Why do I need ANSI Grade 1 single-axis hinges? School children, students and the staff working in hospitals and restaurants often don’t treat furniture very carefully. Not only do the doors and cupboards get opened and closed more often. They also have to withstand greater loads, like when someone leans against or rests their weight on them.

The American Nation Standards Institute (ANSI) ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification is intended for just such routinely stressed hinges and other materials. It’s the most stringent standard in the world. In many states in the US, hinges have to be classified as Grade 1 by the Woodworking Institute (WI) before they can be installed in furniture for public buildings. This ultimate standard is meanwhile being used outside the United States as well to assure the long-term safety and durability of institutional furniture.

Durability test	(internationally the hardest standard)	EN 15570 Level 3	EN 15570 Level 2
Door weight	18 kg	7 kg	7 kg
Number of cycles	100.000	80.000	40.000
Door sag	0,76 mm	3,0 mm	3,0 mm
Security test
Additional weight	+72 kg	+30 kg	+20 kg
Door sag	0,76 mm	No door drop	No door drop

When you choose hinges of the highest ANSI Grade 1 standard, you also meet EN level requirements.