The Von Duprin 48968887 is the OEM auxiliary fire pin LBL (Less Bottom Latch) retrofit kit for fire-rated exit devices in the 98/99 and 33/35A Series. The kit includes the auxiliary fire pin assembly, auxiliary fire latch strike, sleeve, and screws. It is specifically the LBL configuration  for installations where the bottom latch, bottom rod or cable, and bottom strike are omitted  and it provides the UL-required secondary fire latching at the bottom of the door that the omitted bottom latch would otherwise supply.

Compatible devices: Von Duprin 98/9947 and 98/9947-F (CVR), 98/9949 and 98/9949-F (CVC), 98/9950 and 98/9950-F (WDC), 33/3547A-F (CVR), 33/3549A-F (CVR), and 33/3550AWDC-F (WDC). Verify the installed device series and bottom latch configuration before ordering.

What the Von Duprin Auxiliary Fire Pin Does

The auxiliary fire pin is a spring-loaded bolt housed in a sleeve that mounts at the bottom of the door edge. In its normal state, a plastic cap seated in the strike hole plug holds the spring-loaded fire pin in the fully retracted position. The door operates normally, and the fire pin plays no role in everyday entry or egress.

In a fire event, the heat reaching the door edge melts the plastic cap. Once the plastic melts, the spring force drives the fire pin outward from the door edge into the auxiliary fire latch strike mounted on the door frame. This creates a positive mechanical latch at the bottom of the door that is completely independent of the main exit device mechanism, the pushpad, and the top latch. The fire pin keeps the door in the closed position even if the primary latch mechanism fails under fire conditions, meeting the UL requirement for positive latching throughout the rated fire duration.

Per the Allegion installation instruction (103800), certified personnel may be required to perform the field prep for auxiliary fire pin installation. If an Edge Guard is installed on the door, it must be modified to provide clearance for the fire pin assembly and plastic cap before installation.

Von Duprin 49 Fire Pin Kit: LBL vs LBR Configuration

The 48968887 is the LBL (Less Bottom Latch) version. The companion fire pin kit for LBR (Less Bottom Rod) configurations is a separate part number. The distinction is in which component is omitted from the installation:

LBL (Less Bottom Latch): The bottom latch assembly and its associated strike are omitted entirely. Used on WDC (Wide Clearance Door) and some CVC configurations where cart access, wide clearance, or architectural requirements make a bottom latch impractical. The 48968887 fire pin provides the required fire latching at the bottom position.

LBR (Less Bottom Rod): The bottom rod is omitted while a bottom latch may still be present. Used on CVR applications with specific installation constraints. The companion LBR fire pin kit covers the 98/9947 CVR and 33/35A CVR devices in less bottom rod configuration.

Von Duprin Exit Device Parts: Strike Requirements for the 48968887

The auxiliary fire latch strike included in the 48968887 kit requires correct positioning on the door frame relative to the fire pin location per the template on page 2 of instruction 103800. The installation also requires a secondary device strike that differs by device type the 499F strike for Surface Vertical Rod devices, the 338 strike for Concealed Vertical Rod devices, and the 249 strike for CVC and WDC configurations. These strikes are not included in the 48968887 kit and must be ordered separately. Confirm the correct strike part number for the installed device before completing the fire latch installation.