Von Duprin concealed cable devices have been around a while and are becoming more popular. In addition to 98/99 series devices, they also offer 33/35 series concealed cable devices. According to Allegion, these are the main advantages of concealed cable:
- Designed to maintain positive latching even if alignment is not perfect due to changing door conditions
- Significantly less maintenance than traditional vertical rod
- Replacement parts are available- entire assembly can be removed and reinstalled while door is hanging in a matter of minutes
This from the Von Duprin Concealed Cable Datasheet:
“If a simple repair or modification is required,
the cable system and latches can be removed
and reinstalled by one person without removing
the door from the frame.”
That’s a big deal.
Both top and bottom cables vary by height range:
- Top Cable Assembly Door Opening Heights 6’0″ to 6’10”
- Top Cable Assembly Door Opening Heights 6’10” to 8’0″
- Top Cable Assembly Door Opening Heights >8’0″ to 9’2″
- Top Cable Assembly Door Opening Heights >9’2″ to 10’4″
- Bottom Cable Assembly Door Opening Heights 6’0″ to 6’10”
- Bottom Cable Assembly Door Opening Heights 6’10” to 8’0″
- Bottom Cable Assembly Door Opening Heights >8’0″ to 9’2″
- Bottom Cable Assembly Door Opening Heights >9’2″ to 10’4″
Depending upon the height of the door, cable systems allow for ten to up to fourteen inches of adjustability. So if you are a little off on your height measurement, all is not necessarily lost. The height must fall within the range of adjustability. For example, if you order a device for an 96-inch tall door, you may have a problem if it is actually 99 inches tall.
Traditional concealed vertical rod devices (for example, 33/3547 and 98/9947) can be converted from concealed vertical rod to concealed vertical cable using the Complete Cable System package. Complete cable systems include top and bottom strikes and latches, center slides, cables and mounting packs. The part numbers for the packages are configured this way, according to the Von Duprin 2021 price book:
[exit device part number] CS [door height]
Example part number: 9949-CS-84
The install instructions for a 9949 series device show that no special tools are required for installation other than the included sizing spacer, and the cable removal tool (also included) in case you goof. Cable installation is a 15-step process.
These are not devices to install by intuition. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS. And good luck.
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