Increasing Safety With Von Duprin Trim

For locksmiths who are involved with commercial locksmithing, access control and system integration, Von Duprin products should be a familiar and preferred name. Von Duprin has become the standard for exit devices and more recently electrically actuated hardware.

Recently we heard from a university locksmith who was extremely upset with the poor quality of another brand of exit hardware after several units in service on his campus literally "fell apart." He explained that the only way he could keep them on the doors was by using plastic bags and duct tape. He recalled the RFQ on a major student housing building project and switched the spec for the panic hardware to Von Duprin. This little episode speaks volumes for the sterling reputation Von Duprin enjoys.

Von Duprin was started in 1908, when it introduced the first "panic release bar" in response to a need for protecting life safety while providing security, a purpose that still guides the firm today. The product was marketed by Vonnegut Hardware Company under the name Von Duprin, (a contraction of Vonnegut, DuPont and Prinzler.)

The popular 88 Series crossbar exit devices still manufactured by Von Duprin have similar appearance characteristics to the original design, although significant engineering changes have been made.

Currently, Von Duprin manufactures a wide range of exit devices and outside trim operations, including rim-type and mortise lock, surface and concealed vertical rod, fire-rated and several electrical options.

The most innovative change took place in 1972, when the company introduced the first pushpad exit device, the Series 33. This new design could be electrified. Shortly after the 33 Series was introduced, the EL electric latch retraction version exit device was developed. Within the next few years, Von Duprin introduced the popular and versatile wide-stile pushpad 99 Series.

Series 33A/35A Exit Devices

Series 33A/35A exit devices incorporate proven design features and durability for the life safety conscious buyer. They are available in rim, surface and concealed vertical rod mounting for all types of doors, even door stiles as narrow as 1-¾". New design features provide improved security and life safety performance.

Finishes include Polished Brass, Dull Brass, Dull Bronze, Polished Chrome, Dull Chrome, Aluminum Anodized and Dark Bronze Anodized.

Design advances include:

• Deadlocking latch bolt standard on all device functions, providing greater security and durability.
• One-piece cover for stylish aesthetics and consistency of finish.
• Fire rated surface vertical rod device now available.
• Same device works on wood and hollow metal doors.
• Simplified concealed vertical rod adjustment for reduction of servicing time.
• Can fit on old device prep with minor modifications.
• Handing of lever trim can be done in the field with no extra parts, saving time and money.

Signal Switch: The SS (Signal Switch) feature signals unauthorized use of an opening. One internal switch monitors the touch bar and the latch bolt for positive security. A second internal switch is controlled by the key cylinder for alarm reset. The SS device is designed to work with additional alarm components.

Electric Latch Retraction: The EL (Electric Latch Retraction) devices provide remote locking control, useful where free-swinging doors are normally utilized. May be applied to fire devices when under the control of an automatic fire alarm system.

Request to Exit: The RX (Request to Exit) option is used to signal egress of an opening. These devices are equipped with one internal SPDT switch, which monitors the touchbar.

Latchbolt Monitor: The LX (Latchbolt Monitor Switch) option is used to signal both egress and access of an opening. These devices are equipped with one internal SPDT switch, which monitors the latch bolt.

ALK Alarm Kit: Exit Alarm Kits are simple yet effective ways to monitor the use of an exit. The unit contains an internal horn and operates on batteries.