What trim is compatible with the 55 Series?

It uses specialized 55-specific trim, such as the 550DT pull or 555NL night latch.

Can the crossbar be field-cut?

Yes, the crossbar can be cut to fit narrower door widths using standard tools.

The 5547-F is the fire-rated concealed vertical rod version, UL listed for use on labeled fire doors without dogging.

Does the 55 Series support Electric Latch Retraction?

The 55 Series is primarily mechanical and does not support QEL motorized retraction. For electrified narrow-stile needs, the 33A or 35A platform is recommended.

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Corbin Russwin

Von Duprin

Best

Schlage

Sargent

Stanley Hardware

Rixson

Falcon

Yale

PHI

View all Brands

Authorized Von Duprin 55 Series Distributor | Iconic Crossbar Security

Q: Is the 55 Series non-handed?

No, the 55 Series is handed (LHR or RHR) and must be specified correctly when ordering.

Expert Field Guide: The Traditional Powerhouse for Historic & Glass Openings

When you walk into a classic university building or a mid-century modern storefront, you often see a specific type of hardware: the Von Duprin 55 Series. Before push pads became the industry standard, the "crossbar" was the king of life safety. But don't let the traditional look fool you—the 55 Series is a Grade 1, heavy-duty beast designed specifically for narrow stile environments. While the 33A and 35A use modern push pads, the 55 Series uses a suspended crossbar that offers a wider "strike zone" for egress. It is the go-to choice for architects who want to maintain a historic aesthetic or for glass doors with extremely limited mounting space (as narrow as 1-3/4").

What makes the 55 Series a legend in the trade is its mechanical simplicity and visual transparency. Because there is no bulky mechanism case, you see more of the glass and less of the hardware. However, this means the "trimmings" and the handing are much more specific than modern bars. The 55 Series is handed—you must specify Left Hand Reverse (LHR) or Right Hand Reverse (RHR) when ordering because the internal lever arm is factory-set. At Lock Depot, we carry the 55 Series Rim for single doors and the 5547 Concealed Vertical Rod for the ultimate "invisible" security on double doors. Lock Depot sells brand new Von Duprin products with the full manufacturer warranty.

For the pro on the job, here is the key takeaway: the 55 Series is the only device you should spec when you have a narrow stile door that requires a retro-fit of older crossbar hardware. It covers the old holes and maintains the building's character while bringing the door up to modern Grade 1 fire and life safety codes. We stock the 55 Series in classic finishes like US26D (Satin Chrome) and 313 (Dark Bronze) to ensure your hardware looks like it was always part of the building. Lock Depot sells brand new Von Duprin products with the full manufacturer warranty.

Von Duprin 55 Series Comparison

Model	Application / Best Use Case	Grade	Handing	Key Differentiator	Price
55 Rim	Single Narrow Stile Glass Doors	Grade 1	Handed	Classic crossbar; fits 1-3/4" minimum stile	$$$
5547 CVR	Pairs of Doors (Concealed)	Grade 1	Handed	Rods hidden in stile; traditional look	$$$$
5547WDC	Wood Door Concealed	Grade 1	Handed	Specially designed for wood narrow stile doors	$$$$
5575	Mortise Lock Exit Device	Grade 1	Handed	Pairs with heavy-duty mortise locksets	$$$$

Pro-Tip: The "Crossbar Sag" Fix

The most common service call for an older 55 Series is a sagging crossbar that makes the door hard to open. This usually isn't a broken spring; it's a loose wedge screw in the lever arm. Over years of vibrations, the set screws that hold the crossbar to the arms can back out. When you install a new 55 Series device, use a drop of medium-strength thread locker on the wedge screws. Also, ensure your dogging is checked; the 55 Series uses a unique "dogging pin" located under the lever arm. If it's bent, the bar won't stay down, causing the latch to drag and wear out the strike prematurely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 55 Series non-handed like the 33A?

No. The 55 Series is handed. You must specify Right Hand Reverse (RHR) or Left Hand Reverse (LHR) at the time of purchase. While some components can be changed in the field, it is difficult and time-consuming, so getting the handing right on the order is critical.

What trim works with the 55 Series?

The 55 Series uses specialized "55 Trim." The most common is the 550DT (Dummy Trim) or the 555NL (Night Latch) pull. Because the stile is narrow, the trim is designed to be slim. Note: The 55 Series does not use the standard 360 or 99 series levers.

Can I cut the crossbar to fit a narrower door?

Yes. The crossbar is a hollow tube that can be field-cut with a tubing cutter or hacksaw. However, you must be careful to measure the distance between the lever arms accurately. If you cut it too short, the bar will rattle; too long, and it won't seat into the arms, preventing the latch from retracting.

What is the 5547-F?

The 5547-F is the Fire-Rated version of the Concealed Vertical Rod device. It is UL listed for use on fire doors. Like all fire-rated exit hardware, it does not include a dogging feature because fire doors must remain latched to prevent the spread of smoke.

Does the 55 Series support EL (Electric Latch Retraction)?

The 55 Series is primarily a mechanical device. While there are some specialized electrified options, it does not support the modern QEL motorized retraction found in the 33A/35A/99 series. If you need a narrow-stile electrified solution, we usually recommend moving to the 33A/35A platform.