The appropriate specification and correct selection of hinges is crucial to their performance and depends on the following factors; 1. Is it a fire, smoke or emergency escape door? 2. How heavy is the door and what are the door dimension (height, width and thickness)? 3. What is the door's construction and are there any unusal features that could affect the hinges? 4. Where is the door situated e.g internal or external; is it near the coast or in a swiming pool? 5. What level of use/abuse will the door be subject to e.g office, hospital or school corridor? 6. What other items of hardware are to be fitted, that may be affect the hinge performance, typically door closer or door stops? 7. Any other unusal features involved e.g. door has radius top or the door is a bifold.

American National Standard Institute (ANSI) ANSI 156.1 This Standard establishes requirements for butts and hinges. Cycle tests, lateral and vertical wear tests, friction tests, strength tests, finish tests, and material and dimensional requirements are included.