What is exit device trim?
Exit device trim is the hardware mounted on the exterior (pull) side of a door equipped with an exit device. The trim determines whether and how the door can be entered from outside. Without trim, the door functions as exit-only. Trim options include dummy trim, pull trim, lever trim, and night latch trim, each providing a different level of access control.
Can I use exit trim from one manufacturer with an exit device from another?
No. Exit trims are brand-specific and are not interchangeable between manufacturers. The tailpiece geometry, mounting hole pattern, and internal mechanism differ between brands. The trim must match the exact brand and series of the exit device installed on the door.
What is the difference between entry function and storeroom function lever trim?
Entry function lever trim can be unlocked with a key and then remains unlocked until manually re-locked. Storeroom function lever trim requires the key to be actively held and turned to retract the latch. When the key is released, the storeroom lever immediately returns to the locked position. Storeroom function is used where the door must always remain locked from the outside.
Are exit device trims field-reversible?
No. Exit device trims are handed (manufactured for a specific door handing) and cannot be reversed in the field. A left-hand trim will not work on a right-hand door. The correct handing must be determined before ordering. CDF’s ProBuilder tool automatically matches trim handing to the door configuration.
Do I need exit trim on a fire-rated door?
Exit trim is only required if the door needs to allow entry from the exterior side. If the fire-rated door is exit-only, no trim or dummy trim is sufficient. If entry is required, the exit trim must be listed and labeled for the appropriate fire rating. Fire-rated assemblies are available at 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 3-hour (180-minute) rating levels. All components in the assembly must carry matching fire labels.
What door prep is required for lever trim?
The required door prep depends on the specific trim model and exit device series. The door must be factory-prepped with the correct cutouts and reinforcements before the trim can be installed. When ordering from CDF, the correct door prep is automatically applied based on the exit device and trim combination selected in ProBuilder. Field-modifying door preps is not recommended, especially on fire-rated doors.
What trim type should I use for a main entrance with an exit device?
For a main entrance that requires keyed entry from outside, lever trim with the entry function is the standard choice. The entry function allows the lever to be unlocked with a key for regular business hours and re-locked after hours. For buildings with electronic access control, an electrified lever trim or pull trim paired with electronic latch retraction may be more appropriate.
What is night latch trim and when is it used?
Night latch trim adds a deadlocking function to the exterior side of the door. When engaged, the night latch prevents the exit device latch from being shimmed or manipulated from outside. A key is required to disengage the night latch and retract the latch for entry. Night latch trim is used on high-security exterior doors and after-hours entry points where resistance to forced entry is required.