ALOA Door Hardware and Exit Devices 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary function of a door closer in commercial applications?
- To prevent unauthorized entry from outside
- To control closing speed and ensure the door returns to the closed position after each use (Correct answer)
- To provide emergency egress capability
- To reinforce the door frame against forced entry
Correct answer: To control closing speed and ensure the door returns to the closed position after each use
A door closer controls the sweep and latch speed of a door, ensuring it returns completely to the closed and latched position after every opening.
Question 2: Which ANSI/BHMA grade designation indicates the highest level of commercial door hardware durability?
- Grade 3
- Grade 2
- Grade 1 (Correct answer)
- Grade 4
Correct answer: Grade 1
ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 is the highest grade, subjected to the most rigorous cycle and load testing and required for heavy commercial applications.
Question 3: What does the term 'handed' mean when referring to door hardware?
- The hardware requires manual installation by a certified technician
- The hardware includes handles on both sides of the door
- The hardware is designed for a specific left-hand or right-hand door swing orientation (Correct answer)
- The hardware is operated without any tools
Correct answer: The hardware is designed for a specific left-hand or right-hand door swing orientation
'Handed' hardware is manufactured for a specific swing direction and cannot be reversed without modification, so the correct hand must be determined before ordering.
Question 4: A mortise lock is installed by:
- Surface mounting it on the inside face of the door
- Drilling a cylindrical hole through the door face
- Attaching all hardware components to the door frame only
- Routing a rectangular pocket into the edge of the door (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Routing a rectangular pocket into the edge of the door
A mortise lock is housed in a rectangular cavity (mortise pocket) cut into the door edge, keeping the lock body concealed within the door thickness.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a door coordinator installed on a pair of doors?
- To synchronize electronic access control signals between the two leaves
- To ensure the inactive leaf closes before the active leaf (Correct answer)
- To prevent both doors from being opened simultaneously
- To coordinate automatic locking during a fire alarm
Correct answer: To ensure the inactive leaf closes before the active leaf
A door coordinator controls closing sequence so the inactive leaf (with the overlapping astragal) always closes first, preventing the active leaf from binding against it.
Question 6: What is the primary function of a strike plate in a door assembly?
- To reinforce the door face against impact during forced entry
- To hold the door hinge securely to the door frame
- To provide the recessed opening that accepts and retains the latchbolt when the door is closed (Correct answer)
- To guide the door closer arm along its travel arc
Correct answer: To provide the recessed opening that accepts and retains the latchbolt when the door is closed
The strike plate is mortised into the door frame and contains the opening that the latchbolt seats into, keeping the door securely closed.
Question 7: Which type of hinge allows a door to swing both inward and outward from a centered closed position?
- Ball-bearing hinge
- Piano (continuous) hinge
- Security stud hinge
- Double-acting hinge (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Double-acting hinge
A double-acting hinge (also called a double-swing or saloon hinge) allows the door to swing in both directions, returning to center when released.
ALOA Door Hardware and Exit Devices 1
What is the primary function of a door closer in commercial applications?