Detex FV51 Fire-Rated Top-Rod-Only Exit Device | Exit Only, Passage Trim or EA Alarm | 628 / 711

Choose genuine Detex Value Series FV51 fire-rated top-rod-only surface vertical rod exit hardware for properly approved commercial fire-door assemblies. The FV51 uses a single top surface vertical rod and top latch, with no bottom rod, floor latch or bottom strike. It is distinct from the FV50 top-and-bottom-rod model. These configurations feature 628 / US28 clear-anodized satin aluminum or 711 satin-black anodized aluminum, the 96 surface top strike, and LD less dogging to preserve the required positive top latching of approved fire-exit installations.

Select the correct factory model, function and finish: The standard FV51 LD 628 96 36X84 and FV51 LD 711 96 36X84 are 36-inch, non-alarmed, exit-only fire-rated devices for 84-inch-high doors, with no EA/EB alarm, no FC3 conduit and no outside trim. Choose 628 satin aluminum or 711 satin-black anodized aluminum. The new FV5114BN LD 711 96 36X84 is a 36-inch, non-alarmed fire-rated FV51 for the same 84-inch door height, but includes Detex Function 14 BN passage S-lever outside trim. Its exit-device rail is 711 satin-black anodized and its BN lever trim is 693 / SPBLK black painted. Function 14 is always active and requires no cylinder or key. The FV51 EA FC3 LD 628 96 48X84 is the separate 48-inch, EA hardwired-alarm device in 628 satin aluminum with the requested FC3 3-foot flexible-conduit option; confirm FC3 contents with the factory. All listed models use LD less dogging and the 96 surface top strike. Choose carefully based on the door size, finish and alarm/outside-entry needs.

Available Models and Operating Differences

Important: "LD" means less/no dogging, which does not permit the fire-exit latch to be held mechanically retracted. EA specifies the hardwired audible exit alarm; FC3 specifies a 3-foot flexible conduit. The 36-inch standard FV51 LD models in 628 or 711 have neither EA nor FC3. None of these devices is a delayed-egress model. Only the FV5114BN package includes outside trim, a Function 14 always-active, no-cylinder BN passage lever; the three standard FV51 LD / EA FC3 models are exit-only and have no included outside trim.

Key Features and Benefits

• Detex FV51 fire-exit series: Fire-rated version of the Value Series V51 top-rod-only exit-device family. Suitable for the properly listed commercial fire-door assembly, with manufacturer fire listings supporting certain metal doors up to 3 hours when the entire assembly is approved.
• Top-rod-only latching: Pressing the inside touchbar releases the approved single top vertical rod latch. There is no bottom rod or bottom bolt; do not order or install a V50 bottom-latching arrangement by mistake.
• Factory 96 surface top strike: The 96 code specifies the surface strike configuration. Verify the exact manufacturer strike/installation template and frame preparation.
• Less dogging (LD): Factory no-dogging function supports positive latching on a fire-exit opening. Fire-rated doors must not be dogged or modified in ways that defeat latching.
• Choose 628 Satin Aluminum or 711 Satin Black Anodized: 628 / US28 is clear-anodized satin aluminum on the standard 36-inch and EA 48-inch device rails. 711 / DC35 is satin-black anodized aluminum on the standard 36-inch exit-only rail and the new FV5114BN rail. The 14BN S-lever outside trim is 693 / SPBLK Black Painted, not 711 black anodized. Match each component's finish to the opening's hardware schedule.
• 36-inch non-alarmed configurations: FV51 LD 628 and FV51 LD 711 are exit-only, whereas FV5114BN LD 711 includes the always-active 14BN outside passage trim. All three fit appropriately approved 36-inch-wide by 84-inch-high doors. No audible alarm, electrical wiring, alarm power supply or flexible alarm conduit is specified.
• 48-inch EA alarm configuration:FV51 EA FC3 LD 628 96 48X84 is intended for a 48-inch-wide by 84-inch-high door and includes the factory-designated EA audible exit alarm with hardwired control provisions.
• EA power and alarm control: The EA option supports external 12–24V AC/DC supply and remote alarm/bypass connections according to Detex EA wiring instructions. Manufacturer EA literature also provides for a 9V battery and piezo horn with red/green arming indicators. Confirm exact controller, battery, cylinder and power-supply details against the factory package.
• FC3 wiring transfer: On the EA FC3 48-inch model only, the FC3 designation calls for 3 feet of flexible conduit for routing the electrical connection. Verify that the included conduit and fittings match the manufacturer's final order and door arrangement.
• Commercial-grade installation: Detex Value Series uses an extruded-aluminum rail and manufacturer mounting/strike locator provisions. Check the latest Detex fire-exit mounting instructions before field preparation.
• Factory 14BN passage trim — FV5114BN only: The complete package includes Detex's BN narrow-escutcheon S-lever in 693 black painted. BHMA Function 14 provides a normally active outside lever to retract the latch without a key. The escutcheon is blank, with no mortise-cylinder preparation. This option is for openings where unkeyed exterior reentry is permitted.
• Outside trim selection: Three variants are interior exit-device-only packages and require compatible outside trim purchased separately where external entry is needed. FV5114BN includes the specific 14BN passage S-lever outside trim; it does not include any alarm or lockable cylinder function.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Select the Correct FV51 Configuration

Standard non-alarmed FV51 LD 628 or 711 96 36X84: Choose when the door schedule requires fire-rated top-only latching without an audible alarm or electrical wiring. Both 36-inch devices are exit-only and include no FC3 conduit. Select 628 Satin Aluminum or 711 Satin Black Anodized to match the hardware schedule. A compatible outside trim must be purchased separately if keyed or lever-controlled entry is desired.

FV5114BN LD 711 96 36X84 — Passage S-Lever Included: Select this fire-rated, 36-inch FV51 top-rod-only exit device when an approved opening requires always-active outside passage by lever without a key or cylinder. Its 711 black-anodized exit rail is supplied with a 693 black-painted 14BN narrow S-lever. It remains non-alarmed and does not use FC3 conduit. Do not select Function 14 for doors where exterior access must remain locked. Confirm factory handing, fire-rating compatibility and the mounting plate.

EA/FC3 alarmed FV51 EA FC3 LD 628 96 48X84: Choose for a wider 48-inch opening where an audible alarm should alert personnel that a monitored exit has been used. EA alarm power and wiring must be installed to Detex specifications, and the requested FC3 conduit package should be confirmed with the distributor. Alarm operation must not obstruct free egress.

Typical Commercial Applications

• Fire-rated exit-only service openings using a manufacturer-approved single top vertical latch
• Schools, offices, hospitals and municipal facilities needing properly listed fire-exit hardware
• Warehouses, industrial facilities and institutional service exits
• EA model: fire-exit doors requiring audible exit monitoring and wiring transfer

What's Included

One Detex FV51 fire-rated top-rod-only exit-device assembly in the selected size/function/finish, with manufacturer-supplied standard mounting and strike parts for its exact factory model. The 36-inch standard FV51 LD models in 628 or 711 are non-alarmed and are exit-only (no outside trim). The 36-inch FV5114BN LD 711 is non-alarmed but includes its 14BN Function 14 passage S-lever exterior trim in 693 black painted. The 48-inch EA FC3 model has the EA alarm with specified FC3 wiring option, but no outside lever trim. Confirm final packing contents, including conduit fittings, alarm parts, batteries, mounting fasteners and strikes, using the manufacturer's order confirmation and packing list.

Sold Separately

Exterior pull/lever/cylinder trim and keys for the three device-only configurations where external entry is required; door, frame, any required throughbolts or special retrofit accessories, and installation labor. The FV5114BN includes the 14BN outside passage S-lever and has no keyed operating cylinder or keys because Function 14 does not require them. On EA configurations only, confirm whether a separate key-control cylinder, external building power supply, electrical interface or other controls are required and provided in the factory kit. The standard non-EB/non-EA FV51 LD requires none of these alarm components.

Shipping Information

Shopify carrier settings are 25 lb provisional for the three FV51 exit-device-only variants and 30 lb provisional for the FV5114BN passage-trim package to allow for the additional lever assembly. Neither weight is verified for the exact shipped carton. Confirm actual weight and dimensions before calculating rates; these models have differing lengths and contents. Large exit-device cartons may require special parcel or freight handling.

Ordering, Installation and Life-Safety Requirements

Confirm 36 vs. 48 inch device length, 628 satin-aluminum vs. 711 satin-black anodized device finish, 693 black-painted 14BN trim on FV5114BN, exit-only vs. always-active passage trim vs. EA hardwired alarm, FC3 conduit (EA variant only), 84-inch door height, correct 96 surface strike, door handing and manufacturer-approved installation pattern. For the separate EA/FC3 model, confirm the FC3 conduit package against Detex's full FV51 EA FC3 LD 628 96 48X84 factory order. For FV5114BN, verify the Function 14 trim is approved for the opening, the factory handing is correct and the black-painted BN trim is supplied with the required mounting components. Maintain unrestricted egress and positive top latching. Never add mechanical dogging, an unauthorized bottom-latching modification or any other changes that compromise the door's fire listing. Follow the latest Detex installation and alarm instructions and the authority having jurisdiction.