HES 9600 Hurricane Zone Applications
The HES 9600 carries Florida Building Code approval FL# 14307 and ANSI/SDI A250.13 windstorm certification—making it the required electric strike for hurricane-rated door assemblies in Florida's High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ), including Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Hanchett Entry Systems (HES), an ASSA ABLOY company, engineered the 9600 to pass TAS 201, TAS 202, and TAS 203 testing protocols for debris impact and cyclic wind pressure resistance.
Why is the HES 9600 required in hurricane zones?
Building codes in Florida and coastal high-wind zones require windstorm-rated hardware on exterior openings. The HES 9600's FL# 14307 approval certifies it has passed TAS 201, TAS 202, and TAS 203 testing for debris impact and cyclic pressure resistance.
HES 9600 Windstorm Certifications
- Florida Building Code FL# 14307—Approved for HVHZ
- ANSI/SDI A250.13—Windstorm resistance for steel doors
- ASTM E330—Structural wind load testing
- TAS 201—Large missile impact (9 lb. 2×4 at 50 fps)
- TAS 202—Cyclic pressure differential (9,000 cycles)
- TAS 203—Structural load to failure
What areas require windstorm-rated hardware?
Florida's High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) includes Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Other coastal areas have varying wind speed requirements—check local building codes for specific requirements. The HES 9600 is commonly specified in:
- Florida (statewide, with strictest requirements in HVHZ)
- Texas Gulf Coast
- Louisiana Gulf Coast
- Carolinas coastal regions
- Caribbean territories
What are the installation requirements for windstorm compliance?
The HES 9600 must be installed in fail-secure mode for windstorm rating validity. Converting to fail-safe operation voids the windstorm certification. Additional requirements include:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operation mode | Fail-secure only (power to unlock) |
| Exit device | Windstorm-rated rim device with 3/4" Pullman latchbolt |
| Door assembly | Complete windstorm-rated assembly (door, frame, hardware) |
| Mounting | Per manufacturer instructions |
| Documentation | FL# approval number and NOA on file |
Converting the HES 9600 to fail-safe operation removes the windstorm certification. For Florida Building Code compliance, the strike must remain in its factory fail-secure configuration.
Can the HES 9600 be used on fire-rated doors in hurricane zones?
No—there is no single strike that provides both fire rating and windstorm certification. If an opening requires both fire and windstorm ratings, consult with the door manufacturer and authority having jurisdiction to determine which rating takes priority.
| Door Requirement | HES Model |
|---|---|
| Windstorm-rated (non-fire) | HES 9600 |
| Fire-rated (non-windstorm) | HES 9500 |
| Both fire and windstorm | Consult AHJ—no single solution |
What documentation is required?
Hurricane zone projects require product approval documentation for permitting and inspection. The HES 9600's Florida Product Approval can be verified at the Florida DBPR website using approval number FL# 14307.
For Florida Building Code compliance requirements, see the HES 9600 Florida Building Code compliance guide and the Miami-Dade NOA requirements page.