When it comes to safety, what comes to mind is reinforcing the home with reliable locks from the outside to prevent unauthorized entry. But, the safety of exiting the building is also an important consideration. That is where the Von Duprin 99 series comes to the rescue!
The Von Duprin 99 series are door exit devices or panic devices that open the door one way. In case of fire or other unforeseen circumstances, people can easily get out of the building without needing door release keys or codes.
Panic devices are ingeniously designed to prevent entry in one direction and provide a quick exit. These are widely used in healthcare facilities, government, commercial establishments, and schools.
What Is a Door Exit Device?
A door exit device is also known as panic hardware, panic exit hardware, panic bar, crash bar, or push bar. It’s a door latch assembly with a device that releases the latch when force is applied toward the exit point.
Panic exit hardware is a code requirement in many buildings. Your local building code and fire department will require them, especially in commercial doors and public buildings. Without a door exit device, buildings won’t pass code inspection.
Types of Door Exit Devices
Exit devices come in four types: rim exit, mortise lock, vertical rod, and alarmed exit.
- Rim exit devices like the Von Duprin 98/99 series are the simplest and easiest-to-use exit hardware. It is mounted on the wall with the latch projecting from the device instead of the door edge. It is commonly used in single doors or pairs of doors along with a removable mullion.
- Mortise exit device has a mortise lock body inside a pocket by the door’s side.
- Vertical rod/cable may have a latch at the top and bottom, or sometimes, just the top of the door. The rods and latches may be surface-mounted or concealed inside the door.
- Alarmed exits are installed with an alarm that sounds during an unauthorized exit. You can find this in retail stores and emergency exit doors.
What Is an Exit Trim?
Exit device trims are the hardware added to the exit devices. These are used to retract the panic hardware latch from the exterior and have different functions:
- Classroom function – can be locked and unlocked with a key
- Night latch function – the lever trim is always rigid, and the key retracts the latch bolt
- Passage function – has no locking functionality and is used only for entry
- Storeroom function – is always locked and needs a key to retract the latch
- Exit only – has no outside trim or blank outside plate, and it only allows exit but not entry
- Dummy trim – the outside trim is rigid and inoperable. It is utilized as a pull handle when the exit device is dogged
*A panic hardware is dogged if the device holds the latch bolt retracted. There is no need to push the panic bar or turn the lever. You only need to push or pull the door for it to open.
What Is the Von Duprin 99 Series?
Von Duprin is a pioneering part of the brand Allegion, a trusted name in panic hardware. Its line of exit devices is popular in commercial doors as well as in places where exit devices aren’t required by code because of its ease of use.
The Von Duprin 99 series are heavy-duty wide stile exit devices with push pads. They are utilized in schools, healthcare facilities, and hospitality and government buildings.
These devices can be used in single and double egress doors. They are also applicable in metal and timber swinging commercial door hardware.
The Von Duprin 99 series is a rim exit device UL-listed for panic hardware and fire hardware. Some products in the Von Duprin 99 series feature a quiet electric latch retraction. It allows remote unlatching of the exit device without noise.
Difference Between the Von Duprin 99 Series and 98 Series
The best thing about the Von Duprin 99 series is that its finishes are made to match architectural structures. The Series 98 and 99 are available in brass, bronze, nickel, polished chrome, anodized aluminum, stainless steel, black and aged bronze finishes.
Both series offer different lever styles matching the building’s other locking hardware.
The architectural structure is the only difference in the 98 and 99 series. Von Duprin 98 devices have a smooth mechanism case, while the Von Duprin 99 series has a grooved case.
Both series can be customized with a finish that suits the specific needs of the building. You can use Von Duprin exit devices in a wood door or stock hollow metal doors.
Maintenance Tips for the Von Duprin 99 Series
The Von Duprin 99 series will last decades when installed and maintained properly. Manufacturers of these exit devices recommend doing routine maintenance once a year.
Here are some tips to prolong the useful life of automatic door operators, door closers, door accessories, and exit device operations.
- Fix and tighten all screws to ensure the bolts and continuous hinges are in place
- Check and adjust the correct alignment of all hinges and strikes
- Use aerosol lubricant on the internal mechanism to keep its operation smooth
- Wipe dirt and oil away from the external surfaces with a damp cloth
- Schedule frequent upkeep if you are installing exit devices and trims in a highly corrosive environment. A minimum of three monthly intervals is good for keeping your door control and devices at their prime functions
Von Duprin 99 Series Door Exit Devices
Panic devices are prerequisites for safety and security regulations in many commercial and residential buildings.
Even if not legally mandatory, many users install exit devices as useful devices during fire and emergency without compromising door entrance security.
If you are looking for exit devices, invest in trusted brands like Von Duprin. You can get this brand and more from All Security Equipment, a trusted gate and door security product dealer.
Visit our website for a complete list of Von Duprin devices that are sure to meet your needs and requirements.
We ensure legitimate products and mechanical warranties for various brands that you purchase with us. Contact our customer service for exit devices and related products you want and valuable suggestions you need.
