A short list of the organizations, standards, and agencies we rely on when we help architects and general contractors specify, procure, and install doors, frames, and hardware. Use it to find the source behind a code requirement, a standard, or a listing.

• Where to look
• Industry associations
• Codes and life safety
• Testing and listing
• Accessibility
• Professional organizations
• Related trades

Where to look

Start here if you have a question and are not sure which organization has the answer.

Installing, inspecting, and maintaining fire doors

NFPA 80, from the National Fire Protection Association

Smoke door assemblies

NFPA 105, from the National Fire Protection Association

Quality levels, tolerances, and installation of steel doors and frames

Steel Door Institute (SDI) standards

Guide specifications and terminology for hollow metal

Hollow Metal Manufacturers Association (HMMA)

Hardware grades, finishes, and function standards

Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA)

Egress, occupancy, and building code requirements

International Code Council (ICC) and NFPA 101

Clearances, thresholds, and accessible hardware

ADA Standards and the U.S. Access Board, plus ICC A117.1

Storm shelter and safe room doors

ICC 500 and FEMA P-361

Checking a fire label or listing

UL Solutions and Intertek (Warnock Hersey)

Certifications for hardware consultants and fire door inspectors

Door and Hardware Institute (DHI)

Where doors and hardware sit in the specification

Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), MasterFormat Division 08

Industry associations and standards

The groups that write and maintain the standards for doors, frames, and hardware.

• Door and Hardware Institute (DHI) (opens in a new tab) The professional association for the door, frame, hardware, and access control industry. Offers education, certification, and industry standards.
• Steel Door Institute (SDI) (opens in a new tab) Publishes standards and technical data for steel doors and frames, along with a door selector, installation instructions, and AIA continuing education.
• Hollow Metal Manufacturers Association (HMMA) (opens in a new tab) A division of NAAMM. Publishes guide specifications, a glossary of terms, and technical standards for hollow metal doors and frames.
• National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers (NAAMM) (opens in a new tab) The parent organization of HMMA, covering a range of architectural metal products.
• Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) (opens in a new tab) Develops ANSI/BHMA standards for builders hardware, including performance grades and finish designations.
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI) (opens in a new tab) Oversees U.S. voluntary consensus standards, including many referenced in door and hardware specifications.
• ASTM International (opens in a new tab) Publishes the material and test standards cited in steel, door, and frame specifications.

Codes and life safety

Code editions vary by state and local jurisdiction. Confirm which edition applies to your project with the authority having jurisdiction.

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) (opens in a new tab) Publishes NFPA 80 (fire doors and other opening protectives), NFPA 105 (smoke door assemblies), and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code).
• International Code Council (ICC) (opens in a new tab) Publishes the International Building Code, the ICC A117.1 accessibility standard, and ICC 500 for storm shelters.
• Florida Building Commission (opens in a new tab) Information on the Florida Building Code and its product approval program, relevant to wind and hurricane-rated openings.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (opens in a new tab) Publishes FEMA P-361, design guidance for safe rooms and community storm shelters.

Testing and listing agencies

Fire-rated doors, frames, and hardware carry labels from an accredited testing and listing agency.

• UL Solutions (opens in a new tab) Tests, certifies, and lists fire-rated door and frame assemblies and their components.
• Intertek (Warnock Hersey) (opens in a new tab) Lists and labels fire-rated openings under the Warnock Hersey mark.

Accessibility

• ADA.gov (opens in a new tab) U.S. Department of Justice information on the Americans with Disabilities Act and the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
• U.S. Access Board (opens in a new tab) The federal agency that develops accessibility guidelines and standards for buildings and facilities.

Professional and trade organizations

• American Institute of Architects (AIA) (opens in a new tab) The professional association for architects, with continuing education and contract documents.
• Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) (opens in a new tab) Publishes MasterFormat, which organizes Division 08 (Openings) and the rest of the specification.
• Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) (opens in a new tab) A national trade association for general contractors, with training, safety, and industry resources.
• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) (opens in a new tab) A national trade association for contractors, with training and industry resources.
• U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) (opens in a new tab) Develops the LEED rating system. A reference for recycled content and material credits.

Related trades and materials

Doors and frames have to coordinate with the walls and glazing around them.

• Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) (opens in a new tab) Standards and certification for wood doors and related products.
• National Glass Association (NGA) (opens in a new tab) Resources on architectural glass and glazing.
• Gypsum Association (opens in a new tab) Fire-resistance and design information for gypsum board wall assemblies that frames must coordinate with.

These links are provided for reference. Hollon Consulting is not affiliated with these organizations and does not control their content. Requirements change and vary by jurisdiction, so always confirm the current code edition and project specification before making a decision. Know of a resource we should add? Let us know. Last reviewed September 2026.