The Von Duprin 47895918 is the OEM QEL-L modular latch retraction kit for 4-foot exit devices in the 33A, 35A, 98, and 99 Series, documented in the Von Duprin QEL Conversion Kits Data Sheet (doc 115518). It is a retrofit conversion kit - designed to add Quiet Electric Latch Retraction to an existing mechanical device or to upgrade from the legacy EL solenoid system to the current motorized QEL platform. The kit includes the RX (Request-to-Exit) monitoring switch. No AX, CON, or HD configuration options are available with the 47895918 - confirm these features are not required before ordering.

This is the 4-foot (48-inch) version. A separate part number covers 3-foot device installations.

What QEL-L Means: Latchbolt Only vs Full QEL

The QEL-L designation (Latchbolt Only) is the key specification detail that determines whether the 47895918 is the correct kit for the application.

Standard QEL (without the L suffix) retracts both the latchbolt AND physically activates the pushpad - the push bar drops to the depressed position when the electric signal is received. This full pushpad actuation is how standard electric dogging works: the bar stays down, the door operates as a free passage opening.

QEL-L retracts the latchbolt only. The push bar stays in its normal extended position - it is not activated by the electric signal. The latch bolt retracts electronically, the door opens when pushed, and the push bar remains in its rest position throughout the cycle. This is the correct specification for access control applications where the electric signal should allow entry without mechanically actuating the pushbar.

Stairwell control on a 98/99 or 33A/35A device is the most common QEL-L application. A card reader at the stairwell door sends a signal to the 47895918 module, the latch retracts, the authorized person pushes the door open, and the device returns to normal latch engagement when the door closes. The push bar never moves. Audit trail, camera trigger, and access control logging all work through the RX switch output that ships with this kit.

Modular vs Baseplate QEL: Why the 47895918 Is the Right Choice

Von Duprin offers two QEL conversion approaches. The original baseplate QEL kit (958003-00 series) was the initial design when QEL launched. The modular kit - the format of the 47895918 - is the improved, current generation with an upgraded motor assembly and simplified installation.

Per the official Von Duprin QEL Conversion Kits Data Sheet: "If you previously ordered 958003-00 for mechanical upgrades to latch retraction, we recommend choosing the modular kit." The modular design provides improved motor reliability, easier installation, and better long-term performance than the original baseplate design. For any new QEL installation or replacement of an existing QEL unit on a 33A/35A/98/99 device, the 47895918 modular kit is the current standard.

Converting from a legacy EL (Electric Latch Retraction) solenoid device to QEL also uses the modular conversion kit path. Allegion provides a dedicated installation video for this conversion - "Converting EL to QEL" - as part of the QEL installation resource library.

Von Duprin QEL: Why Quiet Matters

The "Q" in QEL addresses a real field complaint with standard EL solenoid hardware. The original EL solenoid retracts the latch bolt with an audible mechanical click or thump - noticeable in quiet environments like patient corridors, libraries, quiet office suites, and courtroom anteroom doors.

QEL uses a motor-driven mechanism rather than a solenoid. The motor operation is significantly quieter - Allegion describes it as providing "electronic control of an exit device where limited operational noise is desired." The functional result is the same: the latch retracts on command. The difference is operational noise, which is the specification criteria for any application where door hardware sound is a design consideration.