Quick Answer

The Von Duprin 88 Series catalog covers four wide-stile crossbar exit device configurations: rim, surface vertical rod (SVR), concealed vertical rod (CVR), and mortise. All are ANSI/BHMA A156.3 Grade 1 certified and UL listed for panic exit hardware. The series is mechanical-only by design, available in seven standard finishes, and built around a model-number system where a suffix string tells you the trim function, fire rating, and any special options. Getting the suffix wrong is the most common ordering mistake. This guide walks through every configuration, the trim and finish codes, how to read the model number, and which parts you end up replacing most often.

If you've spent any time maintaining commercial doors, you've worked on a Von Duprin 88 Series device. It's been in continuous production since the 1950s and is probably the most recognizable crossbar exit device in North America. The Von Duprin 88 Series catalog covers rim, surface vertical rod, concealed vertical rod, and mortise configurations, all wide-stile, all carrying ANSI/BHMA A156.3 Grade 1 certification and UL listing for panic exit hardware. It ships with a 42-inch field-sizeable crossbar and a 3/4-inch throw latch bolt. Knowing the model lineup and how the parts are structured is what keeps ordering accurate and returns to zero. Browse the full Von Duprin 88 Series parts catalog or read on for the complete field guide.

The Device That Put Von Duprin on the Map

That's not marketing copy. Contractors and locksmiths who have been in the field for decades will tell you the 88 Rim device was the product that established Von Duprin as the institutional standard. It's been on egress doors in schools, hospitals, government buildings, and correctional facilities for over 70 years because it solves a specific problem extremely well: it handles serious mechanical abuse without needing electronics to do it.

There are no standard electrified options in the 88 Series. No QEL, no MEL, no Allegion Connect integration. That's a design decision, not a gap. In correctional facilities and behavioral health units, you don't want electrified device components that can be targeted or defeated. You want a mechanical crossbar that's built heavy and stays functional under sustained physical force. That's what the 88 delivers, and it's why it still gets specified in environments where the 98/99 Series, with all its electronic integration options, simply isn't the right tool.

One thing worth knowing before we get into the models: the 88 is the wide-stile version of Von Duprin's crossbar line. The 55 Series is the narrow-stile version, commonly used in historic renovations and retro architecture. Both carry the same ANSI/BHMA A156.3 Grade 1 rating. If you're working on a wide-stile door, you're in the 88 catalog. If it's a narrow-stile, you're in the 55 catalog. Parts don't cross between them. For a side-by-side comparison of the full Von Duprin product line, see the Von Duprin series guide.

Von Duprin 88 Series Catalog: Models and Configurations Explained

The 88 Series runs in four configurations. Choosing the right one depends entirely on the door type, opening geometry, and whether the installation requires concealed rod hardware. Here is what each model covers and where it gets used. For a deeper walkthrough of how to match each configuration to a specific opening, see the 88 Series buyer's guide.

88 Rim and 88-F Rim

This is the original. Single-point latch bolt engagement at the frame-side rim strike. Field reversible, which means you can flip it to handle either hinge side without stocking two versions. It ships with the 299 rim strike and all mounting hardware. The non-fire-rated version uses hex key dogging with a 5/32-inch key. The fire-rated 88-F removes the dogging function because a fire door has to latch every single time it closes, no exceptions.

Physical specs: lock stile case measures 8-1/4 inches by 2-3/4 inches by 15/16 inches. Hinge stile case measures 6 inches by 1-3/4 inches by 15/16 inches. Crossbar tubing is 1 inch outside diameter. Neutral projection is 4-3/4 inches; depressed projection is 4 inches. The 88 Rim is part of the full exit devices lineup at Security Parts.

8827 SVR and 8827-F SVR

Surface vertical rod for double door openings without a center mullion. The top rod hits a strike at the door header, the bottom rod hits the floor or threshold. It ships with three strikes: the 299, the 304L standard vertical rod bottom strike, and the 248L-4 panic vertical rod bottom strike. Fits hollow metal doors with 86 or 161 cutouts, and works on door stiles as narrow as 3-1/2 inches on the standard version. The fire-rated 8827-F fits stiles as narrow as 3-3/4 inches (95mm) and carries a 3-hour UL fire resistance rating.

There's one thing on the 8827 that trips people up. The center case for a non-fire-rated 8827 is part number 050415. The fire-rated 8827-F uses a completely different top latch assembly, and the fire-rated version also needs the plunger release bracket (107765) to work correctly. If you order the non-fire-rated center case for a fire-rated device, you'll know about it when the bottom latch starts dragging on the floor. Don't skip that detail.

The 8827 also supports a Pullman latch option. With a Pullman latch, the latch bolt remains extended at all times, which is useful in applications using an electric strike with less bottom rod. Specify "Pullman Latch" at time of order if required.

8847-F CVR

Concealed vertical rod, fire-rated only. The rod hardware routes inside the door so you don't see it on the surface. Gets specified when surface rods aren't architecturally acceptable but the project still calls for a wide-stile crossbar device. Fits door stiles as narrow as 4-3/4 inches (121mm) and ships with the 301L fire-rated strike. Hotels, healthcare interiors, and high-end institutional applications where the egress hardware needs to disappear into the door profile are the typical specification points. The 8847-F is the only CVR configuration in the 88 Series and is available fire-rated only. For full product line context, see the Von Duprin series guide.

8875 Mortise and 8875-F Mortise

The mortise device version of the 88 Series integrates the 7500 mortise lock body, the same body used in the 9975 mortise device from the 98/99 Series. That body has been the Von Duprin mortise standard since around 1977 and measures 5-7/8 inches high by 4-1/2 inches deep by 1 inch thick. If you need no-cylinder operation on the 8875, you specify the BE (blank escutcheon) suffix. Dummy trim adds DT. Matching dummy trim for the knob version is 8875K-DT.

The 8875 is specified when the opening requires the security depth of a full mortise lock combined with code-compliant panic egress. The faceplate on the 7500 lock body has an adjustable bevel and is field reversible without removing the lock from the door. The fire-rated 8875-F is UL listed for 3 hours. For guidance on how hardware specifications apply across all device types, the commercial door hardware specification guide covers mortise and exit device applications.

Von Duprin 88 Series Configuration Quick Reference

How to Read the Von Duprin 88 Series Model Number

The 88 Series model number follows a structured format. Understanding each position in the string prevents ordering the wrong device or trim. Here is the full decoder. For background on what ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 means in practice, see the ANSI/BHMA door hardware standards guide.

Example: RX8827TP-F = RX request-to-exit prefix, 88 Series, 27 surface vertical rod, TP thumbpiece trim, F fire-rated.

Example: KN88EO = KN knurled crossbar, 88 Series, rim device, EO exit-only trim, standard panic-rated.

For help confirming the right model for your specific opening before ordering, call Security Parts at 845-935-0301 or visit the contact page. For guidance on specifying the right configuration from the start, see the commercial door hardware specification guide.

The Trim Suffix System, Explained Simply

This is where most ordering mistakes happen. The suffix at the end of the model number tells you the trim function, and getting it wrong means the outside hardware doesn't work the way the opening requires.

• BE means blank escutcheon, no cylinder, trim is always operable
• DT is dummy trim, non-functional, used for aesthetic matching on the inactive door leaf
• NL is night latch, outside trim locks and unlocks with a key
• TP is thumbpiece outside trim
• L / L-BE is lever function, with or without cylinder
• K / K-BE is knob function. Still available in the catalog but rarely specified anymore because knob hardware doesn't comply with ADA door hardware requirements on most commercial egress doors
• T / T-BE is thumbturn function
• LC is less control, ordered without outside trim
• LT is less trim, ordered without any trim assembly
• EO is exit only, no outside trim at all

One thing specifically about the 8827 SVR: you can't get the NL function just by specifying 88NL on an SVR device. On the 8827 and 8827-F, night latch is only available through the 370 Series trim configured for NL function during installation, or by ordering the TP-NL or K-NL designation at time of order. If you miss it during spec, you'll be back-ordering the right trim assembly on a job that should have shipped complete. Browse all trim-related components in the 88 Series parts catalog.

Von Duprin 88 Series Trim Options

The 88 Series is compatible with several outside trim lines. Trim choice affects the escutcheon size, grip style, and cylinder type. The four most common are:

Von Duprin 88 Series Finishes

The 88 Series is available in seven standard finishes using current ANSI/BHMA finish codes. Not every finish is available on every configuration or trim combination. Confirm finish availability against the specific model at time of order.

Special finishes including 643e Aged Bronze, 693 Painted Black, and antimicrobial Satin Chrome (626-AM) are available by special order. Contact Security Parts at 845-935-0301 to confirm special finish lead times before committing them to a project.

Von Duprin 88 Series Mechanical and Electronic Options

The 88 Series supports several mechanical and electronic options that are added at time of order. These are applied as prefixes or suffixes to the base model number.

Mechanical Options

• HD (Hex Dogging): Standard on most configurations. Cannot be added to fire exit hardware.
• KN (Knurled Crossbar): Adds a textured crossbar surface to provide a tactile warning for openings leading to hazardous areas such as stairs, loading platforms, or boiler rooms.
• HH (Wind and Impact Rated): Hurricane-rated option for coastal or high-wind-load installations requiring both wind and impact resistance.
• HW (Wind-Only Rated): Hurricane-rated option for installations requiring wind resistance without the impact rating.
• RCB (Reinforced Crossbar): Adds structural reinforcement to the crossbar on high-abuse applications.
• PL (Pullman Latch): Keeps the latch bolt extended at all times; typically used on 8827 SVR applications with electric strikes and less bottom rod.

Electronic Options

• RX (Request to Exit / Crossbar Monitor): A switch placed in the exit device that signals when the crossbar is depressed. Used to monitor door use and connect to access control or alarm systems. Available as a standard prefix on most 88 Series configurations.
• E8875 (Electric Mortise): Electric unlocking of the outside lever on the 8875 mortise configuration only. Available in Fail Secure (FSE) or Fail Safe (FS) modes. Standard voltage is 24VDC; 12VDC is available. Specify E prefix, FS or FSE, voltage, and handing (LHR or RHR) when ordering.

The 88 Series does not support QEL, MEL, or Allegion Connect electrification at the device body level. For full electrified device options, the 98/99 Series is the correct product line. If you're managing a mixed facility with both series, the Von Duprin series guide covers how the product lines align to opening requirements.

The Parts You Actually End Up Replacing

The Von Duprin 88 Series catalog at Security Parts organizes components by category within each model. Here's how each category breaks down and what sits inside it. For routine maintenance schedules and inspection intervals, the commercial door hardware maintenance checklist covers 88 Series devices in the exit device sections.

Crossbars and Crossbar Hardware

Von Duprin 050004 standard crossbar kit. View product page and order.

Ships at 42 inches standard, cut to door width in the field. The crossbar reinforcement kit (050459) adds structural support on high-use doors. Tube attaching wedges (090020) and rings (090021) secure the crossbar to the device body. Wedgetite screws (090008 and 090081) and dog screws (090004 and 090083) are the highest-turnover mechanical components on heavily used 88 Series devices. Browse all crossbar hardware in the 88 Series parts catalog.

Lever Arms, Axles, and Security Pins

Lever arm replacement is almost always caused by the dogging screw stripping out. The arm assembly includes the wedge, wedge ring, wedgetite screw, and dog screw. Right-hand lever arm kits are 050438 and 050440. Axles come in pairs (090006) or packs of 10 (090082). Axle security pins are available in a standard pack (090007) or a pack of 50 (033022), which makes more sense if you're servicing multiple 88 Series devices across a large facility.

Vertical Rods for the 8827

The top rod kit for standard 6'8" to 8' doors is 050457. Extension kits cover 8-to-10 foot doors (051705) and 10-to-12 foot doors (050634). Bottom rod kit is 050458. Know the door height before ordering any rod kit because these don't cross between sizes. See the full vertical rod inventory in the 88 Series parts catalog.

End Case and Center Case Components

End case kits come in multiple configurations: 050435 and 050437. End case springs are 090003 in pairs or 090080 in packs of 10. Spring stop kits are 050451 and 050452. For the rim device center case, the 050409 active case applies to EO, DT, and NL trim functions only. Lever, knob, and thumbpiece versions each use a different case specification.

Strikes

Von Duprin 1609 rim strike for 88 Series rim devices. View product page and order.

Rim strikes: 1609 and 1606. Vertical rod bottom strikes: 304L standard, 301L fire-rated, 248L-4 panic-rated. Strike selection depends on device configuration and fire rating status. For concealed vertical rod (8847-F) applications, the 301L fire-rated strike is the standard. Review the strike application chart in the 88 Series catalog for minimum stile width requirements before finalizing strike selection.

Von Duprin 304L vertical rod bottom strike for 8827 SVR applications. View product page and order.

Why the Right Catalog Source Actually Matters for the 88 Series

Here's a real problem that happens all the time with the 88 Series. A facility manager searches for a center case kit under "88 Series" at a general distributor, orders it, and gets a part that doesn't fit the trim function on the device being serviced. That's because the 88 EO center case and the 88 TP center case are different parts. Most general catalogs don't surface that distinction clearly enough to prevent the mistake.

Security Parts is built around the model-first logic that actually reflects how the 88 Series catalog works. Every device configuration has its own page. Every parts category within that configuration is separated so you're not sorting through a flat list trying to figure out what applies to your specific device. The interactive diagram on each model page shows the full assembly so you can identify the failing component visually and confirm the part number before anything goes in the cart.

The catalog also covers legacy parts for devices that have been running since the 1980s and 1990s. Most commercial facilities aren't replacing 88 Series devices on a schedule. A device installed in 1988 might still be running the original mechanism and just needs a lever arm or an end case spring. That cross-generation depth is part of what Security Parts has built over 23 years in commercial door hardware.

Same-day shipping on stocked components from US warehouses. Free shipping on orders over $450. If you're not sure whether a specific part applies to the device generation you're working on, call 845-935-0301 or visit the contact page before the order goes through, not after. The full Von Duprin catalog covers every other active series through the same model-specific structure if you're managing a facility with mixed Von Duprin hardware. For the complete catalog overview across all Von Duprin series, see the Von Duprin series guide.

Von Duprin 88 Series vs. 55 Series: Which One Do You Have?

If you're unsure which series is on the device, check the label on the device body or the crossbar tube. The series number is typically stamped on the end cap. Browse the 55 Series parts catalog if you've confirmed a narrow-stile device. The Von Duprin 22 Series guide covers the push-pad family if you are working on a non-crossbar device. Understanding which product line you're in before placing an order is the single fastest way to eliminate the wrong-part return cycle. For more context on all Von Duprin exit device series, see the 88 Series buyer's guide for a deeper look at configuration selection and application matching. You can also review the ANSI/BHMA door hardware standards guide for an explanation of Grade 1 testing requirements and what they mean for product selection.

About the Author

This guide was written by the Security Parts team, a commercial door hardware specialist serving locksmiths, facility managers, general contractors, and service technicians since 2001. Security Parts stocks OEM and aftermarket replacement components for Von Duprin and other leading commercial door hardware manufacturers, with same-day shipping on stocked items and pre-order parts identification support at 845-935-0301.