If the electric latch retraction on your Von Duprin exit device has stopped responding, the solenoid and plunger assembly is the first place to look. The Von Duprin 050535 EL Solenoid and Plunger is the OEM replacement assembly that powers the electric latch retraction function across some of Von Duprin's most widely installed commercial exit devices, and getting this part right is what separates a clean fix from an afternoon of callbacks.

This solenoid assembly operates at 24V DC and is designed specifically for the EL hex dogging and electric latch retraction option on non-fire-rated door applications. When a valid access control signal is received, the solenoid pulls the plunger to mechanically retract the latchbolt, allowing the door to be pushed open without physically pressing the exit device crossbar. Without a functioning solenoid, that electrical command goes nowhere and the latch stays engaged.

What Exit Devices This Part Covers

The 050535 solenoid assembly fits across a wide range of Von Duprin exit devices, which is one of the reasons it's been such a commonly sourced part for facilities teams and locksmiths working through legacy installations. Compatible models include the Von Duprin 33A and 35A Rim series, the 98 and 99 Series in Rim, Surface Vertical Rod, Concealed Vertical Rod, Mortise, and Wide Door Closer configurations. It's also a confirmed fit for the Doromatic and Falcon EL1690, EL1790, and EL2390 devices under cross-reference part number 971687-00.

If you're maintaining a building with multiple exit devices from these series, this solenoid assembly is the component that keeps the electric latch retraction option working reliably across all of them.

Understanding Why Solenoids Fail

Commercial solenoids in exit devices take a lot of cycles. Every time the access control system sends an unlock signal, the solenoid engages. Over years of daily use in high-traffic buildings like schools, hospitals, and office towers, the coil can wear out or the plunger can become sluggish. The symptom is usually an exit device that works fine mechanically but doesn't respond to the electrical unlock signal. Sometimes you'll hear the solenoid click without the latch retracting, which points directly to a weakened plunger or a coil that's no longer generating enough pull to complete the retraction stroke.

Replacing the solenoid assembly is a straightforward repair compared to the cost of replacing an entire electrified exit device. If your Von Duprin hardware is otherwise in good shape, swapping this part is almost always the right call before looking at a full unit replacement.

Discontinued Part, But Still Available

The 050535 is a discontinued Von Duprin part, which makes sourcing it through standard distribution increasingly difficult. We keep stock specifically for the installers, locksmiths, and facilities managers who are still running 33A, 35A, 98, and 99 Series hardware and need the actual OEM assembly rather than a conversion kit.

We've been supplying replacement parts for commercial door hardware since 2001. Got a larger project or need to source multiple units? Give us a call at 845-935-0301 or email sales@securityparts.com and we'll work through it with you.

Same-day shipping goes out on anything we have in stock, and orders over $450 ship free. Before you place your order, take a look at our shipping and returns policy so you know exactly what to expect on timing and delivery.

If you're working through a full exit device service job, our exit devices parts catalog covers the full Von Duprin line across rim, SVR, CVR, mortise, and WDC configurations. You can also browse our complete parts catalog or check the Von Duprin price books for reference documentation before you order.