Von Duprin PA-AX-98EO / PA-EAX-99EO 26D Rim Panic Exit Device, PA-Pushbar Armor, AX-Accessible Device, Exit Only

The Von Duprin PA-AX-98EO and PA-EAX-99EO are rim mount exit devices from the 98/99 series with two factory-installed options: PA pushbar armor and AX accessible certification. If you've been searching "von duprin push bar" and need a heavy-duty commercial panic bar for a high-abuse door that also needs to meet ADA or California Building Code accessible force requirements, this is the specific configuration for that combination.

Decoding the Model: What PA and AX Mean

Every suffix in the Von Duprin model number tells you something. PA means pushbar armor -a reinforced steel shield over the push pad that protects the mechanism from forced tampering, vandalism, and repeated blunt impact. Schools, parking garages, detention facilities, and government buildings specify the PA option on high-abuse openings where standard push bars get damaged or defeated.

AX means the device meets the 5-pound operating force requirement in the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines (Chapters 404.2.7 and 30934) and the 2013 California Building Code (Chapter 11B-309.4). Standard exit devices can require more than 5 pounds of force to operate the push bar. The AX version is engineered to operate within 5 pounds, which is the accessible threshold. AX devices ship with a UL label that explicitly states compliance with the California Building Code and an AX identifier label on the center case. If your project requires ADA accessible egress hardware or the CBC accessible opening requirements, AX is the certification path on Von Duprin devices.

98 vs 99: The One Physical Difference

The 98 series has a smooth mechanism case. The 99 series has a grooved mechanism case. That's it. Mechanically, electrically, and functionally they're the same device. The choice between them is almost always aesthetic -matching the device appearance to other hardware on the same door or in the same facility. Grooved looks more industrial and textured, smooth looks cleaner and more contemporary.

Exit Only: What It Means for Outside Access

EO stands for exit only. This device has no outside trim. Anyone approaching from outside can't operate the door from the pull side -there's no lever, no knob, and no cylinder on the outside of the door. The push bar on the inside provides egress. If your opening needs keyed outside entry, you'd need a different function (NL for night latch, or L/TP for lever or thumbpiece trim). The EO function is specified on stairwell doors, utility corridor doors, emergency egress-only exits, and anywhere where one-directional egress is both the code requirement and the design intent.

The device ships field-selectable -it comes configured as EO but can also be field-configured to DT (dummy trim) or NL (night latch) without ordering a different unit, as long as the trim hardware is sourced separately.

Rim Mount, Non-Handed, Grade 1

This is a rim mount device -it mounts to the door face, not to a mortise prep in the door edge. That makes it the right choice for aluminum and hollow metal doors where mortise prep isn't practical, and for retrofit installations replacing an existing rim device. It's non-handed as configured (EO with no special options), so no handing specification is needed at time of order. Hex key dogging is standard.

Specifications

Model: Von Duprin PA-AX-98EO (smooth case) / PA-EAX-99EO (grooved case)

Series: 98/99 Wide Stile Push Pad Series

Mount: Rim

Function: Exit Only (field selectable to DT or NL)

Options: PA -Pushbar Armor; AX -Accessible Device (5 lb operating force)

ADA/CBC Compliance: AX certified, 5 lb force, ADA Ch. 404.2.7, California CBC 11B-309.4

Grade: ANSI/BHMA A156.3 Grade 1

Case: 98 = smooth; 99 = grooved

Finish: 26D Satin Chrome

Handing: Non-handed

Dogging: Hex key standard

Center Case: 8" x 2-3/4" x 2-3/8"

Door Sizes: 3-foot device (28"-36"), 4-foot device (34"-48")

Centerline Height: 39-13/16" from finished floor

UL Listing: Panic Hardware and Fire Exit Hardware

American Locksets has stocked Von Duprin 98/99 series exit devices since 2001.