Precision 2203 Apex Vertical Rod Exit Device - Wide Stile

The Precision Hardware 2203 is a surface vertical rod exit device from PHI's Apex 2000 Series, configured for wide stile doors. If you've been searching "precision push-pull rods", "precision exit devices", "phi precision exit devices", or "apex exit" - this is the product. PHI stands for Precision Hardware Inc., now part of dormakaba following the Stanley acquisition of BEST Access Systems. The Apex 2000 Series is the PHI exit device platform preferred by architects and specifiers in healthcare, education, and institutional facilities for its balanced combination of aesthetic design and mechanical reliability.

Surface Vertical Rod: What Push and Pull Rods Do

A surface vertical rod exit device uses a top rod and a bottom rod to engage latch bolts at both the top of the door frame and the floor strike simultaneously when you push the touchbar. The top rod extends upward and the bottom rod extends downward - both driven by the same touchbar push. When the rods retract, both latchbolts release in the same motion.

This two-point latching gives the door stronger resistance to forced entry compared to a rim-mounted single latch, and it's the required configuration when a door needs top-and-bottom latching for fire rating or security without the concealed channel of a concealed vertical rod (CVR) device. The 2203 routes both rods on the door surface - visible and easily serviceable. If a rod needs adjustment or replacement, it's accessible without removing the door.

2203 Function: Key Retracts Latchbolt

The 2203 function is key retracts latchbolt from outside with push bar operation from inside. From inside, the touchbar always retracts both rods. From outside, key operation is required to retract the latchbolt for entry. This is the correct function for storeroom and utility applications on exit doors where outside keyed entry is needed, but egress from inside must always be immediate and unobstructed.

Dogging is standard - 1/4" turn hex key dogging holds the touchbar in the retracted position for free egress during business hours without requiring key or card credential. Dogging is not available on fire-rated FL2203 configurations.

Wide Stile Application

Wide stile designates the touchbar and coverplate width. Wide stile devices are specified for hollow metal doors and wood doors with standard stile widths. Narrow stile devices serve aluminum storefront and glass doors where the stile is too narrow for a standard coverplate. If your door is hollow metal or wood with a standard stile profile, the 2203 wide stile is the correct specification.

LBR Option and Retrofit Compatibility

The 2203 can be ordered with a Less Bottom Rod (LBR) option by adding the LBR suffix - used when the door's bottom clearance or floor condition won't accommodate a bottom strike, or when the application doesn't require two-point latching. The 2200 Series is also designed to retrofit into other manufacturers' mounting hole locations - the device lines up with common competitor patterns without requiring new boring or filling. The 1700 Series pull trim and 4900 Series lever trim can be factory set for retrofit applications by specifying the R prefix.

Fire Rated Version

The FL2203 is the fire-rated version, which includes the FB277 Fire Bolt Assembly. The FL2203 conforms to UL10C and UBC 7-2. Fire-rated devices ship without dogging capability. Specify FL2203 when the door carries a fire rating label.

Specifications

Model: Precision Hardware 2203

Brand: PHI (Precision Hardware Inc.), dormakaba

Series: Apex 2000 Series, 2200 SVR Exit Devices

Type: Surface Vertical Rod (SVR)

Stile: Wide stile

Function: 03 - Key retracts latchbolt (outside); touchbar always active (inside)

Dogging: 1/4" turn hex key standard (not available on fire-rated)

Fire Rated Version: FL2203 (includes FB277 Fire Bolt Assembly)

Cylinder Dogging Version: 2203CD

Door Width: 36" (2'7" to 3') or 48" (3'1" to 4')

Door Height: 7', 8', 10', 12' (12' not available on FL version)

Door Thickness: 1-3/4" to 2-1/4" standard

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

Bottom Bolt: Steel plated, independent, 5/8" throw

Touchbar Height: 39-15/16" from floor standard

Base Material: Heavy wrought brass, bronze, or stainless steel

Chassis: Investment cast steel, zinc dichromated

Handing: Field reversible

LBR Option: Less bottom rod available

Retrofit: Fits other manufacturers' mounting hole patterns

Grade: ANSI/BHMA A156.3 Grade 1

UL: Listed for panic and fire exit hardware

Finishes: 605, 606, 612, 613, 622, 625, 626W, 628, 630, 690

American Locksets has stocked PHI Precision Apex exit devices since 2001.