When selecting a Von Duprin exit device, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right dogging option. Dogging allows a panic device to remain in the unlocked position, making it easier for people to enter and exit without pushing the touchpad each time.
Von Duprin offers several dogging options, each designed for different building types, security requirements, and operational needs. The most common are:
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Cylinder Dogging
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Electric Dogging
Rather than asking which is better, the key is understanding where and when each option should be used.
This guide explains how each dogging method works, where it is commonly installed, and which Von Duprin exit device series support these options.
What Is Dogging on an Exit Device?
Dogging is a feature that holds the push pad of a panic device in the depressed position, keeping the latch retracted. This allows the door to operate like a push-pull door during business hours without requiring users to activate the touchpad each time.
At the end of the day, dogging is released, allowing the exit device to return to its normal locked condition.
Dogging is commonly used on:
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Retail stores
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Office buildings
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Schools
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Shopping centers
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Churches
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Restaurants
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Public assembly buildings
Important: Mechanical dogging is not permitted on fire-rated exit devices because fire doors must remain positively latched when closed.
Hex Dogging
Hex dogging is the most common and economical dogging option offered on Von Duprin panic devices.
A small hex key (Allen wrench) is inserted into the dogging mechanism on the push bar. Turning the key holds the touchpad in the depressed position until it is manually released.
Best Applications
Hex dogging is ideal for:
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Retail stores
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Small offices
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Warehouses
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Restaurants
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Community buildings
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Schools with non-fire-rated doors
Advantages
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Simple operation
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No electrical wiring required
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Low maintenance
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Cost-effective
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Reliable mechanical design
Considerations
Because it requires manual operation, staff must lock and unlock the device each day.
|
Exit Device Series |
Part Number |
Description |
|
Von Duprin 98 Series |
98HDK |
Hex key dogging conversion kit for compatible 98 Series panic exit devices |
|
Von Duprin 99 Series |
99HDK |
Hex key dogging conversion kit for compatible 99 Series panic exit devices |
|
Von Duprin 33A Series |
33AHDK |
Hex key dogging conversion kit for compatible 33A Series panic exit devices |
|
Von Duprin 35A Series |
35AHDK |
Hex key dogging conversion kit for compatible 35A Series panic exit devices |
These kits are intended for panic-rated devices only and cannot be added to fire exit hardware because fire-rated doors must maintain positive latching. Von Duprin identifies HDK as the field-conversion option from cylinder dogging to hex dogging.
Cylinder Dogging
Cylinder dogging operates similarly to hex dogging but uses a keyed cylinder instead of a hex wrench.
Building personnel simply insert the key, turn the cylinder, and the push pad remains dogged until unlocked with the same key.
Best Applications
Cylinder dogging is commonly used in:
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Office buildings
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Government facilities
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Schools
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Universities
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Healthcare facilities
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Buildings with restricted key systems
Advantages
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Key-operated convenience
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Integrates with building master key systems
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No separate dogging tool required
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Improved key control
Considerations
Cylinder dogging still requires someone to manually unlock or lock the exit device.
For facilities that prefer key-operated dogging, Von Duprin also offers cylinder dogging conversion kits.
|
Exit Device Series |
Part Number |
Description |
|
Von Duprin 98 Series |
98CDK |
Cylinder dogging conversion kit for compatible 98 Series panic exit devices |
|
Von Duprin 99 Series |
99CDK |
Cylinder dogging conversion kit for compatible 99 Series panic exit devices |
|
Von Duprin 33A Series |
33ACDK |
Cylinder dogging conversion kit for compatible 33A Series panic exit devices |
|
Von Duprin 35A Series |
35ACDK |
Cylinder dogging conversion kit for compatible 35A Series panic exit devices |
Cylinder dogging uses a standard 1-1/4-inch mortise cylinder with the appropriate inverted straight cam. It can be useful where the facility wants dogging controlled through its existing key-management system.
Electric Dogging
Electric dogging automatically holds the touchpad in the depressed position whenever power is applied.
Instead of manually dogging the device, electric power activates the mechanism, allowing the door to remain unlocked during scheduled hours.
When power is removed, the exit device automatically returns to the secure position.
Electric dogging is commonly integrated with:
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Access control systems
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Building automation systems
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Time schedules
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Security management software
Best Applications
Electric dogging is ideal for:
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Schools
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Universities
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Hospitals
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Office buildings
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Airports
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Government facilities
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High-traffic commercial entrances
Advantages
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Automatic daily locking and unlocking
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Reduced wear on the exit device
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Improved convenience
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Compatible with scheduled access control
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Eliminates manual operation
For doors that need scheduled or electronically controlled operation, Von Duprin offers Quiet Electric Latch Retraction (QEL) conversion kits. These kits motorize latch retraction and can be ordered with hex dogging on compatible panic devices.
HD-QEL Modular Conversion Kits
|
Exit Device Series |
Part Number |
Description |
|
33A/35A/98/99 |
958002-00 |
HD-QELA modular motorized latch-retraction conversion kit with hex dogging |
|
33A/35A/98/99 |
040062-00 |
HD-QELA modular conversion kit with hex dogging and Allegion Connect connectors |
|
33A/35A/98/99 AX |
041164-00 |
HD-QELX modular conversion kit with hex dogging for AX devices |
|
33A/35A/98/99 AX |
041165-00 |
HD-QELX modular conversion kit with hex dogging and Allegion Connect connectors |
The 958002-00 is a particularly useful retrofit option for existing 33A/35A and 98/99 devices when motorized latch retraction and hex dogging are required. It provides quiet motorized operation and is intended for panic devices.
Important Note
Electric dogging is only available on non-fire-rated panic devices. Fire-rated exit devices cannot use electric dogging because they must remain positively latched to maintain the fire door assembly.
Von Duprin Exit Devices That Support Dogging
Von Duprin offers several exit device series that are available with various dogging options.
|
Von Duprin Series |
Hex Dogging |
Cylinder Dogging |
Electric Dogging |
|
✔ |
✔ |
✔ (non-fire-rated) |
|
|
✔ |
✔ |
✔ (non-fire-rated models) |
|
|
✔ |
✔ |
Selected models |
|
|
✔ |
✔ |
Selected models |
|
|
✔ |
✔ |
Selected models |
Always verify the specific configuration and fire-rating requirements before ordering.
Which Dogging Option Should You Choose?
|
Application |
Recommended Dogging Option |
|
Small Retail Store |
Hex Dogging |
|
Office Building |
Cylinder Dogging |
|
Shopping Mall |
Electric Dogging |
|
School Entrance |
Electric Dogging (non-fire-rated) |
|
Restaurant |
Hex Dogging |
|
Hospital |
Electric Dogging (where appropriate) |
|
Government Building |
Cylinder or Electric Dogging |
|
Warehouse |
Hex Dogging |
The best choice depends on how the building operates and whether staff want manual or automated control of the exit device.
Dogging and Fire-Rated Exit Devices
One of the most common questions is whether a fire-rated exit device can be dogged.
The answer is no for mechanical and electric dogging.
Fire-rated exit devices are designed to keep the latch engaged whenever the door closes. This positive latching helps contain fire and smoke during an emergency. Because dogging would hold the latch open, it is not permitted on fire-rated exit devices.
If an opening is part of a fire-rated assembly, choose a listed fire exit device that meets applicable building and fire code requirements.
Popular Applications
Retail Stores
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Von Duprin 98 Series
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Hex Dogging
Office Buildings
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Von Duprin 99 Series
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Cylinder Dogging
Schools
-
Von Duprin 98 Series
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Electric Dogging on non-fire-rated openings
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Fire Exit Devices on fire-rated corridors
Hospitals
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Von Duprin Electrified Exit Devices
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Access Control Integration
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Electric Latch Retraction for fire-rated openings where required
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dogging on a Von Duprin exit device?
Dogging holds the push pad in the depressed position so the door can be opened without activating the panic bar each time.
What is the difference between hex dogging and cylinder dogging?
Hex dogging uses an Allen wrench to engage or disengage the dogging mechanism, while cylinder dogging uses a keyed cylinder that can be integrated into the building's master key system.
What is electric dogging?
Electric dogging automatically dogs and releases the exit device using electrical power, allowing doors to lock and unlock according to schedules or access control commands.
Can electric dogging be used on fire-rated exit devices?
No. Fire-rated exit devices must maintain positive latching and therefore cannot use electric dogging.
Which Von Duprin exit device is most popular?
The Von Duprin 98 Series and 99 Series are among the most widely specified commercial exit devices for schools, hospitals, office buildings, and government facilities.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Von Duprin dogging option depends on how your building operates and whether the opening is fire-rated.
Hex dogging is a simple, cost-effective solution for buildings where staff can manually secure doors each day. Cylinder dogging adds the convenience of key operation and integrates well with master key systems. Electric dogging is the preferred choice for non-fire-rated openings that require automatic locking and unlocking through access control or scheduled building operations.
It's equally important to remember that dogging is not permitted on fire-rated exit devices. For those openings, listed fire exit hardware with positive latching must be used to maintain life safety and code compliance.
At QualityDoor.com, we carry a full range of Von Duprin exit devices, replacement parts, trims, and electrified hardware to support schools, hospitals, offices, retail stores, and government facilities. Whether you need a 98 Series, 99 Series, or another Von Duprin exit device, our experts can help you choose the correct dogging option for your application.