Fifteen+ years ago when I was answering technical support and customer service calls for the local Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies office, some of the most common complaints/questions were about concealed vertical rod exit devices. Installers HATED them because they were difficult to install and adjust. End users had a lot of problems maintaining them and keeping them properly adjusted, especially if they were installed by an inexperienced installer. So my early experience with the company, and prior to that with a hardware distributor, taught me that concealed vertical rods = problems. I developed a strong preference for removable mullions with rim panic hardware.
Then I entered the next phase of my career as a specwriter, and learned that there are some architects out there who do not appreciate the beauty, security, and durability of a removable mullion. Many architects seem to prefer that all hardware be completely invisible, and with panic hardware there is a definite preference for concealed vertical rod devices. Now what? End users and installers on one side, architects on the other, and me and my mullion in the middle.
To solve my problem, Von Duprin has introduced the Concealed Vertical Cable (CVC) exit device, with a cable system replacing the concealed rods. The CVC is available with the 98/99 series or 33/35 series, with either top and bottom latches, or “Less Bottom Cable” (LBC). The new device is easy to install and adjust…but will the installers agree?
Many of the frequently asked questions have already been answered on the FAQ document available here.
Here’s a link to more CVC information on the Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies website.
When I first saw the new CVC exit device I had a lot of questions, and I’m sure some of you do too. Here’s your chance to get them answered. After you check out the video and documentation above, then leave your questions in the comments field. Joseph Vaida, Portfolio Marketing Manager – Mechanical, is ready, willing, and able to answer them.
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Do we know which wood door manufacturers these will be able to be used with? I would be very interested to see if it changes anything with regards to metal edges on fire rated wood doors or any other fire rated wood door conflicts that come up with CVR devices.
The UL Fire Test was completed using a wood door from Eggers. We are also working with additional wood door manufacturers, and our templates will be available online for other manufacturers to reference. Unfortunately, in order to pass the fire test the wood door did require a metal edge. The use of cable technology does significantly impact the amount of material removed from the door which is the leading contributor to the use of the metal edge. Thanks!
What fire rating & door size is the CVC approved for in a wood door? (sandard & double egress pairs?)
As an engineer supporting IR Products, it seemed that half of the time I went to the field for difficult customer issues, a concealed exit device was in involved. Nothing worse than a problematic concealed exit device standing between you and a scheduled plane flight home.
Just like our customers, I would spend 10 minutes trying to figure out a way to get the door working with out taking down the door.
A while back we were asked to spend some time each week being innovative and a small group of us decided to focus on the concealed exit device. We generated a bunch of good ideas but the cable concept was a clear winner.
I would like to take a minute to plug the new latches. This system is about more than just the cables. The latches are new as well and they are a big deal. They are simple yet very secure and reliable. The surface mount top strike and the ability to adjust the bottom latch up and down with the door hanging, may not seem like a big deal. But they will really come in handy on doors and frames that aren’t prep’d perfectly or doors that sag.
I am looking forward to seeing some of these out in the field.
Presumably they come with ELR. But do they come with Latch position sensing?
I had one very large hardware dealer tell me they take more time to install than less time. Comments?
Keep getting a “Private Video” message when i click on the Youtube video.
Hi Jim –
I fixed the video – it must have been re-uploaded to Youtube so I had to re-embed it. Thanks for letting me know! You can get the LX switch on the CVC device (more info here: http://us.allegion.com/products/exit_devices/touchbar/9899/Pages/details.aspx?InfoID=169). I have not heard anyone say that they take longer to install/adjust, but I have not installed one myself.
– Lori