Pemko 171A Saddle Threshold - 1/2" x 5" Mill Finish Aluminum -36"

The Pemko 171A is a saddle threshold in 1/2-inch height, 5-inch width, and 36-inch length, manufactured from mill finish aluminum. It sits at the base of a door opening, spanning the gap between the doorstep and the floor surface on the other side. The symmetrical saddle profile is flat across the top with a gradual taper on both sides - no abrupt edge for occupants to trip on, no vertical face that creates a barrier at the door base.

The 1/2-inch height makes the 171A ADA-compliant for accessible routes. The ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and ICC/ANSI A117.1 both set a maximum threshold height of 1/2 inch for thresholds on accessible routes. At exactly 1/2 inch, the 171A meets that maximum. California Building Code Title 24 adds a state-level accessible design standard, and the 171A meets that as well. For commercial buildings required to maintain accessible door clearances on any entry or interior route, the 171A is a compliant option at the threshold.

Fire Door Application: Category J Listed

The 171A carries Category J approval, which covers its use as a component in fire-rated door assemblies. This isn't a decorative listing - fire door hardware submittals require that every component at the opening, including the threshold, be listed for use with the door's fire rating.

Category J approval on the 171A covers:

Listed steel frames and classified steel covered composite or hollow metal doors: up to and including 3 hours. Wood and plastic covered composite doors: up to and including 1-1/2 hours. Wood core doors: 20 minutes.

When specifying the Pemko 171A for a fire-rated opening, confirm the door's fire label and match it to the Category J listing. A 3-hour hollow metal fire door assembly can use the 171A. A 1-hour wood door can use the 171A. A 3-hour wood door cannot - wood fire doors are only rated up to 1-1/2 hours under this listing.

ANSI Numbers and Cross References

The 171A carries ANSI numbers J32100 and J32130 for aluminum thresholds. For contractors and facilities managers matching the 171A to a specification that references a competitor threshold, the following products are equivalent:

Draftseal DS500, Hager 412, NGP 425, Reese S104, Reese S205, Zero 545, K N Crowder CT-10.

If the hardware schedule calls for any of these by competitor model number, the Pemko 171A is the drop-in equivalent in mill finish aluminum at 1/2-inch height and 5-inch width. The NGP 425 (stocked separately in this catalog as NGP 425E) is the most commonly encountered equivalent in commercial door hardware specifications - same profile, same ANSI numbers, different manufacturer.

Installation: What to Know Before You Cut

The 171A ships at 36 inches and is field-cuttable to net width. Measure the door opening width from inside the door stops to confirm the net length needed before cutting. Most standard commercial doors have a nominal 36-inch width, but the net threshold length between door stops is typically 34 to 35-1/2 inches. Cut to fit with a miter saw or hacksaw.

The threshold attaches to the floor with screws through the threshold base. Pre-drill the floor to prevent cracking on concrete or ceramic tile. Set the threshold tight to the door bottom sweep (if installed) or to a sill seal - the saddle threshold alone doesn't provide a weatherseal. Pair it with a door bottom sweep or automatic door bottom for weather protection.

Pemko 171A Specifications

• SKU: 171A36

• Also known as: Pemko 171A, 171A threshold, pemko 171a threshold, 171A36, 171 threshold, pemko 171, threshold 171a, 180+36 threshold, saddle threshold 5 inch aluminum, NGP 425 equivalent, Hager 412 equivalent, Draftseal DS500 equivalent, Zero 545 equivalent

• Type: Saddle threshold, symmetrical profile

• Manufacturer: Pemko (Allegion)

• Length: 36" (171A36)

• Width: 5" (127mm)

• Height: 1/2" (12.7mm)

• Material: Mill finish aluminum

• ADA: Compliant; ADAAG-1998 (Amended); ICC/ANSI A117.1; California Building Code Title 24 for Barrier-Free Entry

• Fire door listing: Category J

• Steel/HM doors: Up to 3 hours

• Wood/plastic covered composite doors: Up to 1-1/2 hours

• Wood core doors: 20 minutes

• ANSI: J32100, J32130 (aluminum)

• Cross references: Draftseal DS500; Hager 412; NGP 425; Reese S104, S205; Zero 545; K N Crowder CT-10

• Lengths available: 36" standard (other lengths available - contact 877-471-4870)

• Resources: Downloads section on this page