Von Duprin 99 Series Exit Device: Complete Specification and Buying Guide

Von Duprin 99 is the wide stile rim exit device in the Von Duprin commercial lineup — the single most specified panic hardware family on North American school, hospital, and government hardware schedules. Von Duprin 99 carries ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 certification, UL 305 panic hardware listing, and UL 10C fire exit hardware listing on rated configurations. It is non-handed in standard configurations, available in EO, DT, NL, and lever outside functions, and supports a comprehensive option code library covering ADA compliance, delayed egress, lockdown, latchbolt monitoring, and quiet operation. Understanding Von Duprin 99 specification starts with knowing how it differs from its companion the Von Duprin 98 Series, and then working through the function and option codes that define the system on each opening.

Von Duprin 99 vs Von Duprin 98: The Only Difference

Von Duprin 99 and Von Duprin 98 share every specification. Both are ANSI A156.3 Grade 1, UL 305 panic listed, UL 10C fire exit hardware listed. Both carry identical function codes, option codes, and accessories. Von Duprin 99 uses a wide stile case — for aluminum storefront doors and wide-stile commercial frames. Von Duprin 98 uses a standard case — for hollow metal and wood doors. One project can mix Von Duprin 99 on aluminum entries and Von Duprin 98 on hollow metal corridor doors without managing two separate accessory inventories.

Von Duprin 99 Function Codes: Confirmed Application for Each

Von Duprin 99EO (Exit Only): No outside trim. Push bar provides inside egress only. Standard specification for stairwells, secondary fire exits, and any door where outside entry is handled by a separate access control system. The most commonly specified Von Duprin 99 function on institutional door schedules.

Von Duprin 99DT (Dogging): Push bar mechanically held in depressed position by hex key. Converts device to push-pull. Permitted on non-fire-rated assemblies only. NFPA 80 prohibits dogging on fire exit hardware. For fire-rated doors needing push-pull during business hours, specify electric dogging connected to the fire alarm panel instead.

Von Duprin 99NL (Night Latch): Outside key cylinder retracts the latch. Inside push bar always free. Correct for building perimeter doors where key control from outside is the access method. The NL cylinder participates in the facility's masterkey system.

Von Duprin 99L (Lever): Outside lever handle for ADA-compliant entry without a key. Operable with one hand, no tight grasping. Correct for main building entries during business hours where credential-free outside access is acceptable.

Von Duprin 99 Option Codes: Factory-Specified Customizations

Option codes on Von Duprin 99 must appear on the hardware schedule and the order before the product ships. They cannot be added in the field after delivery.

AX (Accessible): Push pad force certified at or below 5 pounds. Meets ADA Section 404.2.7 and California Building Code Chapter 11B-309.4. Required on every Von Duprin 99 device on an accessible means of egress.

CX (Chexit Delayed Egress): 15-second delay before door releases, with local alarm during delay. Permitted only where the AHJ has approved delayed egress under IBC or NFPA 101. Used in retail, assisted living, and memory care facilities.

ESL (Emergency Secure Lockdown): Room-level lockdown capability activated at the door. Correct for K-12 schools and institutional facilities with active threat protocols.

LX (Latchbolt Monitor): SPDT switch reporting latchbolt position to the access control panel. Required when the panel specification includes door-latched confirmation for security or compliance audit trails.

QM (Quiet Mechanical): Damper-controlled re-latching reduces impact noise on door close. Specified in libraries, healthcare patient rooms, and conference facilities.

PN (Pneumatic Latch Retraction): Air-actuated release for laboratory and hazardous environments where electrical devices are prohibited.

LBR (Less Bottom Rod): Removes bottom rod from SVR and CVR devices for raised thresholds, floor drains, and ADA-required clear floor conditions.

Von Duprin 99 Paired Door Variants: 9927 SVR

The Von Duprin 9927 is the wide stile surface vertical rod (SVR) variant of the Von Duprin 99 Series for paired door applications without a center mullion. Three-point latching at center, head, and floor latches the inactive leaf independently without a fixed center strike.

The Von Duprin 9827 is the standard case SVR equivalent. All Von Duprin 99 function codes and option codes are available on both the 9927 and 9827.

For access control on the inactive leaf of a paired door, the Folger Adam 310/2 header strike at the frame head releases the 9927's top rod bolt electrically. Both the 9927 and the 310/2 are available through the electric strikes section at American Locksets.

Von Duprin 99 Three-Point Latching: 9957 and 9857

The Von Duprin 9957 (wide stile) and 9857 (standard case) provide the highest forced-entry resistance in the Von Duprin 99 product family. The 9957 adds a simultaneous center case latch, top bolt, and bottom bolt engagement on a single door — three-point latching without a paired door. Used on primary building entries, vestibule doors, and high-security single doors where maximum structural resistance is the specification requirement.

Von Duprin 99: Electric and Motorized Latch Retraction

Von Duprin 99 devices are available with electric latch retraction (EL) and motorized latch retraction for direct access control panel integration. EL is specified on main building entries where the access control panel controls outside entry while the push bar maintains inside egress without additional hardware at the frame. Motorized latch retraction covers automatic door operator applications.

For projects where Von Duprin 99 installs alongside commercial locks from Schlage or Sargent on other doors in the schedule, all ship on a single order from American Locksets.

Why American Locksets for Von Duprin 99 Projects

American Locksets is an authorized Allegion dealer stocking the complete Von Duprin 99 and 98 Series from authorized distribution. Every device carries a valid Allegion manufacturer warranty. The most common Von Duprin 99 ordering errors: EO ordered for a paired door that needed SVR, DT specified on a fire-rated assembly, and option codes omitted from the schedule after the order ships.

Confirming the Von Duprin 99 function code, option codes, and any electrified requirements before the order ships prevents all three. Call 877-471-4870 with the door schedule and we confirm every specification before the order ships. Same-day shipping from multiple US warehouses. The full Von Duprin 99 lineup is in the exit hardware section.

Conclusion

Von Duprin 99 is the wide stile Grade 1 rim exit device for aluminum and wide-stile commercial doors. ANSI A156.3 Grade 1, UL 305 panic, UL 10C fire exit hardware. The Von Duprin 99 differs from the 98 in body width only — all specs, functions, and option codes are identical. EO for stairwells and secondary exits, NL for keyed entry, L for lever outside access, DT for non-fire-rated push-pull. Option codes AX, CX, ESL, LX, QM, PN, and LBR are factory specifications that must be on the order before it ships. American Locksets stocks the full Von Duprin 99 lineup from authorized Allegion distribution. Call 877-471-4870 or visit the exit hardware section.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Von Duprin 99 Series used for? 

Wide stile rim exit device for aluminum storefront and wide-stile commercial doors providing Grade 1 panic egress. ANSI A156.3 Grade 1, UL 305 panic, UL 10C fire rated.

What is the difference between Von Duprin 99 and 98?

 Body width only. Von Duprin 99 is wide stile for aluminum doors. Von Duprin 98 is standard case for hollow metal. All specifications, functions, and option codes are identical.

What does Von Duprin 99EO mean? 

Exit Only function: push bar provides inside egress, no outside trim. Standard for stairwells and dedicated exit doors.

Can Von Duprin 99DT dogging be used on fire-rated doors? 

No. NFPA 80 prohibits mechanical dogging on fire exit hardware. Specify electric dogging tied to the fire alarm panel instead.

What is the Von Duprin 9927? 

Wide stile SVR exit device for paired doors without a center mullion, providing three-point latching at center, head, and floor on the inactive leaf.

Where can I buy Von Duprin 99 from authorized Allegion distribution?

 American Locksets stocks the complete Von Duprin 99 lineup at americanlocksets.com/exit-hardware. Call 877-471-4870 to confirm function and option codes.

Published by the American Locksets Hardware Team. Authorized Allegion Dealer, Est. 2001, Monroe, NY.