HES 9600 Florida Building Code Approval and Windstorm Certification

The HES 9600 holds Florida Building Code approval FL# 14307 for use in windstorm-rated door assemblies throughout Florida's High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ). This certification permits installation on exterior doors in Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and all Florida coastal regions requiring wind-resistant construction.

Hanchett Entry Systems (HES), an ASSA ABLOY company, achieved FL# 14307 certification by demonstrating compliance with TAS 201, TAS 202, and TAS 203 test protocols. The HES 9600 is one of the few electric strikes certified for HVHZ applications, making it the standard specification for access-controlled exterior doors in hurricane-prone regions.

FL# 14307 Certification Details

TAS Test Standards Explained

The Florida Building Code requires door hardware in HVHZ regions to pass 3 Testing Application Standards (TAS) administered by accredited testing laboratories. The HES 9600 passed all 3 standards during certification testing.

TAS 201: Large Missile Impact Test

TAS 201 evaluates resistance to windborne debris by firing a 9-pound 2x4 lumber section at the door assembly at speeds up to 50 feet per second (34 mph). The test simulates debris impact during Category 4 and Category 5 hurricane conditions. The HES 9600 must remain latched and functional after impact to pass.

TAS 202: Uniform Static Air Pressure Test

TAS 202 subjects the door assembly to sustained air pressure differentials simulating hurricane wind loads. The test applies positive and negative pressure cycles at design wind speeds up to 180 mph for HVHZ applications. The HES 9600 must maintain the latch engagement without deflection or disengagement throughout the pressure cycles.

TAS 203: Cyclic Wind Pressure Loading Test

TAS 203 evaluates fatigue resistance under repeated wind pressure reversals. The test applies 9,000 pressure cycles simulating the fluctuating loads experienced during extended hurricane exposure. The HES 9600 must maintain structural integrity and latch function after completing all cycles.

HVHZ Geographic Coverage

Florida designates 2 counties as High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) with the most stringent building code requirements:

• Miami-Dade County: All unincorporated areas and municipalities
• Broward County: All unincorporated areas and municipalities

The HES 9600's FL# 14307 approval covers both HVHZ counties. For Miami-Dade County specific requirements, additional documentation may be required by local building officials.

Non-HVHZ Wind Zones

Florida coastal areas outside Miami-Dade and Broward counties fall under the Wind-Borne Debris Region with slightly less stringent requirements. The HES 9600's FL# 14307 approval exceeds non-HVHZ requirements, permitting installation throughout Florida's coastal wind zones including:

• Palm Beach County
• Monroe County (Florida Keys)
• Collier County (Naples)
• Lee County (Fort Myers)
• All Gulf Coast and Atlantic coastal counties

Installation Requirements for FBC Compliance

Achieving Florida Building Code compliance requires adherence to 5 installation requirements:

1. Fail-Secure Configuration

The HES 9600 must be configured for fail-secure operation, where the latchbolt remains locked when power is removed. This ensures the door maintains its wind resistance during power outages common in hurricane conditions. See the fail-safe vs fail-secure configuration guide for setup instructions.

2. Approved Door Assembly

The HES 9600 certification applies when installed as part of a complete door assembly carrying its own Florida Product Approval. The door, frame, hinges, exit device, and weatherstripping must all hold valid FBC approvals. The HES 9600 cannot provide windstorm certification to an otherwise non-compliant assembly.

3. Proper Frame Attachment

Mount the HES 9600 using the specified fastener pattern with 4 mounting screws into properly prepared frame material. For hollow metal frames under 14 gauge, use Securitron BN-250 blind nuts to achieve adequate pull-out resistance. See the hollow metal frame installation guide for detailed procedures.

4. Compatible Exit Device

The rim exit device must carry its own Florida Product Approval and use a 3/4-inch Pullman latchbolt. Compatible devices include:

• Von Duprin 99, 98, 33A, 35A Series
• Sargent 8800, 8888, 80 Series
• Precision Apex 2100 Series
• Falcon 25 Series

5. Documentation Requirements

Maintain the following documentation for building department inspection:

• HES 9600 product approval letter referencing FL# 14307
• Installation verification showing fail-secure configuration
• Door assembly product approval documentation
• Inspector sign-off on completed installation

Structural Performance Data

The HES 9600's structural ratings exceed Florida Building Code minimums for HVHZ applications:

Comparison with Non-Certified Strikes

Standard electric strikes lacking Florida Building Code approval cannot be installed in HVHZ regions. The following HES models are not approved for Florida windstorm applications:

For applications requiring cylindrical or mortise lock compatibility in HVHZ regions, consult with ASSA ABLOY technical support for alternative solutions.

Common Compliance Issues

Issue 1: Fail-Safe Configuration

Installing the HES 9600 in fail-safe mode voids the FL# 14307 certification. Building inspectors may reject the installation and require reconfiguration before issuing occupancy permits. Always verify fail-secure configuration before inspection.

Issue 2: Inadequate Frame Preparation

Thin-gauge hollow metal frames (16 gauge or thinner) require blind nut reinforcement for the HES 9600 mounting screws. Screws threading directly into thin metal may pull out under wind loading, compromising the assembly's windstorm resistance.

Issue 3: Incompatible Door Assembly

The HES 9600 cannot provide windstorm certification to a door assembly lacking its own Florida Product Approval. Verify all components carry valid FBC approvals before installation.

Issue 4: Missing Documentation

Building inspectors require product approval documentation at inspection. Maintain copies of the FL# 14307 approval letter on-site during construction. Download current approval documentation from the Florida Building Code Product Approval database.

Related Compliance Guides

• HES 9600 Miami-Dade County compliance
• HES 9600 hurricane zone applications
• HES 9600 fail-safe vs fail-secure configuration
• HES 9600 certifications overview