Falcon 1990 Series

What the Falcon 1990 Exit Device Is Built For

The Falcon 1990 is a concealed vertical rod crossbar exit device built specifically for narrow stile aluminum storefront double doors. That distinction matters because most commercial exit devices require a door stile wide enough to accommodate their mounting hardware, typically 3 inches or more. The 1990 works on stiles as narrow as 1-3/4 inches - the standard for aluminum frame glass doors found on retail storefronts, commercial lobbies, office building entries, and school entrances.

It's been the highest-volume exit device for aluminum applications for decades, and the reason is straightforward: it's ANSI/BHMA A156.3 Grade 1 certified, the crossbar is field-adjustable in width and can be cut to length on site, the device is non-handed so it installs on either leaf without modification, and all mounting screws are concealed to prevent tampering from the exterior.

Falcon 1990 vs 2090: Double Door vs Single Door

The 1990 and 2090 are companion products in the same series. The 1990 is the concealed vertical rod (CVR) device for double door applications - the rods run inside the door stile to top and bottom latches, which keep both leaves secured when the device is armed. The 2090 is the rim device for single door applications, where only a single latch is needed.

If you're specifying a pair of aluminum glass doors opening from the center, the 1990 is the device. If the opening is a single door, the 2090 is the correct selection. Pairing a 1990 with a single door or a 2090 with a double door creates a specification error that surfaces during installation.

The Three 1990 Functions Explained

1990 EO: Exit Only

The EO configuration has no exterior trim and no way to enter from outside. The crossbar on the inside provides panic egress. Anyone approaching from outside sees a glass door with a pull handle if one has been added separately, but the device itself provides no entry function. This is the correct specification for secondary exits and fire stair doors where authorized re-entry is handled through a separate entrance.

1991 DT: Dummy Trim with 9970 Pull

The DT adds the Falcon 9970 pull handle on the outside for a finished appearance, but the pull is not connected to any entry mechanism. It's a cosmetic trim, not a lock. This function is used on applications where the door needs to look complete but entry is controlled elsewhere, or where the door is always unlocked during operating hours and the pull simply provides a grip point.

1992 NL: Night Latch with Rim Cylinder

The NL function adds a rim cylinder on the outside. Turning the key retracts the latchbolt to allow entry - this is the night latch function. The cylinder is also field-selectable to hold-back (HB), where one key rotation keeps the latchbolt retracted until the key is returned to the neutral position. This is the specification when the door needs key-controlled entry from outside while maintaining panic egress from inside at all times. When people search for the 1990K or a keyed Falcon 1990, the 1992NL is the product they need.

Falcon 1990 Parts and Installation Documentation

The most common reason people search for the Falcon 1990 parts manual is a field service call - a damaged crossbar, a worn latch assembly, a rod that's out of adjustment, or a cylinder that needs to be replaced on an existing 1992NL. Allegion publishes installation instructions and parts documentation for the full 1990 series at their technical resource library. 

Why the 1990 Remains the Standard for Aluminum Door Hardware

Aluminum frame glass doors present a specific constraint that hollow metal door hardware doesn't solve. The 1990's narrow stile design, concealed rod architecture, and field-adjustable crossbar have made it the default specification for this application for a long time, and Allegion's continued production of the series reflects sustained institutional demand. Retrofit applications are common - many existing aluminum storefront installations still running older Dor-O-Matic or early Falcon crossbar devices use the 1990 as a direct replacement.