Glossary of Hinge Terminology

ANSI-approved - The American National Standards Institute (ANSI /ˈænsi/ AN-see) is a private non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States.

BHMA - Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association

Butt Hinge - A short hinge of the pin & barrel type; also called a Mortise hinge.

Concealed Hinge - A hinge that mounts the inside edge of the frame and door; hinge leaves are not visible when door is closed.

Continuous Hinge - A hinge that runs the entire length of the door.

Door Inset - The amount of space a door is set back from the face of the door frame.

Door Leaf - The half of the hinge that attaches to the door.

Electric Modifications/Preps

AP - Access Panel

ATW - Accessible Through-Wire

CMG - Concealed Adjustable Magnetic Monitor Switch

CPT - Current Power Transfer

CTW - Concealed Through-Wire

EMS - Exposed Electric Monitor Switch

EPT - Electric Power Transfer

RP - Removable Panel

FGI - Facility Guidelines Institute. Its Behavioral Health Design Guide provides current information regarding products and philosophies that the FGI has identified as better for use in psychiatric hospitals and behavioral health facilities.

Flush Mounted Hinge - A hinge that requires no door inset.

Frame Leaf - The half of the hinge that attaches to the door frame.

Full Surface Hinge - Synonymous to Surface Mount; a hinge that is fastened to the face of both the door and the frame.

Gear Cap - A protective channel that covers the hinge gears.

Geared Hinge - A hinge that features geared “teeth” that mesh together (without a pin) to open and close.

Half Mortise Hinge - A hinge that is fastened to the frame face (hinge jamb) and edge of door (hinge stile).

Half Surface Hinge - A hinge that is fastened to the frame rabbet (hinge jamb) and the door face.

Heavy Duty - A SELECT Heavy Duty 300 (HD300) hinge supports up to 300 lb. for high-frequency doors.  A SELECT Heavy Duty 600 (HD600) hinge supports up to 600 lb. for high-frequency doors. A SELECT Heavy Duty LL (LL) hinge supports up to 1,000 lb. for low- to medium-frequency doors.  NOTE: Rivnuts are recommended in the frame and door when door exceeds 450 lb. 

Leaf Cover - A protective channel that covers exposed fasteners on either a door leaf or frame leaf of a surface mount hinge.

Ligature-Resistant - In a healthcare environment, describes anything designed to deter or prevent a person from attempting to self-harm by hanging items from a point of attachment.

Load/Frequency Rating - Door weight (load) and number of open/close cycles (frequency) determine the necessary duty rating as Low-, Medium- or High-frequency.

OMH - Office of Mental Health in New York State. Its recommended Patient Safety Standards, Materials and Systems Guidelines are widely referenced in the United States when selecting materials and systems for new construction and major renovations in inpatient psychiatric environments.

Piano Hinge - A long pin & barrel hinge usually made of stainless steel.

Pin & Barrel Hinge - A traditional type of hinge that rotates on a central pin usually made of stainless steel.

Safety Hinge - A hinge designed to prevent injury to fingers caught between the hinge leaves or between the door and frame leaf.

Swing Clear Hinge - A hinge with an off-set pivot point that allows the door to swing fully outside the door frame.

The Joint Commission - An independent, not-for-profit organization, that accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. It strives through evaluations to inspire health care organizations to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value to their patients and staff.

Wide Throw Hinge - A hinge that is designed with an allowance for brick molding.