Trusted Since 2001
The Von Duprin 98/99 series is on more institutional doors than any other exit device in North America. Schools, hospitals, government buildings, universities, airports. If you manage a commercial facility or work as a locksmith, you will service this device more than any other in the Von Duprin lineup.
This guide covers everything you need to work on 98/99 series exit device parts efficiently. It covers the configurations, the parts that fail, the dogging details that trip people up, the electrified options, and exactly how to order the right component without a return. Browse the full Von Duprin parts catalog at SecurityParts.com for model-specific diagrams on every series.
What Makes the 98/99 Series Different From Other Von Duprin Devices
The 98/99 sits at the top of the Von Duprin lineup. It is the deepest specification in terms of electrified options, the most configurable in terms of device type, and the only Von Duprin series that carries full Made in USA production. ANSI/BHMA A156.3 Grade 1 certification means it is tested to the highest cycle and force standards in the exit device category.
The case distinction is simple: the 98 series has a smooth mechanism case and the 99 series has a grooved case. Both are mechanically identical. The grooved case on the 99 gives a better grip surface under repeated push pad contact, which is why healthcare and institutional specifications often call for the 99 specifically.
The forward compatibility advantage is what separates the 98/99 from every other series. A mechanical device installed today can be converted to QEL quiet electric latch retraction, MEL motorized retraction, Chexit delayed egress, Allegion Connect, or other access control options years later without replacing the device body. Facilities managers doing phased access control upgrades depend on this.
98/99 Series Configurations: Which One Fits Your Door
Rim Device (98, 99, F-98, F-99)
The rim device mounts on the door face and latches at a single frame-side strike. Standard for single doors and paired doors with a center mullion. The F-prefix versions (F-98, F-99) are fire exit hardware with a UL fire listing. They must positively latch on every door close and do not support hex dogging. The standard 98/99 (without F-prefix) is panic exit hardware that supports mechanical dogging on non-fire-rated doors.
Surface Vertical Rod (9827, 9927)
SVR devices add top and bottom engagement rods running on the door face, providing three-point locking for double door openings without a center mullion. The 9827 is the 98 series SVR and the 9927 is the 99 series SVR. Both use a dedicated center case (part 109358) which is different from the rim device center case (part 109012). These are not interchangeable. Confirm configuration before ordering any center case.
Concealed Vertical Rod (9847, 9947)
CVR devices route the rod hardware inside the door for architectural applications where surface rods are not acceptable. Hotel lobbies, healthcare reception areas, high-end commercial interiors. CVR parts must match the exact model and door prep. CVR installation is typically done at the factory; field replacement of internal rod components requires door removal in most cases.
Wide Door Cable (WDC)
The WDC configuration uses a cable rather than rigid rods for very wide double doors where rod flex would be a problem. Available on the 98/99 series for oversized openings.
Mortise Device (98/9975, XP98/XP99)
The mortise configuration integrates the 7500 mortise lock body into the panic device chassis for maximum security depth alongside code-compliant egress. The 7500 mortise lock body has been in service since approximately 1977. Browse mortise lock replacement parts for the 7500 body components that pair with the 98/9975 mortise exit device.
| Configuration | Model Numbers | Door Type | Center Case Part |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rim (panic) | 98, 99 | Single door, mullion pair | 109012 |
| Rim (fire) | F-98, F-99 | Fire-rated, single door | 109012 |
| SVR (panic) | 9827, 9927 | Double door, no mullion | 109358 |
| SVR (fire) | F-9827, F-9927 | Fire-rated double door | 109358 |
| CVR | 9847, 9947 | Architectural double door | Model-specific |
| Mortise | 9875, 9975 | High-security single door | Model-specific |
Panic vs Fire Exit Hardware on the 98/99 Series
Every 98/99 series device is available in both standard panic and fire exit hardware versions. Getting this wrong before ordering replacement parts is the most common mistake in 98/99 series maintenance.
Standard panic devices (98, 99, 9827, 9927): UL listed for panic exit applications. Support mechanical hex dogging. Channel cover plates specific to panic configuration.
Fire exit hardware (F-98, F-99, F-9827, F-9927): UL listed for fire exit hardware. The F-prefix in the model number confirms this. Must positively latch on every door close. Hex dogging is not permitted. Channel cover plates carry different part numbers from the panic versions.
Dogging on the 98/99 Series
Hex dogging holds the push pad depressed during business hours so the door operates as a push/pull entry without latching. Standard on all panic-rated 98/99 devices. Not available on F-series fire exit hardware.
Why Dogging Fails on the 98/99
The dogging shaft hole (part 090040) is approximately 1/4 inch deep. The most common cause of dogging failure in the field is using a short 5/32-inch hex key that does not reach full depth. Short keys round out the hex engagement point over repeated use, requiring shaft replacement. Always use the long version of the 5/32-inch hex key and seat it fully before rotating.
The dogging assembly has three components:
090040 Dogging Shaft: The piece the hex key engages. Field note: the pre-1998 shaft has a different profile. For devices manufactured before 1998, use part 050709 conversion kit.
090042 Dogging Adapter Spring: Locks the adapter into the mounting bracket.
090043 Dogging Adapter: The housing the shaft and spring fit through.
Parts That Fail First on the 98/99 Series
Based on actual field replacement frequency, here is a realistic sequence of what wears out first:
1. Dogging assembly: The most common maintenance item on high-traffic doors. Shaft strips, springs fatigue, adapters crack. All three components are available individually.
2. End cap and bracket: The plastic end cap on the hinge side of the device breaks under repeated contact. When it breaks, the dogging cover plate slides off. Von Duprin introduced the 900397 metal end cap kit in 2016 to replace the historically fragile plastic version. This is a worthwhile proactive upgrade on any high-use 98/99 device.
3. Push bar retrofit kit: The push bar assembly bends or deforms on high-abuse applications. Push bar retrofit kits are available for 3-foot and 4-foot door widths, replacing just the push bar without requiring a full device swap.
4. Center case: The center case (109012 for rim, 109358 for SVR) wears after decades of continuous use. The 109012 rim center case has been in production for approximately 40 years and replaces all non-fire-rated 98/99 rim center cases with backward compatibility to devices installed in the 1980s. This long backward compatibility chain is one of the most valuable maintenance advantages of the 98/99 series.
5. Latch return spring (090039): Used in the push bar assembly to return the latch. Fails from spring fatigue on very high-cycle doors.
Electrified Options on the 98/99 Series
The 98/99 series has the deepest electrified options catalog of any Von Duprin device. Each option converts or adds to the mechanical device without replacing the body.
QEL: Quiet Electric Latch Retraction
The QEL is a modular field-installable kit that adds electric latch retraction to a mechanical 98/99 device. When an authorized credential is presented, the latch retracts silently. This is the most commonly specified electrified conversion on existing 98/99 devices in phased access control upgrades. The HD-QEL variant adds hex dogging capability to the electrified device.
MEL: Motorized Electric Latch Retraction
Motor-driven latch retraction for applications where solenoid noise is not acceptable. Quieter operation than standard EL. Used in library environments, healthcare patient areas, and quiet office zones.
Chexit: Delayed Egress
Holds the door latched for 15 seconds after the push bar is activated, with a local alarm sounding during the delay. NFPA 101 compliant for controlled egress applications. Used in retail, psychiatric facilities, and any location where unauthorized egress must be deterred without blocking emergency egress.
RX: Request to Exit
A switch placed in the push bar that signals the access control panel when the bar is pressed. Notifies the system of an authorized egress event to prevent false alarms on the secured entry side. Standard on any 98/99 device integrated into an access control system where the door also serves as a secured entry. The electric strikes parts catalog covers the Von Duprin electric strikes on the frame side that work alongside RX-equipped exit devices.
LX: Latch Bolt Monitoring
Monitors the position of the latch bolt, signaling the access panel when the door is not properly latched. Used on fire doors and secured doors where latch compliance monitoring is required by the inspection program.
ALK: Alarm Exit Kit
Converts the 98/99 to an alarmed exit device. Powered by a 9-volt battery. Controlled by a mortise cylinder (not included). When the push bar is pressed, the 85-decibel alarm sounds. The ALK is shared across the 22, 33A, 35A, 98, and 99 series.
CON: Allegion Connect
Wireless integration into the Allegion Connect ecosystem for remote monitoring and control.
How to Order 98/99 Series Parts Without a Wrong-Part Return
Three pieces of information are required before placing any 98/99 series parts order.
1. Confirm the configuration: Rim or SVR changes the center case part number entirely (109012 vs 109358). CVR and mortise use model-specific parts. Confirm which configuration is on the door before opening any catalog page.
2. Check the manufacture date: The manufacture date is stamped near the mechanism housing on the device body. Devices manufactured before 1998 use old-style dogging assemblies. The conversion kit (part 050709) updates pre-1998 devices to current spec dogging components. Post-1998 devices use parts 090040, 090042, and 090043.
3. Confirm panic or fire exit hardware: The F-prefix in the model number confirms fire exit hardware. Channel cover plates, dogging kits, and some trim components carry different part numbers between panic and fire configurations. Never order channel cover plates without confirming first.
SecurityParts.com organizes the complete Von Duprin 98/99 series parts catalog by model with interactive exploded diagrams on every model page. You confirm the component visually before ordering. Pre-order compatibility support is available at 845-935-0301 or through the contact page.
Why Choose SecurityParts.com for Von Duprin 98/99 Parts
Diagram-Based Identification
Every 98/99 model page has an interactive exploded diagram. You see exactly where each part sits before adding it to your cart.
Parts-Level Stocking
Individual components stocked: one dogging shaft, one end cap kit, one push bar retrofit kit. No forced kit purchases for a single replacement part.
Same-Day Shipping
Most 98/99 components ship same day from US warehouses. An exit device out of service on an egress door is a safety and compliance issue.
Pre-Order Support
Call 845-935-0301 or use the contact page. Our team confirms part compatibility from your manufacture date and configuration before the order ships.
What Makes SecurityParts.com Different
- We stock Von Duprin parts by series and configuration, not by generic brand listing. Rim and SVR center cases are listed separately so you order the right one the first time.
- Backward compatibility is documented. We note which parts apply to pre-1998 devices versus current production, so you don't order a current-spec dogging shaft for a device that needs the 050709 conversion kit.
- Individual components are available. One dogging shaft, one latch return spring, one end cap kit. No minimum quantities, no forced kit purchases.
- We carry Von Duprin alongside LCN door closers, Falcon exit devices, and cylindrical lock parts. One order covers a complete facility service call across multiple brands.
- Same-day shipping on stocked parts. Free shipping on orders over $450.
- 30-plus years of commercial door hardware experience. We diagnose based on symptoms, not just catalog lookups.
Related Parts at SecurityParts.com
The 98/99 series operates as part of a complete door assembly. A full service call on an institutional door typically covers the exit device, the door closer, and sometimes an electric strike or lock hardware on the same opening.
For LCN door closer parts on the same opening, browse the door closers catalog by series. For Von Duprin electric strike parts, including 5100, 6100, 6200, and 6300 series, used on the frame side alongside 98/99 exit devices, browse the electric strikes catalog. For Von Duprin Guard-X exit alarm parts on secondary exits in the same building, browse the exit alarms catalog. For Schlage deadbolt parts on interior office doors in the same facility, browse the deadbolts catalog.
Browse all Von Duprin series: 22, 33A, 75, 88, 94/95, and the Guard-X, in the Von Duprin parts catalog, or explore the full commercial exit devices parts catalog to navigate by brand and series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Von Duprin 98/99 series exit device?
The Von Duprin 98/99 is the institutional flagship exit device made by Allegion. ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified and UL listed for panic and fire exit hardware. Made in the USA. Available in rim, SVR, CVR, WDC, and mortise configurations with the deepest electrified options catalog in the Von Duprin lineup.
What is the difference between the Von Duprin 98 and 99 series?
The 98 has a smooth mechanism case and the 99 has a grooved case. Both are mechanically identical inside and use the same replacement parts. The grooved case on the 99 provides a better grip surface for high-contact institutional applications.
What is the dogging hole depth on the Von Duprin 98/99 series?
The dogging shaft hole is approximately 1/4 inch deep. Always use a long 5/32-inch hex key and seat it completely before rotating. Short hex keys strip the engagement point over time, which is the most common cause of dogging failure on 98/99 devices in the field.
Can I upgrade a mechanical 98/99 to electric latch retraction later?
Yes. This is the key forward compatibility advantage. A mechanical 98/99 can be field-converted to QEL, MEL, Chexit, or Allegion Connect years later without replacing the device body. This is why architects default to the 98/99 on institutional projects where phased access control is planned.
Are 98 series and 99 series parts interchangeable?
Yes. The 98 and 99 series use identical internal parts. The only difference is the exterior case finish. Any push bar, latch assembly, dogging component, center case, or electrified kit ordered for the 98 fits the 99 of the same configuration and manufacture date.
What is the Von Duprin 9927 and how does it differ from the 99 rim device?
The 9927 is the surface vertical rod (SVR) configuration of the 99 series. It uses top and bottom engagement rods for three-point locking on double doors without a center mullion. The rim device uses center case 109012. The 9927 uses center case 109358. These are completely different parts. Confirm configuration before ordering any center case.