Key takeaways
- A two-digit 98 or 99 is a rim device. A four-digit number adds the device type, such as 27 for a surface mounted vertical rod device or 75 for a mortise lock device.
- Panic device pages list hex key dogging as standard, and eight fire exit pages print "No mechanical dogging; QEL options available". The metal door concealed vertical cable pages differ.
- QEL, quiet electric latch retraction, can be activated by an access system to unlatch the device momentarily, and the catalog says "These devices always provide mechanical egress."
- A 3' device is for a door size of 2'4" to 3', a 4' device for 2'10" to 4', and the vertical rod and cable devices add a 2' length.
Which one
Which Von Duprin 98 or 99 device do I have?
Look at the mechanism case, the long case the push pad sits on: the 98 Series case is smooth and the 99 Series case grooved. On the vertical rod page, the 9827 is smooth and the 9927 grooved. The mortise page pairs the 9875 and 9975 the same way.
No type number means a rim device, whose latch sits on the face of the door. Vertical rod and cable devices latch at the top and bottom of the door unless ordered less bottom rod or less bottom latch, and a mortise device's lock sits inside the door edge.
The catalog also lists a type 52, a rim device with remote trim input that it labels pool exit hardware, shown in the trim tables as the 98/9952.
The 47 concealed vertical rod device has a deadlocking top and bottom bolt at 5/8" (16mm) throw; the 48 has a 5/8" top bolt and a 1 1/2" (38mm) bottom bolt. The cut sheet gives the 47 a 5/16" throw, so the catalog and cut sheet disagree.
For the concealed vertical cable device, the catalog gives the deadlocking top and bottom bolt a 1/2" (13mm) throw on the panic page and a 5/8" (16mm) throw on the fire exit page.
The cut sheet marks the 27, 47 and 47WDC as also available less bottom rod (LBR), and the 49 as also available less bottom latch (LBL).
All 98/99 devices are heavy-duty push pads with a fluid damper that slows the pad on its return stroke. This page leaves out the XP98/99 rim device and other Von Duprin series, such as the 22, 33A/35A, 55 and 88.
For how rim, vertical rod and mortise exit devices work on any brand, see the general guide to panic bars, vertical rods and exit devices.
| 98 and 99 numbers | Device type | Catalog describes it for | ANSI type | Fire exit version |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98, 99 | Rim exit device | All types of single and double doors with mullion | Type 1 | 98-F, 99-F |
| 9827, 9927 | Surface mounted vertical rod device | All types of single or double doors | Type 2 | 9827-F, 9927-F |
| 9875, 9975 | Mortise lock device | All types of single or double doors | Type 3 | 9875-F, 9975-F |
| 9847, 9947 | Concealed vertical rod device | Single or double metal doors | Type 8 | 9847-F, 9947-F |
| 9848, 9948 | Concealed vertical rod device | Single or double metal doors | Type 8 | 9848-F, 9948-F |
| 9849, 9949 | Concealed vertical cable device | Single or double metal doors | Type 8 | 9849-F, 9949-F |
| 9847WDC, 9947WDC | Wood door concealed vertical rod device | Single or double wood doors | Type 7 | 9847WDC-F, 9947WDC-F |
| 9850WDC, 9950WDC | Wood door concealed vertical cable device | Single or double wood doors | Type 7 | 9850WDC-F, 9950WDC-F |
| 9857, 9957 | Three-point latching device | All types of single or double doors | Type 9 | 9857-F, 9957-F |
Source The device pages, ordering code and ANSI function, grade and type table in Von Duprin's 98/99 Series catalog, and its 98/99 Series cut sheet.
Model number
How Von Duprin builds a 98/99 model number
Von Duprin's example is QEL-98-27-L-F: option prefix, series, device type, trim function and rating, with finish, door width, handing and other choices. The catalog notes that not all options are listed there.
Handing is the hinge side and swing of the door. The rim device is non-handed except with special dogging (SD), double cylinder (-2), double cylinder with security indicator (-2SI) or signal switch (SS); the fire rim page lists the last three.
| Part | What it holds | Examples from the catalog |
|---|---|---|
| Prefix | Option codes | CD cylinder dogging (panic only), QEL quiet electric latch retraction, RX request to exit, XP heavy protection (rim) |
| Series | Case style | 98 smooth mechanism case, 99 grooved mechanism case |
| Device type | Blank for a rim device, a number for the others | 27, 47, 47WDC, 48, 49, 50WDC, 52, 57, 75 |
| Trim function | Outside trim | L in the catalog's example |
| Rating | Fire or panic | F fire exit hardware; blank panic exit hardware |
| Door width | Device length | 3' standard default; 2' vertical only |
| Handing | Door handing | LHR left hand reverse, RHR right hand reverse |
Source The nomenclature page and the rim device pages in Von Duprin's 98/99 Series catalog.
Outside trim
Functions and outside trim as Von Duprin names them
Outside trim is the hardware on the other side of the door from the push pad. EO, exit only, means none. The rim, vertical rod and three-point pages read "Device ships EO/DT/NL; Field selectable".
The trim functions page adds a note to DT, pull when dogged: not recommended for fire device.
The 996 trim also comes with a knob as the 996K, in NL, BE and DT versions, and the 696 and 697 trims each come in DT, NL, TP and TP-BE versions. Lever 06 is the standard default, with optional levers available.
The trim tables mark each trim below for the rim, surface vertical rod, 47 and 48 concealed vertical rod, concealed vertical cable and three-point devices, panic and fire. The mortise row has no mark under the 996L-KC.
| Trim | Trim function | Function description | ANSI function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 990EO, 996EO | Exit only plate | Exit only plate | 01 |
| 990DT | Dummy trim | Pull when dogged | 02 |
| 990NL | Night latch | Key retracts latch bolt | 03 |
| 990TP | Thumbpiece | Key locks and unlocks | 05 |
| 990TP-BE | Thumbpiece blank escutcheon | Always operable, no cylinder | 15 |
| 996L | Lever | Key locks and unlocks | 08 |
| 996L-NL | Lever-night latch | Key retracts latch bolt | 03 |
| 996L-BE | Lever-blank escutcheon | Always operable, no cylinder | 14 |
| 996L-DT | Lever-dummy trim | Pull when dogged | 02 |
| 996L-KC | Lever - Key capture | Key unlocks, lever retracts latch bolt | 09 |
Source The trim functions page, the 990 and 996 trim tables, the device pages and the ordering code in Von Duprin's 98/99 Series catalog, and its 98/99 Series cut sheet.
Dogging
Dogging on panic devices, and what the fire device pages say
Dogging is a feature that locks the push bar down so the device can "function as a push/pull unit", in the catalog's words, whether dogged mechanically or pneumatically.
Eight panic pages in the table list hex key dogging as standard, and the catalog's dogging page shows two dog keys, the 222 and the 227. Cylinder dogging (CD), "Cylinder dogging - panic only" in the ordering code, is available on all 98/99 panic exit devices in place of hex key dogging and requires a standard 1 1/4" (32mm) mortise cylinder with an inverted straight cam.
Less dogging (LD), listed for all 98/99 panic exit devices, removes the dogging option. Special center case dogging (SD) is listed for Chexit, QEL and ALK panic devices, on rim and vertical panic exit devices only.
The catalog adds that SD is "Not for 98/9975 Devices", while the cut sheet's option matrix marks SD for the mortise and three-point devices.
Eight fire exit pages in the table print, under "Dogging option": "No mechanical dogging; QEL options available". The hex key and cylinder dogging kits each carry the note "Cannot be added to fire exit hardware." The dogging security indicators, CDSI and HDSI, are listed as options that cannot be used with fire-rated devices.
The metal door concealed vertical cable pages (9849, 9949) don't follow that pattern. Their fire page prints "Hex key dogging standard" and lists eight dogging options, including CDSI and HDSI, in conflict with the kit and indicator notes above. The cut sheet marks six dogging options (CD, CD-CX, CI, DI, LD and SD) for the panic version and none for the fire version.
| Device | Panic device page | Fire exit device page |
|---|---|---|
| Rim (98, 99) | Hex key dogging standard | "No mechanical dogging; QEL options available" |
| Mortise lock (9875, 9975) | Hex key dogging standard | "No mechanical dogging; QEL options available" |
| Surface vertical rod (9827, 9927) | Hex key dogging standard | "No mechanical dogging; QEL options available" |
| Three-point latching (9857, 9957) | Hex key dogging standard | "No mechanical dogging; QEL options available" |
| Concealed vertical rod (9847, 9947) | Hex key dogging standard | "No mechanical dogging; QEL options available" |
| Concealed vertical rod (9848, 9948) | Hex key dogging standard | "No mechanical dogging; QEL options available" |
| Wood door concealed vertical rod (9847WDC, 9947WDC) | Hex key dogging standard | "No mechanical dogging; QEL options available" |
| Wood door concealed vertical cable (9850WDC, 9950WDC) | Hex key dogging standard | "No mechanical dogging; QEL options available" |
| Concealed vertical cable (9849, 9949), first page of each section | "No mechanical dogging; QEL options available", above a list of dogging options | "Hex key dogging standard", with CD, CD-CX, CDSI, HDSI, SD, LD, DI and CI under "Dogging options" |
| Concealed vertical cable (9849, 9949), second page of each section | "Hex key dogging Comes standard on 9849/9949 concealed vertical cable devices" | The same words |
Source The device pages, dogging pages and ordering code in Von Duprin's 98/99 Series catalog, the dogging option matrix in its 98/99 Series cut sheet, and the 98/99 rim installation instructions.
Electrified options
Electrified option codes on Von Duprin 98/99 devices
QEL, quiet electric latch retraction, can be activated by an access system to unlatch the device momentarily, or configured to retract the latch for an extended period of time to allow free entry, a convenient alternative to mechanical dogging in the catalog's words. It adds: "These devices always provide mechanical egress."
The catalog says QEL is available on panic devices and fire rated devices; the cut sheet marks QEL for both, but HD-QEL and SD-QEL for the panic devices only.
All switches are rated 2 amp maximum at 24VDC (standard) or below 50 milliamps at 24VDC (low current), and the RX and LX switches are for signalling, not to control a load.
On the 98/9949 vertical cable devices, the LX switch monitors trim input or electric dogging of EL/QEL devices, not latch bolt condition. With the ALK, standard dogging is removed.
For release at the frame instead, Von Duprin's 6300 surface mounted strike is designed for use with the 98/99; see the Von Duprin electric strikes page.
| Code | Name | What the catalog says |
|---|---|---|
| QEL | Quiet electric latch retraction | Provides electronic control of an exit device for environments where limited operational noise is desired. Load: 24VDC, 1.0 A inrush (0.5 sec.), 0.14 A holding. |
| HD-QEL | QEL with hex dogging | If manual dogging is required, the hex dogging option is available. |
| SD-QEL | QEL with special center case dogging | Available for 98/99 rim and vertical systems. |
| EL | Electric latch retraction | Written in the catalog's 9849 LX note and 900-2RS board description; the concealed vertical rod and mortise instruction sheets list both EL and QEL. |
| ESL | Emergency secure lockdown | A thumb turn or cylinder key interrupts the power to the QEL motor, electronically undogging to secure the pull side of the door. |
| RX | Request to exit | One internal SPDT switch which monitors the push pad. RX-LC is the low current version. |
| RX2 | Double request to exit | Uses two RX switches. |
| WP-RX | Waterproof request to exit | Switch rated to IP67. |
| LX | Latch bolt monitoring | One internal SPDT switch which monitors the latch bolt. LX-LC is the low current version. |
| SS | Signal switch | Two internal SPDT switches. Monitors push pad and latch bolt, to signal the unauthorized use of an opening. |
| ALK | Alarm kit | Contains an internal horn rated at 85 decibels, armed or disarmed by key. The unit operates on one standard 9-volt alkaline battery. |
| CX | Chexit delayed exit | The standard Chexit device sounds an alarm and keeps the door secured for 15 seconds following an exit attempt, with immediate release upon fire. |
| E | Electric mortise lock device | Features the E7500 mortise lock, which controls the locking of the outside trim. Only available with TP, K or L functions. |
| M996L, M996L-BE | Motor driven electrified trim | Provides remote locking and unlocking capabilities. Furnished fail safe (FS) and convertible to fail secure (FSE) via dip switch. |
| CON | Allegion Connect | Listed as connectors in the ordering code. |
Source The electrified options section, device pages and ordering code in Von Duprin's 98/99 Series catalog, the option matrix in its 98/99 Series cut sheet, the concealed vertical rod and mortise installation instructions, and Von Duprin's electrified hardware catalog.
Sizes
Will it fit my door? Device lengths and door sizes
Each device length suits a range of door sizes, and QEL devices need a minimum door opening width.
| Measurement | Devices | Figure |
|---|---|---|
| 3' device length (the standard default door width) | Listed on the rim, mortise and three-point pages | Door size 2'4" to 3' (711mm to 914mm) |
| 4' device length | Listed on the rim, mortise and three-point pages | Door size 2'10" to 4' (864mm to 1219mm) |
| 2' device length (vertical only) | The surface vertical rod, concealed vertical rod and concealed vertical cable pages add this length | Door size 2' (610mm) |
| Device centerline from finished floor | Rim | 39 13/16" (1011mm), or 39 11/16" (1008mm) with a mullion |
| Device centerline from finished floor | Mortise and surface vertical rod | 39 5/8" (1006mm) |
| Minimum door opening width, QEL, 3' device | Surface vertical and concealed vertical | 28 1/4" |
| Minimum door opening width, QEL, 3' device | Mortise | 28 3/4" |
| Minimum door opening width, QEL, 3' device | Rim | 29 1/4" |
| Minimum door opening width, QEL, 4' device | Each of the above | Add 6" to the 3' figure |
Source The device pages, ordering code and QEL section of Von Duprin's 98/99 Series catalog.
Grades and listings
ANSI/BHMA grade and UL listings as Von Duprin states them
The rim page says the 98 and 99 rim devices are "UL listed for panic exit hardware" and "certified to ANSI/BHMA A156.3 Grade 1". The fire rim page says the 98-F and 99-F "are certified to ANSI/BHMA A156.3 Grade 1 and UL listed for fire exit hardware."
The mortise, surface vertical rod, concealed vertical rod and concealed vertical cable pages say the same, and their fire exit pages say UL listed for fire exit hardware. The three-point pages word the grade differently: "Devices are ANSI A156.3 Grade 1."
The cut sheet says all Von Duprin 98/99 exit devices are ANSI/BHMA Certified, and refers to the BHMA Certified Products Directory for specific listings.
The fire listing table is headed "Check with door manufacturers to confirm listing compatibility." Its other columns cover double doors with a mullion, vertical by mortise pairs and double egress pairs; for the 98-F and 99-F with a 9954 mullion, it lists 3 Hour at 8' x 10'.
| Exit device | Door material | Single door | Double door, V x V same direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98-F, 99-F | Metal, composite (wood or plastic covered) | 3 Hour, 4' x 10' | — |
| 9875-F, 9975-F | Metal, composite (wood or plastic covered) | 3 Hour, 4' x 10' | — |
| 9857-F, 9957-F | Metal | 3 Hour, 4' x 10' | — |
| 9827-F, 9927-F | Metal, composite (wood or plastic covered) | — | 3 Hour, 8' x 10' |
| 9847-F, 9947-F | Metal, composite (wood or plastic covered) | — | 3 Hour, 8' x 10' |
| 9848-F, 9948-F | Metal, composite (wood or plastic covered) | — | 3 Hour, 8' x 10' |
| 9849-F, 9949-F | Metal, composite (wood or plastic covered) | — | 3 Hour, 8' x 10' |
Source The device pages and the UL fire exit hardware listing table in Von Duprin's 98/99 Series catalog, and its 98/99 Series cut sheet.
Installation documents
What Von Duprin's installation instructions cover
Four installation sheets were used here; three open with a list of the devices they cover.
An exit device that needs fitting, cutting or adjusting is a job for a door hardware technician.
| Sheet | Document | Devices it lists | What it includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98/99 Rim | 911373-00, Rev. 05/22-n | 98/99 Rim, 98/99-F (Fire), CD98/99 (Cylinder Dogging), QEL98/99 (Electric Latch Retraction), HH/HW98/99 (Hurricane Rated) | The 299 and 299F strikes, and separate pages for 499F strike installation and the CD (cylinder dogging) option |
| 98/9927 Surface Vertical Rod | 911375-00, Rev. 08/21-h | 98/9927, 98/9927-F (Fire), CD98/9927, QEL98/9927/27-F, HH/HW98/9927/27-F | Index: screw chart, preparation chart, device installation, cut top rod, install rod extension, optional equipment, cut device |
| 98/9947 Concealed Vertical Rod, metal door applications | 911376-00, Rev. 02/22-l | 98/9947/48, 98/9947-F/48-F (Fire), CD98/9947/48, QEL98/9947/48/-F, HH/HW98/9947/47-F | Index: screw chart, door preparation chart, device installation, adjust rods, frame preparation chart, optional equipment, cut device |
| 9875/9875-F, 9975/9975-F Mortise | 911374-00, Rev. 04/22-l | Named in the sheet's title | Not described in this list |
Source Von Duprin's installation instructions for the 98/99 rim, 98/9927 surface vertical rod, 98/9947 concealed vertical rod and 9875/9975 mortise exit devices.
Service
Help with a Von Duprin exit device
Elwin Security installs, repairs and replaces Von Duprin exit devices as part of its commercial door closer and exit device service for commercial and multifamily properties in the San Francisco Bay Area. Calls are answered 8:00 AM-8:00 PM daily at (408) 539-0535.
FAQ
Von Duprin 98 and 99 questions
What is the difference between a Von Duprin 98 and a Von Duprin 99?
The mechanism case: the 98 Series features a smooth mechanism case and the 99 Series a grooved one. Each device type comes in both styles, such as the 9827 and the 9927.
Does a fire-rated Von Duprin 98 or 99 have dogging?
The catalog's fire rim page lists "No mechanical dogging; QEL options available", where the panic rim page lists hex key dogging as standard. Its hex key and cylinder dogging kits each carry the note "Cannot be added to fire exit hardware."
What does QEL mean on a Von Duprin panic bar?
QEL is quiet electric latch retraction, electronic control of an exit device that an access system can activate to unlatch it momentarily. The catalog says "These devices always provide mechanical egress."
Sources and further reading
These sources back up the general guidance. Your building and the people who approve the work decide the details for your doors.
- Von Duprin (Allegion): 98/99 Series Exit Devices Catalog (006590, Rev. 09/26)
- Von Duprin (Allegion): 98/99 Series Exit Device Cut Sheet (013139, Rev. 09/25)
- Von Duprin (Allegion): Electrified Exit Hardware Solutions: Electrical Security Products and Accessories Catalog (009981, Rev. 3/26)
- Von Duprin (Allegion): 98/99 Rim Exit Device Installation Instructions (911373-00, Rev. 05/22-n)
- Von Duprin (Allegion): 98/9927 Surface Vertical Rod Exit Device Installation Instructions (911375-00, Rev. 08/21-h)
- Von Duprin (Allegion): 98/9947 Concealed Vertical Rod Exit Device Installation Instructions, Metal Door Applications (911376-00, Rev. 02/22-l)
- Von Duprin (Allegion): 9875/9875-F, 9975/9975-F Mortise Exit Device Installation Instructions (911374-00, Rev. 04/22-l)