BRITISH STANDARD BS 7352:1990

Specification for

Strength and durability

performance of metal
hinges for side hanging
applications and
dimensional
requirements for
template drilled hinges
BS 7352:1990

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Elements and
Components (of Diverse Materials) for Buildings Standards Policy Committee
(ECB/-) to Technical Committee ECB/41, upon which the following bodies were
represented:

Aluminium Window Association

Association of Builders Hardware Manufacturers
Association of Burglary Insurance Surveyors
British Hardware Federation
British Lock Manufacturers’ Association
British Plastics Federation
British Woodworking Federation
Consumer Policy Committee of BSI
Department of Health
Department of the Environment (Building Research Establishment)
Department of the Environment (Property Services Agency)
Glass and Glazing Federation
Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
Incorporated Association of Architects and Surveyors
Institute of Architectural Ironmongers
Institute of Carpenters
Loss Prevention Council
Royal Institute of British Architects

The following body was also represented in the drafting of the standard,
through subcommittees and panels:

Steel Hingemakers’ Association

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Elements and
Components (of Diverse Materials)
for Buildings Standards Policy
Committee, was published
under the authority of the Board
of BSI and comes into effect on
31 October 1990

© BSI 03-1999

First published as BS 1227-1 A,

May 1945 Amendments issued since publication
Second edition, March 1967
Third edition as BS 7352
October 1990 Amd. No. Date Comments

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference ECB/41
Draft for comment 89/12615 DC

ISBN 0 580 18857 4

 BS 7352:1990

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 Classification 1
4 Tests 1
5 Test loads, numbers of cycles and acceptance criteria 2
6 Corrosion protection 3
7 Template drilled hinges 3
8 Marking 4
Appendix A Test apparatus 7
Appendix B Test procedures 8
Appendix C Guidance for the selection and use of hinges 10
Figure 1 — Limits of allowable deformation in static load tests 2
Figure 2 — Limits of allowable wear in endurance test 3
Figure 3 — Full mortice template hinge, 76.2 mm (3 in) size (A30M) 5
Figure 4 — Full mortice template hinge, 88.9 mm (3.5 in) size (A35M) 5
Figure 5 — Full mortice template hinge, 101.6 mm (4 in), 114.3 mm
(4.5 in) and 127.0 mm (5 in) sizes (A40M, A45M, A50M) 6
Figure 6 — Full mortice template hinge, 152.4 mm (6 in) size (A60M) 6
Figure 7 — Typical arrangement for a hinge endurance test rig 7
Figure 8 — Details of hinge mounting position 8
Figure 9 — Positions of datum surfaces 8
Table 1 — Classification of hinges 1
Table 2 — Static load tests 2
Table 3 — Endurance test 3
Table 4 — Corrosion protection classification 3
Table 5 — Mass ranges of typical doors 11
Table 6 — Typical masses of single glazed vents, glass thickness 4 mm 11
Table 7 — Typical masses of double glazed vents, glass
thicknesses 4 mm + 4 mm 11
Table 8 — Typical masses of single glazed vents, glass thickness 6 mm 11
Table 9 — Typical masses of double glazed vents, glass
thicknesses 6 mm + 6 mm 11
Table 10 — Estimated frequency of operation of doors 12
Table 11 — Reduction in maximum leaf weight for wide doors 13
Publications referred to Inside back cover

© BSI 03-1999 i
BS 7352:1990

Foreword

This British Standard has been prepared under the direction of the Elements and
Components (of Diverse Materials) for Buildings Standards Policy Commitee. It
supersedes BS 1227-1A:1967, which is withdrawn.
BS 1227-1A was first published in 1945 and revised in 1967. The standard
specified minimum requirements for the materials, workmanship, construction,
dimensions and weights of knuckle type hinges made of steel, cast iron, solid
drawn (extruded) brass and aluminium, and band type hinges made of steel. It
did not include any performance requirements for strength, mechanical
endurance or durability of finish.
The dimensional requirements have proved insufficient to ensure complete
interchangeability between nominally similar hinges made by different
manufacturers. There is an increasing number of applications where door closers
are fitted to heavy doors (often fire doors) in public, institutional and commercial
buildings, and experience has shown that problems can arise in service if the
hinges for such heavy doors are not correctly selected and fitted.
BS 7352 covers nine classes of hinges suitable for side hanging applications
ranging from lightweight cupboard doors weighing under 10 kg to leaves
weighing up to 120 kg. The standard specifies static strength test requirements
and allowable wear during endurance testing for all hinges, and corrosion
protection requirements for those hinges which are not intended to be painted
after fitting. It specifies the maximum level of frictional resistance generated by
hinges, and the maximum initial free movement permitted between components.
It also includes dimensional requirements for full mortice template drilled hinges
for use on metal doors and frames. These follow American practice, which is
widely accepted internationally.
There are special requirements which are not covered by this standard for hinges
for some types of windows. Because the performance characteristics of plastics
materials are liable to change significantly with age this standard does not cover
hinges whose principal components are made from such materials.
Appendices give details of a suitable test rig (Appendix A), test procedures
(Appendix B) and guidance on the selection and use of hinges (including hinges
for unusually large doors and for fire door applications)(Appendix C).
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 16, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.

ii © BSI 03-1999
 BS 7352:1990

1 Scope 2.2
full mortice template drilled hinge
This British Standard specifies static strength
testing and allowable wear during endurance a hinge designed for morticing into the butt edge of
testing for all single axis metal hinges for side the door and into the rebate edge of the frame
hanging applications for leaves weighing up NOTE These hinges are used generally with steel frames and
to 120 kg and leaf dimensions up to 2 400 mm high steel doors.
by 1 200 mm wide. It also specifies corrosion
protection for those metal hinges which are not 3 Classification
intended to be painted after fitting. It specifies the Hinges are classified according to the maximum
maximum permissible torque arising from frictional mass of the hinged leaf with which they will be used
resistance generated within the hinge during and the maximum annual number of operations as
endurance testing, the maximum amount of initial given in Table 1.
horizontal movement permitted between Table 1 — Classification of hinges
components for all hinges and the maximum
Class Maximum mass Maximum annual
amount of initial vertical movement between of hinged leaf number of operations
components for hinges other than lift off types. It
kg cycles
also specifies dimensional and other requirements
for full mortice template drilled hinges for metal 1 10 5 000
doors and frames. 2 20 5 000
The metals used for the principal components of 3 20 25 000
hinges such as leaves, knuckles, barrels and pins 4 40 25 000
may be ferrous or non-ferrous without restriction on 5 40 200 000
the methods of fabrication. The use of plastics 6 40 500 000
materials for such components is excluded, but 7 60 500 000
plastics or other non-metallic materials may be used 8 80 200 000
for ancillary components such as washers, bushes or 9 120 200 000
ferrules, or for the corrosion protection of metal NOTE These nine classes cover the majority of applications
components. (see C.4 to C.6). The masses are based on the use of three
hinges per leaf. If two hinges are used the masses listed should
Where compliance with BS 7352 is claimed for be reduced by one third. (See also C.7.)
turn-tilt window hinges, the test requirements
apply to the side hung (turn) mode only. The 4 Tests
standard does not specify multiple axis variable
geometry friction hinges for windows nor hinges 4.1 Ambient temperature
incorporating spring assisted closing mechanisms. The temperature in the laboratory shall be
The fastenings used to fix hinges to leaves and to maintained at 20 ± 5 °C throughout the period of
structures are not specified by this standard. testing.
Accordingly, hinges under test are bolted to the test 4.2 Static load tests
rig.
One hinge of each type shall be subjected to the
NOTE 1 This standard does not include specific additional initial measurement tests described in B.1 and to
requirements for hinges for fire doors but general guidance on
fire door applications is given in C.11. both of the static load tests described in B.2 in
NOTE 2 The titles of the publications referred to in this succession.
standard are listed on the inside back cover.
4.3 Endurance test
2 Definitions One hinge of each type shall be subjected to the test
described in B.3.
For the purposes of this British Standard, the
following definitions apply. This hinge shall not previously have been subjected
to the static load tests specified in 4.2. It shall be
2.1 tested as supplied without additional lubrication,
significant surface except that for endurance tests of 200 000
any surface which is visible when the hinge is or 500 000 cycles the hinge shall be lubricated in
installed and which is essential to the appearance, accordance with B.3.
function or serviceability of the hinge

© BSI 03-1999 1
BS 7352:1990

Figure 1 — Limits of allowable deformation in static load tests

4.4 Corrosion test 5.2.2 Acceptance criteria
When applicable, one hinge of each type shall be 5.2.2.1 Load-deformation test
subjected to the corrosion test specified in clause 6. When tested in accordance with B.2.1 the hinge
This hinge shall not previously have been subjected shall comply with the following:
to any other tests.
a) the maximum lateral displacement under load
5 Test loads, numbers of cycles and shall be 2 mm;
acceptance criteria b) the maximum vertical displacement under
load shall be 4 mm;
5.1 Initial measurements
c) the lateral and vertical residual displacements
When tested in accordance with B.1 the maximum after unloading shall be within the shaded area
permissible initial horizontal free movement shall of Figure 1;
be 0.2 mm and the maximum permissible initial
d) there shall be no visible cracking or breakage
vertical free movement shall be 0.4 mm.
of any component.
5.2 Static load tests
5.2.2.2 Overload test
5.2.1 Maximum load
When tested in accordance with B.2.2, the hinge
The maximum prescribed load for each class shall shall comply with the following:
be as given in Table 2. a) there shall be no breakage of any hinge leaf,
Table 2 — Static load tests knuckle, barrel or pin;
Class Load-deformation Overload test b) the test leaf shall remain connected to the
test maximum test (see note) frame even though the hinge may have been
load (see note)
rendered inoperable.
kg kg
5.3 Endurance test
1 20 30
5.3.1 Mass of test leaf and number of cycles
2 40 60
3 40 60 The mass of the test leaf and number of cycles for
4 80 120 each class shall be as given in Table 3.
5 80 120
6 80 120
7 120 180
8 160 240
9 240 360
NOTE The test loads have a tolerance of + 0.5, – 0 kg

2 © BSI 03-1999
 BS 7352:1990

Table 3 — Endurance test 5.4 Retesting

Class Mass of test leaf Number of cycles 5.4.1 Static load tests
(see note 1) (see note 2)
kg If the hinge tested fails to comply with any one of the
1 10 5 000 acceptance criteria then a further sample of two
2 20 5 000 hinges shall be subjected to the test in which failure
3 20 25 000 occurred. If both hinges retested then comply with
4 40 25 000 the acceptance criteria, the first failure shall be
5 40 200 000 ignored. If either of the hinges retested fails to
6 40 500 000 comply with all of the acceptance criteria no further
7 60 500 000 retesting shall be allowed.
8 80 200 000 5.4.2 Endurance test
9 120 200 000 If the hinge tested fails to comply with the
NOTE 1 The masses have a tolerance of + 0.5, – 0 kg.
acceptance criteria then a further sample of two
NOTE 2 The cycles have a tolerance of + 1, – 0 %
hinges shall be subjected to the endurance test. If
both hinges then comply with the acceptance
criteria the first failure shall be ignored. If either of
the hinges retested fails to comply with the
acceptance criteria no further retesting shall be
allowed.

6 Corrosion protection
NOTE 1 Hinges which are supplied in self colour mill finish for
subsequent corrosion protection in situ, e.g. by painting, are not
subject to the requirements of this clause.
Hinges shall be subjected to neutral salt spray
testing in accordance with BS 5466-1. The hinges
shall be examined after each of the exposure periods
specified in Table 4 until corrosion of the base metal
on significant surfaces is visible to the unaided eye.
NOTE 2 Staining or discoloration of an applied surface
treatment is acceptable and should not be confused with
corrosion of the base metal.
The corrosion protection classification achieved by
Figure 2 — Limits of allowable wear in the surface treatment shall be stated.
endurance test Table 4 — Corrosion protection classification
Classification Exposure Tolerance
5.3.2 Acceptance criteria
h h
5.3.2.1 When tested in accordance with B.3 the
CP 2 2 – 0, + 1/4
amounts of lateral and vertical wear of the hinge
tested measured as displacements of the datum CP 6 6 – 0, + 1/2
surfaces shall be within the shaded area of Figure 2. CP 24 24 – 0, + 1
CP 48 48 – 0, + 2
5.3.2.2 When tested in accordance with B.3, the CP 96 96 – 0, + 4
maximum permissible frictional torque measured CP 240 240 – 0, + 4
at 4 000 cycles and at the end of the test shall
be 2 N·m for classes 1 to 6, 3 N·m for classes 7 and 8
and 4 N·m for class 9.
7 Template drilled hinges
7.1 General
Full mortice template drilled hinges for use on
metal doors and frames shall comply with the
dimensional and other requirements given in 7.2
to 7.6.

© BSI 03-1999 3
BS 7352:1990
7.2 Identification
Full mortice template drilled hinges shall be
designated by one of the following codes:
a) A30M;
b) A35M;
c) A40M;
d) A45M;
e) A50M;
f) A60M.
NOTE 1 The letters A and M in these codes indicate standard
weight full mortice hinges. The digits indicate the vertical height
in tenths of an inch, e.g. 30 = 3.0 in (76.2 mm).
NOTE 2 American standards include other types and sizes not
specified in this British Standard. The American coding is
followed for the hinges included herein to reduce confusion.
7.3 Dimensions
The dimensions of the hinges shall be as given in
Figure 3 to Figure 6. (For tolerances on these
dimensions, see 7.4.)
NOTE 1 The figures are for the purposes of illustrating the
dimensions only. They are not intended to specify the design or
type of bearings.
NOTE 2 The width of leaf from edge to axis of rotation is not
specified because the requirements are variable depending on the
door thickness and offset of axis of rotation required.
7.4 Tolerances
7.4.1 Overall length
The tolerances on the dimensions for overall length
L (given in Figure 3 to Figure 6) shall be + 0, – 2 %
of the specified dimensions.
NOTE The 2 % tolerance allows the American imperial
dimensions to be substituted by rounded metric equivalents that
will fit into the same morticed rebates.
1)
Marking BS 7352 on or in relation to a product represents a manufacturer’s declaration of conformity, i.e. a claim by or on
behalf of the manufacturer that the product meets the requirements of the standard. The accuracy of the claim is therefore solely
the reponsibility of the person making the claim. Such a declaration is not to be confused with third party certification of
conformity, which may also be desirable.
4 © BSI 03-1999
7.4.2 All other dimensions
The tolerances on all other dimensions given in
Figure 3 to Figure 6 shall be ± 0.13 mm
(± 0.005 in).
7.5 Other design features
The leaves of full mortice template drilled hinges
shall have straight edges and square corners. Each
leaf shall be shaped so that the leaves are parallel
when the hinge is opened 1.59 ± 0.38 mm
(0.0625 ± 0.015 in).
7.6 Machine screw sizes
Where hinges are drilled to accommodate
a non-preferred screw size, then such hinges shall
be accompanied by information clearly describing
this variation.
NOTE It is preferred that hinges be drilled to accommodate the
machine screw sizes given in Figure 3 to Figure 6.
8 Marking
8.1 Hinges shall be marked with the manufacturer’s
name or logo, the number of this British Standard1)
and the hinge class.
8.2 Packing material shall be marked with the
manufacturer’s name or logo, the number of this
British Standard1), the hinge class and, if
applicable, the corrosion protection classification. If
the hinges are template drilled this shall be stated
and the marking shall also include the appropriate
identification code (see 7.2).
8.3 Delivery notes and invoices shall state all of the
information specified in 8.2.
 BS 7352:1990

NOTE 1 It is preferred that hinges be drilled to accommodate 10 gauge flat, head countersunk machine screws (see 7.6).
NOTE 2 For tolerances on dimensions, see 7.4.
Figure 3 — Full mortice template hinge, 76.2 mm (3 in) size (A30M)

NOTE 1 It is preferred that hinges be drilled to accommodate 10 gauge flat head countersunk machine screws (see 7.6).
NOTE 2 For tolerances on dimensions, see 7.4.
Figure 4 — Full mortice template hinge, 88.9 mm (3.5 in) size (A35M)

© BSI 03-1999 5
BS 7352:1990

NOTE 1 It is preferred that hinges be drilled to accommodate 12 gauge flat head countersunk machine screws (see 7.6).
NOTE 2 For tolerances on dimensions, see 7.4.
Figure 5 — Full mortice template hinge, 101.6 mm (4 in), 114.3 mm (4.5 in) and 127.0 mm
(5 in) sizes (A40M, A45M, A50M)

NOTE 1 It is preferred that hinges be drilled to accommodate 1/4 in gauge flat head countersunk machine screws (see 7.6)
NOTE 2 For tolerances on dimensions, see 7.4.
Figure 6 — Full mortice template hinge, 152.4 mm (6 in) size (A60M)

6 © BSI 03-1999
 BS 7352:1990

Appendix A Test apparatus A.3 The test apparatus shall provide suitable steel
mounting plates, positioned so that the distance
A.1 The test apparatus shall be capable of
designated as w in Figure 8 between the plane of the
supporting a hinged test leaf weighing 360 kg,
centre of gravity parallel to the face of the hinged
under which load the vertical axis shall not alter by
leaf and the axis of the centre of rotation of the test
more than 1 mm from the unloaded position and hinge is the same ± 1 mm as that which would be
shall conform to the perpendicular attitude specified found if the hinge were mounted on a 45 mm thick
in A.2. The apparatus shall be constructed from
door leaf in accordance with the manufacturer’s
materials that are not significantly affected by
instructions.
changes in atmospheric conditions. A suitable test
rig is illustrated in Figure 7. A.4 The lower pivot shall offer horizontal restraint
only, allowing free vertical movement such that any
A.2 The distance between the centre of the test wear or deformation within the test hinge would
hinge and the lower pivot shall be 1 540 ± 5 mm. The result in movement of the hinged leaf. The weight of
axis of rotation between the test hinge and the lower
the hinged leaf shall be supported vertically by the
pivot shall be vertical within a tolerance of
test hinge only. The lower pivot shall exhibit an
angularity of 2 mm. The centre of gravity of the
angular frictional torque of less than 1 N·m.
hinged leaf shall be 463 ± 10 mm from the vertical
axis of rotation and 770 ± 10 mm below the centre of
the test hinge.

Figure 7 — Typical arrangement for a hinge endurance test rig

© BSI 03-1999 7
BS 7352:1990

Figure 8 — Detail of hinge mounting position

Figure 9 — Positions of datum surfaces

A.5 The position at which horizontal and vertical
movement is recorded shall be as shown in Figure 9.
A.6 A suitable apparatus shall be provided to cycle
the hinged leaf smoothly through the lesser
of 95 + 5, – 0° or the full angular movement
permitted by the hinge at a speed of between 4
and 6 cycles per minute. The opening and closing
forces shall be applied at 90° to the hinged
leaf 425 ± 75 mm below the test hinge centre and at
least 400 mm from the vertical axis of rotation.
Appendix B Test procedures
B.1 Initial measurements
Mount the hinge under test on the test rig described
in Appendix A using well fitting bolts and nuts
tightened to a torque of 2 + 0.1, – 0 N·m.
Ensure the test piece has the mass given in Table 3
appropriate to the class of hinge under test.
Rotate the hinged leaf through the lesser
of 95 + 5, – 0° or the full angular movement
permitted by the hinge for 20 cycles without shock.
Measure and record the initial lateral and vertical
gaps between the hinged leaf and the datum
surfaces.

8 © BSI 03-1999

Apply without shock as near as practicable to the
mid-height of the hinge under test and in the plane
of the opening, i.e. outer, surface of the test leaf a
horizontal force towards the lateral datum surface
sufficient to take up the initial horizontal free
movement between the components of the hinge
plus 25 ± 5 N. Measure and record the lateral gap
between the hinged leaf and the datum surface.
Remove the horizontal force.
For hinges other than lift off types apply without
shock a vertical lifting force equivalent to the weight
of the door plus 25 ± 5 N as near as practicable to
the axis of the hinge sufficient to take up the initial
vertical free movement between the components of
the hinge. Measure and record the vertical gap
between the hinged leaf and the datum surface.
Remove the vertical force.
B.2 Static load tests
B.2.1 Load-deformation test
Apply without shock a further load maintaining the
centre of gravity of the hinged leaf at the position
described in Appendix A.
NOTE The magnitude of the additional load should be such
that the total of test leaf plus additional load is equal to the
maximum test load given in Table 2 for the appropriate hinge
class.
Swing the hinged leaf through 20 cycles as in B.1.
Measure and record the lateral and vertical gaps.
Remove the load without shock. Wait a minimum
of 1 min and a maximum of 2 min, then swing the
hinged leaf five times as in B.1. Measure and record
the lateral and vertical gaps.
Note if any visible cracks or other deformation of the
hinge have occurred, and note any change in the
functional movement of the hinge.
B.2.2 Overload test
After completion of the test described in B.2.1 apply
to the same hinge without shock a further load
maintaining the centre of gravity of the hinged leaf
at the position described in Appendix A.
NOTE The magnitude of the additional load should be such
that the total of test leaf plus additional load is equal to the
overload described in Table 2 for the appropriate hinge class.
Swing the hinged leaf through five cycles as in B.1.
Sustain the load for a minimum of 1 min and a
maximum of 2 min thereafter, and then unload.
Examine the hinge for visible cracks, deformation or
breakage of any component and record the results.
B.3 Endurance test
Mount the hinge under test on the test rig described
in Appendix A using suitable bolts and nuts
tightened to a torque of 2 + 0.1, – 0 N·m.
© BSI 03-1999
BS 7352:1990
Load the test leaf so that the total load is equal to
the required test load as given in Table 3 and the
centre of gravity is maintained at the position
described in Appendix A.
Operate the hinged leaf through the lesser
of 95 + 5, – 0° or the full angular movement
permitted by the hinge for 20 cycles without shock.
Measure and record the initial horizontal and
vertical gaps between the hinged leaf and the datum
surfaces.
Operate the hinged leaf through the lesser
of 95 + 5, – 0 ° or the full angular movement
permitted by the hinge for 4 000 + 40, – 0 cycles.
Each cycle consists of an opening operation
taking 3 s to 5 s, a closing operation taking 3 s to 5 s
and a dwell period of 4 s to 5 s.
Measure and record the torque required to initiate
movement of the hinged leaf at opening angles
of 0 + 5, – 0°, 30 ± 5°, 60 ± 5° and 90 ± 5°. This
frictional torque should be as specified in 5.3.2.2.
Operate the hinged leaf through the lesser
of 95 + 5, – 0° or the full angular movement
permitted by the hinge for the additional number of
cycles necessary to bring the total number of cycles
to that given in Table 3.
During endurance tests of 200 000
or 500 000 cycles, lubricate the hinge in accordance
with the manufacturer’s recommendations after
every 25 000 ± 300 cycles up to and
including 175 000 ± 300 cycles
or 475 000 ± 300 cycles, as appropriate.
After 25 000, 200 000 or 500 000 cycles, as
appropriate, without further lubrication repeat the
measurement of frictional torque and horizontal
and vertical gaps.
If the frictional torque value of the hinged leaf
exceeds the requirements of 5.3.2.2 then adopt the
following procedure to ensure that the lower pivot
bearing has remained in accordance
with Appendix A.
Remove the test hinge and replace with a load
bearing unit of low frictional characteristics and
remeasure the frictional torque of the hinged leaf. If
this repeated measurement is less than 1 N·m then
quote the original torque value as the frictional
torque exhibited by the hinge.
If, however, the repeated measurement
exceeds 1 N·m then renew the lower pivot bearing
so that the frictional torque of the hinged leaf is less
than 1 N·m. Replace the top load bearing unit with
the test hinge and repeat the frictional torque
measurement. Quote this value as the frictional
torque exhibited by the hinge.
9
BS 7352:1990
NOTE The measurement of horizontal and vertical movement
may additionally be taken at intervals or constantly be monitored
throughout the endurance test.
Appendix C Guidance for the selection
and use of hinges
C.1 General
Whilst the classification adopted in this standard
should ensure that properly selected hinges give
reasonable service at economic cost, it is impossible
to derive expected service lives in terms of the test
procedures because conditions of use vary so widely,
particularly in such matters as whether door closers
are to be used, the degree of care in use, the number
of hinges per leaf and their positions, the size of leaf,
exposure to dust, sea air or other forms of pollution,
accuracy of fixing and the amount of maintenance
during service. Subsequent clauses of this appendix
give guidance on these and other subjects such as
the choice of hinges for fire doors.
It should be noted that the test rig is designed so
that the total test leaf weight is carried by one hinge
only during test. This increases the severity of
loading during the static load tests to ensure that
the hinge strength includes a factor of safety, and
accelerates the rate of wear during endurance
testing to reduce the test times.
C.2 Use of door closers
Door closers increase the loading on door hinges and
their rate of wear. For non back check closers it is
normal to allow for this by assuming the effective
door weight to be about 20 % greater than the actual
door weight. For back check closers the effect is
much greater, and double the actual door weight
provides a safer basis for assessing endurance.
Doors fitted with door closers should normally use
three or more hinges, although some specialist door
manufacturers fit very substantial hinges that
provide satisfactory performance with door closers
when only two hinges per door are fitted. Guidance
is given in C.7 on the number of hinges to be used
and their positions.
The maximum closing torque that can be exerted by
a door closer is limited and varies with the size
(power) of the door closer. For this reason it is
important that hinges for doors to be fitted with
door closers should not generate too much frictional
torque. It is recommended that the maximum
in-service torque for a set of three hinges when
installed on such doors should be 3 N·m for
classes 1 to 6, 4 N·m for classes 7 and 8 and 5 N·m
for class 9. Hinges for such applications should be
carefully selected, and additional testing of the
installed frictional torque of a set of hinges should
be considered.
10
C.3 Types of duty associated with hinges
The degree of care in use, the possibility of
accidental misuse and the frequency of operation
are important factors which affect the likely service
life.
Three levels of duty can conveniently be recognized
as follows.
a) Light duty: low frequency of use by those with
a high incentive to exercise care, e.g. by private
house owners, and with a small chance of
accident occurring or of misuse.
Examples:
Doors: internal doors in dwellings and external
doors in dwellings which provide access to
private areas;
Windows: windows in low rise dwellings;
Cabinets: furniture for domestic use or for
careful light contract situations such as hotel
bedrooms.
b) Medium duty: medium frequency of use
primarily by those with some incentive to use
care, but some chance of accidents occurring or of
misuse.
Examples:
Doors: external doors of dwellings which provide
access to designated public areas but not
generally used by the public or by people
carrying or propelling bulky objects;
Windows: windows in shops, offices, high rise
dwellings and factories;
Cabinets: furniture intended for normal contract
use where careless handling or rough treatment
may occur such as library bookcases, college
study and school storage cabinets, hotel
reception and dining room storage furniture.
c) Heavy duty: high frequency of use by public or
by others with little incentive to exercise care,
and with a high chance of accident occurring and
of misuse.
Examples:
Doors: doors of shops, hospitals and of other
buildings which provide access to designated
public areas and which are used by the public
and by people who may be carrying or propelling
bulky objects;
Any application where an overhead door closer is
fitted.
Windows: windows in schools, hospitals and
other buildings to which the public have access;
Cabinets: furniture intended for exceptionally
severe contract use such as in transport termini,
student common rooms and buildings for the
armed services.
© BSI 03-1999
 BS 7352:1990

Table 5 — Mass ranges of typical doors

Door type Size Mass
mm kg
Oversize or special external doors 2 400 × 1 200 55 to 110
One hour fire doors 2 040 × 8 26 × 54 37.5 to 72.5
Heavy external doors 2 000 × 1 002 × 44 37.5 to 55
Light external doors 2 000 × 907 × 40 20 to 37.5
Half hour fire doors 2 040 × 826 × 44 25 to 37.5
Heavy internal doors 2 040 × 1 012 × 40 25 to 37.5
Medium internal doors 2 040 × 1 012 × 40 17.5 to 25
Light internal, large wardrobe and large louvred doors 2 040 × 926 × 40 10 to 17.5
Cupboard, wardrobe, cabinet, louvred doors and shutters 2 040 × 626 × 40 3 to 10
Hinges may be selected from classes 1 to 4 for light Table 7 — Typical masses of double glazed
and medium duty uses, whereas for heavy duty use vents, glass thicknesses 4 mm + 4 mm
hinges from classes 5 to 9 are more suitable. Size Mass
DD 171 recognizes an additional category of severe mm kg
duty where doors may be subject to frequent violent
600 × 600 8 to 10
usage and impact. Whilst such usage may
600 × 900 11 to 14
necessitate a particularly strong construction for
600 × 1 200 15 to 18
the door leaf and frame, heavy duty hinges in
900 × 900 17 to 20
classes 5 to 9 should be suitable for hanging the
doors. 900 × 1 200 22 to 26
1 200 × 1 200 30 to 33
C.4 Typical door masses
The mass ranges of typical doors including those in Table 8 — Typical masses of single glazed
accordance with BS 4787-1 are listed in Table 5. vents, glass thickness 6 mm
C.5 Typical window masses Size Mass

Opening lights for windows vary widely in size and mm kg

shape. Their masses are dependent on the framing 600 × 600 7 to 9
material used and its profile, the glass thickness, 600 × 900 10 to 12
and whether the vent is single or multiple 600 × 1 200 13 to 15
glazed. Table 6 to Table 9 list some typical 900 × 900 14 to 17
examples. 900 × 1 200 18 to 21
Table 6 — Typical masses of single glazed 1 200 × 1 200 24 to 27
vents, glass thicknesses 4 mm
Table 9 — Typical mass of double glazed vents,
Size Mass
glass thicknesses 6 mm + 6 mm
mm kg
Size Mass
600 × 600 5 to 7 mm kg
600 × 900 7 to 10
600 × 1 200 10 to 13 600 × 600 10 to 12
900 × 900 10 to 14 600 × 900 15 to 18
900 × 1 200 14 to 17 600 × 1 200 21 to 23
1 200 × 1 200 18 to 21 900 × 900 23 to 26
900 × 1 200 31 to 34
1 200 × 1 200 42 to 45

© BSI 03-1999 11
BS 7352:1990

Table 10 — Estimated frequency of operation of doors

Door situation Estimated number of operations
Daily Annually
High frequency heavy duty situations:
large departmental store entrance 5 000 1500 000 operations
large office building entrance 4 000 920 000
cinema or theatre entrance 1 300 455 000
school entrance 1 250 225 000
entrance door to school toilets 1 250 225 000
city centre shop entrance 1 000 300 000
large city bank entrance 1 000 250 000
school corridor fire door 600 108 000
town bank entrance 500 125 000
city centre restaurant entrance 500 150 000
large office corridor fire door 450 104 000
town centre shop entrance 400 120 000
large office or factory toilet entrance 400 92 000
hospital ward door 350 128 000
Medium frequency medium duty situations:
school classroom door 80 15 000
office door 75 18 000
store toilet door 60 18 000
dwelling rear or side entrance 15 5 400
dwelling front entrance 12 4 400
Low frequency light duty situations:
dwelling living room communicating doors 30 10 800
dwelling bathroom/toilet door 20 7 200
dwelling cupboard door 12 4 300
dwelling bedroom door 9 3 200
dwelling wardrobe/closet door 6 2 200
dwelling cabinet furniture door 5 1 800
C.6 Estimated frequency of operation of doors PD 6512-1 recommends that for taller doors the
Frequencies of operation in many typical situations middle hinge be at mid height, with the upper and
are listed in Table 10. Failure to assess the likely lower hinges positioned 250 mm from the top and
frequency of operation of a door in service could lead bottom of the door.
to specification of inadequate hinges for the A central position for the third hinge is especially
situation and subsequent problems. beneficial in resisting possible warping of the door
C.7 Door dimensions, number of hinges per leaf, thereby reducing potential difficulties in
door and their positions latching or locking and also reducing draughts.
Lightweight doors are particularly likely to warp,
BS 4787-1 applies to doors up to 2 040 mm high
and additionally fully glazed doors with narrow
by 926 mm wide of different types as listed
stiles are subject to whip, i.e. lack of rigidity in the
in Table 5. The standard specifies that three hinges
frame.
per leaf be fitted, the upper and lower hinges being
equally disposed about the centre line of the door,
and the middle hinge being fitted on the centre line.
The spacings between the middle hinge and the
upper and lower hinges are 770 mm from mid-point
to mid-point.
BS 1245 includes similar requirements of three
hinges symmetrically situated about the centre line
of the door.

12 © BSI 03-1999

When a door is first hung it is inevitable that the
load will not be equally split between the three
hinges. This leads to relatively rapid initial wear of
the hinge which is carrying the greatest load, but as
this hinge wears, a bigger proportion of the load is
gradually transferred to the others until eventually
it is fairly evenly distributed over all three hinges
and their rates of wear become more equal. Fitting
three hinges reduces the eventual loading per hinge,
and the classification in Table 1 is based on the use
of three hinges per leaf. In situations where only two
hinges per leaf are fitted the maximum mass of leaf
supportable should be reduced by one third.
If warping is not expected to be a problem there are
good reasons for fitting the third hinge just below
the top hinge, particularly for heavy doors. This is
because the weight of the door sets up a bending
moment which tends to lever the top hinge out of the
door jamb, whereas the bottom hinge is pushed
inwards against its rebate in the jamb. The bending
moment on a centrally-fitted hinge is zero. If the
third hinge is fitted just below the top
hinge (200 mm is a typical spacing) it is able to
resist part of the outwards bending moment, and so
reduces the tendency of the door to sag in service.
For these reasons, if load carrying is expected to be
the major requirement for door hinges, they should
be fitted with two hinges high up and one low down,
whereas equally spaced hinges should be used for
doors where resistance to warping or whipping is
expected to be more important.
It should be noted that there is an opinion held by
some users and supported by some manufacturers
that large or heavy doors in situations with heavy
traffic should be hung in such a manner that the
bottom hinge carries very little load, acting mainly
as a pivot to control the location and movement of
the door. In such situations the maximum mass of
leaf supportable should be reduced by one third to
compensate for the lack of support normally
provided by the bottom hinge.
For door widths greater than 950 mm the increased
bending moment should be allowed for by a
reduction in the maximum mass of leaf supportable
by each class of hinge as shown in Table 11. For
widths above 1 250 mm the advice of the
manufacturer or specialist supplier should be
sought.
© BSI 03-1999
BS 7352:1990
Table 11 — Reduction in maximum mass of
leaf for wide doors
Door widths Reduction in maximum
mass of leaf
mm %
951 to 1 050 10
1 051 to 1 150 20
1 151 to 1 250 30
For doors of height above about 2 100 mm it is
advisable that a fourth hinge should be fitted. Equal
spacing gives maximum resistance to warping,
whereas if the four hinges are fitted with two high
and two low this achieves the best results in terms
of load carrying ability.
However many hinges are used, it is important that
they be fitted accurately with the axes of the pins as
nearly as possible in line with each other. Any errors
will cause the hinges to be strained as the leaf
rotates, making operation of the door or window
more difficult. More rapid wear of the bearing
surfaces or loosening of the fixings is likely to result.
Squeaking of hinges is commonly due to inaccurate
alignment.
Rising butt door hinges were originally introduced
to improve the clearance between a door and carpets
fitted up to its opening. Later the self closing effect
came to be regarded as beneficial, particularly for
doors for toilet or shower cubicles. For the self
closing action to be effective a certain minimum door
weight is necessary to overcome the friction in the
hinges.
C.8 Corrosion protection
Approximately two thirds of hinges are supplied in
self colour mill finish for use in situations where the
leaf and its hinges are to be painted in situ as part
of a decoration scheme after installation and where
it is expected that redecoration will take place from
time to time. No special corrosion protection is
necessary for these hinges.
A variety of decorative and/or corrosion-resistant
treatments is applied to other hinges. Exposure
conditions in increasing order of severity range from
dry interiors through interiors where dampness or
condensation are common to external exposure in
unpolluted atmospheres and finally to external
exposure in atmospheres polluted by chemicals,
including salt in marine situations. The rate of
corrosive attack may vary by a factor of about ten
times according to the conditions of exposure, and
different surface treatments differ in their
resistance to different environments. The exposure
conditions for window hinges are, in general, more
severe than for door hinges because condensation
occurs more frequently and exposure to external
atmospheres is the norm.
13
BS 7352:1990
Accelerated corrosion tests such as the neutral salt
spray test specified in clause 6 cause chemical
attack of the surface by mechanisms different from
those which occur naturally. For this reason
performance in such tests is not directly
proportional to life expectancy in service. There is,
however, a good degree of correlation. For guidance,
finishes which resist 24 h exposure to neutral salt
spray are likely to perform well in most interior
conditions, those with 48 h resistance are likely to
be better for specially damp interiors or for
unpolluted exteriors, and finishes with 96 h or more
resistance are best for polluted atmospheres.
C.9 Fastenings
Hinges have to be fixed to a wide variety of
materials including softwoods, hardwoods, particle
boards, extruded aluminium profiles, sheet metals
and plastics extrusions (which may also be
reinforced with other materials).
Conventional woodscrews are suitable for fixing to
timber, but it is advisable that properly
dimensioned pilot holes should be provided in all
cases and they are essential for some hardwoods.
When woodscrews made from stainless steel,
aluminium, brass, bronze or other relatively soft
materials are used, the risk of breaking such screws
is reduced if a conventional steel woodscrew of the
same dimensions is fitted first to “size” the hole
before finally fitting the softer screw. Unplated steel
screws should only be used when the installation is
to be painted in situ. Otherwise the screws should be
protectively treated, e.g. zinc plated and passivated,
or should be of materials inherently more resistant
to corrosion such as stainless steel, brass or
aluminium.
Contact between dissimilar metals in damp
environments can initiate electrolytic corrosion
which abnormally increases the rate of attack. This
behaviour is discussed in PD 6484. The document
tabulates pairs of metals using a rating system
which indicates how much the rate of attack is
increased, from which undesirable contacts can be
seen, e.g. brass screws should not be used with
aluminium hinges.
2)
Published by the Association of Builders’ Hardware Manufacturers and available from Heath Street, Tamworth, Staffs
B79 7JH.
3)
Published by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers and available from 8 Stepney Green, London E1 9JU.
14
The holding power of threaded fasteners in different
materials depends on the thread form, and special
thread forms have been developed to suit particle
boards, aluminium extrusions, unreinforced
plastics extrusions and reinforced plastics
extrusions. Even in timber the holding power can be
improved by using recently developed fully threaded
twin-start thread designs. Proper selection of
fastenings reduces the risk of loosening of hinges.
C.10 Maintenance
Loosening of hinges is usually caused by poor
alignment or by incorrect choice of screws. Loose
screws should be tightened, and if possible the
problem should be eliminated by realigning the
hinges or by replacing the screws with a more
suitable type.
Hinges are usually supplied dry by manufacturers
because there are objections to oily hinges by fitters
who find it difficult to avoid transferring oily marks
to doors and windows. In the great majority of cases
oiling immediately after installation and from time
to time during service significantly reduces wear.
The exceptions are special situations, such as very
dusty locations in which a mixture of oil and grit can
act as a grinding paste which accelerates wear, or
public toilet rooms which may be regularly hosed
down or washed with detergent solutions which
remove the oil. For such situations specialist dry
film lubricants may be used.
Whilst squeaking of hinges is a sign of lack of
lubrication, if it occurs frequently misalignment
should be suspected.
C.11 Fire door applications
The integrity of a fire door is entirely dependent on
the ability of the hinges to withstand the
temperatures reached and stresses which occur
during a fire. Detailed specialist advice can be found
in “ABHM Code of Practice for Hardware Essential
to the Optimum Performance of Fire Resisting
Timber Doorsets”2) and in “Code of Practice.
Architectural Ironmongery Suitable for Use on Fire
Resisting Self-closing Timber and Emergency Exit
Doors”3). Such a degree of detail is beyond the scope
of this British Standard, and these publications
should be consulted. They list the following factors
of major importance.
a) The melting point of the materials used. Low
melting point materials such as aluminium
alloys, zinc base diecasting alloys, and plastics
are not suitable. Building Regulations require a
minimum melting point of 800 °C.
© BSI 03-1999

b) The number of hinges fitted. Three hinges
equally spaced resist leaf deformation best, but
the increasing use of intumescent seals is making
this requirement less important.
c) The use of rising butt hinges to provide self
closing action is not allowed by some authorities
and is only permitted by some authorities in
defined situations. In all cases conformity with
Building Regulations is essential.
d) The size of the hinge being used, particularly
the width of the leaf in relation to the door
thickness and the amount of timber remaining as
a fire-resisting barrier between the edge of the
hinge rebate and the edge of the door.
e) The position of screw holes and the length and
type of screws used can affect holding power
during a fire.
f) Types of hinges which allow easy removal of a
door, e.g. loose pin, snap in or lift off hinges, are
not allowed by some authorities because of
concern that fire doors should not easily be
removable.
© BSI 03-1999
BS 7352:1990
Wherever possible, hinges and doors which are
known to have been fire tested together as a system
should be used for fire door applications because
apparently insignificant changes to assembly detail
can affect the integrity of the assembly or the way in
which heat transference occurs, and so alter the way
the door behaves during a fire.
C.12 Security
Where the risk of burglary is significant, the use of
face-fixed hinges or hinges with loose pins that may
easily be removed should be avoided.
Resistance to violent impact may be improved by
selecting doorsets or hinges that have been tested to
the heavy duty or severe duty requirements of the
heavy body impact test described in 4.5 and A.9 of
DD 171:1987.
15
16 blank
 BS 7352:1990

Publications referred to

BS 1245, Specification for metal door frames (steel).

BS 4787, Internal and external wood doorsets, door leaves and frames.
BS 4787-1, Specification for dimensional requirements.
BS 5466, Methods for corrosion testing of metallic coatings.
BS 5466-1, Neutral salt spray test (NSS test).
PD 6484, Commentary on corrosion at bimetallic contacts and its alleviation.
PD 6512, Use of elements of structural fire protection with particular reference to the recommendations given
in BS 5588 “Fire precautions in the design and construction of buildings”.
PD 6512-1, Guide to fire doors.
DD 171, Guide to specifying performance requirements for hinged or pivoted doors (including test methods).
ABHM Code of Practice for Hardware Essential to the Optimum Performance of Fire Resisting Timber
Doorsets.
Code of Practice. Architectural Ironmongery Suitable for Use on Fire Resisting Self-closing Timber and
Emergency Exit Doors.

© BSI 03-1999
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