Hollow metal doors typically come in a variety of handing options to suit different installation requirements. “Handing” refers to the direction in which the door swings and the location of the hinges and hardware. Understanding the handing options available can help you select the right door for your project. Here are the common handing options for hollow metal doors:
In the commercial hollow metal door industry (following ANSI/SDI A250.8 and DHI standards), double door handing is always determined by standing on the exterior (or “key” / secure) side of the opening and looking at the doors.
To determine the handing of a pair of doors, you identify two things:
-
Which leaf is active (the primary door used for daily traffic that carries the latch/lockset), or if both are active.
-
Which direction the active leaf swings (inward away from you, or outward/reverse toward you).
Left Hand Active (LHA)
Hinge Location: The active leaf is hinged on your left. Swing Direction: Both doors swing inward (away from you). Inactive Leaf: The right-hand leaf is inactive.
Right Hand Active (RHA)
Hinge Location: The active leaf is hinged on your right. Swing Direction: Both doors swing inward (away from you). Inactive Leaf: The left-hand leaf is inactive.
Left Hand Reverse Active (LHRA)
Hinge Location: The active leaf is hinged on your left. Swing Direction: Both doors swing outward (toward you). Note: Outswinging doors are the standard for commercial exterior exits to comply with life-safety egress codes. Inactive Leaf: The right-hand leaf is inactive.
Right Hand Reverse Active (RHRA)
Hinge Location: The active leaf is hinged on your right. Swing Direction: Both doors swing outward (toward you). Inactive Leaf: The left-hand leaf is inactive.
Both Active (BA)
When neither leaf is pinned with flush bolts and both doors operate independently—typically utilizing vertical rod exit devices (panic bars), a removable mullion, or push/pull hardware—they are classified as Both Active:
| Handing Code | Full Name | Active Leaf Hinge Side (from Exterior) | Swing Direction |
| LHA | Left Hand Active | Left | Inward (Away) |
| RHA | Right Hand Active | Right | Inward (Away) |
| LHRA | Left Hand Reverse Active | Left | Outward (Toward) |
| RHRA | Right Hand Reverse Active | Right | Outward (Toward) |
| BA | Both Active | Both (Left & Right) | Inward (Away) |
| BAR | Both Active Reverse | Both (Left & Right) | Outward (Toward) |
