Von Duprin 958003 QEL baseplate conversion kit, For 3' Device

The Von Duprin 958003 is a QEL baseplate conversion kit for 3-foot exit devices, rated for universal application across both mechanical and solenoid-driven latch retraction installations. Unlike narrower-scope kits scoped to specific device series or upgrade paths, the 958003 covers any baseplate conversion scenario on 3-foot devices, making it the flexible specification choice when the existing device type or series is uncertain. It sits under Von Duprin Electric Kits within Von Duprin Panic Devices & Acc. under Panic Exit Devices and Exit Hardware.

What does "any conversion application" mean for the Von Duprin 958003?

Von Duprin's base plate QEL kits are not all interchangeable. Some are scoped to specific device series or to EL (solenoid) upgrades only. The phrase "may be used for ANY conversion application" is Von Duprin's specification language that explicitly removes those restrictions from the 958003. Whether the installed 3-foot exit device is fully mechanical (no existing electric latch), a solenoid-driven EL unit, or a legacy latch retraction system, the 958003 baseplate kit is the applicable solution. This makes it the correct specification whenever there is ambiguity about the existing device type or when the job involves mixed device configurations on the same job site.

How does the 958003 differ from the 040063 QEL baseplate conversion?

Both the 040063 and the 958003 are QEL baseplate conversion kits for 3-foot exit devices. The 040063 includes wiring connectors (W/CON designation) and is scoped to the 33A, 35A, 98, and 99 series device families, with EL-to-QEL being the specifically recommended use case. The 958003 carries no such scope restriction: it covers any conversion path regardless of whether the installed device is mechanical or solenoid EL, and regardless of which compatible device series is installed. When the existing device type is confirmed as a solenoid EL on a 33A/35A/98/99 series device, the 040063 is the more precisely specified kit. When there is uncertainty about the device type or series, specify the 958003.

What is the difference between 958003 and 958003-00?

In Von Duprin's part numbering system, the "-00" suffix denotes the base product configuration with no additional factory options. 958003-00 and 958003 refer to the same conversion kit. The suffix appears on purchase orders, spec sheets, and distributor catalogs to indicate no optional add-ons are being requested alongside the kit. If your project documentation, RFQ, or existing installation records list 958003-00, it is the identical product to the 958003 listed here. Order either format; they ship the same kit.

What does QEL do and why does it matter on 3-foot exit device installations?

QEL (Quiet Electric Latch) replaces solenoid-driven or mechanical latch retraction with a motor-driven mechanism that operates with significantly reduced noise on access-control signals. The baseplate spans the full 3-foot (36-inch) device housing and integrates directly into the device's latch retraction assembly, so the conversion is a complete baseplate replacement rather than an add-on module. The inside push bar retains free egress at all times per life-safety code. Quiet operation is critical in healthcare corridors, library entrances, courtroom vestibules, and multi-family residential common areas where solenoid activation clunk is operationally unacceptable or disrupts occupants.

Specifications

SKU: 958003. Also referenced as: 958003-00. Type: QEL Baseplate Conversion Kit. Door width: 3-foot (36-inch). Application: Universal (mechanical-to-QEL or EL-to-QEL). Manufacturer: Von Duprin (Allegion). Companion SKUs: 040063 (EL-to-QEL, 3-foot, W/CON, 33A/35A/98/99 specific); 040066 (EL-to-QEL, 4-foot, W/CON).