Hardware Testing

Element’s hardware testing services help you meet global regulatory standards with ease. Whether you're testing doors, windows, locks, or fasteners, we ensure your products are reliable, durable, and compliant with EU and US requirements. Our streamlined testing and certification process helps you accelerate time to market, reduce risks, and drive product success.

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What is Hardware Testing at Element?

Hardware testing evaluates the performance, durability, and safety of construction hardware components to ensure they meet industry standards and regulatory requirements. At Element, our testing services cover a wide range of products, including architectural hardware and construction fasteners. We use advanced testing techniques to assess the mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and overall durability of your hardware, helping to ensure compliance with global regulations.

Element building products testing engineer wearing safety equipment and hard hat

What can Element offer you for Hardware Testing?

Methods And Solutions Offered

Elements' experts can provide a variety of testing methods tailored to ensure the performance, durability, and safety of your hardware products. This includes mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, operational durability, and chemical analysis. Our solutions also encompass CE marking and ICC approval, along with specialized services such as pull-out resistance, bending yield, and hardness testing, providing a complete solution for regulatory compliance.

Products We Test

Our comprehensive durability, performance and safety testing capabilities cover architectural hardware, including complete doorset assemblies, locks, latches, hinges, closers, and exit devices. We also test construction fasteners like nails, staples, and bolts.

Key Tests Offered

Door hardware and operational testing

Quality control

Durability testing

Corrosion resistance testing

U-value calculations

UV and vibration testing

Testing to harmonized EU standards for CE marking

Failure analysis

ICC approval and testing to American governing body standards

Pull-out Resistance Testing

Bending Yield Testing

Hardness Testing

Tensile Testing

Shear Testing

Coating Weight

Chemical Analysis

Testing for Fire Resistance

For fire-related testing, our sister company Warringtonfire specialize in fire resistance testing for doorsets, shutter assemblies, and door hardware (such as locks, latches, hinges, closers, and exit devices). With accredited laboratories able to provide rigorous testing to assess fire resistance performance, you can ensure your products meet required standards. This includes testing for passive fire protection and issuing internationally recognized fire resistance reports.

Which Labs Offer This Service

Our comprehensive hardware testing services are offered across multiple accredited global laboratories in the UK, Europe and United States. These include our UKAS-accredited labs in High Wycombe and Warrington, as well as our BELAC-accredited laboratory in Gent alongside our labs in Singapore, Hong Kong and the USA. These locations are equipped with advanced facilities to handle a wide range of hardware testing needs, ensuring efficient and high-quality testing outcomes.

Standards we test to and components we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

Controlled Door Closers to EN1154

Electrically Powered Hold Open Devices to EN1155

Door Coordinator Devices to EN1158

Mechanically Operated Locks to EN12209

Electromechanically Operated Locks to EN14846

Single Axis Hinges to EN1935

Emergency Exit Devices to EN179

Panic Exit Devices to EN1125

Corrosion Resistance to EN1670

Cylinders for Locks to EN1303

Lever Handles and Knob Furniture to EN1906

Flushbolts to EN12051

Thief resistant locks to BS3621, BS8621, BS10621

Mechanically operated push-button locksets to BS8607

Multi-point locks to PAS3621

Pull Handles to BS8424

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc.

Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc. (SBCCI)

International Code Council (ICC), formerly ICBO

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Navigating Complex International Standards

Element simplifies compliance for hardware manufacturers by offering testing services that meet stringent EU and US standards. Our accredited labs ensure your construction hardware—like locks and exit devices—comply with standards such as EN 1154 and ASTM, ensuring smooth certification.

Withstanding Harsh Conditions

Our rigorous performance testing, such as corrosion and pull-out resistance, ensures that your hardware can withstand the toughest conditions. Whether testing door closers or mechanical locks, our testing identifies weak points before they affect performance or safety in real-world applications.

Delays from Lengthy Testing

Our accredited labs provide fast, efficient testing services across multiple testing categories, such as mechanical testing of locks (EN 12209). We offer rapid turnaround for both mechanical and electromechanical components, helping manufacturers accelerate product development and certification.

Verifying Fire Resistance

Through our sister company, Warringtonfire we can provide comprehensive fire resistance testing for doorsets, shutter assemblies, and associated hardware, in compliance with international standards. Our accredited laboratories ensure your products meet fire safety regulations, internationally recognized test reports.

Why Choose Element

Element building products testing engineer in front of glass panel in industrial facility

Simplified Compliance for Global Standards

Element’s accredited labs help you meet complex EU and US standards, enabling smooth certification for your products.

Ensuring Hardware Durability

From corrosion resistance to pull-out testing, Element guarantees that your hardware performs reliably under tough conditions, ensuring long-term functionality.

Fast, Efficient Testing Services

Element’s efficient testing process and rapid turnaround helps you meet tight deadlines and accelerate time to market.

Comprehensive, Globally Recognized Testing

Element offers globally recognized hardware testing at accredited labs in High Wycombe, Warrington, Gent, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the USA.

Frequently asked questions

Does Element offer fire resistance testing for hardware components?

While Element specializes in a broad range of mechanical and performance testing for hardware, we partner with Warringtonfire, our sister company, for comprehensive fire resistance testing. Warringtonfire provides accredited fire testing for doorsets, shutter assemblies, and associated hardware like locks, latches, and closers, ensuring compliance with British, European, and international fire safety standards. This allows Element to offer a full-service solution for both fire and performance testing.