Trusted Since 2001
The Von Duprin 98 and 99 Series are the benchmark Grade 1 commercial exit devices. The 98 has a smooth mechanism case; the 99 has a grooved mechanism case housing a fluid dampener that controls push pad return speed. Both carry identical UL 305, UL 10C, and ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 certification. The grooved case on the 99 is functional, not decorative. The 990-series trim stanchions must match the 98/99 center case mounting pattern; mixing series trims does not work. The -F suffix designates fire exit hardware and prohibits mechanical dogging. QEL is the quiet motor alternative to EL solenoid latch retraction. The 996L lever trim is the current replacement for discontinued 992L and 994L models. Parts compatibility extends across the full 98/99 production history, including devices nearly 40 years old.
The Von Duprin 99 replaced the 88 Series as the North American commercial exit device standard in the early 2000s. Its flat push pad actuator replaced the crossbar profile of the 88 and 33A and became the default specification for schools, hospitals, office towers, government buildings, and institutional facilities nationwide. The 98/99 modular design means that parts ordered today are compatible with devices installed decades ago, which is why these are the most actively ordered exit device replacement parts in the commercial hardware market.
Browse Von Duprin 98/99 Series OEM replacement parts at Security Parts: Von Duprin 98/99 Series exit device parts and assemblies, complete Von Duprin parts catalog including all series, Von Duprin compatible electric strike parts, Von Duprin exit alarm parts, and the complete Allegion OEM exit device catalog.
98 vs 99: How to Identify the Series by the Mechanism Case
The first thing to identify on any Von Duprin exit device is the series. On the 98/99, the identification is immediate and visual: look at the mechanism case (the metal housing that contains the device's operating mechanism, mounted on the door face).
Von Duprin 98 Series
Von Duprin 99 Series
Von Duprin 98/99 Device Types
Rim Device
Model prefix: 98 / 99 (without rod suffix)
Handing: Non-handed (except when SD, -2, or SS options are specified)
Latch engagement: Rim latch bolt engages a rim strike (299 or 310 series) mounted on the door frame
Door prep: Covers standard 86 or 161 cutout on hollow metal doors
Stile: Minimum 4-3/4 inch (121mm) door stile width
Surface Vertical Rod (SVR)
Model prefix: 9827 / 9927
Handing: Non-handed
Latch engagement: Top rod engages head frame; bottom rod engages door bottom rail or threshold
Use: Double door openings where no astragal is present
Door prep: Covers 86 or 161 cutouts
Concealed Vertical Rod (CVR)
Model prefix: 9847/9848 / 9947/9948
Handing: Handed (specify handing when ordering)
Latch engagement: Concealed rods run inside the door body to top and bottom latch points
Door prep: Requires 161 cutout inside door for mechanism
Use: When surface rods are aesthetically unacceptable; wood or aluminum doors
Mortise Lock (9875/9975)
Model prefix: 9875 (smooth) / 9975 (grooved/dampened)
Handing: Non-handed
Latch engagement: Mortise latch case inside door body engages strike in frame
Door prep: Requires 86 cutout in door
Stile: Minimum 4-3/4 inch (121mm)
Von Duprin 990 Trim Family: Models, Functions, and Stanchion Compatibility
The trim on a Von Duprin exit device is the outside escutcheon plate and hardware that mounts on the exterior (non-egress) side of the door, providing the means for authorized entry. The 990 trim family is the standard trim for 98/99 Series devices. All 990 trim plates measure 3 inches wide by 14-3/16 inches tall and have integral stanchions on the back that align with the center case mounting screws of the 98/99 device.
| Trim Model | ANSI Function | Outside Operation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 990DT / EO | F01 / F02 | Pull handle (exit only); no key | No outside access; egress only. 990DT has pull; EO has no outside trim. |
| 990NL | F03 | Key retracts latchbolt for outside entry | Night latch. Rim cylinder required (not included). Field selectable from DT/NL as shipped. |
| 990TP | F04 | Thumbpiece (thumbturn) retracts latchbolt | Passage-style outside access; no key required. Remove NL drive screw to convert from NL. |
| 996L / 996L-R&V | F05/F07 | Lever; key locks/unlocks lever for outside entry | Replaces discontinued 992L and 994L. Handed but field-reversible. 2-3/4" wide x 10-3/4" high escutcheon plate. Cylinder not included. |
| 376 Series | Various | Narrow stile trim for 33A/35A; not for 98/99 standard | Do NOT use with standard wide-stile 98/99 devices. Different stanchion pattern. |
The 996L: Current Replacement for Discontinued 992L and 994L Trim
The Von Duprin 996L is the current production lever trim for 98/99 Series devices. It replaces the discontinued 992L and 994L lever trim models. If you have a device with 992L or 994L trim that needs replacement, the 996L is the correct ordering part. The 996L escutcheon plate is 2-3/4 inches wide by 10-3/4 inches high and projects 27/32 inches from the door face. The lever handle projection is 2-7/8 inches. The cylinder is not included and must be ordered separately. Browse Von Duprin 996L lever trim replacement parts at Security Parts.
The Fire Rating Suffix: -F, Dogging Prohibition, and QEL Alternative
Adding -F to any Von Duprin 98/99 Series device designation produces the fire exit hardware version: 99-F, 98-F, 9927-F (SVR), and so on. The -F designation means the device has been independently tested and listed to UL 10C (Positive Pressure Fire Tests of Door Assemblies) in addition to the standard UL 305 panic hardware listing. Fire exit hardware bears the designation "Fire Exit Hardware" on its label. Standard panic hardware (98 without -F) may only be labeled "Panic Hardware."
The functional consequence of -F that most specifiers and locksmiths need to understand: the -F version has no mechanical dogging capability. NFPA 80 requires that fire doors positively latch when closed. Mechanical dogging holds the latch bolt retracted, preventing positive latching. If a fire-rated exit device is mechanically dogged and the door accidentally closes during a fire event, the door cannot positively latch. For this reason, Von Duprin fire exit hardware (-F) is manufactured without a hex dogging socket or cylinder dogging option.
The alternative for access control on fire-rated openings is QEL (Quiet Electric Latch Retraction), which holds the latch retracted only when powered. On fire alarm activation or power loss, QEL releases to positive latching, restoring fire door compliance. Browse Von Duprin 99-F fire exit hardware and QEL parts at Security Parts.
Von Duprin 98/99 Suffix Options Reference
Motor retracts latch bolt quietly on credential signal. Preferred over EL for noise-sensitive environments. Compatible with fire-rated (-F) devices. QEL releases to positive latching on fire alarm or power loss.
Continuous-duty solenoid retracts latch bolt on signal. Alternative to mechanical dogging for access control. Draws 0.22A. Compatible with fire-rated devices. Less quiet than QEL.
Interrupts power to QEL motor to extend latch bolt and lock outside trim. Inside push bar always free. Allows lockdown from inside the room or from access control system. Used in schools and large classrooms.
Unauthorized opening triggers 85-decibel horn. Key arms or disarms alarm. Non-relatch alarm: sounds until staff keys device. Used in retail and institutional secondary exits to deter unauthorized use.
Replaces hex key dogging. Uses a 1-1/4 inch mortise cylinder with inverted cam to dog the device. Allows key-controlled dogging where hex keys are not tracked. Not available on -F fire exit hardware.
Provides at-a-glance visual indicator of whether device is currently dogged (latch held retracted) or secured. Critical in academic and government buildings where end-of-day door status must be visually confirmed without operating each device.
SPDT microswitch signals the access control panel when the push bar is operated. Provides exit event audit trail for compliance. Can suppress door-forced-open alarm when push bar generates an exit event without outside credential.
Signals whether the latch bolt is extended (door latched) or retracted. Note: on 9849/9949 CVR devices, LX monitors trim input or electric dogging condition rather than latch bolt position directly.
UL certified to meet the 5-pound maximum operating force requirement of the 2010 ADA and 2013 California Building Code. Exceeds ANSI/BHMA requirements. Required on accessible egress route doors.
For areas where electrical devices are prohibited (some healthcare, some government). Special linkage for mechanical or pneumatic dogging. Pneumatic air signal retracts latch bolt instead of solenoid or motor.
Commonly Replaced Von Duprin 98/99 Series Parts
Latch Return Spring (Latch Spring Kit)
The most frequently replaced internal component. Controls latch bolt return to extended position after the push bar is released. When worn or broken, the latch does not return fully, preventing the door from latching. OEM latch return spring kits are available for rim, SVR, CVR, and mortise device types. Order by device type (not interchangeable between rim and vertical rod configurations). Browse Von Duprin 98/99 latch return spring kits at Security Parts.
Push Bar / Push Pad Assembly
The push bar pivot points and push pad assembly are wear items in high-cycle institutional applications. Loose or wobbling push bar operation after tightening fasteners indicates worn pivot points requiring push bar assembly replacement. The 98/99 modular design allows push bar replacement without removing the entire device from the door.
990 Trim Plate and 996L Lever Trim
Trim plates are replaced for finish damage, lever wear, or function changes. The 996L is the current production replacement for the discontinued 992L and 994L. Cylinder not included with any 990NL or 996L trim order. Browse Von Duprin 990 and 996L trim replacement parts.
Rim Cylinder
The rim cylinder in the 990NL trim is a standard 1-1/8 inch format rim cylinder. It is ordered and keyed separately from the trim plate. Specify keyway and keying requirements (master key, keyed alike, keyed different) when ordering. Browse Von Duprin compatible rim cylinder replacement parts.
Dogging Shaft and Adaptor Assembly
The dogging shaft (for hex key dogging) and dogging adaptor are field-replaceable components on non-fire devices. The shaft accepts a 5/32 inch dogging key. The current dogging shaft has been the standard since 1998; pre-1998 devices use an older part number. Identify the device production date before ordering dogging components. Browse Von Duprin dogging shaft and adaptor replacement parts.
Contact SecurityParts.com at 845-935-0301 or the contact page for Von Duprin exit device parts identification and same-day OEM shipping support.
Why Choose Security Parts for Von Duprin 98/99 Parts
Grooved case fluid dampener functional explanation, trim stanchion mismatch warning, -F dogging prohibition with QEL alternative, 996L replaces 992L and 994L, 40-year parts compatibility, and same-day OEM shipping.
Grooved Case is Functional
We document that the 99 Series groove is not cosmetic: it marks the location of the fluid dampener assembly inside the case. And the dampener is not field-installable on a 98: if dampened operation is needed on a 98 installation, the device body must be replaced. No competitor documents this at the parts ordering level.
Trim Stanchion Mismatch Warning
We document that the 990 trim stanchions align specifically with the 98/99 Series center case mounting pattern, and that 33A trim (376 series), 22 Series trim, and 98/99 trim are not interchangeable. Field rework from wrong series trim is the most preventable waste in exit device service calls.
40-Year Parts Compatibility
We document that current OEM latch return springs, push bar assemblies, and trim components are compatible with Von Duprin 99 devices installed since the late 1970s. Facilities maintaining 1990s or early 2000s institutional buildings can order today's OEM parts from SecurityParts.com for 30-year-old devices.
Same-Day OEM Shipping
Von Duprin 98/99 OEM parts ship same day from US warehouses. Call 845-935-0301 or the contact page for parts ID support.
What Makes Security Parts Different for Von Duprin 98/99 Parts
- We document that the 99 Series grooved mechanism case is not a cosmetic design feature: the groove marks the functional location of the fluid dampener assembly that controls push pad return speed. The 98 does not have a dampener, and the dampener cannot be field-installed in a 98 case. Replacing a 98 with a 99 requires a full device body replacement.
- We document the 990 trim stanchion alignment requirement and the specific incompatibility between 990 trim (for 98/99 Series) and 376 trim (for 33A/35A narrow stile Series). Wrong-series trim ordered for the wrong device generates field returns and rework. Confirming device series before ordering trim prevents this.
- We document the -F fire exit hardware dogging prohibition: NFPA 80 requires positive latching on fire doors, and mechanical dogging prevents positive latching. The -F device has no mechanical dogging. QEL (Quiet Electric Latch Retraction) is the code-compliant access control alternative on fire-rated openings because it releases to positive latching on fire alarm or power loss.
- We document that the 996L lever trim is the current OEM replacement for discontinued 992L and 994L models, and that the 996L cylinder must be ordered separately. Ordering a 996L without also ordering a compatible rim cylinder produces a trim plate that cannot provide keyed entry.
- We carry Von Duprin 98/99 OEM exit device parts, complete Von Duprin catalog parts, exit alarm parts, and compatible electric strike parts as an authorized Allegion OEM parts distributor.
- Free shipping on orders over $450. Same-day shipping from US warehouses on stocked parts. 30-plus years of commercial door hardware experience. Parts compatibility confirmed across the full 98/99 production history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Von Duprin 98/99 Series Exit Device Parts
What is the difference between Von Duprin 98 and 99 Series exit devices?
The 98 has a smooth mechanism case; the 99 has a grooved mechanism case housing a fluid dampener that controls push pad return speed. The groove is functional, not decorative. The 98 push pad returns immediately to rest after each operation. The 99 push pad returns smoothly at a controlled rate. Both have identical UL 305 panic hardware, UL 10C fire exit hardware, and ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 certification. The fluid dampener is the only functional difference. The dampener cannot be field-installed in a 98 case: if dampened operation is needed, the device body must be replaced with a 99.
What device types are available in the Von Duprin 98/99 Series?
Rim (most common; non-handed; rim latch bolt engages frame-mounted rim strike), SVR 9827/9927 (surface vertical rod; surface rods visible on door; used for double door pairs), CVR 9847/9948 (concealed vertical rod; rods hidden inside door; requires 161 door preparation; handed), mortise 9875/9975 (mortise latch case inside door body; requires 86 cutout; non-handed), and double egress (special rim for double egress pairs where both leaves swing in opposite directions).
What is the 990 trim and how do the stanchions align with the exit device?
The 990 trim family (990DT, 990NL, 990TP) are the standard outside trim options for 98/99 Series devices. Each trim plate is 3 inches wide by 14-3/16 inches tall with integral stanchions on the back that align with the 98/99 center case mounting screw locations. The stanchion pattern is specific to the 98/99 Series: 990 trim does not fit 33A, 22 Series, or other Von Duprin devices. Confirm the device series before ordering trim. The 996L lever trim replaces the discontinued 992L and 994L; cylinder is ordered separately.
What does the -F suffix mean on a Von Duprin exit device and what does it change?
The -F suffix designates fire exit hardware: the device is listed to both UL 305 (panic hardware) and UL 10C (fire exit hardware, positive pressure tested). The critical change: -F devices have no mechanical dogging because NFPA 80 requires fire doors to positively latch and mechanical dogging prevents positive latching. QEL (Quiet Electric Latch Retraction) is the code-compliant alternative for access control on fire-rated openings: QEL releases to positive latching on fire alarm or power loss, maintaining fire door compliance.
What is the difference between QEL and EL on Von Duprin exit devices?
Both QEL and EL allow the latch bolt to be retracted remotely by an access control system, converting the door to push/pull entry operation without a key. EL uses a standard continuous-duty solenoid (0.22A draw). QEL uses a motorized mechanism that operates more quietly, preferred in libraries, courtrooms, and quiet offices. Both are compatible with fire-rated (-F) devices. Both release to positive latching on fire alarm or power loss. QEL is also used with ESL (Emergency Secure Lockdown): interrupting QEL power extends the latch bolt to lock the outside trim for active threat response.
What Von Duprin 98/99 parts are most commonly replaced and how do I order them?
Most commonly replaced: latch return spring (controls latch bolt return; available as OEM kits by device type: rim, SVR, CVR, mortise), push bar assembly (pivot wear after high-cycle use), 990NL and 996L trim (finish damage or function changes; cylinder ordered separately), rim cylinders for 990NL trim (standard 1-1/8 inch rim format; specify keyway and keying), and dogging shaft assembly (pre-1998 and post-1998 shaft are different part numbers; identify device production date before ordering). Call SecurityParts.com at 845-935-0301 with the device model, trim model, and finish for same-day parts identification and shipping.