About this item
The Von Duprin 040063 is a QEL baseplate conversion kit for 3-foot exit devices in the 33A, 35A, 98, and 99 Series, supplied with wiring connectors. It gives facility managers and security integrators a field upgrade path to Quiet Electric Latch operation on doors where the existing exit device is already a solenoid-driven electric latch (EL) unit. It sits under Von Duprin Electric Kits within Von Duprin Panic Devices & Acc. under Panic Exit Devices and Exit Hardware.
What is the difference between QEL and EL on Von Duprin exit devices?
EL (Electric Latch) uses a solenoid to retract the latchbolt when an access-control signal is applied. Solenoids produce an audible click or mechanical clunk on activation and draw significant current at the moment of strike. QEL (Quiet Electric Latch) replaces the solenoid with a motor-driven latch retraction mechanism that operates with substantially reduced noise. The difference matters most in healthcare facilities, patient corridors, libraries, courtrooms, and educational settings where audible door hardware is disruptive. QEL also draws lower continuous current than solenoid EL, which reduces heat buildup inside the device chassis and simplifies power supply sizing across multi-door access-control installations.
When should you use the 040063 baseplate QEL conversion versus the modular QEL conversion?
Von Duprin offers two QEL conversion paths. The modular QEL kit is the lower-cost option and is recommended for the majority of applications, specifically for any mechanical exit device that has never had electric latch retraction installed. The 040063 baseplate conversion applies when the existing installed device is already a solenoid-driven EL unit. Upgrading from EL to QEL requires replacing the entire baseplate assembly because the solenoid occupies the baseplate housing; the modular kit cannot be added on top of a solenoid EL mechanism. Specifying the wrong conversion kit results in an incompatible installation. Confirm the existing device type (mechanical, solenoid EL, or already QEL) before ordering.
Which Von Duprin exit devices does the 040063 fit?
The 040063 is rated for 3-foot (36-inch) door width devices across four Von Duprin series: 33A, 35A, 98, and 99. The 33A and 35A are Von Duprin's aluminum-stile rim exit device families, widely installed in commercial, institutional, and government buildings. The 98 and 99 Series are heavy-duty exit devices used on high-traffic entrances in healthcare and education facilities. All four series use the same base plate footprint at the 3-foot size, which is why a single part number covers all four. The 3FT designation is critical: if the installed device is on a 4-foot door, the 040063 will not fit and the corresponding 4-foot baseplate conversion kit is required. Confirm door width and installed device series before ordering.
What does 3FT W/CON mean in the 040063 part number?
3FT = 3-foot baseplate, sized for exit devices on 36-inch door openings. W/CON = with connectors, meaning the kit ships with the wiring connectors required to integrate the QEL baseplate into the door's access-control or fire-alarm relay wiring. Kits without connectors are available separately for installations where connectors are already in place or where the integrator is supplying custom wiring harnesses. The QEL baseplate conversion is available in both 3-foot and 4-foot configurations; the 040063 covers the 3-foot size only.
Specifications
SKU: 040063. Type: QEL Baseplate Conversion Kit. Configuration: CONV (conversion). Door width: 3-foot (36-inch). Connectors: Included (W/CON). Compatible series: Von Duprin 33A, 35A, 98, 99. Application: Field upgrade from solenoid EL to Quiet Electric Latch on compatible exit devices. Manufacturer: Von Duprin (Allegion). Additional model references: QEL Baseplate CONV 3FT W/CON.
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