Falcon MEL25R-L-NL Rim Exit Device, With Lever Trim, Night Latch Function, Motorized Electric Latch Retraction

The Falcon MEL25R-L-NL is a Grade 1 wide stile rim exit device from the Falcon 25-R series with motorized electric latch retraction and a 510L lever trim in the night latch function. It's the access control version of the Falcon 25-R platform- the push bar inside handles egress at all times, while the outside lever is controlled electronically through the MEL system, and the night latch function means that outside lever stays locked unless the key retracts the latch or the MEL signal releases it. If you've been searching "night latch function" or "falcon 510l" for this specific combination, this is the right device.

What Night Latch Function Means on an Exit Device

The night latch (NL) function on the 510L trim is ANSI function 09. The outside lever is always locked- it doesn't retract the latch under normal conditions. A key retracts the latchbolt from outside, which allows entry. Without a key or without a valid access control signal releasing the MEL mechanism, the outside lever won't operate. This is the behavior people expect from a storeroom-type function, applied here to an exit device opening.

That distinction matters when specifying. A standard entrance function (ANSI F08) uses a key to lock or unlock the outside lever, giving two states. Night latch locks the outside lever permanently and uses the key only to retract the latch- the lever never becomes free-rotating. For high-security commercial doors, apartment lobby entries, and healthcare facility corridors where outside access needs to be always-controlled rather than switchable, the NL function is the right specification.

Motorized Latch Retraction vs Solenoid: Why MEL Is Different

Standard electric latch retraction devices use a solenoid that pulls the latch back when energized. Solenoids have high inrush current- often 3 to 4 amps- which requires dedicated high-capacity power supplies and limits how long the wire run from power supply to device can be before you get voltage drop problems.

The Falcon MEL uses a motor instead of a solenoid. The inrush current is 1.0 amp at 24VDC. That lower draw means you can use a standard Schlage PS900 series power supply (PS902, PS904, PS906, PS914) and the compatible 900 Series option boards (900-2RS, 900-4R, 900-4RL). Longer wire runs from power supply to device become practical without additional infrastructure. For multi-door access control installations where you're running power to several openings from a single supply, that efficiency compounds quickly.

The MEL assembly also has on-board diagnostics for installation and troubleshooting- a practical feature that speeds up commissioning on new installs and narrows down problems on service calls.

Installing on an Existing Mechanical Device

The MEL is modular. If you have an existing mechanical Falcon 24 or 25 series rim exit device and want to add electrified latch retraction, a MEL conversion kit can retrofit into the existing device without replacing the full unit. That's a cost-effective upgrade path for facilities modernizing their access control without replacing hardware that still works.

A power transfer is required to bring power through the door to the device- EPT door loop, an electrified hinge, or a door loop. This is sold separately and must be specified based on your door construction.

510L Trim and Cylinder Requirement

The 510L lever trim uses a 1-1/4-inch mortise cylinder, sold separately. The cylinder is required for the key override and night latch key retraction function. Without it, you have only remote electronic release and no mechanical key override capability.

Specifications

Model: Falcon MEL25R-L-NL

Series: Falcon 25-R Wide Stile Rim Exit Device

Electrification: MEL- Motorized Electric Latch Retraction (fail secure)

Trim: 510L Lever, Night Latch function (ANSI F09)

Grade: 1

Voltage: 24VDC, 1.0 amp

Night Latch Function: Outside lever always locked; key or MEL signal retracts latch

Latchbolt: Stainless steel, 3/4" throw, deadlocking

Strike: 299 standard

Handing: Non-handed

Dogging: Half-turn hex key standard

Door Thickness: 1-3/4" standard

Projection: 2-3/4" maximum, 2" dogged

Mounting Height: 40-1/4" from centerline to finished floor

Cylinder Required: 1-1/4" mortise (sold separately)

Power Transfer Required: EPT, electrified hinge, or door loop (sold separately)

Compatible Power Supplies: Schlage PS900 series (PS902, 904, 906, 914)

Compatible Option Boards: 900-2RS, 900-4R, 900-4RL

Retrofit: MEL conversion kit available for existing mechanical Falcon 24/25 series

American Locksets has stocked Falcon exit devices and the full 25-R MEL series since 2001.