Object Door Fittings – How to Choose the Right One

The term object hardware is not yet widely used in the Czech Republic. For the preparation of construction implementations, it has not yet been mandated that a specific type of construction hardware must be used for a given type of object in a minimum class of object implementation.

Construction hardware for openings, especially door handles, door hinges, and mortise locks, which is called object hardware, should meet at least the minimum technical and functional requirements defined by certain standards applicable in the given country or community of states.

Products manufactured according to the specified standard for high-load objects should be supplied with a certificate confirming that the technical parameters of the product comply with the specific regulation and object class. Only such certified hardware can be referred to as object hardware. In the European Union, most object hardware is manufactured according to EN 1906 and the certificates are recognized in all member countries.

Abroad, especially in Germany or Austria, the use of object hardware is mandated even before the construction is realized. Depending on the character of the object, the construction hardware used for doors and windows must meet the minimum object class mentioned in the European standard. This guarantees a certain level of quality for the hardware that can be used during the construction.

In the Czech Republic, the situation is somewhat different. As a result of the absence of a binding regulation that would specify a suitable type of hardware for construction considering its character, the design of hardware, material, and price are mainly addressed during project preparation.
There is a lack of more detailed specifications of the minimum technical requirements that the hardware should meet to ensure its problem-free use in the future.

In what projects can the use of object hardware be considered?

Each project is different and requires a varied approach to selecting the right hardware. For example, we can focus on the selection of a suitable door handle.

When implementing an apartment unit or family house, the selection of the handle is simpler. The hardware is usually selected by the investor, who will most often handle the door handle in the future - it is important to choose handles that are pleasant to the touch and match the design of other interior elements. In constructions of this character, the choice is practically unrestricted. There are so many models, materials, and shapes of door handles available on the market that everyone can find the right model. High durability or long lifespan of the hardware is not the main criterion in this case.

For public construction projects, such as hotels, administrative buildings, schools, or hospitals, the selection of hardware should be more careful. It is necessary to address not only the design and material but also the technical parameters of the proposed hardware. It often happens that a perfectly shaped handle is selected, but the deficiencies of the specific hardware model are only revealed once the building is put into operation.

Usually, these are faults related to load during use. A standard handle often loosens from the square and subsequently falls out of the rosette and the plate. If the upper hardware is not fixed mutually through the doors, it can easily loosen and break off. The use of the doors thus becomes problematic, leading to repeated complaints. These complaints are costly for the door manufacturers, who usually also bear responsibility for supplying the door handles on site. Inappropriately chosen hardware can also raise questions about whether the fault lies with the designers who approved its use.

To avoid all future inconveniences, it is advisable to select hardware in object design. Its construction is prepared for higher loads, and none of the above-mentioned problems should occur.

A construction where the use of object hardware can be considered is characterized by the definition of standard EN 1906 for object hardware in class 3 load: "Hardware designated as object hardware in class 3 is intended for heavy loads. It is intended for buildings with high frequency of use. It is assumed that the hardware will not be handled considerately and the individuals using this hardware are not trained in correct usage. There is also a higher risk of damage and vandalism".

How to choose the most suitable object hardware?

For the production of object doors, it is important to also use other components in compliance with standards for object hardware. In addition to handles, door locks, hinge systems, and door closers are part of the doors. For the doors to function flawlessly, all these elements must form a compact whole. Suitable products intended for object doors are also offered by manufacturers of hinges, locks, and closers.

To facilitate the selection of the right object hardware, a specialized internet portal www.objektovekovani.cz has been created, describing technical standards and object classes. It also offers specific model ranges of hardware from significant and verified European manufacturers.

You can also view references of already realized projects in which object hardware was used. The website includes, among other things, contacts to professional advisors who will guide you in selecting the most suitable solution for your project. Everything essential about object hardware is available on this website.

> www.objektovekovani.cz