About this item
The Precision 2603 is a concealed vertical rod (CVR) exit device from PHI's Apex 2000 Series, configured for narrow stile doors with function 03 key retracts latchbolt. If you searched "2603", "36-2603", "precision push-pull rods", "2603c03", "apex vertical", "c-2603", or the configuration string "c mlr ts 2603 x 4903d ds" this is the product.
PHI stands for Precision Hardware Inc, now a dormakaba brand. The Apex 2000 Series is a touchbar-style exit device line that architects and specifiers often choose for healthcare, education, and government projects. It stands out for its clean, modern look and dependable engineering, making it a practical and visually appealing choice.
Decoding the Model String: C MLR TS 2603 x 4903D DS
When you see a full Precision configuration string like "C MLR TS 2603 x 4903D DS", each segment is a specification decision. 2603 is the base device model concealed vertical rod, narrow stile, function 03. C designates C keyway cylinder configuration. MLR is mortise lock ready trim prep. TS is the SPDT switch option (Single Pole Double Throw) for interfacing with one external component such as a card reader, access control panel, or alarm. 4903D is the trim model with dogging. DS refers to the double strike configuration. Each suffix changes what ships with the device and what wiring is needed.
If you need a simpler base device without electrified options, the standard 2603 is the starting point. Add suffixes at order to build the full configuration your opening requires.
Function 03: Key Retracts Latchbolt What That Means
Function 03 means entrance from outside requires a key to retract the top latchbolt. Without a key, the outside is inoperable. From inside, pushing the touchbar always retracts both the top and bottom bolts for immediate egress that never changes regardless of function. The rim cylinder for function 03 is a standard rim-type cylinder, 1-1/4-inch long mortise type for function 08 (the mortise lock ready prep version). Cylinders are not furnished standard and must be ordered separately.
"2603c03" in some distributor catalogs designates the 2603 base device with C keyway cylinder trim in function 03 confirming it's the same device specified here.
Concealed Vertical Rod: What the Push-Pull Rods Do
If you searched "precision push-pull rods" a CVR exit device uses two vertical rods inside the door stile that connect the touchbar mechanism to the top and bottom latching points. The top rod drives the top latchbolt at the door head. The bottom rod drives the bottom bolt at the door threshold. When you push the touchbar, both rods retract both bolts simultaneously. The rods are concealed inside the door stile you don't see them on the door face. This is the key distinction between a CVR device and a surface vertical rod (SVR) device, where the rods run along the outside of the door. CVR gives a clean door face and is the standard specification for narrow aluminum stile doors where external rods would be impractical.
The bottom bolt on the 2603 has an independent action 5/8-inch throw with adjustment range to suit up to 3/4-inch door undercut at the threshold. That adjustability is built in no field modification needed for standard door prep variations.
36-2603: Device Width and Door Size
"36-2603" specifies the 36-inch device length, covering doors from 2-foot-7 to 3-foot-0 wide. The 48-inch device covers doors from 3-foot-1 to 4-foot-0 wide. Standard door height range is 6-foot-8 to 8-foot-0, with heights up to 10-foot-0 available. Door thickness range is 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 inches standard. For thicker doors, consult the factory.
LBR Option and Fire-Rated Version
The LBR suffix (Less Bottom Rod) ships the device without the bottom rod assembly used when the bottom bolt is not required or when the door configuration doesn't need a floor strike. Specify 2603LBR when ordering.
The fire-rated version is the FL2603 same device body, UL-listed for fire exit hardware. Standard 2603 is UL panic listed. If your opening is fire-rated, specify FL2603. Hex key dogging is standard on the 2603 but is NOT available on fire exit hardware (FL2603) dogging holds the latch retracted, which is not permitted on fire-rated doors.
Specifications
Model: Precision PHI 2603
Brand: PHI (Precision Hardware Inc), dormakaba
Series: Apex 2000 Series
Type: Concealed Vertical Rod (CVR) exit device
Style: Narrow stile touchbar
Function: 03 key retracts latchbolt from outside; inside always free
Top Latchbolt: Stainless steel, deadlocking, 3/4" throw
Bottom Bolt: Steel plated, independent action, 5/8" throw, adjustable for 3/4" door undercut
Chassis: Investment cast steel, zinc dichromated
Dogging: 1/4" turn hex key standard (not available on fire-rated)
Touchbar Height: 39-15/16" from floor standard; field adjustable
Device Widths: 36" (doors to 3'-0") and 48" (doors to 4'-0")
Door Height: 6'-8" to 8'-0" standard; up to 10'-0" available
Door Thickness: 1-3/4" to 2-1/4"
Handing: Reversible; standard RHRB
LBR Option: Less bottom rod add suffix LBR
Fire-Rated Version: FL2603
Cylinder Dogging Version: 2603CD
Cylinder: Not furnished standard; rim type for function 03
Switch Options: TS (SPDT, 2-wire), TDS (DPDT, 4-wire), LS (SPDT latch monitor), LDS (DPDT latch monitor)
Grade: ANSI A156.3 Grade 1
UL: UL listed panic and fire exit hardware, UL10C, UBC 7-2
BAA: Qualified
Applications: Healthcare, education, government, aluminum narrow stile doors
Brand: PHI Precision Hardware, dormakaba
American Locksets has stocked Precision PHI Apex 2000 Series exit devices since 2001.
Trusted Since 2001
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