About this item
The Von Duprin QEL33A-EO is the exit-only rim exit device from the 33A Series with Quiet Electric Latch Retraction. If you've been searching "von duprin 33", "von duprin 33a series", "von duprin 33 series", "von duprin qel quiet electric latch retraction panic bars", or "von duprin qel" - the model code reads: QEL = Quiet Electric Latch Retraction. 33A = the 33A Series narrow-stile-capable rim device with grooved mechanism case. EO = exit only, no outside trim furnished. The 33A is the grooved case version of the rim device. The 35A is the same device with a smooth case - both are otherwise mechanically equivalent.
What QEL Does and Why It's Different from Standard EL
The standard electric latch retraction (EL) on Von Duprin exit devices uses a solenoid to slam the latchbolt back when power is applied - audible, abrupt, and in quiet environments like hospital corridors or library entries, noticeably loud. QEL (Quiet Electric Latch Retraction) replaces the solenoid with a motor-driven mechanism that retracts the latchbolt smoothly and quietly. The acoustic difference is significant in noise-sensitive environments.
The QEL also adds scheduling capability that standard EL doesn't have. The latchbolt can be retracted momentarily - one person presents a credential, door opens, latch re-engages on close - or it can be held retracted for an extended scheduled period. A hospital main entry might hold QEL open from 7am to 7pm via a time schedule, then return to credential-required access after hours. That extended hold replaces mechanical hex key dogging on fire-rated devices where physical dogging is prohibited. The QEL is approved for both panic exit hardware and fire-rated exit hardware.
33A Series: Narrow Stile and Fluid Dampener
The 33A fits door stiles as narrow as 1-3/4 inches - narrower than the standard 2-inch minimum for many devices. This makes it the correct specification for aluminum storefront doors and other doors with narrow vertical stiles that can't accommodate a full-width device.
Every 33A Series device includes a fluid dampener on the pushbar return stroke. When someone pushes the bar and it springs back to its neutral position, the dampener decelerates that return and eliminates most of the mechanical bang. In a healthcare or hospitality setting where that click-thump of a returning panic bar is a noise issue, the 33A addresses it mechanically regardless of the QEL option. The QEL then handles the electrical latch retraction quietly. Together they make this the quietest rim exit device configuration Von Duprin makes.
Exit Only and Access Control Integration
EO designates exit only - no outside trim is furnished. The door is secured from outside and only operated from inside via the touchbar. With QEL, a credential reader mounts on the outside frame and signals the QEL to momentarily retract the latch, converting the door to push-pull operation for authorized users without touching the inside panic bar. The device is non-handed in standard EO configuration.
Device lengths: 3-foot bar for 2'4" to 3' door width, 4-foot bar for 2'10" to 4' door width.
Specifications
Model: Von Duprin QEL33A-EO
Series: 33A Series Rim Exit Device
Case: 33A - grooved mechanism case (35A = smooth case)
Electric Feature: QEL - Quiet Electric Latch Retraction, motor-driven
Function: EO - Exit Only
Stile: Narrow stile capable, 1-3/4" minimum
Fluid Dampener: Yes - standard on all 33A/35A devices
Operation: Momentary or extended latch retraction via access control
Replaces Dogging: Yes - extended QEL hold substitutes for mechanical dogging
Voltage: 24VDC
Device Lengths: 3' (for 28" to 36" doors); 4' (for 34" to 48" doors)
Latchbolt: Deadlocking, 3/4" throw
Centerline from Floor: 39-13/16"
Handing: Non-handed (except SS signal switch option)
Grade: ANSI A156.3 Grade 1
UL: Listed for panic exit hardware and fire-rated exit hardware
Available Finishes: 605, 606, 612, 625, 626, 626AM, 628, 710, 711
American Locksets has stocked Von Duprin 33A Series exit devices since 2001.
Trusted Since 2001
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