Standards - BS EN 1906

BS EN 1906: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction

BS EN 1906 is a European standard focused on building hardware, particularly lever handles and knob furniture used in doors for a variety of buildings, including residential, commercial, and public spaces. This standard provides guidelines for the classification, performance, durability, and safety of lever handles and knob furniture, ensuring that these products are robust, secure, and suitable for their intended purpose.

The BS EN 1906 standard helps ensure that door handles and knobs not only meet essential durability and operational standards but also provide adequate security in different building environments. This is crucial for door furniture that faces frequent use, varying weather conditions, and potential misuse or tampering.

Scope of BS EN 1906

Definition and Purpose

BS EN 1906 applies to lever handles and knobs used on doors, covering both functional and aesthetic aspects. This standard addresses performance requirements for these hardware components to ensure they withstand frequent use and offer adequate levels of security. The standard is relevant to handles and knobs used in both residential and non-residential buildings, where durability, safety, and design can vary widely based on the usage and security needs of the environment.

The purpose of BS EN 1906 is to provide a uniform framework for manufacturers, architects, builders, and building owners, ensuring that lever handles and knobs meet essential safety and performance standards. By following BS EN 1906, manufacturers and users can be confident that door handles and knobs will perform reliably over time, maintaining safety and usability in a range of building environments.

Key Components Covered

BS EN 1906 provides requirements and guidelines for various types of door handles and knobs, including:

1. Lever Handles: Lever handles are widely used on doors in commercial, public, and residential buildings. They are designed to be easily operated with minimal force, making them accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

2. Knob Furniture: Door knobs are another popular choice in buildings. While typically not as easy to operate as lever handles, knobs offer a secure and compact design and are used in a variety of applications.

Both types of door furniture are available in various designs and materials, and BS EN 1906 addresses the performance of these components to ensure their suitability for different types of doors and environments.

Key Requirements and Performance Criteria

BS EN 1906 classifies lever handles and knobs based on several criteria, each representing different aspects of performance and suitability. These include durability, safety, and resistance to various conditions. Key performance criteria covered by the standard include:

1. Category of Use: This criteria assesses the frequency and intensity of use that the product is designed to withstand. BS EN 1906 includes categories ranging from low-frequency use in residential settings to high-frequency use in public buildings. Each category reflects the expected operational demands on the handle or knob.

2. Durability: Lever handles and knobs are tested for durability to ensure that they can withstand the number of cycles expected in their intended application. Durability ratings in BS EN 1906 reflect the product’s ability to perform without degradation or failure over time, with testing that often involves tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of operational cycles.

3. Door Mass and Size Compatibility: The standard specifies the maximum door mass and size that a handle or knob is designed to support. This ensures compatibility between the door furniture and the door itself, avoiding issues with improper alignment or excessive wear.

4. Safety Requirements: BS EN 1906 sets out safety requirements for lever handles and knobs, ensuring they do not pose risks during use. This includes ergonomic considerations, making sure handles are accessible and easy to operate, particularly in emergency situations.

5. Corrosion Resistance: For products intended for use in environments where they may be exposed to moisture or humidity, corrosion resistance is a key factor. BS EN 1906 includes a grading system for corrosion resistance, helping users select products suitable for indoor or outdoor use, depending on environmental conditions.

6. Security Performance: For buildings where security is a concern, BS EN 1906 includes performance requirements for resistance to forced entry or tampering. Handles and knobs may be classified based on their security features, particularly when they are part of a locking system.

Classification System

BS EN 1906 uses a classification system to help builders, architects, and consumers choose the appropriate level of durability, strength, and functionality for their needs. This system includes several indicators that describe the product’s performance across different criteria, including:

1. Category of Use (Grade 1-4): Indicates the expected frequency and intensity of use, with Grade 1 suitable for low-traffic residential areas and Grade 4 for high-traffic public areas where durability is critical.

2. Durability: Rated based on the number of operational cycles the handle or knob can withstand. For example, higher grades may be rated to withstand 200,000 cycles, suitable for high-frequency use.

3. Corrosion Resistance (Grade 0-5): This is particularly important for products used outdoors or in areas exposed to moisture. Grade 5 represents the highest level of corrosion resistance.

4. Security Performance (Grades 1-4): Reflects the product’s resistance to tampering, forced entry, and vandalism, with Grade 4 providing the highest level of security.

5. Fire Resistance and Suitability for Escape Routes: Certain handles and knobs are tested for fire resistance and may be classified for use on fire doors and escape routes. This is crucial for buildings where quick evacuation is necessary.

Testing Procedures

Rigorous Testing for Compliance

To meet BS EN 1906 requirements, lever handles and knobs undergo various testing procedures that simulate real-world use and environmental conditions. Key tests include:

1. Cycle Testing for Durability: Handles and knobs are subjected to thousands or even hundreds of thousands of cycles to ensure that they can withstand frequent use without degrading or failing. The number of cycles varies based on the product’s intended use category.

2. Corrosion Resistance Testing: Products intended for outdoor or humid environments are tested using salt spray or similar methods to simulate exposure to moisture and corrosive elements. This ensures that the handle or knob maintains functionality and appearance over time.

3. Impact and Strength Testing: Handles and knobs must withstand impact and force without breaking or deforming, which is particularly important for security applications. Strength tests assess the ability of the product to resist tampering and forced entry.

4. Temperature and Environmental Testing: In some cases, handles and knobs are tested under extreme temperature conditions to ensure they do not warp or degrade in hot or cold climates.

5. Ergonomic and Safety Testing: BS EN 1906 includes testing to ensure that handles and knobs are easy and safe to use, even in emergency situations. This involves assessing factors like the shape, size, and ease of grip to ensure accessibility for all users.

Safety and Compliance

Importance of Compliance for Building Safety

Compliance with BS EN 1906 is essential for ensuring that lever handles and knobs meet high standards of safety, durability, and functionality. Using BS EN 1906-compliant products helps building owners, operators, and occupants feel confident in the reliability and security of door hardware. Non-compliance with the standard can lead to premature failure of door hardware, posing security and safety risks.

Regulatory and Insurance Considerations

In many regions, compliance with BS EN 1906 may be required by building codes and regulations, especially in public buildings and high-occupancy areas. Additionally, insurance companies may require BS EN 1906-certified products as part of a building’s safety compliance, as non-compliant products can increase liability in the case of failure.

Application in Various Building Types

Residential Buildings

For residential buildings, BS EN 1906 offers guidelines to ensure that handles and knobs are safe and easy to use, even with frequent operation. Residential door furniture is often chosen based on a combination of durability and aesthetic appeal, with corrosion-resistant finishes for outdoor doors.

Commercial and Public Buildings

In commercial settings like offices, hospitals, and schools, door handles and knobs are exposed to high-frequency use. BS EN 1906-compliant products rated for high durability and security help ensure that handles withstand heavy use without wear or failure, which is essential for maintaining security and functionality.

Industrial and High-Security Applications

BS EN 1906 also provides standards for door handles and knobs used in industrial or high-security environments. High-grade products with enhanced durability and tamper resistance are suitable for these settings, where handles may be exposed to harsh conditions or targeted for forced entry.

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

Proper Installation for Optimal Performance

Proper installation is essential to ensure that lever handles and knobs function correctly and provide the durability expected from BS EN 1906-certified products. Installation guidelines should be followed closely, including:

1. Secure Mounting: Handles and knobs should be mounted firmly to avoid loosening or misalignment over time.

2. Door Compatibility: Ensure that the product is compatible with the door’s thickness, weight, and usage requirements.

3. Alignment and Function Testing: After installation, test the handle or knob to ensure smooth operation and alignment with the latch mechanism.

Regular Maintenance for Longevity

Routine maintenance is crucial for ensuring that door handles and knobs continue to meet BS EN 1906 performance standards over time. Recommended maintenance includes:

1. Inspection for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect handles for signs of wear, loosening, or damage.

2. Lubrication: Lubricate moving parts to ensure smooth operation and prevent seizing, especially in high-use areas.

3. Cleaning: Regular cleaning prevents buildup of dirt and grime, which can affect the operation of the handle or knob.

4. Corrosion Prevention: In environments with exposure to moisture, apply protective coatings if necessary to prevent corrosion.

Conclusion

BS EN 1906 establishes a comprehensive framework for the performance, safety, and durability of lever handles and knob furniture used on doors. By specifying requirements for different usage categories, the standard helps ensure that door handles and knobs meet high standards of quality and reliability across various building types. Compliance with BS EN 1906 provides assurance that door hardware will perform safely and reliably, supporting building security, accessibility, and overall functionality.

With its detailed classifications and testing protocols, BS EN 1906 supports the safe, durable, and functional use of door handles and knobs, making it an essential standard for architects, builders, and building operators alike.