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Exit device trims transform basic panic bars into complete access control solutions, providing exterior entry functionality while maintaining unrestricted emergency egress from the interior. While panic bars guarantee rapid egress when pressed from the inside, trims determine how occupants access from the exterior, via key, free lever, pull handle, or electrified controls. This dual functionality converts exit devices into complete door hardware that balances life-safety code requirements with operational security and convenience needs in commercial and institutional facilities.

This guide identifies the most effective exit device trims based on device compatibility, ANSI functions, Grade 1 durability, access control integration, and proven performance in demanding applications. We've evaluated trims across critical criteria: mechanical functions (classroom, storeroom, passage, night latch), electrified options for card system integration, ADA-compliant lever designs, cylinder compatibility for master key systems, architectural finishes coordinating with other hardware, and UL certifications for fire-rated doors. Whether specifying trims for new construction or upgrading existing devices, these products represent the industry's most reliable solutions to complement our panic exit devices and create complete egress systems.

Understanding Exit Device Trim Functions

ANSI Mechanical Functions

Exit device trims follow standardized ANSI function designations that define operational behavior from the exterior side of the door. The Classroom function (ANSI 08) allows entry via lever when unlocked, with a key that locks or unlocks the lever from the exterior, ideal for schools where teachers control classroom access while maintaining instant egress for students. The Storeroom function (ANSI 09) keeps the lever permanently locked, requiring a key for entry, with automatic relocking when the key is removed, appropriate for storage rooms, service areas, and spaces where only authorized personnel need access.

The Night Latch function (ANSI 03) provides entry only when the key retracts the latch, with no lever operation, common on emergency exits where exterior entry must be prevented except with an authorized key. The Passage function (ANSI 14) offers free entry via an always-operable lever without a cylinder, suitable for high-traffic public areas where access control isn't necessary but emergency egress is required. These ANSI functions enable precise specifications aligning trim behavior with each opening's operational requirements while maintaining code compliance. Our exit device trims include all ANSI configurations for any commercial or institutional application.

Device Compatibility: Rim vs Vertical Rod vs Mortise

Exit device trims are brand- and model-specific, with different preparations for rim, vertical rod, and mortise device types. Trims for rim devices (designated R or R/V) mount directly to the exposed mechanism case, using rim cylinders that project from the trim escutcheon. Trims for vertical rod devices (V or R/V) work with rod devices extending up and down into door frames, typically sharing mounting patterns with rim trims but potentially requiring different cylinder preparation.

Trims for mortise devices (designated M) install on devices mortised within the door edge, using 1-1/4" or 1-3/4" mortise cylinders that insert horizontally into the trim. Trims for concealed vertical rod devices (CVR) require special preparation, accommodating mechanisms hidden within door cavities, frequently with reduced escutcheon dimensions for narrow stile applications. This incompatibility between device types means specifiers must match trims precisely with exit device configurations; a Von Duprin 996L trim designed for rim/vertical rod 98/99 devices won't work on mortise devices requiring the alternative 996L-M series. Always verify trim compatibility with the specific exit device model before ordering.

Top 10 Exit Device Trims

1. Von Duprin 996L Lever Trim (98/99 Series)

The Von Duprin 996L represents the industry standard for classroom lever trims on 98/99 series devices, offering an ANSI 08 function where the key locks and unlocks the exterior lever. The escutcheon measures 2-3/4" wide by 10-3/4" high with 27/32" projection, while the lever projects 2-7/8" from the door. The field-reversible handed design simplifies inventory; a single SKU serves both right and left-handed through simple reorientation during installation.

Available in multiple lever styles (01, 03, 05, 06, 12, 16, 17) coordinating with complete Schlage hardware lines, the 996L accepts standard rim or vertical device cylinders. Applications include office entrances, school classrooms, apartment dormitories, hotel entries, and any commercial opening where authorized personnel control access via lever locking while maintaining unrestricted egress. Grade 1 construction provides institutional durability, resisting heavy traffic abuse.

2. Von Duprin 996L-NL Night Latch Trim (98/99 Series)

The Von Duprin 996L-NL trim provides a night latch function (ANSI 03) where the key retracts the latch directly without lever operation, and the lever remains rigid always. This function prevents unauthorized entry while allowing complete emergency egress, ideal for stairwell exits, building perimeter doors, loading exits, and any opening where exterior entry must be restricted to authorized keyholders.

Escutcheon dimensions match the standard 996L (2-3/4" x 10-3/4" x 27/32"), maintaining aesthetic consistency when mixing trim functions within the same building. The handed/reversible design allows installation for any handing. Available with mortise or rim cylinder options depending on device type (M for mortise, R/V for rim/vertical rod). Nighttime retail applications, security facilities, and egress-only openings benefit from this restricted entry configuration.

3. Von Duprin 996L-DT Dummy Trim (98/99 Series)

The Von Duprin 996L-DT trim offers dummy function (ANSI 02), providing pull-only operation when the device is dogged in passage mode; the lever remains rigid at all times without cylinder operation. This economical trim suits openings where exterior entry isn't necessary under normal operation, but a pull handle is required when the device is manually dogged to allow two-way flow during special events, maintenance, or temporary traffic configurations.

Without cylinder preparation, the simplified design reduces costs while providing a complete hardware appearance. Applications include auditorium exits remaining locked during presentations, gymnasium exits used only during evacuations, and warehouse doors where exterior entry occurs infrequently. Eliminating cylinder components also reduces potential failure points in vandalism-prone environments where cylinders frequently suffer abuse.

4. Von Duprin E996L Electrified Lever Trim

The Von Duprin E996L electrified trim incorporates remote locking and unlocking via solenoid while maintaining the patented vandal-resistant breakaway design. Electrification enables integration with access control systems, including card readers, intercom systems, remote release buttons, and building automation, transforming mechanical exit devices into openings fully integrated with the building's security system. Fail-safe applications unlock the lever when power is cut, guaranteeing emergency egress during power failures.

The field-serviceable modular construction simplifies maintenance; technicians replace electrified components without removing the complete trim. Requires 12-24 VDC power sources and power transfer via electrified hinges. Institutional installations, including hospitals, K-12 schools, government facilities, and corporate buildings, benefit from remote access control capabilities while maintaining full egress code compliance. Compatible with 98/99 series rim, vertical rod, and concealed vertical rod devices.

5. Sargent 715 ETP Passage Trim (8300/8700/8900/9700/9800/9900 Series)

The Sargent 715 ETP trim provides passage function (ANSI 14) with an always-operable lever without a cylinder, ideal for high-traffic public areas where free bidirectional entry is required while maintaining emergency egress capability. The through-bolted chassis design provides superior security and durability compared to surface-mounted trims, resisting forcing and extraction under attack.

Available with P, A, E, L, and other lever styles coordinating with complete Sargent lines, the 715 accepts multiple architectural finishes, including satin chrome (26D), satin bronze (10), dark oxidized bronze (10B), bright brass (3), and satin brass (4). Compatible with Sargent 8300, 8700, 8900, 9700, 9800, 9900 series surface vertical rod and mortise devices. Applications include building lobbies, corridor connectors, cafeteria entrances, and any public opening where access control would be inconvenient but certified egress hardware is required.

6. Sargent 706 ETL Storeroom Trim (8500/8800/NB8700 Series)

The Sargent 706 ETL trim offers a storeroom function (ANSI 09) where the key unlocks the trim, allowing the lever to retract the latch, with automatic relocking when the key is removed. The lever remains locked except during active keyed access. This function suits storage rooms, service areas, electrical closets, mechanical rooms, and spaces where only authorized personnel require access while maintaining egress code compliance for interior occupants.

The 1-1/8" Sargent #41 mortise cylinder (LA keyway) integrates into institutional master key systems, allowing hierarchical access control. Through-bolted Grade 1 construction provides institutional forcing resistance. Compatible with Sargent 8500, 8800, and NB8700 series devices. Field-reversible design simplifies installation for any handing. Available finishes coordinate with Sargent levers and cylindrical lock,s maintaining hardware aesthetic consistency throughout the building.

7. Sargent 704 ETA Night Latch Trim (8300/8500/8800/8900/9800/9900 Series)

The Sargent 704 ETA trim provides night latch function (ANSI 03) with a key that retracts the latch directly—the lever doesn't operate, creating key-only entry from the exterior while maintaining free interior egress. Accepts rim cylinders for rim devices or 1-3/4" mortise cylinders for mortise devices, accommodating varied exit device configurations with a single model number through appropriate cylinder selection.

Through-bolted construction provides superior extraction resistance under forcing attempts. Compatible with a wide range of Sargent devices, including 8300, 8500, 8800, 8900, 9800, 9900 series in rim and mortise configurations. Applications include perimeter doors, stairwell exits, loading entrances, and any opening where entry must be severely restricted while maintaining complete egress code compliance. Available with A, E, L, and P lever styles coordinating with complete Sargent hardware lines.

8. Sargent 773 ETL Fail-Safe Electrified Trim

The Sargent 773 ETL electrified trim provides remote locking and unlocking with fail-safe operation; the lever unlocks when power is cut, guaranteeing emergency egress during power failures or fires that interrupt the electrical supply. This configuration complies with life-safety codes prohibiting electronic egress locking under any failure condition.

The EcoFlex design features ultra-low power consumption, 15mA continuous at 12/24 VDC, minimizing power supply demand and heat generation. Operates from 12-24 VDC with full-wave rectification installed internally. Requires McKinney QC8 hinges for power transfer. UL and cUL listed for use on fire-rated doors, maintaining ratings when properly installed. Field-reversible construction and serviceable modular design simplify installation and maintenance. Compatible with Sargent 8700, 9700 series surface vertical rod and mortise devices.

9. Falcon 510L-D Classroom Lever Trim (25 Series)

The Falcon 510L-D trim offers classroom function (ANSI 08) with a key that locks and unlocks the exterior lever for Falcon 25 series devices. The 9-3/4" high by 2-3/4" wide escutcheon with 3" projection provides similar dimensions to Von Duprin and Sargent trims, maintaining template compatibility. Available with Dane (D) or Quantum (Q) lever designs coordinating with different architectural styles.

Field-reversible design allows installation for any handing without hand-specific components. Grade 1 construction certified to ANSI/BHMA A156.3-2008 provides institutional durability. All levers return to within 1/2" of the door, meeting ADA projection requirements. Applications include schools, college dormitories, hotels, medical offices, and any commercial facility requiring classroom function on Falcon devices. Available finishes include satin chrome (US26D), bright brass (US3), satin brass (US4), dark bronze (US10), and special options coordinating with Falcon levers and locks.

10. Falcon 510L-BE-D Blank Escutcheon Trim (25 Series)

The Falcon 510L-BE-D trim provides always-operable lever operation without a cylinder via a blank escutcheon design, ideal for applications where the lever must function freely without locking capability, typically in combination with electrified access control on the exit device itself. The escutcheon without cylinder preparation creates a clean appearance, minimizing entry points for dirt, moisture, or vandalism.

Applications include high-security facilities where access control is handled entirely through device electrification, public areas where free entry without locking is required, and openings where aesthetic lever consistency is desired but cylinder functionality is unnecessary. Compatible with Falcon 25 series devices. Reversible design simplifies installation. Levers return within 1/2", meeting ADA compliance. Grade 1 certification provides durability for demanding commercial and institutional installations.

Installation and Compatibility Considerations

Proper installation of exit device trims requires careful verification of device compatibility; trims are manufacturer- and device series-specific. Von Duprin 996L trims work only with 98/99 series devices, Sargent 700 series trims require matching with specific device series numbers (8300, 8500, 8700, etc.), and Falcon 510L trims are exclusive to 25 series devices. Attempting to install incompatible trims results in mechanism misalignment, failed latch operation, and compromised code compliance.

Cylinder type must match device preparation; rim devices require rim cylinders, mortise devices need 1-1/4" or 1-3/4" mortise cylinders, and vertical rod devices typically accept rim cylinders. Master key integration requires coordination between the trim cylinder keyway and the building's key system, specify cylinders accepting combinations from the existing system. For electrified installations, verify power supply requirements, electric hinge transfer, and access control system compatibility before ordering. Our exit device trims include complete compatibility specifications, ensuring appropriate selection for any device configuration.

Fire codes require that trims on fire-rated doors maintain UL ratings when properly installed, use only UL-listed trims on fire-certified devices, install according to manufacturer instructions, and maintain listing documentation available for fire marshal inspections. Installing non-listed trims or improper installation voids fire-rated door ratings regardless of how similar they appear to approved configurations.