FL2100 Rim Fire rated Exit Devices

The PHI Precision FL2100 Series is the fire rated rim exit device line from the Apex 2000 platform, manufactured by PHI -Precision Hardware Inc, a dormakaba brand. If you searched "fl2100", "fire rated rim exit device", or "fl 2100" -every product in this category is stocked and ships same day from American Locksets. 

What Makes the FL2100 a Fire Rated Rim Exit Device

The distinction between a panic exit device and a fire exit device is one of the most commonly confused specifications in commercial door hardware. Both allow egress without a key when the bar is pushed. But only fire exit hardware is tested, listed, and labeled for use on fire-rated door assemblies.

The FL2100 Series carries UL listing for both panic hardware and fire exit hardware, conforming to UL 10C and UBC 7-2 positive pressure testing. Every FL2100 device installed on a fire-rated door opening becomes part of that rated assembly -the door, frame, hardware, and glazing are all listed together. If an unlisted panic device is installed on a fire-rated door, the door loses its fire rating at that opening. The FL2100's fire rating is not a feature upgrade; it's a code compliance requirement for any fire-rated door in the path of egress.

The FL prefix on every model in this category is the fire rating designation. The standard 2100 Series (non-fire-rated) and the FL2100 Series share the same Apex 2000 mechanical platform. The FL version is the correct specification whenever the door opening carries a fire rating.

Why the Apex 2000 Platform Is Specified in Healthcare and Education

The Apex 2000 Series is one of the most widely specified exit device platforms in North American institutional construction. Healthcare facilities, K-12 schools, higher education campuses, and government buildings all reach for it because of what the design gets right operationally rather than just on paper.

Sound dampeners are built into the touchbar mechanism, reducing the noise created when the bar is pushed and when it returns. On a hospital corridor or a school hallway where exit devices operate hundreds of times a day, that noise reduction is a real operational benefit -not a specification footnote. The touchbar clearance accommodates vision lites and frame projections up to 1/4 inch beyond the door face, which eliminates the common problem of touchbar interference with lite frames on fire-rated hollow metal doors. And the durable construction handles continuous high-traffic use without the performance degradation that lighter-duty devices show within a few years of installation.

The Apex 2000 platform is certified to ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 -the highest ANSI grade for exit devices, covering both operational and strength requirements.

FL2100 Series Functions: What's In This Category

FL2101 -Exit Only, Cover Plate Prep

The FL2101 is exit only with a cover plate prep on the outside. No outside trim. No outside entry. Push the bar, door opens for egress. A blank cover plate closes the outside trim opening. Correct for stairwell doors, mechanical room egress, and any one-way egress opening where outside re-entry is not required.

FL2102 -Exit Only, Dummy Trim Prep

The FL2102 is exit only with a dummy trim prep -prepped for decorative outside trim that has no functional access capability. Appearance matches adjacent trim without providing any outside entry.

FL2103 -Wide Stile, Key Retracts Latchbolt

The FL2103 is the most commonly specified device in this category. Wide stile configuration with outside trim prep for key retracts latchbolt function. Key from outside retracts the latch for entry. Inside pushbar always free for egress. Available in 36-inch and 48-inch bar lengths.

FL2105 -Key Controls Thumb Piece

The FL2105 uses a thumbpiece outside trim rather than a lever. Key locks and unlocks the thumbpiece from outside.

FL2108 -Key Controls Lever or Knob

The FL2108 is the lever or knob outside trim version. Key from outside controls the lever or knob. Available with V908A and V908D trim packages already factory assembled.

FL2110VI -Classroom Intruder Function

The FL2110VI is the classroom intruder function -key from outside locks the outside lever to prevent entry without key during a lockdown event. Inside egress is always free. This function is the standard fire-rated exit device specification for K-12 classroom door security protocols.

FL2114 -Lever or Knob Always Active

The FL2114 provides lever or knob always active from outside -free entry from outside at all times without a key. Combined with always-free inside egress. Correct for high-traffic entry doors where outside access control is not required.

FL2115 -Thumb Piece Always Active

The FL2115 is the thumbpiece always active version of the same function.

DEFL2103 -Delayed Egress

The DEFL2103 is the delayed egress version -the 15-second alarm-equipped variant used on fire exits in retail, healthcare, and institutional applications where unauthorized egress monitoring is required by code or security policy.

Field Convertible Functions and Retrofit Compatibility

One of the most operationally significant characteristics of the FL2100 Series is its field convertibility. Models FL2101, FL2102, FL2103, FL2105, FL2114, and FL2115 are pre-configured at the factory but can be field converted to accommodate functions 01, 02, 03, 05, 08, 14, and 15. That means a single stocked device body can serve multiple opening functions depending on the trim applied -reducing stocking requirements on large projects and simplifying procurement.

The FL2100 Series is also designed to retrofit into other manufacturers' mounting hole locations. For replacement projects where existing mounting holes in the door are from a different brand's exit device, the FL2100 drops in without redrilling. The R prefix on trim packages (for example, 2108 R4908A) designates factory-set trim for retrofit applications.

Motorized Latch Retraction (MLR) for Access Control Integration

For openings requiring electronic access control on the outside -card readers, keypads, or remote release -the FL2100 Series supports Motorized Latch Retraction (MLR). MLR uses a motor-driven mechanism to retract the latch electronically, allowing the outside to be released by an access control signal without mechanical key operation. The 21 Series nonhanded version incorporates a center-driven cam compatible with most manufacturers' access control exterior trim, with a minimum 50-degree tailpiece rotation to retract the latch.

Specifications Common to the FL2100 Series

Latchbolt is stainless steel, deadlocking, 3/4-inch throw. ANSI/BHMA A156.3 Grade 1 certified. UL listed for panic hardware and fire exit hardware, UL 10C and UBC 7-2 positive pressure. Cylinders are rim type, not furnished standard and must be ordered separately. Finishes available: 605, 606, 612, 613, 622, 625, 626W, 628, 630, 690.

Frequently Asked Questions: FL2100 Fire Rated Rim Exit Devices

Q: What is the FL2100 Series? 

It's PHI Precision's fire rated rim exit device line from the Apex 2000 platform. UL listed for both panic and fire exit hardware, ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 certified.

Q: What does the FL prefix mean on Precision exit devices? 

FL means fire rated. The FL2100 Series is listed for use on fire-rated door assemblies. Standard 2100 Series devices without FL are panic listed only, not fire rated.

Q: What is the difference between panic hardware and fire exit hardware?

 Panic hardware allows egress without a key. Fire exit hardware is additionally tested and listed for installation on fire-rated door assemblies. Using non-fire-rated panic hardware on a fire door voids the fire rating.

Q: What functions are available in the FL2100 Series?

• FL2101 -Exit only, cover plate prep

• FL2102 -Exit only, dummy trim prep

• FL2103 -Key retracts latchbolt, wide stile

• FL2105 -Key controls thumbpiece

• FL2108 -Key controls lever or knob

• FL2110VI -Classroom intruder lockdown

• FL2114 -Lever or knob always active

• FL2115 -Thumbpiece always active

• DEFL2103 -Delayed egress

Q: Can FL2100 functions be changed in the field? 

Yes. Most FL2100 devices are field convertible between functions 01, 02, 03, 05, 08, 14, and 15 without replacing the device body.

Q: Does the FL2100 retrofit into other brands' mounting holes? 

Yes. The FL2100 Series is designed to retrofit into other manufacturers' mounting hole patterns. Specify the R prefix on trim for factory-set retrofit configurations.