Von Duprin 101

An exit device may be either panic exit hardware or fire exit hardware. The exit device consists of a door latching assembly incorporating an actuating member which releases the latching or locking mechanisms upon the application of force in the direction of exit travel. The actuating member is frequently referred to as a push bar, push pad, or crossbar, and must extend at least half the width of the door leaf.

Panic exit hardware and fire exit hardware may be very similar in construction, but may differ in materials or components to ensure compliance. 

Panic exit hardware is an exit device which is tested for use on a door that is required to have panic hardware, but cannot be used on a fire door.  Panic hardware typically has the dogging feature, which allows the latches to be held retracted to create a push/pull function. 

Fire exit hardware is not permitted to have mechanical dogging, but electric latch retraction/electronic dogging, is permitted. When the latch is held retracted electrically, the door must become positively latched during a fire emergency by way of an automatic fail-safe device that is activated by an automatic fire detector.  

Both panic and fire exit hardware are listed to UL305; while fire exit hardware requires an additional listing to UL10C.

Exit devices operate by applying force to the actuating member in the direction of door swing. This force actuates mechanisms in the device that unlatch the door allowing free egress, which is crucial in emergency exit scenarios. 

Free egress is the ability to exit unobstructedly from all parts of a building, at all times, when it is occupied.

Von Duprin offers several exit device types for a variety of applications*:  

No suffix: Rim - Latchbolt is located in centercase and secured when latcholt is in strike
27: surface-mounted vertical rod (SVR) - Rods and latches mounted on the surface of the door
47: concealed vertical rod (CVR) - Rods and latches concealed within the structure of the door
47WDC: wood door concealed (WDC) vertical rod - CVR devices specific to wood and wood laminate doors
48: concealed vertical rod (CVR) - CVR with extended throw bottom latch for large door undercuts
49: concealed vertical cable (CVC) - Concealed cables in lieu of rods
50WDC: wood door concealed (WDC) vertical cable - CVR with concealed cables in lieu of rods specific to wood and wood laminate doors
52: 1-point concealed vertical cable (pool exit hardware) - Exit device specifically designed for harsh pool environments
57: 3-point latching - Combination Rim and SVR device providing latching at the centercase and top and bottom of the door
75: mortise lock devices - Single point mortise lock exit device; latching mechanism is within a case that fits into the edge of the door

*Availability varies by series. 

For more information, check out this video, Intro to door hardware video on types of panic hardware.

Requirements for exit devices may vary by location and local codes should be consulted. Both International Building Code (IBC) and National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) have specific testing requirements for both panic and fire exit hardware.  Panic hardware is required to be listed and labeled for compliance to UL305 Standard for Safety "Panic Hardware".  Fire exit hardware is required to be listed and labeled for compliance to UL305 as well as UL10C Standard for Safety "Positive Pressure Fire Tests of Door Assemblies."

Codes such as NFPA 101 The Life Safety Code and International Building Code (IBC) include requirements pertaining to panic hardware. NFPA 101 and IBC are frequently used as the basis for many state building codes such as California Building Code (CBC), but adoptions may vary. The International Fire Code (IFC) is the base code for many state fire codes. Application of any code may vary depending on which publication and edition are being enforced in a particular jurisdiction.  

To learn more about how code impacts vary by region, contact an Allegion Code Expert (ACE) in your state.

To understand where panic door hardware is required by code, watch this Intro to Door Hardware video.

Dogging uses a mechanism to hold the latching portion of the device in the retracted position. 

Von Duprin offers several dogging options, including: 

• Hex dogging (HD) and cylinder dogging (CD) options are located behind the pushbar on the mechanism case of the device
• Special dogging (SD) is located on the centercase assembly
• Electric latch retraction (QEL)  is also a way to electronically dog the latch(es)

There are also indicator options available that provide visual verification of the dogged status of the device.

View the video, How to Mechanically Dog A Von Duprin Exit Device, for installation instructions.

Several criteria must be considered when choosing an exit device:

• Standards and code requirements (including, but not limited to fire, accessibility, hurricane ratings)
• Dimensions of opening (height, width, door thickness, and width of the vertical stile on the door)
• Door material
• Aesthetics
• Special features (e.g., electric latch retraction, delayed egress, or alarm kits)

The most important consideration is the standards and code requirements. 

Learn more about codes that impact your region.

There are several ways to adjust panic hardware. To learn how to adjust specific panic devices, please reference the installation instructions or contact product support in the resources linked below.

• Von Duprin document library
  
• Check out the technical videos on the exit devices and electric strikes video playlist, curated by the Allegion Commercial Technical Product Support team 
• Interactive installation instructions are available for some Von Duprin products 

For technical product support, contact us.

For operation and troubleshooting, installation instructions are the most helpful as they contain device-specific information. 

Catalogs and data sheets provide helpful overviews of devices such as features and accessories, device types, and special requirements. 

For how-to and educational videos, check out the Von Duprin training videos page.

iDigHardware is also a great resource for more information. 

Von Duprin's product lineup, including the 98/99 and 33A/35A Series, offers diverse exit device solutions that integrate seamlessly with electric door strikes for heightened security.

• 98/99 Series Exit Devices 
• 33A/35A Series Exit Devices
• 22 Series Exit Devices
• 55 Series Exit Devices
• 88 Series Exit Devices
• 94/95 Series INPACT Exit Devices
• 2670 Guard-X Exit Devices

Don't see what you're are looking for? Click on the "+ Need more help" below.

You can contact Allegion Customer Service (sales support) or Technical Support (product support) by phone or by email:

By phone: 1-877-671-7011

Press 1: Customer Service 

Press 2: Technical support

               Then, Press 3: Exit Devices & Electric Strikes

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Exit Devices