Falcon MEL1690EO Concealed Vertical Rod Touchbar Device With motorized Electric latch retraction

The Falcon MEL1690EO is a concealed vertical rod touchbar exit device with motorized electric latch retraction built directly into the device body. When the access control system signals the device to open, a motor retracts the top latch bolt. Someone approaching the door from outside pushes it open without touching the inside touchbar. Inside, the touchbar stays always free for egress at all times regardless of the electrical state.

The "MEL" designation matters. Standard electric latch retraction (EL) uses a solenoid to retract the latch bolt. The MEL uses a motor instead. The motor delivers more consistent retraction force across temperature variations and high-cycle conditions, and it supports sequenced operation when two MEL devices are wired to the same power supply. "EO" means exit only: this configuration has no outside trim hardware included with the device. Outside access is specified and ordered separately. For all electrified exit devices, browse our exit hardware catalog. For compatible power supplies and access control boards, view our electronic hardware catalog.

What CVR Means and Why It Matters

CVR stands for Concealed Vertical Rod. The vertical rods that engage the top and bottom of the door frame run inside the door stile, not on the surface. Nothing is visible on the door face except the touchbar assembly and cover plates. This is the correct specification for glass and aluminum storefront entrances, architectural office buildings, and healthcare facilities where exposed surface rods conflict with the design intent or create a maintenance concern. Two-point latching engages top and bottom simultaneously regardless of the vertical rod being concealed. Cast metal cover plates and black powder-coated metal end caps handle the physical wear of daily institutional use.

The 1690 also retrofits the Falcon 1990 Series crossbar device. On replacement or renovation projects where 1990 Series hardware is already installed, the MEL1690EO can go into the same opening without full door modification.

Power Requirements and Access Control Wiring

The MEL1690EO requires 24VDC at 1.6 amps. The minimum compatible power supply is the Falcon PS873-2. The 900-Series power supplies including PS902, PS904, PS906, and PS914 with 900-2RS, 900-4R, or 900-4RL option boards are also compatible. A 6-foot two-piece MEL cable is furnished with the device and connects through the end mounting bracket to the motor inside the device body.

When the MEL1690EO is installed in fire-rated exit hardware, a fire alarm (FA) option board is required in the power supply. The power supply must be set to the 24VDC output when connected to the MEL device.

Falcon MEL1690EO Complete Specifications

• ANSI: A156.3, Grade 1

• Type: Concealed Vertical Rod (CVR) touchbar exit device

• Electric function: MEL, Motorized Electric Latch Retraction

• Configuration: EO, Exit Only

• Power: 24VDC, 1.6A

• Compatible power supplies: PS873-2 minimum; PS900-Series (PS902, PS904, PS906, PS914)

• Option boards: 900-2RS, 900-4R, 900-4RL

• Sizes: 30", 36", 42", 48"

• Door: 1-3/4" thick metal doors standard (aluminum or hollow metal)

• Minimum stile: 1-3/4"

• Handing: Field reversible, non-handed

• Pushbar projection: 3-3/8" neutral; 2-3/8" dogged

• Pushbar height: 2-1/2"

• Vertical rods: 7' standard; extension rods available up to 10'

• Strike: PB-48 top standard

• Bottom latch: Hex bottom bolt standard; rod bottom latch, Pullman bottom latch, electric strike top latch optional

• Dogging: Hold-back feature on outside cylinder required when EL is present (hex key dogging not available with electric latch retraction)

• RX option: Available; monitors pushpad SPTD switch

• ED option: Electric dogging available with PS873-2 minimum power supply

• Fasteners: All machine screw; device mounting fasteners concealed; latch fasteners exposed to egress side

• End caps: Black powder-coated metal

• Finishes: US28 Aluminum, DC13 Dark Bronze Anodized (centercase and end cap are powder-coated black on all finishes)

• Hurricane: Suitable for hurricane-rated openings; consult door manufacturer listing

• Retrofit: Replaces Falcon 1990 Series crossbar devices

MEL1690EO vs Standard 1690EO

The standard Falcon 1690EO is a mechanical CVR device. Hex key dogging, no electric latch retraction, no access control integration on the device body. It opens from outside only via outside trim with a cylinder or key. The MEL1690EO adds the motorized electric latch retraction for access control. A credential presented at a reader outside sends a signal to the power supply, the MEL motor fires, the top latch retracts, and the door opens with a push. For buildings running electronic access control on CVR exit device doors, the MEL version is the correct specification.