The BS EN 1935 standard provides extensive guidance on the performance, classification, testing, and application of single-axis hinges. It covers various aspects, including product types, classification by use, test cycles, door mass, corrosion resistance, and marking. Additionally, the standard defines product performance requirements, test methods, test apparatus, and includes annexes detailing specifications for special applications.
Product Classification and Identification
EN 1935 classifies door furniture through an 8-digit coding system, which is consistent across all building hardware standards. This system ensures that complementary hardware items (such as locks, handles, or latches) can be specified with matching features—such as a common level of corrosion resistance, category of use, and durability. Each digit in the code corresponds to a particular product feature that meets specific performance requirements set out by the standard.
- Category of Use: Four categories identify the appropriate duty level of the hinge:
- Grade 1: Light duty
- Grade 2: Medium duty
- Grade 3: Heavy duty
- Grade 4: Severe duty
- Durability (Test Cycles): The durability of a single-axis hinge is measured in test cycles. Three durability grades exist:
- Grade 3: 10,000 test cycles (light duty, for windows only)
- Grade 4: 25,000 test cycles (light duty, for windows and doors)
- Grade 7: 200,000 test cycles (medium, heavy, and severe duty, for doors only)
- Test Door Mass: Hinges are categorized based on the mass of the door they are designed to support. The standard defines eight door mass grades, ranging from 10 kg to 160 kg:
- Grade 0: 10 kg
- Grade 1: 20 kg
- Grade 2: 40 kg
- Grade 3: 60 kg
- Grade 4: 80 kg
- Grade 5: 100 kg
- Grade 6: 120 kg
- Grade 7: 160 kg
- Suitability for Fire/Smoke Door Use: There are two grades for suitability concerning fire and smoke-resistant doors:
- Grade 0: Not suitable for fire/smoke-resistant door assemblies.
- Grade 1: Suitable for fire/smoke-resistant door assemblies, provided the hinge’s contribution to the fire resistance is assessed per EN 1634-1 (fire resistance testing).
- Safety: Single-axis hinges must meet essential safety requirements in terms of use. As such, only one grade is identified:
- Grade 1: Satisfactory for safety standards.
- Corrosion Resistance: Corrosion resistance is defined in five grades, aligned with the European standard EN 1670:
- Grade 0: No defined corrosion resistance.
- Grade 1: Mild resistance.
- Grade 2: Moderate resistance.
- Grade 3: High resistance.
- Grade 4: Very high resistance.
- Security: Two security grades are provided for hinges:
- Grade 0: Not suitable for use on burglar-resistant door assemblies.
- Grade 1: Suitable for use in applications requiring a degree of security. Annex C of the standard outlines which hinge grades are recommended for specific levels of security.
- Hinge Grade: This digit indicates the specific hinge grade based on usage, test cycles, and door mass. Fourteen distinct grades exist, ranging from window hinges with light duty requirements (10,000 cycles for 10 kg doors) to heavy-duty door hinges (200,000 cycles for 160 kg doors). Below is a summary of hinge grades:
| Hinge Grade | Usage | Test Cycles | Door Mass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Window | 10,000 | 10 kg |
| 2 | Window | 10,000 | 20 kg |
| 3 | Window/Door | 25,000 | 20 kg |
| 4 | Door | 200,000 | 20 kg |
| 5 | Window | 10,000 | 40 kg |
| 6 | Window/Door | 25,000 | 40 kg |
| 7 | Door | 200,000 | 40 kg |
| 8 | Window | 10,000 | 60 kg |
| 9 | Window/Door | 25,000 | 60 kg |
| 10 | Door | 200,000 | 60 kg |
| 11 | Door | 200,000 | 80 kg |
| 12 | Door | 200,000 | 100 kg |
| 13 | Door | 200,000 | 120 kg |
| 14 | Door | 200,000 | 160 kg |
CE Certification for Door Hinges:
A CE marking indicates that a product complies with European Union (EU) safety, health, and environmental protection standards. Specifically, a CE door hinge—often referred to as the Conformité Européenne door hinge—guarantees that the hinge meets essential European performance and quality standards.
Choosing CE certified door hinges is crucial for ensuring the reliability, durability, and safety of doors in both residential and commercial settings. CE-certified hinges are a sound investment, providing peace of mind and ensuring long-lasting performance whether the hinges are used in standard applications or high-performance settings, such as fire doors or burglar-resistant doors.
By selecting CE-certified hinges, you help ensure the safety and functionality of doors, knowing they conform to stringent standards for durability, corrosion resistance, and security.
