

Hole plug
Wood spreader
between jambs

Figure 11 – Existing masonry

or concrete wall anchors Figure 12 – Steel stud wall construction
6
 ANSI A250.11-2022

frame anchors and properly positioned in frame 8  

D ouble egress frames in steel stud
throat for wallboard. wall construction
7.6.1 Nesting or overlapping stud joints or 8.1 Generally, the installation of double egress
other wall construction practices that will in- frames in steel stud walls follows the same
crease the overall wall thickness beyond the procedure as Section 7.
intended finished thickness are to be avoided.
8.1.1 If frames are supplied knocked down,
7.7 Attach jamb studs to anchors with screws assemble per manufacturer’s instructions.
or weld.
8.1.2 Install anchors (if not supplied welded
7.7.1 If using screws, drill from the back side to frame) per manufacturer’s instructions.
of the stud, through both the stud and anchor,
8.2 Erect, brace, square and plumb frame as
then attach with (2) screws per anchor loca-
shown (see Figure 14).
tion (see Figure 13). Screws shall be #6 x 3⁄8″
minimum steel sheet metal or self-tapping type.

Ceiling stud
Frame

Angle braces

Channel type
jamb studs

Figure 13 – Channel type steel stud Wood spreader

between jambs

7.7.2 When attaching header stud to jamb Figure 14 – Erect frame

studs, be sure the stud is above frame header.
This will assure ample room for attaching plaster
lath or drywall and will not interfere with instal- 8.2.1 Stand frame up in desired location. An-
lation of hardware attached to frame header. chor one jamb to floor and set wood spreader
on floor from anchored jamb to loose jamb.
7.7.3 At wrap-around installations in fire-rated
walls, drywall shall extend at least 1⁄2″ (12.7 8.2.2 Install a vertical wood brace at center
mm) into frame throat. See Section 12 for frame of frame.
installations in butted or existing stud walls. 8.2.3 Position and anchor second jamb to
floor. Plumb, level and square frame, then install
wood spreaders at mid-height.

7
ANSI A250.11-2022

8.3 Anchor jambs (see Figure 15) 8.5 Anchor header (see Figure 16)
8.3.1 Install jamb studs to floor, header chan- Header anchor requirements will vary. The
nels, and ceiling runners butted tightly against manufacturer’s installation requirements should
frame anchors and properly positioned in frame be followed.
throat for wallboard.
8.6 At wrap-around installations in fire-rated
8.3.2 Nesting or overlapping stud joints or walls, drywall shall extend at least 1⁄2″ (12.7
other wall construction practices that will in- mm) into frame throat. See Section 12 for frame
crease the overall wall thickness beyond the installations in butted or existing stud walls.
intended finished thickness are to be avoided.
9  
Wood stud construction (studs
8.4 Attach jamb studs to anchors with screws
erected with frame)
or weld.
9.1 Assemble frame per manufacturer’s in-
8.4.1 If using screws, drill from the back side
structions.
of the stud, through both the stud and anchor,
then attach with (2) screws per anchor loca- 9.2 Install snap-in anchors. Position anchors
tion (see figure 15). Screws shall be #6 x 3⁄8″ in frame through the throat and tap in with a
minimum steel sheet metal or self-tapping type. hammer.
9.2.1 Frames may also be supplied with an-
chors welded in place.
9.3 Square, brace and plumb frame as shown
90° 90° (see Figure 17).

Angle
Wood braces
spreader
between
jambs

Figure 15 – Anchor jambs

½" long (max.)

screws
Wood spreader
between jambs

Figure 17 – Erect frame

Wood
spreader
between Second stud at
jambs head and jambs

Figure 16 – Anchor header

8
 ANSI A250.11-2022

9.4 Install wood spreaders (see Figure 18). room for attaching plaster lath or drywall and
will not interfere with installation of hardware
9.5 Attach jambs to floor through floor anchor.
attached to frame head (see Figure 18).
9.6 Install jamb studs (jack stud and king
9.7 Bend anchor straps around stud leaving
stud) butted tightly against anchors and prop-
sufficient clearance between frame return and
erly positioned in frame throat for wallboard
stud for inserting finished wall material (see
(see Figure 18).
Figure 19, Figure 20 and Figure 21).
9.6.1 Attach header stud(s) or header assem-
9.7.1 If there is insufficient room for wall fin-
bly between jamb studs making sure they are
ish, notch jamb studs no more than 1/16″ (1.6
above the frame head. This will assure ample
mm) deep for anchor straps.

Ceiling runner Header

Jamb
studs
90° 90°

Double
header and
jamb studs
required

Wood
spreader
Floor between
runner jambs

Figure 20 – Snap or weld in anchors wood/steel

Figure 18 – Wood stud wall construction
studs

Minimum wallboard ½ in. (13 mm)

penetration

One or two layers Minimum four 8d box nails

gypsum wallboard per anchor (two per side)

Figure 19 – Weld in strap anchors wood/steel Figure 21 – Hollow metal steel door frame with
studs wood stud anchors
9
ANSI A250.11-2022

9.8 Square and nail top anchor to stud on 1 "

Minimum wallboard penetration 2 in. (13 mm)
ONE JAMB ONLY. Check plumb and square
and continue to nail balance of anchors to Drywall frame
Gypsum
stud. Repeat for opposite jamb. For steel studs wallboard
install screws from back of stud into Z anchor
(see Figure 22).

Drywall screw A
Steel stud

Gypsum
wallboard

Drywall steel stud anchor

1 "
Minimum wallboard penetration 2 in. (13 mm)

Gypsum wallboard
Drywall frame

Drywall screw B
Steel stud

Figure 22 – Z Type weld in anchors steel studs

Gypsum
wallboard

Drywall steel stud anchor

1 "
Minimum wallboard penetration 2 in. (13 mm)
Gypsum wallboard

9.8.1 At wrap-around installations in fire-rated

walls, at least one layer of drywall on each side
shall extend a minimum of 1⁄2″ (12.7 mm) into
the frame throat. See Figure 23-A, B and C.

Drywall screw C
Steel stud

Gypsum
wallboard

Figure 23 – Hollow metal door frame with steel

stud anchors
10
 ANSI A250.11-2022

10  
Wood/steel stud construction 10.1.1 Assure that rough openings are no less
(studs erected before frame) than those required in SDI 127F.
10.1 Build rough opening (see Figure 24) ac- 10.1.2 It is recommended that double studs
cording to dimensions and clearances in frame be used at jambs and headers.
manufacturer’s installation instructions.
10.2 Assemble frame per manufacturer’s
instructions.
10.3 Install snap-in anchors. Position anchors
in frame through the throat and tap in with a
hammer.
10.3.1 Frames may also be supplied with
anchors welded in place.
10.3.2 If base anchors cannot be used add
Rough one anchor per jamb at bottom.
opening
dimensions 10.3.3 Install fire-rated frames with the anchor
per quantity and spacing as per the individual
manufacturer
manufacturer’s listings and instructions.
recommen-
dations 10.4 Slide frame into wall opening.
10.4.1 Install wood spreaders at bottom and
mid-height. Square and level frame. Shim jambs
if necessary (see Figure 25).
10.5 Bend anchor straps around stud leaving
sufficient clearance between frame return and
stud for inserting finished wall material (see
Figure 26 and Figure 27).
Figure 24 – Rough opening shown in wood stud

90° 90°

Wood
spreader
between
jambs Figure 26 – Weld in strap anchors wood/steel
studs

Figure 25 – Wood stud wall construction

11
ANSI A250.11-2022

10.6.1 NOTE: At wrap-around installations in

fire-rated walls, at least one layer of drywall on
each side shall extend at least 1⁄2″ (12.7 mm)
into frame throat. See Section 12 for frame
installations in butted or existing stud walls.
See Figure 23-A, B and C.

11  
S lip-on drywall
11.1 Prepare rough opening (see Figure 29)
per frame manufacturer’s recommendations.

Figure 27 – Snap or weld in anchors wood/steel

studs

Rough opening height

10.6 Square and nail top anchor to stud on
ONE JAMB ONLY. Check plumb and square Rough opening width
and continue to nail balance of anchors to
stud. Repeat for opposite jamb. For steel studs
install screws from back of stud into Z anchor
(see Figure 28).

Figure 29 – Rough opening per manufacturer

recommendations

11.1.1 Nesting or overlapping stud joints or

other wall construction practices that will in-
crease the overall wall thickness beyond the
intended finished thickness are to be avoided.
11.2 Install base anchors if not factory welded
to jambs or if frame faces are not prepared for
base anchor screws.

Figure 28 – Z Type weld in anchors steel studs

12
 ANSI A250.11-2022

Anchor adjusting screw

(Typical both sides)

Figure 32 – Anchor adjusting screw

Figure 30 – Align corner gussets 11.5 Turn adjusting screws hand tight (DO NOT
USE SCREW GUN) until compression anchor
contacts jamb studs (see Figure 32).
11.3 Install jambs and header onto wall per 11.6 Re-check level and square. Adjust using
manufacturer’s instructions, taking care to align anchor screws as needed.
corner gussets (if so equipped). See Figure 30.
11.7 Fasten base anchors to wall stud (see
11.4 Level and square frame (see Figure 31). Figure 33) or fasten to wall studs through pre-
11.4.1 Install wood spreaders. pared holes in face of jambs at bottom.

12  
B utted or Existing Steel or Wood
Stud Wall Construction
12.1 Historically, frames installed in fire-rated
stud walls required frames to wrap around
the wall and drywall must extend at least 1⁄2″
(12.7 mm) into frame throat. Fire testing has
Level
confirmed that fire door frames will perform
and
satisfactorily to the acceptance criteria of UL
square
10C under positive pressure when butted to
new or existing stud and drywall construction
(see Figure 34 and Figure 35).
12.1.1 This installation has been incorpo-
rated into NFPA 80 as Figure A.6.3.1.3(a) and
A.6.3.1.3(b).
12.1.2 Applicable Building Codes and indi-
vidual manufacturers’ product listings shall be
consulted when these butted frames are used
in fire-rated walls.
12.1.3 This installation process DOES NOT
apply to Slip-on Drywall frames in Section 11.
12.1.4 Listed fill, void or cavity material shall
Figure 31 – Level and square frame be used at the junction of frame faces and

13
ANSI A250.11-2022

returns with the drywall surface. The bead

of fill, void or cavity material shall be no wider
than 1/2″ (12.7 mm).
12.2 Assemble knock down frames per manu-
Sill anchor – facturer’s instructions.
screw type
12.3 Anchors are typically welded to frames
and will either be a sleeve aligned with a coun-
tersunk hole or a plate between returns with
an access hole and plug.
12.4 Assure that rough opening is plumb,
square, and properly sized to fit overall frame
dimensions and expansion capability of intu-
mescent caulk or sealant. (See SDI 127F for
further information).
12.5 Using a “stud finder” or similar tool, as-
sure that studs will align with frame mounting
screws.

Sill anchor – 12.6 Slide frame into wall opening; install

snap-in type wood spreaders at the floor and mid-height
of opening.
12.7 Use tapered shims between anchors
and wall and spreaders to maintain squareness
and alignment of frame and to maintain door
opening. Make sure that shims will not inter-
rupt the sealant.
12.8 Insert 1⁄4″ (6.4 mm) sheet metal screws
of suitable length to engage studs through
countersink or access hole in frame (see Figure
34 and Figure 35) and tighten securely. Check
for frame alignment periodically. (Frame profiles
shown are for general details only. Anchors and
profiles may vary).
12.9 Insert plugs to cover access holes if so
Compression
equipped.
anchor (cut-
away view) 12.10 Install listed intumescent caulk or seal-
ant around perimeter of frame, making sure to
cover any gaps caused by irregularities in walls.

Figure 33 – Fasten base anchors to wall stud

14
 ANSI A250.11-2022

Intumescent caulk
both sides

25 Gauge
steel stud
Access hole and
snap-in plug

Fire-rated
wallboard ¼" x 2" Sheet metal screws
(hex head), 6" max. from
ends and 24" O.C. max.
(provided by installer)

2" Wide x 12 ga. strap. length

equals jamb width minus ¼",
weld to returns

Figure 34 – Hole plug mount

Fire-rated
wallboard, Intumescent caulk,
both sides both sides

¾" Dia. conduit

spacer

Jamb punched and

25 Gauge dimpled for screws.
steel studs ¼" S.M.S., 6" max.
from ends, 24" O.C.
max. (Provided by
installer)

2" Wide x 12 ga. strap. length

equals jamb width minus ¼",
weld to returns

Figure 35 – Countersink mount

15
ANSI A250.11-2022

Annex A
(informative)

Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames

A1  
I ntroduction ASTM A653-10 Standard Specification for Steel
Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galva­n ized) or Zinc-Iron
It is the intent of this annex to inform users of
Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip
standard steel doors and frames with definitive
Process
information regarding manufacturing tolerances.
It is also intended to inform the installation ASTM A924-10 Standard Specification for
contractor(s) of the tolerances to be considered General Requirements for Steel Sheet, Metallic-
to assure proper operation of the complete Coated by the Hot-Dip Process
opening. It is intended for in-plant inspections.
NFPA 80-2010 Standard for Fire Doors and
It may be used for on-site inspections where
Other Opening Protectives, 2007 Edition (Na-
there is no evidence of damage to material or
tional Fire Protection Association, 1 Battery-
improper installation.
march Park, Quincy, MA 02269; www.nfpa.org)
The information contained herein pertains to
SDI 122-07 Installation and Troubleshooting
doors and frames manufactured in accordance
Guide for Standard Steel Doors and Frames
with ANSI A250.8, Recommended Specifica-
tions for Standard Steel Doors and Frames. It
A3  
M aterials and Finishes
is not intended to have reference to special or
unusual door and frame conditions. A3.1 
S teel Thickness:
Manufacturers no longer order sheet and coil
A2  
Reference Documents: to a specific gage, but rather to a minimum
ANSI/SDI A250.8-2003 (R2008) SDI 100 Rec- decimal thickness. This thickness is the lowest
ommended Specifications for Standard Steel of the range for a specific gage. The steel sup-
Doors & Frames plier is therefore permitted to exceed, but not
be less than the specified decimal thickness.
ANSI/SDI A250.6-2003 (R2009) Recommended
These minimum values meet the stringent re-
Practice for Hardware Reinforcings on Standard
quirements of both Underwriters Laboratories
Steel Doors and Frames
Inc. and ITS/Warnock Hersey. Examples of
ANSI/SDI A250.7-1997 (R2002) Nomenclature minimum allowable steel thickness:
for Standard Steel Doors & Steel Frames
ANSI/SDI A250.3-2007 Test Procedure & Ac-
ceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish Gage (MSG) Minimum
Coatings for Steel Doors & Frames 20 0.032″
ANSI/SDI A250.10-1998 (R2004) Test Proce- 18 0.042″
dure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted 16 0.053″
Steel Surfaces for Steel Doors & Frames
14 0.067″
ANSI/BHMA A156.115-2006 Hardware Prepara- 12 0.093″
tion in Steel Doors and Steel Frames
10 0.123″
ANSI/BHMA A156.115-W-2006 Hardware 7 0.167″
Preparation in Wood Doors with Wood or Steel
Gage (MSG) are for reference purposes only.
Frames
ASTM A568-09 Standard Specification for Steel,
Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength,
Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled, General
Requirements for

16
 ANSI A250.11-2022

A3.2 
S teel Coatings A4.2 
Frame Opening & Vertical Locations
Thickness of metallic coatings (generally zinc)
are defined by ASTM A924, Standard Speci-
fication for General Requirements for Steel
Sheet, Metallic-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process ±⅓2˝
and A653, Standard Specification for Steel L Hinge
C
Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galva­n ized) or Zinc-Iron
Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip
Process. See also SDI 112, Zinc-Coated (Gal- ±⅙4˝
Opening
vanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors Height
and Frames. The two most commonly used are +1⁄16˝ –⅓2˝
designations A40 and A60. Minimum require- ±⅙4˝
CL
ments for these designations are: Strike

A40= 0.40 oz/ft 2 total both sides.

A60= 0.60 oz/ft 2 total both sides. ±⅓2˝
For reference, 1 oz/ft 2 = 1.7 mils thickness.
A3.3 
Factory Applied Coatings:
Since factory applied coatings (primer, finish
paint, etc.) are subject to performance stan- Opening Width
dards rather than thickness, the dry film thick- +1⁄16˝ –⅓2˝
ness is irrelevant. Such coatings must comply
with performance criteria of: Figure B – Opening Tolerances
ANSI/SDI A250.3 – Test Procedure and Ac- A4.3 
B ow or Twist of Jambs or Header
ceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finished
Painted Steel Surfaces for Steel Doors and Realizing that frames are somewhat “pliable”,
Frames and require bracing and alignment during instal-
lation, allowable deformation (bow, twist, etc.) of
OR jambs or header of frame prior to installation
ANSI/SDI A250.10 – Test Procedure and Accep- shall not result in a reduction of opening sizes
tance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel Surfaces more than 1/16″ beyond those shown in Figure
for Steel Doors and Frames. B when measured at any point.
A4.4 
H orizontal Alignment of Door Within
A4  
Frame Tolerances Rabbet
A4.1 
Frame Cross Section Profile Hinge and strike backsets shall allow the hori-
Permissible tolerances in frame profile surfaces zontal centerline of the door to be in line with the
are as shown in Figure A. horizontal centerline of the frame rabbet ± 1/32″
prior to installation. Figure C is an example
based on a 1 3/4″ door in a 1 15/16″ rabbet.

Face
±⅓2˝
Stop
±⅓2˝

Rabbet 1˝ or 3⅓2˝ ± ⅓2˝

±⅓2˝

Throat
Frame Opening
Depth Centerline of door
±3⁄32˝
±1⁄16˝
1 ¾˝ door

Figure C – Horizontal Alignment

Figure A – Profile Tolerances 17
ANSI A250.11-2022

A4.5 
Frames With Lights or Panels A5.2 
D oor Squareness
Opening sizes (width or height) for side or When measured diagonally (see Figure F) from
transom lights or panels and for borrowed light corner to corner along the same face, the mea-
frames shall be subject to a tolerance of ± 1/16″ surements shall be within 1/16″ of each other.
for each individual light or panel. These toler-
ances shall be non-accumulative so that the
overall frame opening sizes are not increased
by more than 1/8″ (see Figure D).

± ⅛˝
± 1⁄16˝ ± 1⁄16˝ ± 1⁄16˝

± 1⁄16˝
Figure F – Squareness
± ⅛˝ A5.3 
D oor Perimeter Flatness
When a straightedge is laid against the door
face at or within 1/4″ of the top, bottom, hinge
± 1⁄16˝ edge, and lock edge on both faces any devia-
tion between the face and the straightedge
shall not allow a 0.0625″ rod or block to pass
(see Figure G). Note: The straightedge shall be
allowed to “rest” naturally on the door surface,
not pulled down at one end to meet the door.
Figure D – Frames with Lights or Panels

A5  
D oor Tolerances
A5.1 
D oor Size, Thickness, and Vertical
Locations (see Figure E)
Straightedge

Door Width
±3⁄64˝
Door 1⁄16˝ max
Thickness
±⅓2˝ ±1⁄16˝
CLHinge
1⁄16˝ max
±⅙4˝
Door
Height
±3⁄64˝
CLLock Straightedge
±⅙4˝

Lock Figure G – Flatness

Height
±⅓2˝ A5.4 
D oor Face Bow or Crown
When a straightedge is laid diagonally against
the door face at least 1/2″ from corners any de-
Figure E – Doors viation between the face and the straightedge
shall not allow a 0.125″ rod or block to pass
(see Figure H). Note: The straightedge shall be

18
 ANSI A250.11-2022

allowed to “rest” naturally on the door surface, not allow a 0.0625″ rod or block to pass (see
not pulled down at one end to meet the door. Figure I). Note: The door shall be allowed to
“rest” naturally on the support blocks, not pulled
down at any corner to meet the blocks.
A5.6 
D oors With Lights or Panels
Opening sizes (width or height) for lights or
panels cut into doors shall be subject to a toler-
ance of ± 1/16″ for each individual light or panel.

A6  
H ardware Preparations
A6.1 
Vertical Locations
Tolerances for vertical locations are as noted
Straightedge
in Paragraphs A4.2 and A5.1.
A6.2 
H orizontal Alignment
Tolerances for horizontal alignment of door and
⅛˝ max
rabbet are as noted in Paragraphs 4.4.
A6.3 
M ortise Depth
Door The depth of hardware items mortised into
edges of doors (such as hinges, strikes, lock
Figure H – Door face bow or crown fronts, flushbolts) shall be as defined on manu-
facturer’s templates and/or ANSI A156.115
A5.5 
D oor Twist
documents subject to an additional tolerance
The door is laid onto a suitable, flat fixture or of ± 1/64″.
surface that is free of any warp, bow, or twist.
A6.3.1 
C utout Depth at Frame or Door
Support blocks of identical heights shall be
Faces
inserted between the fixture and the door face
at all four corners of the door. Any deviation In order to allow for field adjustment, usually
between the face and the support blocks shall accomplished by shimming, hardware cutouts

Flat
Surface
Door Surface

1⁄16˝ max.

Figure I – Door Twist

19
will potentially replace those in A250.11, Figures J and K in Annex A, and Hinge Bind drawings in SDI 122, pag
g drawings by Steve Gilliam, February 21, 2020
will potentially replace those in A250.11, Figures J and K in Annex A, and Hinge Bind drawings in SDI 122, pag
ANSI A250.11-2022
SHIM SHIM
INCREASED HINGE INCREASED HINGE
(such as hinges) that extend
GAP REINF. from door edges GAP REINF.
HINGE
HINGE around to faces or
SHIM from frame rabbet around HINGE SHIM BARREL
BARRELINCREASED HINGE BARRELINCREASED HINGE HINGE
to faces are allowed to REINF.
GAP exceed mortise
HINGE
JAMB
depth GAP REINF. JAMB
HINGE
HINGE by 1/16″. See Paragraph A7 for examples of HINGE
BARREL
BARREL BARREL HINGE
common hinge shimming
INCREASED
SHIM procedures.
HINGE
HINGE
JAMB INCREASED
SHIM
HINGE JAMB
GAP REINF. GAP REINF.
HINGE HINGE
HINGE A6.3.2 
D epth For Recessed or Concealed
REINF. HINGE REINF.
HINGE
BARREL BARREL BARREL
Hardware
DOOR HINGE
DOOR
HINGE
JAMB
HINGE JAMB HINGE
REINF. REINF.
The depth for hardware items recessed into
DOOR DOOR
top or bottom of doors or edges of doors (such
as pocket Door
pivots,- Framefloor
Hingeclosers, top pivots,
HINGE
-REINF.
HINGE
Door - Frame -REINF.
Hinge
concealed closers Shim or
FullDOOR holders, etc) shall be as
- Frame HalfDOOR
Shim - Frame
defined on manufacturer’s
Door - Frame - Hinge templates subject to 1.
HS Illus 2.1
an additionalFull
tolerance
Shim - Frameof +1/16″, –0″. Notches HS Illus
Half Shim 3.1
Door - Frame - Hinge
- Frame
in door faces shall have similar tolerances.
HS
DoorIllus
- Frame 2.1
- Hinge HS
DoorIllus
- Frame -3.1
Hinge
Full Shim - Frame Half Shim - Frame
A7  
Frame Installation And Door Ad-
justments
HS Illus 2.1 HINGE HS Illus 3.1 HINGE

HINGE
A7.1 
Adjusting PivotREINF.
Point by Shimming HINGE
REINF.
HINGE
BARREL HINGE BARREL HINGE BARREL
Providing extra depth along REINF. door orHINGE
frame faces REINF. HINGE
HINGE allows for hinge knuckles to be JAMB offset, thus HINGE JAMB HINGE
BARREL BARREL BARREL
changing the pivot point
INCREASED of the opening.
HINGE
HINGE Shims INCREASED HINGE
HINGE
JAMB JAMB
are GAP
usually thinSHIM
stripsHINGE
of 1/4″ wide material ap-
REINF. GAP
SHIM REINF.
HINGE
HINGE HINGE HINGE
proximately equal to REINF.
BARREL INCREASED the hinge height. BARREL INCREASED REINF. BARREL
GAP SHIM HINGE GAP HINGE
DOOR JAMB SHIM
DOOR JAMB
A7.1.1 Figure J showsHINGE
REINF.
how to relocate the HINGE
REINF.
pivot point toward the strike jamb.
INCREASED INCREASED
DOOR DOOR
GAP SHIM GAP
SHIM
A7.1.2 Figure K showsHINGEhow to relocate the pivot
REINF.
2. HINGE
Door - Frame - REINF.
Hinge
point away Door
from- Frame
the -strike
Hinge
jamb. Half Shim - Door
Full Shim - Door
DOOR DOOR
A7.2 
Frame Installation
Door - Frame - Hinge Tolerances Door - Frame - Hinge
HS Illus
Full Shim 2.2
- Door
While this document is mainly concerned HS Illus 3.2
Half Shim - Door

with tolerances relating to the manufacturing

HS Illus 2.2
Door - Frame
process, openings
- Hinge
Full Shim - will
Door not function properly HS
HalfIllus 3.2
Door - Frame - Hinge
Shim - Door
if the frame is not SHIMinstalled within recognized SHIM
HINGE
INCREASED HINGE INCREASED

HINGE
tolerances.
GAP
HS Illus 2.2 REINF.
HINGE
GAP
HS Illus 3.2
SHIM
REINF.
HINGE
Figures L, M, N, SHIM
BARRELINCREASED and O HINGE
show examples
HINGE
of the BARRELINCREASED HINGE
REINF. HINGE
BARREL
GAP REINF. GAP
HINGE
accuracy to be maintained while setting
JAMB frames. HINGE
JAMB
HINGE
BARREL BARREL BARREL
SHIM HINGE
A7.3 
Troubleshooting
INCREASED
INCREASED
SHIM
HINGE
HINGE
JAMB INCREASED
INCREASED
HINGE
JAMB
GAP
GAP REINF. GAP REINF.
SHIM GAP SHIM
HINGE
HINGE Further information regarding
REINF. corrective actions HINGE HINGE
REINF.
HINGE
BARREL INCREASED BARREL INCREASED BARREL
for of door & frame
GAP SHIM
openings may HINGE
be found in GAP
HINGE
JAMB
HINGE JAMB SHIM
SDI-122. DOOR
REINF. 3.
DOOR HINGE
REINF.
INCREASED INCREASED
GAP DOOR
SHIM GAP DOOR
HINGE SHIM
HINGE
Door - Frame - REINF.
Hinge Door - Frame - REINF.
Hinge
g Full Shims - Door & Frame
DOOR
Half Shims - Door & Frame
DOOR
Door - Frame - Hinge Door - Frame - Hinge
g HS Illus 2.3
Full Shims - Door & Frame This method will move
HS Illus 3.3
Halfdoor
Shimstoward
- Door &Strike
Frame jamb. It will
leave a small gap between Hinge and frame face. It will

g HS
Full Illus
Shims - Door2.3
Door - Frame - Hinge
& Frame HS Illus 3.3
also help if hinge bind Door - Frame - Hinge
is occurring.
Half Shims - Door & Frame

Figure J – Hinge Bind

20
HS Illus 2.3 HS Illus 3.3
wings in SDI 122, pages 6-7.

ings in SDI 122, pages 6-7.

ANSI A250.11-2022

wings in SDI 122, pages 6-7. 1⁄16˝ (1.58 mm)

Strike
HINGE
SHIM REINF. Hinge Jamb
HINGE Jamb
BARREL
HINGE
JAMB HINGE HINGE
SHIM REINF. JAMB
HINGE
BARREL 1⁄16˝ (1.58 mm)
HINGE
JAMB HINGE
HINGE HINGE JAMB
SHIM REINF. REINF.
HINGE Strike
HINGE
BARREL DOOR Hinge Jamb
JAMB HINGE HINGE Jamb
REINF. JAMB

DOOR
Door - Frame - Hinge
Half Shim - Frame
HINGE Maximum 1⁄16˝ allowable tolerance on total opening.
REINF.
Door - Frame - Hinge
DOOR
1. HS Illus
Half Shim 4.1
- Frame Figure L – Squareness

HS Illus- Frame
4.1
Door - Frame - Hinge
Half Shim Head Level Head Level
1⁄16˝
(1.58 mm)

HINGE
HS Illus 4.1 HINGE
REINF.

BARREL Hinge or Hinge or

HINGE HINGE HINGE Strike Jamb
JAMB REINF. JAMB
Strike Jamb
HINGE
BARREL
HINGE SHIM HINGE
JAMB HINGEHINGE JAMB
REINF.REINF. Bottom Bottom
HINGE 1⁄16˝
BARREL DOOR
SHIM
HINGE HINGE (1.58 mm)
HINGE
JAMB REINF. JAMB

DOOR
Door
SHIM - Frame - Hinge
Figure M – Plumbness
2. Half Shim - Door
HINGE
REINF.

Door - Frame - Hinge

DOOR 1⁄16˝ (1.58 mm)
Half Shim - Door
HS Illus 4.2
Door - Frame - Hinge
HS Illus 4.2
Half Shim - Door

HINGE
SHIM REINF.

HINGE
HINGE
BARREL
HS Illus 4.2
HINGE HINGE
JAMB
SHIM REINF. JAMB Figure N – Alignment
HINGE
BARREL
HINGE
SHIM HINGE
JAMB HINGE JAMB
SHIM HINGEREINF.
HINGE REINF.
BARREL DOOR
HINGE SHIM
HINGE
JAMB
3. HINGE JAMB
REINF.
DOOR
Door
SHIM - Frame - Hinge
Half Shims - Door & Frame
HINGE
REINF.
DOOR
Door - Frame - Hinge
This method will pullHalf
door toward
Shims - DoorHinge jamb. It may
& Frame
create hinge bind. HS Illus 4.3 1⁄16˝ (1.58 mm)

Door - Frame - Hinge

Figure
HalfKShims
– Hinge
- Door &Bind Figure O – Twist
HS Illus 4.3 Frame

21

HS Illus 4.3
ANSI A250.11-2022

Annex B
(informative)

For Installation

The installation instructions contained in ANSI/SDI A250.11 are intended to apply to most typical
frame installations. There are, however, certain types of frames for which additional wood spread-
ers are recommended during the frame installation to ultimately assure the proper door operation.
Three-sided frames with face dimensions of 1-1/2″ or less of any opening size, frames for doors
that weigh over 9 lbs. per square foot and/or frames of heights greater than 8′-0″ are more prone
to variations in installed tolerances. Under most conditions, frames such as these require more
support during the installation process.
For installations such as these, the SDI recommends the use of wood spreaders at the bottom
of frames AND at 36″ intervals between the top and bottom as indicated in the illustration below.

90° 90°

Wood
36" spreader
between
jambs

36" Wood
spreader
between
jambs

22
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 ANSI A250.13-2014 (R2018)
Revision of ANSI A250.13-2008

Testing and Rating of —

Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of
Building Envelopes
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters)
ANSI A250.13-2014

SPONSORS
Steel Door Institute and
Builders Hardware Manufacturers’ Association
Approved February 25, 2014
This page left intentionally blank.
 ANSI ®
A250.13-2014
Revision ANSI A250.13-2008

American National Standard

Testing and Rating of —

Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for Swinging

Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters)

Secretariat
Steel Door Institute

Approved February 25, 2014

American National Standards Institute, Inc.
American Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by ANSl
that the requirements for due process, consensus, and other criteria for
National approval have been met by the standards developer.

Standard Consensus is established when, in the judgement of the ANSl Board of

Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly
and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much more
than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires
that all views and objections be considered, and that a concerted effort be
made toward their resolution.
The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; their
existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether they have ap-
proved the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or
using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the standards.
The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and
will in no circumstances give any interpretation of any American National
Standard. Moreover, no person shall have the right or authority to issue
an interpretation of an American National Standard in the name of the
American National Standards Institute. Requests for interpretations should
be addressed to the secretariat or sponsor whose name appears on the
title page of this standard.
CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or
withdrawn at any time. The procedures of the American National Standards
Institute require that action be taken periodically to reaffirm, revise, or
withdraw this standard. Purchasers of American National Standards may
receive current information on all standards by calling or writing the Ameri-
can National Standards Institute.

Published by

Steel Door Institute

30200 Detroit Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44145-1967

Copyright © 2018 by Steel Door Institute

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any

form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise,
without prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

ANSI A250.13-2014
Contents
Page
Foreward.. ............................................................................................ ii
1 Scope............................................................................................1
2 Definitions......................................................................................1
3 General..........................................................................................2
4 Overview........................................................................................2
5 Door Frames..................................................................................3
6 Hinges...........................................................................................7
7 Latching Hardware.........................................................................8
8 Doors........................................................................................... 11
9 Door Light Kits............................................................................. 13
10 Sidelights and/or Transoms.. ......................................................... 13
11 Miscellaneous Components.......................................................... 14
12 Selection Criteria......................................................................... 15

Figures
1 Wall Substrates for Frame Tests....................................................4
2 Door Reinforcement for Frame Tests.............................................5
3 Pendulum Impactor.......................................................................6
4 Impact Locations for Frame Tests..................................................6
5 Hinge Structural Load Test Fixture................................................7
6 Lockset Test Fixture......................................................................9
7 Impact Locations for Multi-Point Latch Test................................. 10
8 Impact Locations for Center Mullion Test..................................... 14

Tables
1 Stiffness Classification................................................................. 11
2 Example Door Rating Data........................................................... 12

i
Foreword (This Foreword is not part of American National Standard A250.13-2014)

The material contained in this document has been developed under the
auspices of the Technical Committee of the Steel Door Institute.
Suggestions for improvement gained in the use of this standard will be wel-
come and should be sent to the Steel Door Institute, 30200 Detroit Road,
Cleveland, Ohio, 44145-1967.
The organizations that have approved this standard are as follows:
American Institute of Architects/ARCOM
Architectural Testing
Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association
Canadian Steel Door Manufacturers Association
Cedar Valley Associates
Door and Hardware Institute
Door Control Services
FM Approvals
HMMA/Division of NAAMM
Intertek Testing Services
National Wind Institute / Texas Tech
Steel Door Institute
Underwriters Laboratories LLC
Vetrotech / Saint Gobain
Therma-Tru
The Accredited Standards Committee A250 TC-1 developed this standard
had the following personnel at the time of approval:
James Urban, Chairman
J. Jeffery Wherry, Secretary
Organization Represented Name of Representative
Allegion........................................................................................ Karen Bishop
American Institute of Architects................................................... Joseph Berchenko
Architectural Testing .................................................................... Dan Johnson
Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association............................ Mike Tierney
Canadian Steel Door Manufacturers Association........................ Bud Bulley
Ceco Door Products.................................................................... Tom Janicak
Cedar Valley Associates.............................................................. Stan Horsfall
Curries Company ........................................................................ Dave Dedic
Deansteel Manufacturing Company............................................ Claus Heide
Door and Hardware Institute........................................................ Greg Drake, AHC
Door Components Inc.................................................................. Tom Popow
Door Control Services................................................................. Craig Ordmandy
FM Approvals............................................................................... Mark Tyrol
HMMA/Division of NAAMM.......................................................... Russell Tauscher
Intertek Testing Services............................................................. Nancy Kokesh
Mesker Door, Inc.......................................................................... Mike Torres
Metal Products, Inc...................................................................... Tom Stone
National Wind Institute................................................................. Larry Tanner
Pioneer Industries, Inc................................................................. Kamal Sheikh
Republic....................................................................................... Steve Gilliam
Security Metal Products Corp...................................................... Terry Simpson
Steel Door Institute...................................................................... J. J. Wherry
Therma-Tru.................................................................................. Steve Jasperson
Underwriters Laboratories LLC.................................................... Luke Woods
Vetrotech Saint-Gobain................................................................ Christian Mueller

ii
AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD ANSI A250.13-2014

American National Standard

Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm

Resistant Components for Swinging Door Assemblies for
Protection of Building Envelopes
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters)
1 Scope It is recognized that products and assemblies
meeting these requirements will not necessarily
1.1 This standard provides procedures for testing
prevent all forms of damage associated with hur-
and establishing load ratings (design pressure in
ricanes and other severe windstorms. It is also as-
pounds per square foot or design load in pounds
sumed that these assemblies themselves might be
force) for components of exterior swinging door
damaged in a severe windstorm to an extent that
assemblies for purposes of protection of openings
would require repair or replacement after such an
in building envelopes during severe windstorm
event.
conditions, such as a hurricane, that produces
sustained wind speeds or gusts in a range of 110
2 Definitions
to 150 miles per hour as defined by ASCE 7. It is
not intended to simulate wind forces generated by Building Envelope: Windows, doors, curtain
tornadoes. These products are for non-life safety walls, wall and roof assemblies.
installations and not for use in storm shelters. Life
Classified: Products or materials of a specific
Safety/Shelter products must meet FEMA 320/361
group category that are constructed, inspected,
and/or ICC-500.
tested and subsequently reinspected in accor-
1.2 The procedures cover all components nor- dance with an established set of requirements.
mally assembled to form an exterior swinging door The classification process is performed by an or-
system. This includes door frames, hardware mul- ganization acceptable to the authority having ju-
lions, thresholds, frame anchorage, hinges, lock- risdiction.
sets, latches and bolts, doors, sidelights, transoms
Component: Any of several manufactured items,
and glazing systems. This procedure applies to
classified / listed and labeled, used in the con-
both single swing and pair assemblies and also
struction and installation of a swinging door as-
includes procedures for testing and rating compo-
sembly. Components include door frames, doors,
nents for both in-swing and out-swing installations.
hardware, glazing systems and similar products
1.3 The evaluations required by this standard are normally supplied separately to a job-site where
based on the performance tests specified in ASTM they are assembled and / or installed to form a
E1886, ASTM E1996 and ASTM E330. complete assembly.
1.4 Evaluations under this procedure are designed Design Load: The specified point force applied to
to determine the ability of exterior doors to remain a product. Units of measure are pounds force (lbf).
closed under conditions present in severe wind-
Design Pressure: The specified force applied to
storms, including high, fluctuating wind speeds
a specified unit area of product surface. Units of
and the presence of wind-born debris. Assemblies
measure are pounds-force per square foot (psf).
meeting these requirements are less likely to open
during a storm, preventing potentially large pres- Impact Energy (Kinetic Energy - KE): The spec-
sure differentials which may cause or contribute to ified dynamic load applied to a product. Units of
major structural damage. This procedure does not measure are foot-pounds (ft-lbf).
consider it necessary for the door assembly to be
In-Swing Door: A door with the push side on
capable of preventing water intrusion as a result of
the exterior or that swings into the building when
severe windstorm exposure conditions.

1
ANSI A250.13-2014

opened. Negative pressure acts to close this door pound. Appendix A contains a table of the Imperial
and positive pressure acts to open this door. values used in this standard and corresponding SI
values.
Labeled: Equipment or materials to which has
been attached a label, symbol, or other identifying 3.1.2 Unless specifically indicated otherwise, tol-
mark of an organization that is acceptable to the erances shall be in accordance with Appendix A.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and concerned
3.1.3 Where load ratings are to be applied in
with product evaluation, that maintains periodic in-
units of pounds per square foot (psf), these val-
spections of production of labeled equipment or
ues shall be expressed in 5-pound-per-square-
materials, and by whose labeling the manufacturer
foot increments. For components that are rated in
indicates compliance with appropriate standards
terms of pounds force, values shall be expressed
or performance in a specified manner.
in 10-pound increments. All rated values shall be
Listed: Equipment materials or services included determined by rounding down from values derived
in a list published by an organization that is accept- from tests.
able to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and
3.2 Referenced Standards
concerned with evaluation of products or services,
that maintains periodic evaluation of services and 3.2.1 ANSI/ASCE 7-10, Minimum Design Loads
whose listing states that either the equipment, ma- for Buildings and Other Structures
terial, or service meets identified standards or has
3.2.2 ANSI/SDI A250.4-2011, Test Procedure and
been tested and found suitable for a specified pur-
Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for
pose.
Steel Doors, Frames, Frame Anchors and Hard-
Operable: Capable of being opened by the ap- ware Reinforcings
plication of ordinary levels of applied force to the
3.2.3 ASTM E330-02 (2010), Standard Test
latch operator and door assembly.
Method for Structural Performance of Exterior
Note: Door assemblies that have been subjected Windows, Doors, Skylights and Curtain Walls by
to the severe conditions of the tests involved in this Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference
method are not expected to be undamaged and
thus will normally not operate with the low force lev- 3.2.4 ASTM E1886-05, Standard Test Method for
els generally required for undamaged assemblies. Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls,
The goal is to provide an assembly that will remain
closed during the windstorm, but not be damaged Doors, and Storm Shutters Impacted by Missile(s)
to the extent that it requires the use of tools to be and Exposed to Cyclic Pressure Differentials
opened after the event.
3.2.5 ASTM E1996-12a, Standard Specification
Out-Swing Door: A door with the pull side on for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain
the exterior or that swings away from the building Walls, Doors and Storm Shutters Impacted by
when opened. Negative pressure acts to open this Windborne Debris in Hurricanes
door and positive pressure acts to close this door.
3.2.6 ASTM F476-84 (2002) Standard Test Meth-
Severe Windstorm: A weather event such as a ods for Security of Swinging Door Assemblies
hurricane that produces sustained wind speeds or
gusts in a range of 110 to 150 miles per hour. 3.2.7 ANSI/BHMA A156.1-2013, Butts and Hinges

Stiffness Classification: A measure of a door’s 3.2.8 ANSI/BHMA A156.16-2008, Auxiliary Hard-

resistance to bending as determined by a twist test ware
under a prescribed loading condition.
4 Overview
3 General 4.1 The procedures in this document are de-
signed to evaluate each critical component used
3.1 Units of Measurement
in a swinging door assembly for the component’s
3.1.1 When a value for measurement is followed ability to perform its intended function. The evalu-
by a value in other units in parentheses, the sec- ation is conducted under the conditions of stress
ond value is only approximate. The first stated val- and loading the component would be subjected to
ue is the requirement. The primary units are inch- in the testing of a complete assembly under the

2
 ANSI A250.13-2014

assembly test methods commonly specified for Section 11.1 – Hardware Mullions
severe windstorm resistance.
Section 11.2 – Thresholds
4.2 The tests and evaluations required by this pro-
cedure include both the application of engineering 5 Door Frames
safety factors and worst-case analysis to ensure
that component substitutions in field assemblies 5.1 Frames are to be evaluated in the largest door
will perform to the minimum levels expected. opening sizes, minimum jamb depth and minimum
frame material thickness for which a design rat-
4.3 Components evaluated by this method are ing is to be determined. Frames intended for use
classified into various strength categories that can in both single swing and pair assemblies shall be
be used to determine assembly ratings. A single tested in both configurations. Frames are to be
component may have multiple ratings depending installed following the manufacturer’s written in-
on various parameters such as size, number and structions which are to include:
location of anchors or fasteners, type of surround-
ing construction and other factors. Proper appli- a) Wall substrate – wood/steel stud, con-
cation of these ratings allows for the determina- crete, masonry, structural steel.
tion of an assembly’s design pressure rating and b) Anchors – number, size, type and spac-
minimum impact energy resistance. These ratings ing of anchors, anchor or bolt embedment,
are intended to be used to determine compliance and number and type of fasteners required
with code requirements developed for complete at each anchor location.
assemblies.
c) Reinforcements – location and attach-
4.3.1 Doors are rated for design pressure in ment.
pounds per square foot (psf), impact energy in
foot-pounds (ft-lbf) and stiffness classification. d) Gasketing – location, type and attach-
Stiffness is required in determining the interaction ment.
between the door bending under load, transmis- e) Hinges – number, type, size and locations.
sion of impact energy to latching hardware and
frames, and latching engagement. f) Latching Hardware – type and location.

4.4 Proper application of this standard requires a 5.2 Test Procedure

basic level of understanding of physics, mechan- 5.2.1 Static Pressure Test
ics and materials science.
5.2.1.1 The frame shall be installed into a test unit
4.5 This procedure provides specific tests and rat- constructed to simulate the wall design specified
ing methods for the following components: by the frame manufacturer. The frame installation
Section 5 – Door Frames shall be in accordance with the frame manufac-
turer’s written instructions (refer to figure 1 for typi-
Section 6 – Hinges cal details). For wall designs that differ significantly
Section 7 – Latching Hardware from those shown, the test installation shall simu-
late actual intended wall design and anchorage.
Section 7.1 – Locksets (Bored, Mortise, Deadbolts)
A flush door rated for not less than the desired
Section 7.2 – Single Point Rim or Mortise Exit De- frame design pressure shall be mounted with the
vices number of hinges specified by the frame manu-
Section 7.3 – M
 ulti-point Latches (including flush facturer. For single-swing frames, a single-point
and surface bolts) simulated latch and a stainless steel strike shall be
installed between 38˝ and 42˝ above the bottom
Section 8 – Doors of the frame (see figure 2.) The door and latch-
Section 9 – Door Vision Light Kits ing hardware shall be of sufficient strength so that
they do not fail at the required test load. Door (s)
Section 10 – Sidelight and Transom frames shall be installed in the direction of swing for the
Section 11 – Miscellaneous Components desired listing.

3
ANSI A250.13-2014

Figure 1 – Wall Substrates for Frame Tests

5.2.1.2 For pair frames, two flush doors rated 5.2.1.3 The frame and door assembly shall be in-
for not less than the desired frame design pres- stalled in a static pressure test chamber per the
sure shall be installed with a simulated latching requirements of ASTM E330.
arrangement with a top and bottom bolt on the
5.2.1.4 The assembly shall be subjected to a static
inactive door and a single point latch on the ac-
pressure equal to 1.5 times the design pressure
tive door latching into the inactive door. The doors
rating specified by the frame manufacturer under
used are to be reinforced as described in 5.2.1.2.1
both positive and negative pressure. Each pres-
and latched as shown in figure 2.
sure cycle shall be applied for a minimum of 30
If the manufacturer specifies other latch/lock lo- seconds, then released and reduced to zero.
cations, tests shall be conducted under specified
5.2.1.5 At the conclusion of this test, the frame
conditions and the resulting rating shall specify the
shall not prevent the door (s) from operating after
latching requirements.
the simulated latch bolt (s) has been retracted and
5.2.1.2.1 The flush door used shall be reinforced a 15 pound force is applied at the mid-height of the
along the latch or meeting edge by bolting a 1-1/4 door, horizontally 1 inch from the lock edge. The
inch by 1-1/4 inch by 3/16 inch structural steel angle frame shall remain in the opening.
to both faces of the door with 1/4-20 bolts at 16 (±) 1
inches on center and within 6 (±1) inches of the 5.2.2 Impact Test
corners. The angle shall be placed such that the 5.2.2.1 Upon completion of the static pressure
free leg of the angle is oriented toward the edge of test an identical assembly shall be subjected to
the door and is located at 3 inches from the door impacts with an impact energy of 350 foot-pounds.
latch edge (see figure 2).

4
 ANSI A250.13-2014

The impact energy shall be delivered by one of the 5.2.2.2.2 Pair Frames
following two methods:
Six impacts in accordance with Figure 4.
Method 1 – Deliver impact energy by a 100-pound
5.2.3 At the conclusion of this test, the frame shall
total weight pendulum impactor fitted with a num-
not prevent the door (s) from operating after the
ber 2 or better, 12-inch-long Douglas Fir or South-
simulated latch bolt (s) has been retracted and a
ern Yellow Pine, nominal 2 by 4 striking face. The
15-pound force is applied at the mid-height of the
pendulum is to be suspended in a manner that as-
door, 1 inch horizontally from the lock edge. The
sures a direct normal impact to the door assembly.
frame shall remain in the opening.
Refer to ASTM F476 for details of a comparable
pendulum impact device (see figure 3). 5.3 Cycle Test
Method 2 – Deliver the impact energy in accor- 5.3.1 Upon completion of the impact tests speci-
dance with the impact method defined in ASTM fied in 5.2, the same assembly shall be subjected
E1996 using a 9 pound 2 x 4 missile impacting to the pressure cycling test specified in ASTM
end-on at a velocity of 50 feet per second. E1886.
5.2.2.2 Impacts are to be delivered to the exterior 5.3.2 At the conclusion of this test, the frame shall
side of the door (s) per ASTM E1886. Impact loca- not prevent the door (s) from operating after the
tions as described below and as shown in figure simulated latch bolt (s) has been retracted and a
4). 15-pound force is applied at the mid-height of the
5.2.2.2.1 Single Frames door, 1-inch horizontally from the lock edge. The
frame shall remain in the opening.
Five impacts in accordance with Figure 4.

Figure 2 – Door Reinforcement for Frame Tests

5
ANSI A250.13-2014

Figure 3 – Pendulum Impactor

Figure 4 – Impact Locations for Frame Tests

6
 ANSI A250.13-2014

5.4 Frame Ratings inches from the hinge centerline using the pendu-
lum impactor specified in figure 3. Shearing of any
5.4.1 Frames that meet the criteria specified in
fastener or deformation of the hinge which renders
this section shall be rated for the design pressure
the hinge inoperable shall constitute a failure. The
attained in the evaluation and for impact energy
simulated door section shall be tested as an in-
resistance. Ratings shall be specific to positive
swinging door.
and negative design pressure configuration (sin-
gle/pair, in-swing/out-swing) and shall apply to all NOTE: Impact energy specified delivers approxi-
overall frame sizes (not to exceed either height or mately twice the energy to the hinge as occurs in
a typical door assembly test using a 9 pound 2 x 4
width of frame tested) equal to or smaller than the missile at 50 feet-per-second.
frame tested.
6.1.1.2.1 Exception
6 Hinges Hinges listed only for use in out-swing door as-
semblies do not require an impact test.
6.1 Leaf Hinges
Three representative specimens shall be tested. 6.1.2 Structural Load Test
Ratings shall be based on the lowest load suc- 6.1.2.1 The test assembly described in 6.1.1.1
cessfully sustained by all three specimens. shall be mounted in a testing machine and loaded
at a rate of 0.05 inches per minute until failure. The
6.1.1 Impact Test
load shall be applied through a 3/4-inch diameter
6.1.1.1 Hinges shall be mounted for testing in the roller and 1/4-inch thick by 3-inch wide steel plate in
test fixture shown in figure 5. Hinges are to be a manner that places the attachments in shear on
mounted to the simulated frame and door sections the push side of the simulated door section. The
using screws provided by the hinge manufacturer. load at failure shall be recorded.
6.1.1.2 One 125 foot-pound impact shall be de-
livered to the simulated door section at a point 6

Simulated Frame

9" x 1-1/4" x 3/16"

Steel Hinge Apply load through
Reinforcements 1/4" x 3" wide steel
bearing plate, placed
on, not welded to door,
and 3/4" roller

1/4" Thick
Structural Steel

Hinge Under Test

Figure 5 – Hinge Structural Load Test Fixture

7
ANSI A250.13-2014

6.1.3 Rating 6.2.5 Throughout the tests described in section

6.2 the door shall remain secured in the frame and
6.1.3.1 Hinges shall be rated for a design load
shall be operable at the conclusion of the tests.
based on the lowest ultimate load value deter-
mined in 6.1.2.1, divided by a safety factor of 1.5. 6.2.6 Rating
6.2 Continuous Hinges and Pivots 6.2.6.1 Continuous hinges and pivots shall be rat-
ed for the impact energy resistance in foot-pounds
6.2.1 Continuous hinges and/or pivots shall be
and design pressure in pounds per square foot
tested in the maximum length with the minimum
and maximum size, based on the tested assem-
number of fasteners supplied by the manufacturer.
bly size for which they successfully complete the
Continuous hinges and/or pivots are to be tested
required testing.
applied to a simulated door as described in section
5.2.1.1 and a frame assembly designed to with-
7 Latching Hardware
stand the loads required to evaluate the hinge and/
or pivots to the level required. A simulated frame 7.1 Locksets
constructed from 4-inch to 6-inch wide structural
steel channel and with a solid steel stop 1-inch 7.1.1 Impact Test
wide by 5/8-inch high is suitable for this purpose. 7.1.1.1 Locksets shall be mounted in the test fix-
Pivots and continuous hinges shall be tested us- ture described in figure 6. Mounting shall be in
ing the maximum size of door for which a rating is accordance with the lock manufacturer’s instruc-
desired. tions. Locksets are to be in the locked mode for
6.2.2 Static Pressure Test all tests.

6.2.2.1 Apply a pressure equal to 1.5 times the 7.1.1.2 Strikes shall be mounted to the simulated
hinge manufacturer’s specified design pressure frame section using the screws provided by the
per ASTM E330 in both positive and negative di- lock manufacturer.
rections. Hold each load for a minimum of 30 sec- 7.1.1.3 One 125 foot-pound impact shall be deliv-
onds, then release. ered to the test fixture (push side) at a point 6 inch-
es from the simulated door edge using the pen-
6.2.3 Impact Test
dulum impactor specified in figure 3. If the lockset
6.2.3.1 Using either the same assembly used for handle or other parts are in the indicated impact
the static pressure test or an identical assembly, area, the impact location shall be moved upward
at the manufacturer’s option, conduct three impact sufficiently to avoid hitting the parts.
tests using one of the impact test methods de-
NOTE: Impact energy specified delivers approxi-
scribed in 5.2.2.1 at the following locations against mately twice the energy to the latch as occurs in a
the push side of the door. typical door assembly test using a 9 pound 2 x 4 mis-
sile at 50 feet-per-second.
6.2.3.1.1 Impact 6 inches down from the top and
6 inches horizontally from the hinge edge of the 7.1.2 Structural Load Test
door.
7.1.2.1 Upon completion of the impact test speci-
6.2.3.1.2 Impact the mid-height of the door 6 inch- fied in section 7.1.1, the test fixture and the same
es from the hinge edge. specimen (figure 6) shall be mounted in a testing
machine. A load shall then be applied equal to 1.5
6.2.3.1.3 Impact 6 inches up from the door bottom
times the manufacturers’ designated design load.
and 6 inches from the hinge edge.
The load shall be applied through a 3/4-inch roller
6.2.4 Cycle Test and 1/4-inch by 3-inch steel loading plate of suffi-
cient width to span the simulated door portion of
6.2.4.1 Upon completion of the impact tests, the the test fixture. This load shall be held for 30 sec-
same assembly shall be cycled per ASTM E1886. onds and then released.
7.1.2.2 Upon completion of the structural test the
lockset shall be operable.

8
 ANSI A250.13-2014

Aluminum block
machined to fit
Reinforcement notched lockset.
so that latch bolt is
supported only by strike.

Apply load through

1/4" x 3" wide steel 1/4" thick structural
bearing plate, and steel tube
3/4" roller.

Figure 6 – Lockset Test Fixture

7.1.3 Lockset Rating 7.2.3 Static Pressure Test

7.1.3.1 The lockset rating shall be the design load 7.2.3.1 Upon completion of the impact tests speci-
and impact energy specified by the manufacturer fied in 7.2.2.1, the same assembly shall be mount-
and verified by acceptable results in the impact ed in a static pressure test chamber and tested per
and structural load test described in this section. ASTM E330.
7.2 Single Point Rim and Mortise Exit 7.2.3.1.1 Apply 1.5 times the manufacturer’s spec-
Devices ified design pressure to the push side of the door.
Hold for a minimum of 30 seconds and release.
7.2.1 Single point rim and mortise exit devices
shall be mounted on a door of the stiffness clas- 7.2.3.1.2 Upon completion of the test the single
sification and maximum size for which a rating is point rim or mortise exit device shall be operable.
to be determined. Mounting shall be in accordance 7.2.4 Rating of Single Point Rim and
with the device manufacturer’s instructions.
Mortise Exit Devices
7.2.2 Impact Test 7.2.4.1 Single point rim or mortise exit devices
7.2.2.1 One 350 foot-pound impact shall be deliv- shall be rated for the design pressure in pounds
ered to the pull side of the door using one of the per square foot, impact energy resistance in foot-
impact test methods described in section 5.2.2.1. pounds, maximum pair or single door leaf size,
If hardware location interferes with the specified and door stiffness classification specified by the
locations for impacts the impact shall be located device manufacturer and verified by acceptable
as close to the specified location as possible in a results in the impact and structural load test de-
manner that avoids impact on the hardware. scribed in this section.
7.2.2.2 Upon completion of the impact tests the 7.3 Multi-Point Latches
door shall remain latched and the single point rim
7.3.1 Multi-point latches shall be mounted on the
or mortise exit device shall be operable.
maximum size pair of the minimum stiffness class
doors specified by the manufacturer for testing.

9
ANSI A250.13-2014

Note: Since many exterior doors are used as a as close to the specified location as possible in a
required “means of egress”, building codes do not manner that avoids impact on the hardware.
generally allow the use of additional manual bolts
and locks on these doors. That is, it must be possible, 7.3.2.2 When other hardware is being evaluated
under emergency conditions, for these doors to be
opened with a single manual operation. The use of
simultaneously with bolts (surface or flush type) to
auxiliary latching devices as a means of increasing increase the overall rating, then a fourth impact is
the windstorm resistance rating of an assembly to be made at the centerline of the other hardware
should be verified for acceptability under prevailing and 6 inches from the meeting door edge.
building code requirements.
7.3.2.3 Upon completion of the impact tests the
7.3.2 Impact Test multi-point latch shall be operable.
7.3.2.1 The door containing the device under test
7.3.3 Static Pressure Test
(active leaf) shall be subjected to three 350 foot-
pound impacts using one of the impact test meth- 7.3.3.1 Upon completion of the impact test, the
ods described in Section 5.2.2.1 to the pull side same assembly shall be tested on the impact as-
of the door. One impact is to be made at the up- sembly or mounted in a test chamber and tested
per meeting edge of the door 6 inches below the per ASTM E330 under uniform static pressure.
top edge of the door and 6 inches from the meet-
7.3.3.2 Starting at the design pressure specified
ing edge. The second impact is to be made at the
by the manufacturer, apply the pressure in 5 psf
lower meeting edge of the door 6 inches above the
increments in both positive and negative direc-
bottom and 6 inches from the meeting door edge.
tions until failure occurs. Each pressure increment
The third impact is to be made at the center of the
shall be held for a minimum of 10 seconds in each
door opposite and 5 inches below the push bar.
direction.
If hardware location interferes with the specified
locations for impacts the impact shall be located

Figure 7 – Impact Locations for Multi-Point Latch Test

10
 ANSI A250.13-2014

7.3.3.3 After each pressure increment, remove sample of the full flush panel (no hardware prepa-
the pressure and check the hardware for oper- rations) door construction under investigation.
ability. One pressure increment consists of both a
8.2.1.1 Mount the door panel in a rigid test frame
positive and negative pressure.
and clamp the bottom two corners and one top
7.3.3.4 Record mode of failure and pressure in- corner securely to the frame.
crement at failure.
8.2.1.2 Apply a load of 300 lbf through a 2.5 inch
7.3.4 Multi-Point Latch Rating diameter by 1/4-inch thick steel pad to a point cen-
tered 3 inches down and 3 inches horizontally from
7.3.4.1 Multi-Point latches shall be rated for the the free corner of the door per ANSI A250.4.
design pressure in pounds per square foot, impact
energy resistance in foot-pounds, maximum pair 8.2.1.3 Measure the door deflection at the free
or single door leaf size, and door stiffness classi- corner, as described in ANSI A250.4, to the near-
fication specified by the device manufacturer and est 0.01 inch.
verified by acceptable results in the impact and
8.2.2 Classifications
structural load test described in this section as fol-
lows: 8.2.2.1 Doors shall be classified for stiffness as
follows in Table 1 based on the results of the twist
7.3.4.1.1 For pairs of doors with four or more
test.
points of latching, the design pressure is the maxi-
mum test pressure increment that did not result in
Table 1 – Stiffness Classification
failure as determined by 7.3.3.3 divided by a safety
factor of 1.5.
Corner Deflection Stiffness Class
7.3.4.1.2 For pairs of doors with single point latch-
≤ 0.5 inch I
ing on the active leaf and multi-point latching on
the inactive leaf as described in 7.3.2.1, the de- > 0.5 inch and ≤ 1.0 inch II
sign pressure is the maximum test pressure incre- > 1.0 inch and ≤ 2.0 inches III
ment that did not result in failure as determined by > 2.0 inches and ≤ 3.0 inches IV
7.3.3.3 divided by a safety factor of 1.5. > 3.0 inches V
7.3.4.1.3 For pairs of doors with single point latch-
ing on the active leaf and multi-point latching on
the inactive leaf as described in 7.3.2.2 with sur- 8.3 Assembly Tests
face or flush bolts per ANSI/BHMA A156.16 Aux- 8.3.1 Doors shall be installed in each assembly
iliary Hardware, mounted on the inactive leaf, the configuration for which a rating is to be deter-
design pressure is the maximum pressure incre- mined. The following list shall be used to select
ment that did not result in failure as determined by the test configurations.
7.3.3.3 divided by a safety factor of 3.0.
8.3.1.1 Single-swing with cylindrical single-point
8 Doors latch.

8.1 Doors shall be tested in the largest size (over- 8.3.1.2 Single-swing with mortise single-point
all area, greatest width, greatest height) for which latch.
a design pressure rating is to be applied. Require- 8.3.1.3 Single-swing with rim or mortise exit de-
ments for framing systems or other reinforcements vice.
in doors shall be specified as defined in the man-
ufacturer’s follow-up inspection procedures. All 8.3.1.4 Pairs of doors swinging in the same direc-
doors of the same design with smaller dimensions tion with 4-point latching – surface rods.
shall be given the same rating as the test door (s). 8.3.1.5 Pairs of doors swinging in the same direc-
8.2 Stiffness Classification tion with 4-point latching – concealed rods.

8.2.1 Doors shall be classified for stiffness by per- 8.3.1.6 Pairs of doors swinging in the same direc-
forming the following twist test on a 3´0˝ by 7´0˝ tion with 3-point latching – surface rods by cylindri-
cal latch.

11
ANSI A250.13-2014

Table 2 – Example Door Rating Data

Door Model: 1234 Stiffness Class II

Maximum Latch Throw Latch Strength Impact Design Pressure
Configuration
Size Min. (in) Min. (lbf) (ft-lbf) (psf)
Single Out-swing (cylindrical) 4-0 x 8-0 1/2 1600 350 100

Single In-swing (mortise) 4-0 x 8-0 1/2 1600 350 100

Single Out-swing (Rim) 3-0 x 8-0 (1) (1) 350 80

Pair w/ 4-Point (CVR by CVR) 8-0 x 8-0 (1) (1) 350 80

Pair w/ 3-Point 8-0 x 8-0 (1) (1) 350 80

Pair w/ 4-Point (CVR by CVR) 6-0 x 7-0 (1) (1) 350 140

(1) Components are rated in design pressure (psf) not latch strength (lbf)

8.3.1.7 Pairs of doors swinging in the same direc- The largest size (maximum area, height, and width
tion with 3-point latching – flush bolts or CVR by of exposed light) of the light kit and the minimum
mortise latch. stile and rail dimensions shall be defined. Re-
quirements for framing systems or other reinforce-
8.3.1.8 Pairs of doors swinging in the same direc-
ments in doors shall be specified as defined in the
tion with 3-point latching-mortise exit device by
vision light kit manufacturer’s follow-up inspection
surface or concealed exit device.
procedures.
8.3.1.9 Pairs of doors swinging in the same direc-
8.3.4 Doors are to be tested installed in frames
tion with 2-point latching – rim exit device with re-
using latching hardware and hinges with a design
movable mullion.
pressure rating greater than or equal to the speci-
8.3.2 A minimum of 3 assemblies shall be tested fied design-pressure rating of the door.
for single-swing configurations and a minimum of
8.3.5 Assemblies which incorporate manual sur-
three assemblies shall be tested for pair configu-
face bolts or other latching hardware intended only
rations. Latching hardware configurations can be
for use in severe storm conditions (hurricanes)
varied between the individual assemblies to pro-
shall be evaluated for design pressure strength
vide coverage per 8.3.1. This includes combining
per ASTM E330 with the additional hardware en-
surface and concealed-rod type hardware in one
gaged. The ratings for such assemblies shall in-
pair assembly to cover configurations from 8.3.1.4
dicate design pressure for the assembly with the
and 8.3.1.5. The resulting ratings will be deter-
additional hardware.
mined separately for pair and single-swing config-
urations. When the three assemblies of one swing 8.4 Test Procedure
type vary, the rating for the door is to be based
on the highest design pressure test passed by all 8.4.1 Each assembly configuration shall be tested
three assemblies. to 1.5 times the design pressure per ASTM E330.

8.3.3 Qualifying Doors for Vision Light Kits – 8.4.2 Each assembly shall be tested to impact and
Where doors are to be qualified to receive light cyclic load tests as specified in ASTM E1886 and
kits, at least one assembly shall be tested with ASTM E1996. (At the discretion of the test sponsor
maximum light kit size desired. This assembly the same or an identical assembly shall be permit-
shall be an assembly or at least one of the assem- ted for the structural test.) For doors designated
blies from 8.3.2. Multiple light kit designs and sizes by the manufacturer as either in-swing only or
may be tested for multiple ratings. The rating for out-swing only, the impact test shall be conducted
the door is to be based on the highest design pres- only from the outdoor side of the assembly. For
sure test passed by the glazed assembly, but shall doors designated as either in-swing or out-swing,
not exceed the rating of the opaque assemblies. the impact tests shall be conducted from the out-

12
 ANSI A250.13-2014

side (push side) of in-swinging assemblies on two 9.2 Test Procedure

samples and from the outside (pull side) of an out-
swinging assembly on the third sample. 9.2.1 Static Pressure Test

8.4.3 Assemblies shall remain closed and latched 9.2.1.1 Each assembly configuration shall be
during the tests specified and the active leaf shall tested to 1.5 times the design pressure, per ASTM
be operable at the conclusion of the tests. E330.
9.2.1.2 Install the glazing system into the type and
8.5 Ratings of Doors
size of door specified by the glazing system manu-
8.5.1 Ratings of doors shall include the following facturer. Three identical assemblies are required.
information (see Table 2): The doors shall be mounted in frames and bucks
as required for the standard door test procedure.
1. Maximum Size;
2. Stiffness Classification; 9.2.2 Impact Test

3. Design Pressure Rating for each configu- 9.2.2.1 Test the assembly per ASTM E1886 with
ration type; (this provides consistency in the impacts required applied to the center and one
language); corner of the glazing panel in each assembly.

4. Impact Energy Resistance Classification; 9.2.3 Cycle Test

5. Minimum Latch Throw for single point lock 9.2.3.1 Cycle test each assembly per ASTM
sets; E1886.

6. Minimum Latch Strength for single point 9.2.3.2 Upon completion of the impact and cycle
lock sets. tests there shall be no failure of the glazing sys-
tem as defined in the referenced standard ASTM
9 Door Light Kits E1996.

9.1 Door vision light kits shall be evaluated as 9.3 Glazing System Ratings
complete glazing systems designed for installation 9.3.1 Glazing systems shall be rated at the design
into specific doors. These doors shall have been pressure used in the evaluation and shall include
qualified to receive light kits in accordance with specific doors, minimum door size, and maximum
paragraph 8.3.3. Glazing systems shall include all glazing dimensions (maximum area, maximum
parts necessary to install the glazing in the door. height and maximum width).
This shall normally include at least a glazing pan-
el, frame, sealant or glazing compound and fas- 10 Sidelights and/or Transoms
teners. Requirements for framing systems or other
reinforcements in doors shall be specified as de- 10.1 Sidelights and/or transoms shall be tested
fined in the vision light manufacturer’s follow-up with doors, to the largest total size (maximum
inspection procedures. area, height and width) to be rated. Testing shall
be performed in accordance with ASTM E1886
9.1.1 Glazing systems shall be tested in the larg- and ASTM E1996. Doors used in the evaluation
est size (maximum area, height, width of exposed assembly shall be rated per this method for at
light) to be rated in the smallest standard door size least the design pressure specified for the side-
(minimum 3´0˝ x 7´0˝) that can accommodate the light/transom assembly.
glazing system.
10.2 Installation of sidelight and/or transom as-
9.1.2 Alternately, glazing systems shall be tested semblies shall be per manufacturer’s instructions.
as part of door assemblies as defined in para- Frames for these assemblies shall be evaluated for
graph 8.3.3. In this case, the largest size (maxi- installation in each wall type for which the product
mum area, height, and width of exposed light) of is intended. Installation instructions shall include:
the light kit and the minimum stile and rail dimen- glazing material, sealants or glazing compounds,
sions shall be defined. installation procedures, and details of frame an-
choring methods.

13
ANSI A250.13-2014

10.3 Ratings for Sidelight and/or Tran- used for this test shall be stiffened as described
som Assemblies in section 5.2.1.2.1, except that surface applied re-
inforcements are to be removed in areas required
10.3.1 Sidelight and/or transom assemblies that for mounting the latching device. Doors are to be
meet the criteria specified in this section shall be equipped with rim exit devices or other hardware
rated for the design pressure attained in the evalu- as specified by the manufacturer.
ation and for impact energy resistance. Ratings
shall be specific to positive and negative design 11.1.2 Static Pressure Test
pressure configuration (single/pair, in-swing/out-
11.1.2.1 Load the assembly to 1.5 times the de-
swing) and shall apply to all overall assembly sizes
sign pressure in accordance with ASTM E330 in
(not to exceed either height or width of assembly
both positive and negative directions. The pres-
tested) equal to or smaller than the assembly test-
sure load shall be maintained for a minimum of 30
ed.
seconds.
11 Miscellaneous Components 11.1.3 Impact Test
11.1 Center Mullions Prepared for Hard- 11.1.3.1 On the same assembly used in the struc-
ware tural test or an identical assembly, at the manu-
facturer’s option, apply four impacts of 350 ft-lbf
11.1.1 Center mullions prepared for hardware using one of the impact test methods described in
shall be tested at the maximum height specified section 5.2.2.1. One impact is to be applied at the
by the manufacturer. Install the mullion in a frame meeting edge of the doors 6 inches down from the
of the maximum width for which a rating is desired head jamb. The second impact is to be applied at
following the manufacturer’s instructions. Doors the meeting edge of the doors 6 inches up from

Impact Locations

Figure 8 – Impact Locations for Center Mullion Test

14
 ANSI A250.13-2014

the sill and the third impact applied at the center- described in section 5.2.2.1 to a location on the
line of the latch and 6 inches horizontally from the centerline of any latching device that engages into
latch edge of the door. Apply a fourth impact at the sill at a point 6 inches up from the sill. If the
the center of the other door 5 inches below the assembly includes two latching locations, two im-
latch. Upon completion of the impact tests, con- pacts are required.
duct cycle testing as specified in ASTM E1886. At
the completion of these tests the hardware mullion 11.2.6 Cycle Test
shall remain in place and the door assembly shall 11.2.6.1 The same assembly used for the impact
be operable. test in 11.2.3 shall be subjected to the cyclic pres-
11.1.4 Hardware mullions shall be rated for the sure test prescribed by ASTM E1886.
impact energy successfully passed and for the 11.2.7 Upon completion of these tests, the door
design pressure tested in the static pressure and assembly shall be operable and the threshold
cycle tests. shall remain in place.
11.2 Thresholds 11.2.8 Thresholds shall be rated for the impact
energy successfully passed and for the latching
11.2.1 Thresholds are only evaluated for their abil-
load established in the structural load and cycle
ity to retain latch bolts and strikes and remain se-
tests. Latching load (lbf) shall be calculated as de-
cured to underlying construction when subjected
sign pressure (psf) times the area (square feet) of
to anticipated structural and impact energy loads.
the opening divided by 4 (the equivalent of one-
11.2.2 Thresholds are to be tested in conjunc- quarter of the total load).
tion with hardware mullions as described in sec-
tion 11.1 when applicable. Thresholds that are 12 Selection Criteria
designed for direct attachment of latching devices
shall be tested as follows. 12.1 The following process is used to determine
Swinging Door Assembly Ratings for Severe
11.2.3 Thresholds shall be tested at the maximum Windstorm Resistance from Component Ratings.
door opening width to which the resulting rating
is to be applied. Thresholds shall be installed in a 12.1.1 The first step in determining if an assembly
test assembly using a frame and stiffened doors meets a code requirement for severe windstorm
(per 5.2.1.2.1) known to be capable of sustaining resistance is for the building designer to determine
the required test pressure. Thresholds shall be at- the required performance level for the opening.
tached to a simulated floor using the number, size This shall include a calculation of the required
and location of fasteners specified by the manu- minimum design pressure in pounds per square
facturer. The set-up shall be for single-point latch- foot and the determination of whether or not im-
ing on the active leaf and two-point latching on the pact resistance is required. In most cases ASCE
inactive leaf with the bolt and strike specified by 7 is specified by the applicable building code and
the manufacturer. requires a thorough analysis of the building de-
sign and location to determine design pressure
11.2.4 Static Pressure Test for each opening. State and local building codes
11.2.4.1 The test assembly shall be subjected will generally specify when impact resistance is
to 1.5 times the design pressure specified by the required and at what level.
manufacturer in both positive and negative direc- 12.1.2 If impact resistance is required, each com-
tions as required by ASTM E330. The pressure in ponent of the opening shall have an impact rating
each direction shall be maintained for a minimum equal to or greater than the impact energy required
of 30 seconds. for the opening.
11.2.5 Impact Test 12.1.3 Determine the wall construction type for the
11.2.5.1 The same assembly or an identical as- opening (masonry, wood frame, steel, etc.). The
sembly which has not been subjected to the 1.5 selected frame and anchorage method must meet
times design load test shall be used for this test at or exceed the design pressure and impact energy
the manufacturer’s option. Impacts (350 ft-lb) shall requirements for the opening. The size at which
be applied using one of the impact test methods

15
ANSI A250.13-2014

the frame is rated must be equal to or greater than 12.1.6 To select a rim exit, mortise exit, hardware
the size requirement for the opening. mullion, or multi-point latch configuration, com-
pare the rated hardware design pressure, impact
12.1.4 Determine the type of hinge needed for the
energy requirement, stiffness classification, and
application. Leaf and butt hinges are expressed
door size with the opening requirements.
in lbs force. To select leaf or butt hinges, multiply
the design pressure by the tributary area in square 12.1.7 If a light kit is to be installed, select a light
feet for each hinge to determine the required hinge kit with a design pressure and impact energy rat-
design load in pounds force (lbf). Select a hinge ing equal to or greater than the required values.
that meets or exceeds the design load and impact
12.1.8 To select a door leaf compare the rated
energy requirements for the opening (see exam-
design pressure, desired hardware configuration,
ples in Appendix B).
impact energy, and size requirements with the
12.1.4.2 Continuous hinges and pivots are rated opening requirements. Obtain the design pres-
for design pressure, impact energy and door leaf sure rating for the specified hardware configura-
size. The design pressure and impact energy rat- tion by checking the door rating data (see example
ing for the selected continuous or pivot hinge must in table 2). The rated door panel design pressure
meet or exceed the requirements for the opening. for the desired hardware configuration, impact en-
The required door size for the opening must be ergy, and size must meet or exceed the require-
equal to or less than the door size listed for the ments for the opening. If rim exits or mortise exits
hinge. are specified, the door panel must meet or exceed
the door stiffness classification for the rim or mor-
12.1.5 To select cylindrical lock or mortise lock
tise exit device being used.
for a door leaf, determine the latch bolt design
load (lbf) required, by multiplying one-half of the 12.1.9 All components must be installed in accor-
nominal door leaf area in square feet by the design dance with the component manufacturer’s instruc-
pressure. Select a lock with a design load rating tions. The assembly rating is equal to the lowest
(lbf) equal to or greater than the calculated latch design pressure rating of the selected components
design load (see examples in Appendix B). and must be equal to or greater than the design
pressure required for the opening.

16
 ANSI A250.13-2014

Appendix A
(normative)

Tolerances and Conversion of Measurements to SI

Imperial Imperial SI
Imperial Unit SI Value SI Unit
Value Tolerance Tolerance
110 MPH NA 177 KMH NA
150 MPH NA 241 KMH NA
5 PSF ±0.5 239 Pa ±24
10 PSF ±0.5 479 Pa ±24
60 in ±0.25 1524 mm ±6
30 in ±0.25 762 mm ±6
40-5/16 in ±1/8 1024 mm ±3
1-1/4 in ±1/8 1024 mm ±3
3/16 in ±1/32 4.8 mm ±1
16 in ±1 406 mm ±25
6 in ±1 152 mm ±25
3 in ±1/8 76 mm ±3
15 lbf ±0.5 67 N ±2
1 in ±1/16 25 mm ±2
350 ft-lb ±3.5 475 N-M ±5
100 lb ±1 45.4 Kg ±0.5
12 in ±1/8 305 mm ±3
24 in ±1/8 610 mm ±3
50 ft/sec NA 1.52 Km/Sec NA
0.05 in/min ±0.005 1.3 mm/min ±0.1
300 lbf ±3 1334 N ±13
2.5 in ±0.1 64 mm ±2.5
1/4 in ±0.03 6 mm ±1
0.01 in NA 0.25 mm NA
0.5 in NA 12.7 mm NA
1.0 in NA 25.4 mm NA
2.0 in NA 50.8 mm NA
3.0 in NA 76.2 mm NA

17
ANSI A250.13-2014

Appendix B
(informative)
Example 1

Opening design pressure: per ASCE 7 = 67 psf, requires 350 ft-lb impact energy per local code.
Opening size: 3'0" x 7'0" — Single In-Swing
Wall type: 2 x 6 wood stud 16 in o.c. with 1/2 inch exterior sheathing — design pressure
rating 75 psf.
Frame: 16 ga. pressed steel with 5/8 inch stops.
Frame rating: for 3'0" x 7'0" with 1/4" x 3-1/2" lag screw anchors to wood studs at 24" o.c. = 75
psf. & 350 ft-lb — OK.
Hinges: (ABC Co. Model 1– 500 lbf – 350 ft-lb rating) 3 – 4" x 0.135" centered at 8" from
top, center of door and 8" from bottom.
Latch: (XYZ Co. Model 2 – 1000 lbf – 350 ft-lb rating for class II doors) single point
mortise, 5/8" throw.
Door: 3'0" x 7'0" Hollow Metal — Stiffness class II, 70 psf, 350 ft-lb rating. — OK.

Location Area (ft2) Load @ 70 psf (lbf)

A Top Hinge 3.125 219 < 500 OK.

B Middle Hinge 4.25 298 < 500 OK.
C Bottom Hinge 3.125 219 < 500 OK.
D Latch 10.5 735 < 1000 OK.

Opening Design Pressure Rating = 70 psf based on door.

Tested for Impact Energy Rating of 350 ft-lbf.

18
 ANSI A250.13-2014

Example 2

Opening Design Pressure: Per ASCE 7 = 80 pounds per square foot (PSF), requires 350 ft-lbf impact
energy per local code.
Opening Size: 8'0" x 8'0" – Pairs of Doors
Wall Type: Masonry – design pressure rating 90 PSF – OK (Meets opening design pres-
sure requirement)
Frame: 14 ga. Pressed steel with 5/8 inch stops
Frame Rating: For a 8'0" x 8'0" with masonry T anchors is 80 PSF & 350 ft-lbf – OK (Meets
opening design pressure requirement)
Hinges: (ABC Co. Model 1 - 4" x 0.125", 300 lbf, 350 ft-lbf rating): 4 req’d per leaf - cen-
tered at 8" from top of door, centered at 34-2/3" from top of door, centered at
34-2/3" from bottom of door, & centered at 8" from bottom of door.
Latch: (XYZ Co. Model 2 – Surface Vertical rod exit device, 85 PSF, 350 ft-lbf impact
rating, two latchbolts per exit device per door leaf, 3/4" latch throw – OK (Meets
opening design pressure req.)
Door: 4'0" x 8'0" hollow metal – stiffness class I, 80 PSF & 350 ft-lbf Rating – OK
(Meets opening design pressure requirement)

21 1/3" A

26 2/3" B

8 FT E

26 2/3" C

21 1/3" D

24" 24"

4 FT
8 FT

Hinge Location / Area Calculation Load Calc Load vs Product Pressure vs Criteria
Door Area Rating Rating Met?
Top Hinge / A (21 1/3” x 24”)/144 = 3.555 ft2 80 PSF x 3.555 ft2 = 284 Lbf 284 Lbf < 300 Lbf N/A YES
Middle Upper Hinge / B (26 2/3” x 24”)/144 = 4.444 ft2
80 PSF x 4.444 ft = 356 Lbf
2
356 Lbf > 300 Lbf N/A NO
Middle Upper Hinge / B (26 2/3” x 24”)/144 = 4.444 ft2 80 PSF x 4.444 ft2 = 356 Lbf 356 Lbf > 300 Lbf N/A NO
Bottom Hinge/ C (21 1/3” x 24”)/144 = 3.555 ft2
80 PSF x 3.555 ft = 284 Lbf
2
284 Lbf < 300 Lbf N/A YES
Latches / D N/A N/A N/A 80 PSF < 85 PSF YES

Result: Opening does not meet the design pressure requirement due to hinge product
rating. In order to meet it, the hinges need to be replaced with higher load rated
hinges (≥ 300 Lbf).

19
ANSI A250.13-2014

Appendix C
(informative)
Door Component Impact Energy Research Project

Door Component Impact Energy Research Project

Intertek Testing Services has completed a study on the large missile impact test specified
by ASTM E1886/E1996 and its affects latches on in-swinging doors. The study was
conducted to quantify the energy that would tend to shear the latch bolt in fully assembly
tests and compare it to the energy delivered to the latch bolt in the ANSI A250.13
component test procedure which uses a relatively rigid fixture and a pendulum type
impactor.

Background
Since ANSI A250.13 was published, tests of single point (mortise and cylindrical) latches
have consistently produced failures in latches that have a history of acceptable
performance when tested in full assemblies. It has been clear that much of this difference
in results is due to the fact that, in assembly tests, only a fraction of the energy contained
in the impactor is actually delivered to the latch and bolt.

Just before the impact event, it is known that the impacting body represents about 350 ft-
lbs of kinetic energy. During the impact all this energy must be conserved. We know
that some energy is accounted for by several processes:

o Energy is absorbed by the door through deformation, bending, crushing

and/or tearing of the door materials.
o Energy is absorbed by deflection and movement of the assembly mass.
o Energy is absorbed and returned to the impactor (it bounces back).
o Energy is absorbed by deformation or crushing of the impactor striking
surface.
o Energy is absorbed in the mounting and supporting fixture and
construction.
o There are several other smaller areas of energy distribution, e.g. the sound
make by the impact.

The large and obvious disparity in results between full assembly impact tests and the
latch component test led to the design of an experiment that is described in this report as
a means of quantifying the energy distributed to the latch bolt in a typical door assembly.

Theory
Energy, when it causes movement or deformation, is termed ‘work’. If one strikes a
lump of lead with a hammer it will cause it to flatten and the ‘work’ thus done is a direct
result of the energy delivered by the hammer. Thus, by creating a test arrangement that

Door Component Impact Energy Research Project P ag e 1 of 8

30 May 2007

20
 ANSI A250.13-2014

uses a material that will deform and retain its shape after an impact and making sure that
the energy is delivered through a consistent arrangement of striking surface, test body and
supporting surface the deformation of the test body provides and measurement of the
energy required to cause the deformation.

This deformation relationship to energy can be quantified by testing the same test body
material and form in a compression testing machine. As the machine loading platen
compresses and deforms the test body, the load increases. For any given point in
deformation, the area under the stress/strain curve can be integrated to determine the
work done on the test body and hence the equivalent amount of energy that would need to
be delivered in an impact event to cause the same deformation.

Procedure

The experiment was conducted in four phases.

Phase I was to use a 3’-0” by 7’-0” complete door assembly with a simulated latch bolt
and anvil assembly. The simulated latch bolt consisted of a 1.5” by ¾” steel bar securely
attached to the door and projecting 1.25” at the normal latch location. Immediately
behind the simulated latch bolt a heavy structural steel anvil was placed with a horizontal
gap of 1.57”. A solid lead test body was mounted on the anvil so that when the door was
struck by the impactor the energy absorbed in the latch area would result in deformation
of the lead test body. The lead test body was shaped in the form of a 4 sided pyramid
1.57 inches high with a square base with each side measuring 0.875”. After each impact
the height of the test body was measured and the deformation from its original height
determined. The impact was delivered to the door 6 inches from the latch edge centered
on the latch bolt location.

Phase II involved using the single point latch test fixture specified in ANSI A250.13 with
a simulated latch bolt and anvil set up as described above for the door test and the 100
pound pendulum impactor with a 2 x 4 by 12” long wood striking surface. The level of
impacts started as 350 foot pounds and was stepped down until the deformation of the
lead test body was approximately equal to that observed for the door assembly test in
phase I.

Phase III involved direct impact of the lead test body with the 9 pound 2 x 4 and air
canon as specified in ASTM E1886/E1996 except that a 3/16 thick steel plate was affixed
to the striking end of the 2 x 4 (overall weight was still 9 pounds). The pendulum
impactor was also used with a 350 ft-lbf impact to compare the energy delivered between
the two methods directly.

Phase IV was a series of compression tests of the lead test body using a universal testing
machine in order to determine the relationship between deformation and work or energy
required to produce specific levels of deformation.

Door Component Impact Energy Research Project Page 2 of 8

30 May 2007

21
ANSI A250.13-2014

Throughout these tests the deformation was determined by measuring the overall height
of the pyramidal test body before and after the test. The deformed height was determined
from the average of four measurements made at each of the four corners of the deformed
specimen.

Multiple trials where conducted where deemed necessary and it was found that the results
where repeatable to within 3-5% for all conditions of the tests.

Results

Chart 1. shows the relationship between test deformation of the lead test body used and
the load applied. Integration of the area under this curve for a given deformation
provides the value for ‘work’ required to produce the deformation observed.

Chart 1.

Deformation of Lead Test Body v. Load

2 x 4 Canon Direct
Impact
12,000 195.8 ft-lbf
11,000
Sample #1 Pendulum 350 ft-
10,000 lbf Direct Impact
9,000 Sample #2 144.1 ft-lbf
Recommended
8,000 Sample #3 Pendulum Impact
Load (lbf)

30 ft-lbf
7,000 ANSI A250.13
6,000 Component Impact
52.6 ft-lbf
5,000
2 x 4 Canon Impact
4,000 of door assembly
3,000 14 ft-lbf

2,000
1,000
0
0.000 0.100 0.200 0.300 0.400 0.500 0.600 0.700 0.800 0.900 1.000 1.100 1.200 1.300

Deformation (inches)

Chart 2 shows the relationship between the deformation and work for the specific test
body used. The relationship is approximated mathematically as:

Work = 120 x D3 (ft-lbf)

Where: D is the deformation in the test body in inches.
The R2 correlation coefficient is 0.99.

Door Component Impact Energy Research Project P ag e 3 of 8

30 May 2007

22
 ANSI A250.13-2014

Deformation v. Work for Lead Test Body

300

250

200
Work (ft-lbf)

Work
150
120 X^3
100

50

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4
Deformation (inches)

Table 1. shows the results of phase I through III of this experiment.

Table 1.

Average Work Done

Number Average Impact on Test
of Deformation Energy Body
Test Condition Impactor Trials (inches) (ft-lbf) (ft-lbf)
20 Gauge Steel 9# 2 x 4 @
3 0.475 354 14.0
Stiffened Door 50 ft/s
Pendulum Direct 100# w/
5 1.083 350 144.1
to test body 12” 2 x 4
2 x 4 Cannon 9# 2 x 4 @
5 1.181 355.8 195.8
Direct to test body 50 ft/s
Pendulum w/ 100# w/
1 0.765 350 52.6
A250.13 Fixture 12” 2 x 4
Pendulum w/ 100# w/
1 0.677 150 37.2
A250.13 Fixture 12” 2 x 4
Pendulum w/ 100# w/
1 0.570 100 23.1
A250.13 Fixture 12” 2 x 4
Pendulum w/ 100# w/
2 0.535 75 19.4
A250.13 Fixture 12” 2 x 4
Pendulum w/ 100# w/
10 0.491 60 15.4
A250.13 Fixture 12” 2 x 4
Pendulum w/ 100# w/
2 0.440 50 11.4
A250.13 Fixture 12” 2 x 4

Door Component Impact Energy Research Project P ag e 4 of 8

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23
ANSI A250.13-2014

Analysis

The results indicate that a surprising small amount of energy from the 350 foot-pound
impact of the 9 pound 2 x 4 is actually delivered to the latch in a full size door assembly
test. Only about 14 foot-pounds or 4% of the available energy needs to be withstood by a
typical latch bolt. In the case of the ANSI A250.13 fixture and pendulum impact at 350
ft-lbf, the energy delivered to the latch bolt is over 52 ft-lbf – about 15% of the available
energy and 3.7 times the energy delivered by the 2 x 4 impact in the full test assembly.

This confirms the observation that the small scale A250.13 test of latches is much more
severe than the assembly test with the 2 x 4 cannon.

Phase II indicates that, in the small scale test, a pendulum impact energy of 60 ft-lbf
results in approximately equivalent shearing energy delivery to that of the full scale
assembly test method.

It was observed that in the direct impact tests conducted in Phase III, the 2 x 4 cannon
procedure produced 51 ft-lbs (196 vs. 144 ft-lbf) or 35% greater work on the test body
than the pendulum. This is most likely due to the difference in velocity and the duration
of the actual impact event. The 2 x 4 moves at a velocity of 50 ft/sec up to the point of
impact whereas the pendulum velocity at impact is 15 ft/sec. This means that the 2 x 4
canon event takes place in about 4 milliseconds while the pendulum impact event takes
about 12 milliseconds or 3 times as long.

If the support structure where perfectly rigid (i.e. would not move or deflect at all) this
difference would not affect the energy transfer. However, in the real world, the
supporting structure is not perfectly rigid and therefore it absorbs some of the energy
delivered to it through movement and deflection. However, since the support is relatively
massive and is subject to inertia, the time involved in the impact event has a significant
influence on the outcome. Therefore the relatively shorter duration of the higher speed 2
x 4 impact allows less time for the support structure to absorb energy and hence a greater
proportion of the energy delivered ends up doing work on the test body.

An example of this effect can be seen at the target range. A high speed rifle bullet will
penetrate a ¼” thick suspended steel plate without noticeably moving it, but a 20 gauge
shotgun slug, with equivalent energy, but traveling much slower will not penetrate but
will cause a violent deflection of the same target.

Recommendations

This study has demonstrated that the small scale test specified in ANSI A250.13 for
latches is indeed much more severe than the exposure provided in door assembly tests
conducted per ASTM E1886/E1996 and similar wind borne debris impact tests. The
level of energy transmitted to the lockset should be reduced to a value closer to 15 ft-lbs.

Door Component Impact Energy Research Project Page 5 of 8

30 May 2007

24
ANSI A250.13-2014

25
ANSI A250.13-2014

Appendix I
Experimental Design

ANSI A250.13 Latch Impact Test Energy Transfer Experiment

Problem: The simulated latch impact test using a rigid fixture and pendulum impactor
should deliver the same force and energy into the latch as occurs in an assembly when the
door is impacted by the 2 x 4 missile.

Experiment:

Principle: A given amount of energy delivered by a single impact will cause a specific
amount of deformation in a solid lead body such as a cylinder, pyramid or cone. Similar
deformation resulting from different methods of delivering the impact indicate similar
energy transfer.

Solid
Stop.

Lead Body

Steel
Stiffened ¾” x 1.5” Steel
Door Bar Simulated Latch
Bolt

h1 h2
Impact from 2 x 4
h1-h2 ≈ ε Cannon

First phase is to run a series of tests using a door and the set-up as shown above to
establish the effect of the standard test energy as transmitted to the test body.

Phase II - Once the level of deformation produced is established, the same test body will
be used in the latch impact fixture and the level of impact energy will be increased in
increments until the deformation of the test body equals that established in the first phase
of the experiment. Ten replicates will be performed at this level to establish the degree of
repeatability.

Door Component Impact Energy Research Project Page 7 of 8

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26
 ANSI A250.13-2014

Phase III will be direct impact of the test body with the 9 pound 2 x 4 at 50 feet per
second and with the 100 pound pendulum with the 3.5 foot drop height to evaluate the
relative direct energy transfer.

Phase IV will be to compression test the lead test body in a universal testing machine to
determine the work (or energy) required to produce a specific level of deformation.

The test bodies will be solid lead pyramids that produce a deformation of 25 to 75% of
the initial height at impacts within the range being studied.

1.57”

0.875”
Lead Test Body – 4- Sided Pyramid

Door Component Impact Energy Research Project Page 8 of 8

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27
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025
 ANSI/SDI A250.14-2023
Revision and Redesignation of
ANSI/BHMA A156.115-2016

Hardware Preparation
in Steel Doors and Steel Frames
ANSI/SDI A250.14-2023

SPONSOR
Steel Door Institute
Approved July 28, 2023
This page left intentionally blank.
 ANSI/SDI ®
A250.14-2023
Revision and Redesignation
of ANSI/BHMA A156.115-2016

American National Standard

Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames

Secretariat
Steel Door Institute

Approved July 28, 2023

American National Standards Institute, Inc.
American Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by ANSl
that the requirements for due process, consensus, and other criteria for
National approval have been met by the standards developer.

Standard Consensus is established when, in the judgement of the ANSl Board of

Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly
and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much more
than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires
that all views and objections be considered, and that a concerted effort be
made toward their resolution.
The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; their
existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether they have ap-
proved the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or
using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the standards.
The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and
will in no circumstances give any interpretation of any American National
Standard. Moreover, no person shall have the right or authority to issue
an interpretation of an American National Standard in the name of the
American National Standards Institute. Requests for interpretations should
be addressed to the secretariat or sponsor whose name appears on the
title page of this standard.
CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or
withdrawn at any time. The procedures of the American National Standards
Institute require that action be taken periodically to reaffirm, revise, or
withdraw this standard. Purchasers of American National Standards may
receive current information on all standards by calling or writing the Ameri-
can National Standards Institute.

Published by

Steel Door Institute

30200 Detroit Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44145-1967

Copyright © 2023 by Steel Door Institute

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any

form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise,
without prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

ANSI/SDI A250.14-2023
Contents
Page

1. Scope and Purpose. . ......................................................................1

2. General Requirements. . ..................................................................1
3. Definitions......................................................................................1
4. SDI Document Disclaimers.............................................................2

Figures
1 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames
for Mortise Locks...........................................................................3
2 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames
for Mortise Locks with Escutcheon Trim..........................................4
3 Preparation of 1-3/8" Steel Doors and Steel Frames
for Mortise Locks...........................................................................5
4 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames
for Bored Locks. . ............................................................................6
5 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames
for Manually Operated Lever Extension Flush Bolt. . ........................7
6 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames
for Manually Operated Lever Extension Flush Bolt Strike. . ..............8
7 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames
for Preassembled Door Locks.........................................................9
8 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames
for Bored Deadlatches. . ................................................................ 10
9 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors for Open Back Strikes . . ............. 11
10 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors with Wood Edges
and Steel Frames for Bored Locks . . .............................................. 12
11 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors with Wood Edges
and Steel Frames for Double Locks.............................................. 13
12 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames
for Double Locks with 4" Centerline Spacing
of Combined or Interconnected Lock or Latch. . ............................. 14
13 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames
for Double Locks with 5-1/2" Centerline Spacing
of Combined or Interconnected Lock or Latch. . ............................. 15
14 Preparation of 1-3/8" Steel Doors and Steel Frames
for Bored Locks with Lever Handles............................................. 16

i
 Page

15 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames

for Bored Locks with Lever Handles............................................. 17
16 Preparation of 1-3/4" Handed Steel Doors
and Steel Frames for 4-1/2" Full Mortise Hinge............................ 18
17 Preparation of 1-3/4" Non-Handed Steel Doors
and Steel Frames for 4-1/2" Full Mortise Hinge............................ 19
18 Preparation of 1-3/4" Handed Steel Doors
and Steel Frames for 5" Full Mortise Hinge.................................. 20
19 Preparation of 1-3/4" Handed Steel Doors
and Steel Frames for 5" Full Mortise Electrified Hinge.................. 21
20 Preparation of 1-3/4" Handed Steel Doors
and Steel Frames for 4-1/2" Full Mortise Electrified Hinge............ 22
21 Preparation of 1-3/4" Non-Handed Steel Doors
and Steel Frames for 4-1/2" Full Mortise Electrified Hinge............ 23

ii
Foreword (This Foreword is not part of American National Standard A250.14-2023)

This Standard was first published by the Door and Hardware Institute in
a series of individual standards for wood and steel doors, and designated
as A115. In 2001, the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association reacti-
vated the Joint Door and Hardware Standards Committee for the purpose
of updating and promulgating the ANSI A115 standards for steel doors and
frames. The development of the BHMA standard - ANSI/BHMA A156.115
Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames - was a joint effort
by members of the Steel Door Institute, Window and Door Manufacturers
Association, Door and Hardware Institute, Hollow Metal Manufacturers As-
sociation, Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association and the Canadian
Steel Door Manufacturers Association. The effort was chaired by SDI Tech-
nical Committee member Allan Ashachik.
On March 24, 2020 BHMA forfeited the maintenance of ANSI/BHMA A156.115
to SDI’s Accredited Standards Committee A250 via Project Initiation Notifi-
cation (PINS) form submitted to and approved by ANSI. It has since been
revised and published by SDI in 2023 and is now designated as ANSI
A250.14Suggestions for improvement gained in the use of this standard will
be welcome. They should be sent to the Steel Door Institute, 30200 Detroit
Road, Cleveland, OH 44145-1967.
The organizations that have approved this standard are part of the ANSI
A250 Accredited Standards Committee, formed February 8, 1991, and are
as follows:
A250 Accredited Standards Committee
Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association
Canadian Steel Door Manufacturers Association
Cedar Valley Associates
D.H. Pace Company
Door Control Services
ESTM Technical Services, LLC
HMMA/Division of NAAMM
Intertek
MasterSpec
Ray and Associates
Steel Door Institute
UL Solutions
Vetrotech/Saint-Gobain

iii
The Technical Committee of the Steel Door Institute, which developed this
standard, had the following personnel at the time of approval:
Craig Ordmandy, Chairman
J. Jeffery Wherry, Manager
Organization Represented Name of Representative
Allegion........................................................................................ Tim Weller
Builders Hardware Institute.......................................................... Michael Tierney
Canadian Steel Door Manufacturers Association........................ Mike van Geyn
Ceco Door Products.................................................................... Dwayne Charlton
Cedar Valley Associates.............................................................. Stan Horsfall
Curries Company......................................................................... David Bill
Deansteel.................................................................................... Claus Heide
De La Fontaine Industries, Inc..................................................... René Bouchard
DCI.............................................................................................. Henry Ray
D.H. Pace..................................................................................... Jerry Rice
Door Control Services................................................................. Craig Ordmandy
ESTM Technical Services, LLC................................................... Michael Kolovich
Hollow Metal Xpress (HMX)........................................................ Adam Matusz
HMMA/Division of NAAMM.......................................................... Russell Tauscher
Intertek......................................................................................... Justin Hendricks
MasterSpec................................................................................. Rick Howard
Mesker Door................................................................................ Mike Mehaffy
MPI.............................................................................................. David McConnell
Pioneer Industries....................................................................... Kamal Sheikh
Premier Steel Doors & Frames.................................................... Joey Meggs
Ray and Associates..................................................................... Ron Ray
Republic Doors and Frames........................................................ Marilyn Latham
Steel Door Institute...................................................................... J. Jeffery Wherry
Stiles Custom Metal..................................................................... Steve Stiles
UL Solutions................................................................................ Michael Nicasio
Vetrotech/Saint-Gobain................................................................ Kevin Norcross

iv
AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD ANSI A250.14-2023

American National Standard

Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames

1. Scope and Purpose 3. Definitions

1.1 This standard covers all significant dimen- 3.1 Bored Locks Bored lock is used herein
sional attributes for mounting common hardware to designate locks having cylindrical shaped
products in steel doors and frames. All dimen- bodies which are mounted in holes bored in
sions shall be as shown on the accompanying the door.
drawings. 3.2 Dead-latch A spring-bolt latch in which
the bolt is deadlocked against end pressure
1.2 This standard was developed to show only
but may be retracted by either the knob or key.
the most commonly used preparations for door
hardware, and provide targets for standardiza- 3.3 Door Edge The vertical surfaces of a door
tion. Where multiple configurations are in com- to which hinges, locking or latching hardware
mon usage, separate drawings are provided. is attached.
For other configurations, it is recognized that 3.4 Beveled Edged A vertical door edge having
these standards may be used in part, or with a 1/8” in 2” slope from a plane perpendicular
exceptions, while still providing some degree to the pull-side face of the door.
of basic guidance and standardization.
3.5 Door Face Surface of the door exposed
to view when the door is closed.
2. General Requirements
3.6 Face Cut Out A piercing of the door face
2.1 Preparations covered by this standard are for hardware, lites, louvers or accessories.
intended for use in doors 1-3/4 inches and 1-3/8
inches in thickness unless otherwise specified. 3.7 Flush Bolt A locking device for the inactive
leaf of a pair of doors that latches and unlatches
2.2 The center line of the lock in the door either automatically or manually
shall be located in reference to the center line
3.8 Frame Frame is that portion of an opening
of its strike. which gives a finished appearance to a cutout
2.3 Location of operable parts in accessible in a wall and provides a square and plumb
openings shall be between 34 and 48 inches opening on which to hang a door.
unless otherwise specified. Consult local build- 3.9 Grout Guard A metal cover attached to
ing codes and Authority Having Jurisdiction for a frame behind reinforcement for mortised or
exceptions. recessed hardware items, to prevent grout from
entering the mounting holes. Also referred to
2.4 Door Edge - Doors shall be furnished with
as Dust Cover Guard, Masonry Guard, Mortar
a beveled lock edge unless otherwise specified. Guard, or Plaster Guard.
2.5 Door Reinforcement - Doors shall be re- 3.10 Head Horizontal frame member atop of
inforced to support the requirements of the opening or top of transom frame.
hardware application.
3.11 Hinge Face That face of the door viewed
2.6 Tolerances for preparations are shown on when observing the hinge knuckles on the door
individual drawings. and frame.
1
ANSI A250.14-2023

3.12 Interconnected Lock A mechanically 3.21 Preassembled Lock A lock fitting into a
interconnected locking mechanism having a notched cutout in a door.
separate latch bolt or dead locking latch bolt
3.22 Reinforcement Additional door material
and dead bolt designed for installation in round
which provides structural support for hardware.
bored openings in the edge and face of a door.
3.23 Square Edged Doors The lock and hinge
3.13 Junction Box A metal cover provided edge of the door is 90 degrees to the face of
to allow for the connection or termination of the door. Also called Universal Edged Doors.
electrified hardware component wiring.
3.24 Stop Face That side of a door viewed
3.14 Lock Backset The horizontal distance when observing the stop side of a frame.
from the door edge centerline measured at the
door thickness, to the centerline of the lock 4. SDI Document Disclaimers
hub or cylinder.
4.1 Tolerances
3.15 Lock Case The main body of a mortise
lock containing the working mechanism which All values which do not carry specific tolerances
operates the latch bolt and deadbolt. or are not marked maximum or minimum shall
have the following tolerances: Linear dimen-
3.16 Lock Front A plate fastened to the edge sions shall be ± 1/16 inches. Weight or force
of a door through which the bolt(s) pass. shall be ± 2%. Angles shall be ± 2 degrees.
3.17 Strike A mortised or surface mounted Where only minus tolerances are given, the
plate fastened to the door frame into which dimensions are permitted to be exceeded at
the bolts project. the option of the manufacturers.

3.18 Lock Support Component inside the door 4.2 Gauge vs. Thickness
used to keep the hardware in alignment. While the term ‘gauge’ is no longer common
3.19 Mortise Lock A lock or latch fitting into a for defining material thickness it is still used to
mortised cavity prepared in the edge of a door. specify doors and frames for ordering purposes.
The bolts are operated by knobs, levers, turns, The term ‘thickness’ is used when defining
thumb pieces, paddles or cylinders engaging the actual dimension of an item, and the term
the mortise lock or latch through holes prepared ‘gauge’ is used in the context of specifying a
particular door or frame.
in the faces of the door.
4.3 Drawing
3.20 Open Back Strike A lock strike for use
on pairs of doors permitting the inactive leaf to It is recommended that the individual manu-
be opened or closed independently, eliminating facturer’s specifications be reviewed to confirm
the need for an astragal or coordinator. compliance with these drawings.

2
 ANSI A250.14-2023

3 3/4" ±1/8" Optional leg Grout guard per specifications

1/8" in 2" bevel
27/32" + 1/32" 27/32" + 1/32"
3 3/4" ±1/8"
- 0 15/64" ± 0.008" - 0 15/64" ± 0.008"
Mortise depth Mortise depth
1" min 1 1/4" min
Lock support Lock support
design may vary. design may vary.
Common lock and Common lock and 3/32" CL
strike center line strike center line Mortise
CL of bevel Depth
2 3/4" 2 1/2"
backset backset

4 1/2" max. 4 1/2" max 1 15/16"

Lock case depth Lock case depth Rabbet

Beveled Edge - 1/8" in 2" Square Edge Frame Section

CL
1 1/4" +1/32" Common CL lock and strike
- 0"

1 1/4" ±1/32
1 1/16" min
# 12 - 24 Tap
1/2" min 5/8" Stop surface
(2) holes
9/16" min
3/8"

5/16" min
# 12 - 24 Tap

3/8"
3/4" (2) holes

3/4"
max
Support
± 1" from CL

3/8"

4 7/8" ±1/32
4 1/8" ±.005
3 3/8" ± 1/32

3 1/2" min
± 0.005

6 1/2" min.
CL strike

±1/32
3/8" CL lock
CL lock

7 1/4"
8"
Face Preparation per
Hdwe Mfr template
1 1/4" min
cutout in
reinforcement

3/8"
31/32" ± 1/16

3/8"
1 15/16"
Hardware
Rabbet

1 3/4"

Door Face Door Edge Frame Rabbet

ANSI/SDI A115.001
Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Mortise Locks Date:
March 2022 Rev A

1 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Mortise Locks
3
ANSI A250.14-2023

3 3/4" ±1/8" Optional leg Grout guard per specifications

1/8" in 2" bevel
27/32" + 1/32" 27/32" + 1/32"
3 3/4" ±1/8"
- 0 15/64" ± 0.008" - 0 15/64" ± 0.008"
Mortise depth Mortise depth
1" min 1 1/4" min
Lock support Lock support
design may vary. design may vary.
Common lock and Common lock and CL
strike center line strike center line 3/32"
Mortise
2 3/4" CL of bevel 2 3/4" Depth
backset backset
4 1/2" max. 4 1/2" max. 115
16"
Lock case depth Lock case depth Hardware
Rabbet

Beveled Edge - 1/8" in 2" Square Edge Frame Section

CL

1 1/4" +1/32" Common CL lock and strike

- 0"
1 1/4" ±1/32
1 1/16" min
2 3/4"
Backset # 12 - 24 Tap 1/2" min 5/8"
(2) holes Stop surface

3/8"
9/16" min

3/4"

5/16" min
# 12 - 24 Tap
(2) holes

3/8"
R3/4"

max
3/4"
Support 1"
2 27/32"

3/8"
from CL

4 7/8" ±1/32
3 3/8" ± 1/32

4 1/8" ±.005
3 1/2" min
7 1/4" ± 0.005
6 1/2" min.
CL strike

8" ±1/32
3/8" CL lock

2 27/32"
1 1/4" min
cutout in

3/8"
reinforcement
R3/4"

31/32" ± 1/16
3/8"

1 15/16"
Hardware
1 3/4" Rabbet

Door Face Door Edge Frame Rabbet

ANSI/SDI A115.002
Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Mortise Locks with Escutcheon Trim Date:
March 2022 Rev A

2 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Mortise Locks with Escutcheon Trim
4
 ANSI A250.14-2023

1/8" in 2" bevel

5/32" ± 0.005 5/32" ± .005 Grout guard per specifications

Mortise Depth Optional leg
Mortise Depth

1" min 1 1/4" min

CL 1 3/8" CL 3"
18
3/32"
Mortise
CL of bevel Depth
9"
116
2 3/4"
2 3/4" Backset
Backset

Beveled Edge Square Edge Frame Section

CL

1 1/8" + 1/32
- 0
CL of Bevel 1 3/8" 1" min
Door
2 3/4" Backset 1/16" max
CL 9/16"
Stop surface

1" +1/32 #8 - 32 Tap

- 0
1" ±1/8" 2 holes
1 3/4" 1/2"
5/16" 5/8" 3/8" 5/16"
Ø2 1/8" 5/32" ±.005

Mortise Depth
2 1/4" 2 3/4"
CL lock and strike 1 5/8" C lock and strike 1 1/2" +.015 1 3/8" 2 1/8" + 1/32
+ 0.015 L
± 0.005 -0 min ±.005
- 0
- 0.000
5/32"

1" to 1-1/16"

Alternate Notches
for 2-1/8 dia Hole Ø1 1/16" Square
Alt. Ø 1 1/16"
#8 - 32 Tap
2 holes

1 15/64" 5/8" ± 1/16"

Latch case and lock 1 3/8"
chassis reinforcement supports 2 15/32" Door
by door manufacturer. 1 9/16"

Door Face Door Edge Frame Rabbet

ANSI/SDI A115.003
Preparation of 1-3/8" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Mortise Locks
Date:
March 2022 Rev A

3 Preparation of 1-3/8" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Mortise Locks
5
ANSI A250.14-2023

1/8" in 2" bevel Optional leg Grout guard per specifications

5/32" ± .005
5/32" ± .005
Mortise Depth
Mortise Depth

1" min 1 1/4" min

1 3/4" CL 1 3/4" CL
CL
3/32"
Mortise
Depth
CL of Bevel 1 15/16"
2 3/4" 2 3/4" Rabbet
Backset Backset

Beveled Edge Square Edge Metal Frame Section

CL
Common CL lock and strike

1 1/4" + 1/32
- 0
CL of Bevel 1 3/4" 1 1/16" min

2 3/4" Backset Door 1/2" min

9/16" min
Stop surface
1 3/4" CL 5/8"

# 12 - 24 Tap
(2) holes
# 8 - 32 Tap
1 1/8" + 1/32 (2) holes 3/8"
1" ±1/8" 5/16"
- 0

5/16" 3/4"
9/16"
5/32" ±.005
Ø2 1/8" Mortise Depth
4 7/8" + 1/32
2 1/4" + 1/32 - 0
lock and strike C 3 3/8" + 1/32
C
L 1 1/16" 1 5/8" ± 0.005
- 0 L lock and strike - 0
4 1/8" ± 0.005
5/32"
3 1/2" min
1" to 1-1/16"

Alternate Notches
for 2-1/8 dia Hole 1 1/16" square
Alt. Ø 1 1/16"

Latch case and lock 1 15/64" 31/32" ± 1/16

chassis reinforcement supports
by door manufacturer. 2 15/32"
1 15/16"
Rabbet

Door Face Door Edge Frame Rabbet

ANSI/SDI A115.004
Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Bored Locks Date:
March 2022 Rev A

4 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Bored Locks
6
 ANSI A250.14-2023

CL CL
Bolt Bolt
CL 1/8" in 2" bevel
1/8" in 2" bevel CL
Bolt 2" +1/32 / -0 2" +1/32 / -0
#8 - 32 #8 - 32 Bolt #8 - 32
13/16" 13/16"
Drill & Tap #8 - 32 Drill & Tap Drill & Tap
Drill & Tap 3/4" 3/4"

1/2" CL 1" CL 1/2" 1"

CL Door 1 3/4" 1 3/4" Door 1 3/4" CL 1 3/4"
± 0.005 +1/32 / -0 ± 0.005 +1/32 / -0

1/2" 1/4" 1/4" Typ 1/2" 1/4" 1/4" Typ

5/8" 5/8" TYP 5/8" 5/8" TYP
± 0.005 ± 0.005
± 0.005 1/4" Typ ± 0.005 1/4" Typ

3/4" 3/4"
C
L of Bevel C
L of Bevel

Beveled Edge Beveled Edge Square Edge Square Edge

5/64"
Mortise CL of Door
CL of Flush Bolt Depth CL of Flush Bolt NOTES:
1. For Doors 84" or less in Height, the Center
21/32"
of the Face Plate shall be 12" from the Top and
Bottom Edges of the Door

Max

1/4"
Reinforcing Reinforcing

1/4"
For Doors Over 84" in Height, the Center of

From Top of Door to

the Top Face Plate shall not be over 72" from

CL of Face Plate
the Floor

(See Note 1)

+1/32 / -0
± 0.005
Min
5 3/4"
6 1/4"

6 3/4"
1/8" 1/8"
Mortise Mortise
Depth Depth

Drill & Tap for #8 - 32

1/4" Machine Screw (4) places
1/2" ± 0.005
1" +1/32"

1 3/4"

Recessed Flush
Top / Bottom
Door Edge
Top / Bottom

ANSI/SDI A115.005
Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for
Manually Operated Lever Extension Flush Bolt Date:
March 2022 Rev A

5 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Manually Operated Lever Extension Flush Bolt
7
ANSI A250.14-2023

C
L of Flush Bolt strike in Frame
on CL of Flush Bolt in Door

C
L 5/64" ±.005
Mortise Depth

1 15/16"
Frame Header
Rabbet

Flush bolt prep by frame manufacturer

CL Bolt

2 1/4" + 1/32 / - 0
1 5/8" ± 0.015 Prep per hardware
manufacturers' template
7/8" Min
Stop surface 3/8" 7/8"
5/16" Stop surface
5/16" Stop surface
15/32"

1 15/16" 15/16" + 1/32 1 15/16" 1 15/16" 5/8"

Rabbet - 0 Rabbet Rabbet

# 8 - 32 Tap
8 - 32 Tap Strike hole location
L Bolt
C CL Bolt (2) holes CL Bolt
(2) holes for opposite hand
3/4" Typical 3/4" Typical 3/4" Typical
Strike Preparation in Frame

L of
C Head C
L of head C
L of head

Frame Head Flushbolt Prep Frame Head Flushbolt Prep Frame Head Flushbolt Prep
Head Detail Optional Head Detail Optional Head Detail
Reversible Hand Strike

ANSI/SDI A115.006
Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Manually Operated Lever Extension Flush Bolt Strike Date:
March 2022 Rev A

6 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Manually Operated Lever Extension Flush Bolt Strike
8
 ANSI A250.14-2023

L of Bevel
C
4 9/16" Min. #8-32 Tap CL
Stop surface Optional leg Grout guard per specifications
1/8" in 2" bevel (2 places)
1 1/8" CL 7/8" min
2 3/4" Box
Backset

1/8" 1" min 1 1/4" min

1 3/4" 2 1/4" 3 1/4"
2 5/8" + 0.015 1 7/8" + 0.015
±.005 min CL CL
Lock reinforcement - 0.000 - 0.000
3/32"
Common lock and by door mfr. 1 15/16" Mortise
strike center line max Depth
1 15/16"
5/16" 7/16" min Rabbet
1/2" 11/16"
1 1/8" + 0.015 max
- 0.000
13/16" min
1/8"
Frame Section Frame Section
Common C L of strike
mounting holes

Beveled Edge Metal Frame Sections Frame Rabbet

CL
Common CL Common CL lock and strike
of lock & strike

1 1/4" + 1/32
- 0
1 1/16" min
CL of Bevel 9/16" min
2 3/4" 1/2" min
Stop surface
Backset 5/8"
Door

5/16"
3/8"
max
3 5/8"
3/4"

1 1/4" 4 7/8" + 1/32

7/8" 7/8" - 0
3 5/16" CL Lock & Strike 1 3/4" 3 3/8" + 1/32
CL Lock & Strike 4 1/8" ± 0.005
min + 1/32 / - 0 - 0
1 1/4" 3 1/2" min

Suggested Ø 1/2" 2X
Door Cutouts # 12 - 24 Tap
(2) holes

31/32" ± 1/16
1 3/4"
Door
1 15/16"
Rabbet

Door Face Door Edge Frame Rabbet

ANSI/SDI A115.007
Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Preassembled Door Locks Date:
March 2022 Rev A

7 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Preassembled Door Locks
9
ANSI A250.14-2023

1/8" in 2" bevel Optional leg

2 3/4" Grout guard per specifications
5/32" ±.005 Backset 5/32" ± 0.005
Mortise Depth Mortise Depth
1 1/4" min
1" min
1 3/4" C
L 1 3/4" C
L
CL

Mortise
Depth
3/32"
2 3/4" 115
16"
Backset
Hardware
Rabbet
C
L of bevel

Beveled Edge - 1/8" in 2" Square Edge Frame Section

CL of Bevel 1 3/4" CL
2 3/4" Backset Door
1 1/8" +1/32 / - 0
1" min
1 3/4" CL
9/16"
Stop surface
# 8 - 32 Tap
1 1/8" + 1/32 (2) holes
1" ±1/8" - 0

Ø2 1/8" 5/16"
9/16"
5/32" ± 0.005 5/16"
Mortise Depth

2 1/4" + 1/32 2 3/4"

C 1 1/16" C 8-32 Tap 1 3/8" 2 1/8"
5/32" L lock and strike 1 5/8" ± 0.005 - 0 L lock and strike 2 holes min ± 0.005
+ 1/32
-0
1" to 1-1/16"

Alternate Notches 1 1/16" square

for 2-1/8 dia Hole
Alt. Ø 1 1/16"
31/32" ± 1/16"

1 15/64"
Latch case and lock
chassis reinforcement supports 2 15/32"
by door manufacturer. 1 15/16"
Hardware
Rabbet

Door Face Door Edge Frame Rabbet

ANSI/SDI A115.008
Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Bored Deadlatches Date:
March 2022 Rev A

8 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Bored Deadlatches
10
 ANSI A250.14-2023

1/8" in 2" bevel

9/64" + 0.005 9/64" + 0.005

- 0 - 0
Mortise Depth Mortise Depth

1 3/4" C
L 1 3/4" C
L

C
L of bevel

Beveled Edge Square Edge

CL of Door

12-24 UNC 2X
7/8" 1 1/4" + 1/32
- 0

3/8"

3/4"
2 7/16"
Ref 4 7/8"
+ 1/32
3 1/2" 3 3/8" - 0 3 3/8"
CL CL 3 1/2"
+1/32 +1/32 + 1/32
+1/32 / - 0
-0 -0 4 1/8" ±.005 - 0

3/4"
9/64" ±1/32

3/8"

1 3/4"
Door

Door Face Door Edge Door Face

ANSI/SDI A115.009
Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors for Open Back Strikes Date:
March 2022 Rev A

9 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors for Open Back Strikes

11
ANSI A250.14-2023

Optional leg Grout guard per specifications

1/8" in 2" bevel
2 3/4" 2 3/4"
Backset 5/32" ± 0.005 Mortise Backset
5/32" ± .005 Mortise
depth depth
1" min 1 1/4" min
C
L 1 3/4" C
L 1 3/4"
CL
3/32"
Mortise
L of Bevel
C Depth
115
16"
Hardware
Rabbet

Beveled Edge Square Edge Frame Section

CL

1 1/2" + 1/32
1 3/4" - 0
Door
L of Bevel
C C
L
9/16"

Stop surface
2 3/4" 1" + 1/32
Backset - 0
2 1/8" dia 5/32" ± 0.005 5/16"
Rectangular
1/2"
Front Only

5/32"
CL Lock & Strike 2 1/4" + 1/32 CL Lock & Strike 1" 1 5/8" ±.005 2 1/4"
- 0 Min +1/32 / -0

Alternate Notches R1/4"

for 2-1/8 dia Hole 1 15/64" Ø 1 1/16"
# 8 - 32 Tap
2 15/32" (2) holes

NOTES:
1. A 1" DIAMETER DRIVE IN BOLT IS AN ACCEPTABLE
ALTERNATE TO THE STANDARD. 1 15/16"
2. A 1/4" RADIUS CORNER LOCK FRONT IS AN ACCEPTABLE Hardware
ALTERNATE TO THE STANDARD. Rabbet

Door Face Door Edge Frame Rabbet

ANSI/SDI A115.010
Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors with Wood Edges and Steel Frames for Bored Locks Date:
March 2022 Rev A

10 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors with Wood Edges and Steel Frames for Bored Locks
12
 ANSI A250.14-2023

1/8" in 2" bevel

Optional leg Grout guard per specifications
2 3/4" 2 3/4"
Backset 5/32" ± 0.005 Mortise Backset
5/32" ± .005 Mortise
depth depth
1" min 1 1/4" min
C
L 1 3/4" C
L 1 3/4"
CL
3/32"
Mortise
L of Bevel
C Depth
115
16"
Hardware
Rabbet

Beveled Edge Square Edge Frame Section

CL of Bevel

2 3/4" Backset
CL
Stop surface

5/32" + 0.015 1 1/2"

- 0.000 1" + 1/32
Rectangular -0 5/16"
front only 9/16"

2 1/4" Typ 2 1/4" Typ

1" Min
C C
L Lock & Strike C
L Lock & Strike 1 5/8"
L + 1/32
±.005
+ 1/32
-0 -0

3 5/8"
5/32" + 0.015 # 8 - 32 Tap 2x R1/4"
4" (shown)
Ø2 1/8" - 0.000
5 1/2" 1" ±.015 Ø1 1/16" (2) holes 5/16"
Rectangular
each strike 2x R1/4"
front only

2 1/4" Typ 2 1/4" Typ

1" Min
C
L C
L Lock & Strike + 1/32 C
L Lock & Strike 1 5/8" + 1/32
±.005 -0
-0
5/32"
35 1/2" Nom
Alternate Notches to Floor 9/16"
for 2-1/8 dia Hole 1 15/64" 1" + 0.015 NOTES: 1 1/2"
- 0.000
1. A Ø1" DRIVE IN BOLT IS AN ACCEPTABLE
ALTERNATE TO THE STANDARD.

2 15/32" 2. A R.1/4" CORNER LOCK FRONT IS AN ACCEPTABLE

ALTERNATE TO THE STANDARD. 1 15/16"
Hardware
Rabbet

Door Face Door Edge Frame Rabbet

ANSI/SDI A115.011
Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors with Wood Edges and Steel Frames for Double Locks Date:
March 2022 Rev A

11 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors with Wood Edges and Steel Frames for Double Locks
13
ANSI A250.14-2023

1/8" in 2" bevel Optional leg

2 3/4" 2 3/4" Grout guard per specifications
Backset 5/32" ± 0.005 Backset 5/32" ± 0.005
Mortise Depth Mortise Depth
1" min 1 1/4" min
1 3/4" C
L 1 3/4" C
L
CL
3/32"
Mortise
Depth

1 15/16"
Rabbet

Beveled Edge Detail Square Edge Detail Frame Section

CL of door in rabbet

1 1/8" + 1/32
CL of Bevel -0
1" + 0.015
- 1 3/8 Door
- 0.000
2 3/4" Backset 1" min 1/16" max
1 1/8" + 0.015 9/16"
- 1 3/4 Door
- 0.000

8-32 Tap
CL 4 Holes 11/16" 5/16"
5/32" ± 0.005 5/16" max
Mortise Depth

2 1/4" 1 3/8" 2 3/4"

CL CL Lock & Strike CL 1 5/8" CL Lock & Strike 2 1/8"
+ 1/32 + 1/32
± 0.015 min ±.005
- 0 -0

Latch case and lock 1 1/16" Square 8-32 Tap

5/32" ± 0.005 4 Holes 11/16" 5/16"
chassis reinforcement Ø2 1/8" 4" Alt. Ø1 1/16" 1" ±.015
Mortise Depth 5/16" max
by door manufacturer
5/8"

2 1/4" 1 1/2" 1 3/8" 2 3/4"

CL CL CL Lock & Strike CL 1 5/8" CL Lock & Strike 2 1/8"
+ 1/32 + 0.015 + 1/32
± 0.015 min ±.005
- 0 -0
5/32" -0

Alternate notches
for 2-1/8 dia hole 1" ±1/8"
1" min
1 15/64" 1/16" max
- 1 3/4 Door
2 15/32" 35-1/2" 1 1/8" + 0.015
1 1/8" + 0.015
Nominal to Floor - 0.000
-0

9/16"
1 3/4" 31/32" ± 1/16 - 1 3/4 Door
Door 3/4" ± 1/16 - 1 3/8 Door

Door Face Door Edge Frame Rabbet

ANSI/SDI A115.012
Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Double Locks with 4" Centerline
Date:
Spacing of Combined or Interconnected Lock or Latch March 2022 Rev A

12 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Double Locks with 4" Centerline Spacing of Combined or Interconnected Lock or Latch
14
 ANSI A250.14-2023

1/8" in 2" bevel Optional leg

2 3/4" 2 3/4" Grout guard per specifications
Backset 5/32" ± 0.005 Backset 5/32" ± 0.005
Mortise Depth Mortise Depth
1" min 1 1/4" min
1 3/4" C
L 1 3/4" C
L
CL
3/32"
Mortise
Depth
1 15/16"
Hardware
Rabbet

Beveled Edge Detail Square Edge Detail Frame Section

CL of door in rabbet

1 1/8" + 1/32
CL of Bevel
1" + 0.015 - 1 3/8 Door -0
- 0.000 Stop surface
2 3/4" Backset 1" min 1/16" max
1 1/8" + 0.015 - 1 3/4 Door
9/16"
- 0.000

8-32 Tap 11/16"

CL 4 Holes max 5/16"
5/32" ± 0.005 5/16"
Mortise Depth

2 1/4"
CL CL Lock & Strike CL 1 5/8" + 1/32 CL Lock & Strike 1 3/8" 2 1/8" 2 3/4"
± 0.015" -0 min ±.005 + 1/32 / - 0

Latch case and lock 1/16" max

1 1/16" Square
chassis reinforcement Ø2 1/8"
5 1/2" Alt. Ø1 1/16"
by door manufacturer 8-32 Tap 11/16"
4 Holes max 5/16"
5/32" ± 0.005 5/16"
Mortise Depth

5/8"
2 1/4" 1 1/2"
CL CL CL Lock & Strike CL 1 5/8" + 1/32 CL Lock & Strike + 0.015 1 3/8" 2 1/8" 2 3/4"
± 0.015" -0 - 0.000 min ±.005 + 1/32 / - 0
5/32"

Alternate notches
for 2-1/8 dia hole 1" ±1/8"
1" min
1 15/64" 1 1/8" + 0.015 - 1 3/4 Door 1/16" max
- 0.000
35-1/2" 1 1/8" + 0.015
Nominal to Floor -0
9/16"
2 15/32" 1 3/4" 31/32" ± 1/16 - 1 3/4 Door
Door
3/4" ± 1/16 - 1 3/8 Door

Door Face Door Edge Frame Rabbet

ANSI/SDI A115.013
Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Double Locks with 5-1/2" Centerline
Spacing of Combined or Interconnected Lock or Latch Date:
March 2022 Rev A

13 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Double Locks with 5-1/2" Centerline Spacing of Combined or Interconnected Lock or Latch
15
ANSI A250.14-2023

1/8" in 2" bevel

5/32"±.005 Grout guard per specifications
5
32" Optional leg
Mortise Depth

1" min 1 1/4" min

CL 1 3/8" C
L CL 1 3/8"
3/32"
Mortise
CL of bevel Depth
9"
116
2 3/4"
Backset
2 3/4"
Backset

Beveled Edge Square Edge Frame Section

1 1/8 + 1/32
- 0

1 min
1 3/8" 1/16 max
Door
CL of Bevel
2 3/4" Backest CL 9/16

5/16" (Typ. 2 places)

1" +1/32 Stop surface Ø2 1/8"
- 0
#8 - 32 Tap
See Detail "A" 2 holes
for dims. Ø2 1/8"
1/2"
5 ±.005
32" 5/16" 5/8 3/8 5/16
7/16" 3 1/4" (Typ. 3 places)
Mortise Depth
(Typ. 4 places)

2 1/4" 2 3/4
CL Lock & strike 1 5/8" 1 1/2 + 0.015 1 3/8 2 1/8 + 1/32
±.005 + 0.015 -0 min ±.005
- 0.000
- 0 5/32"
(Typ. 2 places)
1" to 1-1/16"

45.00°
(Typ.)
1 1/16" square
Alt. Ø 1 1/16" 1 15/64"
#8 - 32 Tap
1" ±1/8" 2 holes
2 15/32"

Latch case and lock 5/8 ± 1/16"

chassis reinforcement
by door manufacturer
1 9/16

Door Face Door Edge Frame Rabbet Detail A

ANSI/SDI A115.014
Preparation of 1-3/8" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Bored Locks with Lever Handles Date:
March 2022 Rev A

14 Preparation of 1-3/8" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Bored Locks with Lever Handles
16
 ANSI A250.14-2023

1/8" in 2" bevel

Optional leg Grout guard per specifications
5/32" ±.005 5/32" ±.005
Mortise Depth Mortise Depth

1" min 1 1/4" min

1 3/4" C
L 1 3/4" C
L
CL
3/32"
Mortise
CL of Bevel Depth
2 3/4" 2 3/4" 115
Backset Backset 16"
Hardware
Rabbet

Beveled Edge Square Edge Frame Section

CL
Common CL lock and strike

1 1/4" + 1/32
- 0
1 1/16" min
1 3/4" 1/2" min
Door 9/16" min
CL of Bevel
2 3/4" Backest CL 5/8"
Stop surface
# 12 - 24 Tap 5/16" (Typ. 2 places)
(2) holes Ø2 1/8"
# 8 - 32 Tap
See Detail "A" 1 1/8" + 1/32 (2) holes 3/8"
5/16"
for dims. Ø2 1/8" - 0
5/32" ±.005 5/16" 3/4"
9/16" 7/16" 3 1/4" (Typ. 3 places)
Mortise Depth
(Typ. 4 places)
4 7/8" + 1/32
2 1/4" + 1/32 - 0
CL Lock & strike 3 3/8" + 1/32
1 1/16" 1 5/8" ± 0.005
- 0 4 1/8" ± 0.005
- 0
5/32"
3 1/2" min (Typ. 2 places)
1" to 1-1/16"

45.00°
(Typ.)
1 1/16" square
Alt. Ø 1 1/16" 1 15/64"
1" ±1/8"
2 15/32"

Latch case and lock 31/32" ± 1/16

chassis reinforcement
by door manufacturer
1 15/16"
Hardware
Rabbet

Door Face Door Edge Frame Rabbet Detail A

ANSI/SDI A115.015
Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Bored Locks with Lever Handles Date:
March 2022 Rev A

15 Preparation of 1-3/4" Steel Doors and Steel Frames for Bored Locks with Lever Handles
17
ANSI A250.14-2023

Grout guard per specifications

0.134"
Mortise Depth
( see Note 5 )

1 15/16"
Hardware
Rabbet

Frame Section

Note 1: The hinge backset on doors varies by manufacturer,

from 3/16" to 1/4"

# 12 - 24 Tap # 12 - 24 Tap Note 2: The hinge backset on frames varies by manufacturer,

(4) holes (4) holes from 5/16" to 3/8".
Stop surface
0.625 0.625 Note 3: Extra holes may be present in the reinforcement
for tooling and weld fixturing
0.508 + 0.015 0.508 + 0.015 Note 4: Manufacturers may offer a removable shim or
- 0 -0
1.125 1.125
embossed standoff which allows conversion
of a standard weight preparation to a
heavy weight butt hinge application.
4 1/2" + 1/32 4 1/2" +1/32 1.234 4 1/2" + 1/32 1.234
-0 -0 -0
Note 5: Typical mortise depths are in accordance with
1.125 1.125 ANSI/BHMA A 156.1 as follows:

Standard weight butt hinge : 0.134

Heavy weight butt hinge : 0.180"

Backset Backset
Mortise Depth 0.250" ± .031 shown 0.313" ± .031 shown
0.134 ± 0.015 shown Note 6: Tolerance ±0.005" unless otherwise specified.
(see Note 1) (see Note 2)
( See Note 5 )

1 3/4"
Door 1 15/16"
Rabbet

Door Face Door Edge Frame Rabbet Notes

ANSI/SDI A115.016
Preparation of 1-3/4" Handed Steel Doors and Steel Frames for 4-1/2" Full Mortise Hinge Date:
March 2022 Rev A

16 Preparation of 1-3/4" Handed Steel Doors and Steel Frames for 4-1/2" Full Mortise Hinge
18
 ANSI A250.14-2023

Grout guard per specifications

0.134"
Mortise Depth
( see Note 5 )

1 15/16"
Hardware
Rabbet

Frame Section

115
32
"

Note 1: The hinge backset on doors varies by manufacturer,

from 3/16" to 1/4"

# 12 - 24 Tap # 12 - 24 Tap Note 2: The hinge backset on frames varies by manufacturer,

(8) holes (4) holes Stop surface from 5/16" to 3/8".

0.625 Note 3: Extra holes may be present in the reinforcement

0.625
for tooling and weld fixturing
Note 4: A shim with a lip may be used to conceal the edge of the
0.508 + 0.015 0.508 + 0.015
hinge leaf after the desired door handing is selected
-0 -0
1.125 1.125 Manufacturers may offer a removable shim or
embossed standoff projection which allows
conversion of a standard weight preparation to a
4 1/2" +1/32 4 1/2" +1/32 1.234 4 1/2" +1/32 1.234 heavyweight butt hinge application.
-0 -0 -0
.
1.125 1.125 Note 5: Typical mortise depths are in accordance with
ANSI/BHMA A 156.1 as follows:

Backset Standard weight butt hinge : 0.134"

0.250 ± 0.031 shown
(see Note 1) Backset
Mortise depth 0.313" ± 0.031 shown Heavy weight butt hinge : 0.180"
0.134 ± 0.015 shown ( see Note 2 )
( See Note 5 ) Note 6: Tolerance ± 0.005" unless otherwise specified.

1 3/4"
Door 1 15/16"
Rabbet

Door Face Door Edge Frame Rabbet

ANSI/SDI A115.017
Preparation of 1-3/4" Non-Handed Steel Doors and Steel Frames for 4-1/2" Full Mortise Hinge Date:
March 2022 Rev A

17 Preparation of 1-3/4" Non-Handed Steel Doors and Steel Frames for 4-1/2" Full Mortise Hinge
19
ANSI A250.14-2023

Grout guard per specifications

0.146"
Mortise Depth
( see Note 5 )

1 15/16"
Hardware
Rabbet

Frame Section

Note 1: The hinge backset on doors varies by manufacturer,

# 12 - 24 Tap # 12 - 24 Tap
(4) holes (4) holes
from 3/16" to 1/4"
Stop surface

Note 2: The hinge backset on frames varies by manufacturer,

0.625 0.625
from 5/16" to 3/8".

0.508 + 0.015 0.508 + 0.015 Note 3: Extra holes may be present in the reinforcement
-0 -0 for tooling and weld fixturing.
1.250 1.250
Note 4: Manufacturers may offer a removable shim or
5" + 1/32 5" + 1/32 5" + 1/32 embossed standoff which allows conversion of
1.484 1.484
-0 -0 -0 a standard weight preparation to a
heavy weight butt hinge application.
1.250 1.250
Note 5: Typical mortise depths are in accordance with
ANSI/BHMA A 156.1 as follows:

Standard weight butt hinge : 0.146"

Mortise depth Backset Backset
0.134" ± 0.015 shown 0.250" ± 0.031 shown 0.313" ± 0.031 shown
( see Note 2 )
Heavy weight butt hinge : 0.190"
( See Note 5 ) ( see Note 1 )
Note 6: Tolerance ± 0.005" unless otherwise specified.

1 3/4" 1 15/16"
Door Rabbet

Door Face Door Edge Frame Rabbet Notes

ANSI/SDI A115.018
Preparation of 1-3/4" Handed Steel Doors and Steel Frames for 5" Full Mortise Hinge Date:
March 2022 Rev A
18 Preparation of 1-3/4" Handed Steel Doors and Steel Frames for 5" Full Mortise Hinge
20
 ANSI A250.14-2023

Grout guard per specifications

0.146"
Mortise Depth
( see Note 5 )

1 15/16"
Hardware
Rabbet

Frame Section

Note 1: The hinge backset on doors varies by manufacturer,

# 12 - 24 Tap # 12 - 24 Tap from 3/16" to 1/4"
(4) holes (4) holes
Stop surface Note 2: The hinge backset on frames varies by manufacturer,
Ø3/4"
0.625
Ø3/4"
0.625 from 5/16" to 3/8".
(3) holes (3) holes
Note 3: Extra holes may be present in the reinforcement
0.508 + 0.015 0.508 + 0.015
-0 -0
for tooling and weld fixturing.
1.250 1.250
Note 4: Manufacturers may offer a removable shim or
1.312 ± 0.015 1.312 ± 0.015 embossed standoff which allows conversion of
5" + 1/32 5" + 1/32 5" + 1/32 a standard weight preparation to a
-0
1.484 1.484
-0 -0
heavy weight butt hinge application.
1.312 ± 0.015 1.312 ± 0.015

1.250 1.250 Note 5: Typical mortise depths are in accordance with

ANSI/BHMA A 156.1 as follows:

Standard weight butt hinge : 0.146"

Backset
Mortise depth Backset 0.313" ± .031 shown Heavy weight butt hinge : 0.190"
0.134" ± 0.015 shown 0.250" ± .031 shown ( see Note 2 )
( See Note 5 ) ( see Note 1 )
Note 6: Tolerance ± 0.005" unless otherwise specified.

1 3/4" 1 15/16"
Door Rabbet

Door Face Door Edge Frame Rabbet Notes

ANSI/SDI A115.019
Preparation of 1-3/4" Handed Steel Doors and Steel Frames for 5" Full Mortise Electrified Hinge Date:
March 2022 Rev A

19 Preparation of 1-3/4" Handed Steel Doors and Steel Frames for 5" Full Mortise Electrified Hinge
21
ANSI A250.14-2023

Grout guard per specifications

0.134"
Mortise Depth
( see Note 5 )

1 15/16"
Hardware
Rabbet

Frame Section

Note 1: The hinge backset on doors varies by manufacturer,

from 3/16" to 1/4"

# 12 - 24 Tap # 12 - 24 Tap Note 2: The hinge backset on frames varies by manufacturer,

Stop surface
(4) holes (4) holes from 5/16" to 3/8".

Ø0.750" 0.625 Ø0.750" 0.625 Note 3: Extra holes may be present in the reinforcement
(3) holes (3) holes for tooling and weld fixturing

0.508 + 0.015 0.508 + 0.015 Note 4: Manufacturers may offer a removable shim or
-0 -0
1.125 1.125
embossed standoff which allows conversion
of a standard weight preparation to a
1.187 " ± .015
4 1/2" + 1/32 4 1/2" + 1/32 heavy weight butt hinge application.
1.234 4 1/2" + 1/32 1.234
-0 -0 -0
1.187 " ± .015 .Note 5: Typical mortise depths are in accordance with
1.125 1.125 ANSI/BHMA A 156.1 as follows:

Standard weight butt hinge : 0.134"

0.313" Backset shown Heavy weight butt hinge : 0.180"

Mortise Depth Backset ± 0.031
0.134 ± 0.015 shown 0.250" ± 0.031 shown Note 6: Tolerance ± 0.005" unless otherwise specified.
( see Note 2 )
( See Note 5 ) ( see Note 1 )

1 3/4" 1 15/16"
Door Hdwe Rabbet

Door Face Door Edge Frame Rabbet Notes

ANSI/SDI A115.020
Preparation of 1-3/4” Handed Steel Doors and Steel Frames for 4-1/2” Full Mortise Electrified Hinge Date:
March 2022 Rev A

20 Preparation of 1-3/4" Handed Steel Doors and Steel Frames for 4-1/2" Full Mortise Electrified Hinge
22
 ANSI A250.14-2023

Grout guard per specifications

0.134"
Mortise Depth
( see Note 5 )

1 15/16"
Hardware
Rabbet

Frame Section

Note 1: The hinge backset on doors varies by manufacturer,

from 3/16" to 1/4"

Note 2: The hinge backset on frames varies by manufacturer,

from 5/16" to 3/8".

# 12 - 24 Tap # 12 - 24 Tap Note 3: Extra holes may be present in the reinforcement

(8) holes (4) holes Stop surface
for tooling and weld fixturing
Note 4: A shim with a lip may be used to conceal the edge of the
Ø0.750 0.625 Ø0.750 0.625
hinge leaf after the desired door handing is selected
(3) holes (3) holes
Manufacturers may offer a removable shim or
0.508 + 0.015 0.508 + 0.015 embossed standoff projection which allows
-0 -0 conversion of a standard weight preparation to a
1.125 1.125 heavyweight butt hinge application.
1.187 ± 0.015
4 1/2" + 1/32 4.500 + 1/32 4.500 + 1/32 Note 5: Typical mortise depths are in accordance with
1.234 1.234
-0 -0 -0
1.187 ± 0.015
ANSI/BHMA A 156.1 as follows:
1.125 1.125
Standard weight butt hinge : 0.134"

Heavy weight butt hinge : 0.180"

Backset Backset
Mortise depth 0.250 ± 0.031 shown 0.313 ± 0.031 shown Note 6: Tolerance ± 0.005" unless otherwise specified.
0.134 ± 0.015 shown ( see Note 1 ) ( see Note 2 )
( See Note 5 )

1 3/4"
Door 1 15/16"
Rabbet

Door Face Door Edge Frame Rabbet

ANSI/SDI A115.021
Preparation of 1-3/4" Non-Handed Steel Doors and Steel Frames for 4-1/2" Full Mortise Electrified Hinge Date:
March 2022 Rev A

21 Preparation of 1-3/4" Non-Handed Steel Doors and Steel Frames for 4-1/2" Full Mortise Electrified Hinge
23
 MEMBERS OF THE
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE
CECO
Specifications AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
9159 Telecom Drive
ANSI/SDI A250.6 Recommended Practice for Hardware Reinforcing on Standard Steel Milan, TN 38358-3425
Doors and Frames (731) 686-8345
www.cecodoor.com
ANSI/SDI A250.8 Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (SDI-100)
CURRIES
ANSI/SDI A250.14 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors and Steel Frames AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1502 12th Street, P.O. Box 1648
SDI-108 Recommended Selection & Usage Guide for Standard Steel Doors Mason City, IA 50402-1648
SDI-118 Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and (641) 423-1334
www.curries.com
Window Frame Requirements
DEANSTEEL MANUFACTURING CO.
SDI-128 Guidelines for Acoustical Performance of Standard Steel Doors and 931 S. Flores Street
Frames San Antonio, TX 78204-1406
(210) 226-8271
SDI-129 Hinge and Strike Spacing
www.deansteel.com
SDI-133 Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors & Frames for Blast Resistance DE LA FONTAINE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-136 Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products 3 Normac Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8663
Test Procedures www.delafontaine.com
ANSI/SDI A250.3 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Factory Applied Finish DCI
Coatings for Steel Doors and Frames 7980 Redwood Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336-1638
ANSI/SDI A250.4 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Physical Endurance for (909) 770-5700
Steel Doors, Frames and Frame Anchors www.dcihollowmetal.com
ANSI/SDI A250.10 Test Procedure & Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel HOLLOW METAL XPRESS (HMX)
Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
ANSI/SDI A250.13 Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for (256) 851-6670
Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes www.HMXpress.com
(Not applicable for FEMA 320/361 or ICC-500 Shelters) MESKER DOOR
SDI-113 Standard Practice for Determining the Steady-State Thermal 3440 Stanwood Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35811-9021
Transmittance of Steel Door and Frame Assemblies
(256) 851-6670
SDI-131 Accelerated Physical Endurance Test Procedure for Steel Doors www.meskerdoor.com
MPI
Construction Details 319 North Hills Road
Corbin, KY 40701
ANSI/SDI A250.11 Recommended Erection Instructions for Steel Frames (606) 523-0173
SDI-110 Standard Steel Doors & Frames for Modular Masonry Construction www.metalproductsinc.com
PIONEER INDUSTRIES, INC.
SDI-111 Recommended Details for Standard Steel Doors, Frames, AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Accessories and Related Components 111 Kero Road
SDI-122 Installation Troubleshooting Guide for Standard Steel Doors & Frames Carlstadt, NJ 07072
(201) 933-1900
www.pioneerindustries.com
Miscellaneous Documents
PREMIER STEEL DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-112 Zinc-Coated (Galvanized/Galvannealed) Standard Steel Doors and AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
Frames 2840 Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA 71203
SDI-117 Manufacturing Tolerances for Standard Steel Doors and Frames (318) 361-0796
SDI-124 Maintenance of Standard Steel Doors & Frames www.trustpremier.com
REPUBLIC DOORS & FRAMES
SDI-127 Industry Alert Series (A-L) 155 Republic Drive
SDI-130 Electronic Hinge Preparations McKenzie, TN 38201-0580
(731) 352-3383
SDI-134 Glossary of Terms for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames www.republicdoor.com
SDI-135 Guidelines to Measure for Replacement Doors in Existing Frame STEELCRAFT
Openings 9017 Blue Ash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 745-6400
www.steelcraft.com
STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE STILES
AN ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP COMPANY
1885 Kinser Road
Ceres, CA 95307
30200 DETROIT ROAD • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44145
(209) 538-3667
440.899.0010 • www.steeldoor.org www.stilesdoors.com
2/14/2025