2600 Narrow CVR Exit Devices

The Precision 2600 Series is the Apex Concealed Vertical Rod (CVR) exit device line built for narrow stile applications on metal doors. These are the CVR panic devices specified for aluminum storefront doors, hollow metal narrow stile frames, and any single or paired door application where surface vertical rods are not acceptable and the concealed rod format is required. Every device in this category is ANSI/BHMA A156.3 Grade 1 certified, non-handed, and available in multiple functions to match the outside access requirement of each opening.

What Is a CVR Panic Device?

A CVR panic device (Concealed Vertical Rod) uses steel rods routed inside the door to engage both a top strike in the door frame header and a bottom bolt at the floor. When the pushbar is pressed, both the top and bottom bolts retract simultaneously and the door opens. The vertical rods are concealed inside the door, which means no external surface rods are visible on the push face. This is the key distinction from a surface vertical rod (SVR) device, which runs visible rods on the outside of the door.

CVR exit devices are specified when architectural aesthetics require a clean push face, when the door construction can accommodate the internal rod routing, or when the opening authority or building owner prohibits surface hardware on the door face. For narrow stile aluminum storefront doors where a rim device won't engage both points and SVR rods can't run on the narrow stile face, the CVR device is the only compliant configuration.

What "Narrow Stile" Means for CVR Exit Devices

Narrow stile refers to the vertical frame member of an aluminum storefront door. Wide stile exit devices have a wider case that can't mount to a narrow stile door without blocking the glass or not fitting the stile width. The Precision 2600 Series narrow stile CVR device is engineered for these thinner stile applications. The 2600 Series handles metal single and double door applications up to 4'-0" wide and 10'-0" high, with standard 1-3/4" door thickness. For thicker doors, consult PHI before ordering.

Precision 2600 Series CVR Exit Device Models

2601 – Exit Only, Cover Plate Prep

The Precision 2601 is the entry-level function in the 2600 Series: exit only, no outside entry trim. The cover plate prep leaves the outside of the door clean and unmarked, with no trim plate, no lever, and no cylinder. The 2601 is specified on stairwell fire doors and dedicated egress doors where re-entry from outside is not required and the door should stay locked to outsiders at all times.

2601CD – Exit Only with Cylinder Dogging

The 2601CD adds cylinder dogging to the exit-only base function. A mortise cylinder inserted into the dogging port holds the pushbar in the retracted position, allowing free flow through the opening when needed. Releasing the cylinder restores the panic exit function.

2603 – Key Retracts Latchbolt (Nightlatch Function)

The Precision 2603 is the nightlatch function: a key in the outside trim cylinder retracts the latchbolts, allowing entry from outside. From inside, the pushbar always provides free egress. This function is specified on building main entries, perimeter access points, and any door that needs controlled outside entry alongside panic egress from inside. The 2603CD adds cylinder dogging to the nightlatch function.

2608 – Key Controls Lever/Knob (Classroom/Entrance Function)

The 2608 provides the classroom or entrance function: the outside lever or knob is controlled by key. A key can lock or unlock the outside trim, which is the correct specification for classrooms, offices, and applications where the outside lever should be toggleable between locked and unlocked states without requiring a key on every entry when unlocked. The 2608CD adds cylinder dogging.

2614 – Lever/Knob Always Active (Passage Function Trim)

The Precision 2614 provides always-active outside entry trim: the lever or knob retracts the latchbolts at any time without a key. This is a passage function from outside combined with panic egress from inside. Specified on low-security interior doors where both-way free passage is needed. The 2614CD adds cylinder dogging.

Standard and CD Variants: What CD Means

Every 2600 Series function is available in a standard version and a CD (Cylinder Dogging) version. The CD variant has a dogging mechanism that accepts a mortise cylinder. Inserting and turning the cylinder key holds the touchbar depressed, mechanically locking the pushbar in the unlatched position so the door operates as a free-swing door during business hours or high-traffic periods. On fire-rated door assemblies, dogging is not permitted per NFPA requirements. On non-fire-rated doors, cylinder dogging is a standard commercial convenience option.

Less Bottom Rod (LBR) Option

Any 2600 Series model can be ordered as Less Bottom Rod by adding the suffix LBR to the model number (example: 2603LBR). The LBR configuration retains the top latchbolt and removes the bottom rod entirely, which is used when floor strike installation is impractical, when the door has a threshold that prevents bottom rod clearance, or when the authority having jurisdiction permits single-point locking.

Cylinders, Finishes, and Electronic Options

Cylinders are not furnished standard on the 2600 Series. Use a 1-1/4" long standard mortise cylinder for the 08 function and a rim type cylinder for the 03 function. Finishes available: 605, 606, 612, 613, 622, 625, 626W, 628, 630, and 690.

Electric options available include ELR (Electric Latch Retraction), which uses a continuous duty solenoid to retract both latchbolts remotely and integrates with access control readers, pushbuttons, and fire alarm systems. Touchbar monitoring options (TS/TDS) allow SPDT and DPDT monitoring of pushbar activation.

Browse the complete 2600 Narrow CVR Exit Devices catalog at American Locksets. For related Precision Apex Series hardware, see the full PHI Precision exit devices lineup and the broader exit hardware category.

Why American Locksets for CVR Panic Devices and Vertical Rod Exit Devices

Specifying CVR door hardware correctly the first time requires knowing the door type, stile width, thickness, fire rating, and outside access requirement before the order is placed. The 2600 Series has narrow stile metal doors only. The 2700 Series is a wood door CVR. The 2800 Series is a wider stile CVR. Getting the series wrong means the device won't mount to the door. Getting the function wrong means the access pattern is wrong on every access event from day one. At American Locksets, we've been selling PHI Precision Apex Series hardware since 2001. We know which 2600 variant fits which opening, and we stock the full model matrix for same-day shipping. Free shipping on orders over $300. 

Frequently Asked Questions About 2600 Series Narrow CVR Exit Devices

Q: What is a CVR exit device?

CVR stands for Concealed Vertical Rod. Steel rods run inside the door and engage top and bottom strikes. No external rods are visible on the push face, unlike surface vertical rod devices.

Q: What doors does the Precision 2600 Series fit?

Metal single and double doors:

• Standard thickness: 1-3/4"

• Maximum width: 4'-0"

• Maximum height: 10'-0"

• For thicker doors, consult PHI before ordering

Q: What is the difference between the 2601, 2603, 2608, and 2614?

Function determines outside access:

• 2601: Exit only, no outside entry

• 2603: Key retracts latchbolt (nightlatch)

• 2608: Key controls outside lever (classroom/entrance)

• 2614: Outside lever always active (passage)

Q: What does the CD suffix mean on Precision 2600 Series models?

CD = Cylinder Dogging. A mortise cylinder holds the pushbar in the retracted position for free-swing passage. Not permitted on fire-rated door assemblies.

Q: What does LBR mean on the 2600 Series?

Less Bottom Rod. The bottom rod and floor strike are omitted. Only the top bolt engages. Add suffix LBR to any model (example: 2603LBR). Consult local codes before specifying.

Q: Are cylinders included with the Precision 2600 Series?

No. Cylinders are not furnished standard. Use a 1-1/4" long mortise cylinder for the 08 function and a rim type cylinder for the 03 function. Order separately.