Von Duprin 22 Series: The "Workhorse" of Commercial Life Safety

Q: Can I add an alarm to my Von Duprin 22?

Yes, the ALK (Alarm Kit) can be added to the device rail to provide an audible 100dB alert upon exit.

Q: What is Dogging and why does the 22-F not have it?

Dogging holds the latch retracted for free passage. Fire-rated 22-F devices prohibit dogging per NFPA code to ensure fire doors remain latched.

Q: Does the 2227 Vertical Rod work on 8-foot doors?

Standard 2227 devices fit doors up to 7 feet 1 inch. Extension rods are required for 8-foot or taller doors.

Q: Is the 22 Series ADA compliant?

Yes, with 230L lever trim installed, the 22 Series meets ADA requirements. The AX option further reduces operating force to under 5 lbs.

Expert Field Guide: Why Professionals Choose the 22 Series

If the Von Duprin 98/99 is the luxury sedan of exit devices, the Von Duprin 22 Series is the heavy-duty pickup truck. It's designed specifically for medium-to-low traffic applications—think parking garage stairwells, retail back doors, and clinic side entrances—where you need Grade 1 security without the high price tag of architectural-grade hardware. The 22 Series utilizes a modern touch-bar styling and a non-handed design, making it one of the most versatile devices for field technicians who need to get a door up to code quickly and reliably.

What makes the 22 Series a staple in the industry is its economical durability. Unlike generic "economy" bars, the 22 Series is backed by Von Duprin's legendary engineering. It is UL listed for Panic Hardware or Fire Hardware (22-F) and is certified to meet ANSI A156.3 standards. For the building owner, this means years of maintenance-free service. For the installer, it means a device that is incredibly forgiving; the 22 Series is designed to cover stock hollow metal doors with 161 cutouts and fits stiles as narrow as 3-13/16", making it the ultimate retrofit solution.

In this guide, we break down the core components of the 22 Series—from the 22 Rim device to the 2227 Surface Vertical Rod—and the "trimmings" that turn a simple exit bar into a complete access control solution. Shop all Von Duprin 22 Series devices at Lock Depot for guaranteed in-stock availability.

The Core Hardware: 22 vs. 2227

Model	Device Type	Best Application	Key Feature
22 Rim	Rim Exit Device	Single doors or pairs with mullion	Deadlocking latchbolt with 3/4" throw
22-F Rim	Fire-Rated Rim	Labeled Fire Doors	UL 3-Hour fire rating; no dogging feature
2227	Surface Vertical Rod (SVR)	Double doors without a mullion	Two-point locking (top and bottom)
2227-LBR	SVR (Less Bottom Rod)	Healthcare / Low-Profile	Eliminates floor strike trip hazards

The "Trimmings": Outside Control Options

The device on the inside provides life safety; the trim on the outside provides security. The 22 Series uses the 230 series trim, which was redesigned in 2008 to move the cylinder above the lever for better ergonomics and durability.

230L (Lever): The industry standard. The key locks and unlocks the lever. Ideal for classrooms or offices.
230NL (Night Latch): Key retracts the latchbolt, but the pull is always rigid. Perfect for "Exit Only" doors that need occasional keyed access.
230TP (Thumbpiece): A classic "thumb-press" operation, often seen in older retail or church installations.
210K (Knob): The traditional choice for buildings where levers aren't required by ADA code.
230DT (Dummy Trim): Used when the door is "dogged" open during business hours and acts purely as a pull handle.

Pro-Tip: The "Center-Driven" Installation Secret

When installing a Von Duprin 22L, the most common mistake is misaligning the tailpiece guide. The 22 series uses a center-driven cam. If you are retrofitting this over an old 161 prep (a standard cylindrical lock hole), ensure you use the proper mounting bracket. If the tailpiece is even 1/8" off-center, the key will feel "mushy" or bind up. Always use a graphite-based lubricant on the latchbolt and strike. Petroleum-based greases will attract dust and eventually cause the "dead-latching" feature to fail, allowing someone to slip the lock with a credit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add an alarm to my Von Duprin 22?

Yes. You can install the ALK (Alarm Kit) directly into the 22 Series rail. This triggers a 100-decibel horn when the push bar is depressed. Note: Installing an ALK kit will disable the standard hex-key dogging feature.

What is "Dogging" and why does the 22-F not have it?

Dogging allows the push bar to be locked in the depressed position, keeping the latch retracted for "push-pull" operation during high traffic. Fire-rated devices (22-F) are prohibited by NFPA code from having mechanical dogging, as fire doors must be latched at all times to prevent the spread of smoke and flame.

Does the 2227 Vertical Rod work on 8-foot doors?

Standard 2227 devices are designed for doors up to 7'1". For 8-foot or 10-foot doors, you must order extension rods. At Lock Depot, we carry these extensions to ensure your rods reach the top strike safely.

Is the 22 Series ADA compliant?

Yes, when paired with the 230L lever trim, the 22 Series meets all ADA requirements for operation. For even easier access, look for the AX option, which reduces the operating force to under 5 lbs, meeting the strictest California Building Codes.