About this item
The Corbin Russwin A9903 is the fail safe electrically controlled lever trim for the ED5000 series exit device family. It's not the exit device itself- it's the outside lever and escutcheon assembly that adds electrical access control to an ED5000 rim, vertical rod, concealed rod, or mortise exit device. When you need the outside lever to be controllable through an access control system while the push bar inside remains a free egress exit at all times, the A9903 is how you get there on a Corbin Russwin ED5000 installation.
Fail Safe vs Fail Secure: Which One Is the A9903
The A9903 is fail safe. That means when power to the trim is off- whether from a power failure, a fire alarm cutoff, or intentional de-energizing- the outside lever is free and the door can be opened from outside without a credential. When power is on, the lever locks.
The fail safe configuration is specified for doors on egress paths, fire evacuation routes, and any opening where defaulting to accessible during a power failure is the safer and more code-appropriate outcome. If your application requires the door to default to locked when power is off- a pharmaceutical storage room, a secured corridor, a server room- that's fail secure operation, which is the A9905.
A9903 vs A9905: Same Trim, Opposite Default
The A9903 (fail safe) and A9905 (fail secure) are otherwise identical in construction, electrical specifications, and installation. The only difference is the power state that corresponds to the locked and unlocked lever condition. Specifying the correct one before ordering is critical because this can't be field-converted after installation.
The Free Wheeling Lever and Why It Matters
The 9903 series uses a free wheeling lever mechanism on the outside. When the trim is in the locked state- power on for fail safe- the outside lever rotates freely in both directions without engaging the latch mechanism. This is a deliberate anti-vandalism design. If someone tries to force entry by wrenching the outside lever when it's locked, the lever spins without damaging the escutcheon, the mechanism, or the exit device. The lever won't break off under torque because there's nothing to break against. This is a standard feature of Corbin Russwin's 900 series heavy-duty trim and one of the reasons it gets specified on high-security and high-abuse openings.
Electrical Specifications and Power Requirements
The A9903 actuator draws 400mA inrush and 15mA continuous at either 12VDC or 24VDC. The internal rectifier accepts both AC and DC input, which means you can power it from either an AC or DC power supply without an external bridge rectifier. The plug connector ships with a 4-foot wire lead. The exit device body can serve as the wire raceway, eliminating the need for separate conduit runs on most installations.
For exterior door applications, the M99 trim gasket is included- this is the weatherproofing component that seals the escutcheon to the door face and should be installed on any opening exposed to weather.
A mortise cylinder with an A02 cam is required for the key override function. The cylinder is not included and must be specified separately based on your key system requirements.
Specifications
Model: Corbin Russwin A9903
Function: Electrically Controlled Lever Trim, Fail Safe
Compatible Device: Corbin Russwin ED5000 Series exit devices
Fail Safe Operation: Power on = lever locked; power off = lever free
Lever Mechanism: Free wheeling when locked (anti-vandal)
Voltage: 12-24 VDC (internal rectifier accepts AC or DC)
Actuator Draw: 400mA inrush / 15mA continuous
Security Monitor Switch (M98): 4 AMP at 250VAC
Wire Lead: 4-foot plug connector (exit device usable as raceway)
Cylinder: Mortise cylinder with A02 cam required (sold separately)
Exterior Gasket: M99 trim gasket included
Technology: EcoFlex energy-saving actuator
Escutcheon: 900 Series, 13/16" beveled, flush cylinder
Handing: Handed, LHR or RHR (specify at order)
Door Thickness: Standard 1-3/4", over 1-3/4" requires cylinder collars
American Locksets has stocked Corbin Russwin ED5000 series trim and devices since 2001.
Trusted Since 2001
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