Von Duprin 996L Lever Trim

The Von Duprin 996L is the standard lever trim for Von Duprin's 98L/99L Series exit devices. It's a keyed lever trim with a Breakaway design, classroom function (ANSI function 08), and compatibility with Rim (R), Surface Vertical Rod (V), and Concealed Vertical Rod (CV) 98/99 Series configurations. The 996L has become the default lever trim on 98L/99L Series devices, replacing older trim designs across new construction and retrofit projects.

It's an Allegion manufactured product under the Von Duprin brand. American Locksets is an authorized Von Duprin dealer.

What Breakaway Means and Why It's Specified

The Breakaway lever design is the defining feature that separates the 996L from other exit device lever trims. When the lever is subjected to excessive downward force, vandalism, or abuse, it rotates free from its operating position rather than transmitting that force to the spindle, cylinder, or trim body. The lever breaks away cleanly. After the event, it can be reset to normal operating position without replacing any components.

The design intent is to prevent costly repairs from becoming necessary in high-abuse or institutional environments. A traditional rigid lever under the same force conditions bends, cracks the escutcheon, or damages the cylinder — each of those outcomes requires parts replacement. The 996L's breakaway mechanism absorbs the abuse and keeps the trim functional.

This feature is available only on the standard 996L configuration. The NL (nightlatch) and DT (dummy trim) variants do not include the Breakaway feature, so those options don't carry the vandalism resistance benefit.

Classroom Function and ANSI 08 Operation

The 996L operates in classroom function: the key locks and unlocks the outside lever. When the lever is locked, outside pull operation is disabled and the lever hangs free without operating the latch mechanism. When unlocked, the lever retracts the latch normally from outside. Inside egress is always available through the exit device pushbar, which operates independently of the trim.

ANSI function 08 is the specification call-out for this operation in hardware schedules and contract documents. It's the correct function for classroom doors, office suites, and any opening requiring key-controlled outside entry with unrestricted inside egress.

Physical Specifications

Trim type: Lever. Escutcheon plate: 2-3/4" x 10-3/4" x 27/32" (70 x 273 x 21mm). Projection: 2-7/8" (73mm). Cylinder type: Rim 1-1/4" or mortise cylinder, depending on configuration ordered. Handing: Handed and field reversible.

Device Compatibility and Configuration Suffixes

The 996L is ordered with a suffix indicating the exit device type it's pairing with:

996L-R/V = For Rim and Vertical Rod 98/99 Series exit devices. This is the most common configuration and what the majority of "996L" searches reference.

996L-M = For Mortise exit devices in the 98/99 Series.

The 996L-BE (Blank Escutcheon) version fits the same devices but ships without a cylinder hole, for installations where no outside key access is required.

Lever Style Options

The "06" lever is the most specified Von Duprin style on the 996L, a rounded radius lever that pairs with both institutional and commercial escutcheon aesthetics. The "03" lever is also available, an angular profile. Style "17" is available for matching existing trim on retrofit projects. Specify the lever style number alongside the base model number and device suffix when ordering.

The 996L Family Context

Von Duprin's 996 trim family includes: 996L (standard keyed breakaway lever, this product), E996L (electrified breakaway, allows access control integration), M996L (motorized breakaway for remote release), 996L-NL (nightlatch function), and 996L-DT (dummy trim, passive pull only). If your project requires electrified trim for card access or remote unlock, specify the E996L instead of the base 996L.