
Understanding Hinge Grading: Grade 7, Grade 11, Grade 13, and Grade 14 Explained
Understanding Hinge Grading: Grade 7, Grade 11, Grade 13, and Grade 14 Explained
Hinges play a pivotal role in the functionality and safety of doors, whether for residential, commercial, or industrial applications. At Roundtower Hardware, we understand the importance of selecting the right hinge for each specific requirement. This guide explores the distinctions between hinge grades—Grade 7, Grade 11, Grade 13, and Grade 14—to help you make an informed choice.
What Are Hinge Grades?
Hinge grades indicate the performance and capacity of a hinge, including its ability to support weight, withstand wear, and meet fire safety regulations. These grades are established by European standards such as BS EN 1935, which certifies hinges for specific applications.
Overview of Hinge Grades
Grade 7 Hinges
- Load Capacity: Supports doors weighing up to 40kg.
- Application: Best suited for lightweight internal doors in residential or office settings.
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Features:
- Not suitable for fire doors.
- Limited to low-traffic areas due to lower durability.
- Ideal For: Bedrooms, bathrooms, or low-use interior doors.
Grade 11 Hinges
- Load Capacity: Supports doors weighing up to 80kg.
- Application: Commonly used for medium-traffic doors, including light commercial applications.
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Features:
- Certified for use on fire doors.
- Enhanced durability compared to Grade 7.
- Ideal For: Office doors, meeting rooms, and residential entry doors.
Grade 13 Hinges
- Load Capacity: Supports doors weighing up to 120kg.
- Application: Suitable for heavy-duty use in commercial and public buildings.
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Features:
- Fire-rated for use on fire doors.
- High durability and resistance to wear and tear.
- Ideal For: Hospital doors, school doors, and high-traffic commercial applications.
Grade 14 Hinges
- Load Capacity: Supports doors weighing up to 160kg.
- Application: Designed for extremely heavy-duty and high-traffic environments.
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Features:
- Fire-rated and tested for exceptional durability.
- Suitable for large, heavy doors requiring superior strength.
- Ideal For: Industrial doors, large commercial doors, and high-security applications.
Key Differences Between Hinge Grades
Feature | Grade 7 | Grade 11 | Grade 13 | Grade 14 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Load Capacity | Up to 40kg | Up to 80kg | Up to 120kg | Up to 160kg |
Fire Door Use | Not suitable | Certified | Certified | Certified |
Durability | Low | Medium | High | Very High |
Application | Residential, low-traffic | Light commercial | Heavy-duty commercial | Industrial, high-traffic |
Choosing the Right Hinge
When selecting hinges, consider the following factors:
- Weight of the Door: Ensure the hinge’s load capacity matches or exceeds the door weight.
- Traffic Levels: Opt for higher grades in high-traffic environments to ensure longevity.
- Fire Safety Requirements: Use certified fire-rated hinges for compliance with fire regulations.
- Environment: For doors in industrial or outdoor settings, Grade 13 or Grade 14 hinges are recommended for their superior durability.
Why Choose Roundtower Hardware?
At Roundtower Hardware, we offer an extensive selection of hinges across all grades, ensuring the perfect fit for every project. Our range includes:
- Fire-Rated Hinges: Fully compliant with fire safety standards.
- Heavy-Duty Hinges: Engineered for demanding applications.
- Decorative Hinges: Combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Final Thoughts
Understanding hinge grading is essential for selecting the right hinge to meet your needs, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and longevity. Whether you’re outfitting a residential interior or a high-traffic industrial door, Roundtower Hardware has the expertise and products to help. Explore our full range of hinges at www.roundtowerhardware.com and find the perfect solution for your project today.