Von Duprin 9847EO / 9947EO Concealed Vertical Rod Device - Metal Doors

The Von Duprin 9847EO and 9947EO are the concealed vertical rod exit devices from the 98/99 Series, built for hollow metal doors that require internal rod routing to top and bottom strikes. They're specified on schools, hospitals, government buildings, and commercial facilities where the exit hardware needs to be concealed within the door without surface rods visible on the push side.

9847 vs 9947: What the Difference Actually Is

The 9847 and 9947 are mechanically and dimensionally identical. The only difference is the exterior case surface style. The 9847 has a smooth mechanism case and the 9947 has a grooved mechanism case. Both deliver the same performance, carry the same certifications, and share all specifications. The choice between them is purely about the aesthetic profile of the pushpad assembly on the door face. If your hardware schedule specifies one but the other is available, confirm with the architect or specifier that the visual difference is acceptable.

What "Concealed Vertical Rod" Means and Why Metal Doors Only

Concealed vertical rod (CVR) devices use steel rods that run inside the door, routed through the door's hollow construction, to engage top and bottom strikes in the frame. The top rod latches into the door frame header and the bottom rod latches into the floor strike. Because the rods are inside the door, there are no exposed surface rods on the push face, which is why CVR devices look cleaner than surface vertical rod (SVR) devices. The trade-off is that the door must be a hollow metal door with factory-cut prep for the rod mechanism. Wood doors don't provide the internal cavity or structural routing needed for concealed rod installation, which is why these are specified for metal doors only.

EO Function and Field Selectable Options

EO stands for Exit Only, ANSI Function 01. The device ships with outside trim sold separately. In EO mode, the pushbar operates freely from inside and there is no outside entry. The device actually ships field selectable for EO, DT (Dummy Trim with pull when dogged), and NL (Night Latch) functions, allowing the function to be set in the field based on the trim ordered. For TP, K, or L outside trim configurations, the NL drive screw must be removed from the device during installation.

Vertical Rod Dimensions and Adjustability

Vertical rods are round 2-piece adjustable. Top rod is adjustable from 6'8" (2027mm) to 8'4" (2533mm) to accommodate varying door heights. Bottom rod adjusts from 35-5/8" (905mm) to 49-5/8" (1260mm). Extension rod kits are available for doors over 8'4" tall. Device centerline from finished floor is 39-5/8" standard but is adjustable from 35-5/8" to 49-5/8" for non-standard mounting heights.

Deadlocking Latchbolt and Quiet One Dampener

The latchbolt is a deadlocking top and bottom bolt with a 5/8" throw. The deadlocking design prevents the bolt from being slipped or depressed without fully retracting the mechanism. The device includes the Von Duprin Quiet One fluid dampener, which decelerates the pushpad on its return stroke and eliminates the loud clatter associated with uncontrolled pushpad rebound. In schools and healthcare settings this matters significantly.

Door Sizing and Fasteners

The 3' device covers door widths from 2'4" to 3'. The 4' device covers 2'10" to 4'. Fasteners are included for 1-3/4" to 2-1/4" thick metal doors. Optional 425 SNB sex bolts are available for thicker door applications. Strikes: Top 338 Unfinished, Bottom 385A Unfinished.

Certifications and Electric Options

ANSI/BHMA A156.3 Grade 1. UL listed for Panic Hardware. Fire-rated versions add the -F suffix (9847EO-F, 9947EO-F). Optional electric upgrades include EL (Electric Latch Retraction), QEL (Quiet Electric Latch Retraction), RX (Pushpad Monitor Switch), LX (Latchbolt Monitor Switch), CX (Chexit 15-second Delayed Egress), and ALK (Alarm Kit). Hurricane-rated versions available.