The Falcon 1690 Concealed Vertical Rod Touchbar Exit Device is a medium-duty security solution designed for commercial and institutional settings. This device integrates mechanical and electrical functionalities with customizable features such as night latch (NL), hold back (HB), and dummy trim. It is manufactured to meet ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 standards and offers durability with powder-coated components. This article provides a detailed overview of the Falcon 1690, including its specifications, functions, installation process, and maintenance considerations.
Specifications and Product Overview
The Falcon 1690 is a concealed vertical rod exit device designed for doors with a minimum width of 24 inches and a standard height of 84 inches. The device is adaptable to door widths up to 30, 36, 42, or 48 inches and can be field-cut to the required size during installation. The standard vertical rod length is 7 feet, with extension rods available for doors ranging from 7 to 10 feet in height.
The device includes a rim cylinder with a C keyway and is field-selectable for either night latch or hold back functionality. Dogging is facilitated by a hex key, although the EL (electric latch) variant must use the hold back feature for mechanical locking. The device is available in a range of finishes, including US28, DC13, DC35, US26, and US26D, with black powder-coated center cases and end caps.
The pushbar height is 2.5 inches, with projections of 3.375 inches in the neutral position and 2.375 inches in the dogged position. The device is constructed with cast metal cover plates and end caps, and it is mounted using concealed machine screws. The end caps are black powder-coated metal, and the device is certified under ANSI A156.3 Grade 1 standards, ensuring high performance and reliability under rigorous use.
Functional Variants and Configurations
The Falcon 1690 is available in several configurations to suit different operational needs. These include:
- 1691: Exit device with 9970 dummy trim. This variant allows entrance through the trim when the actuating bar is locked down.
- 1692: Concealed vertical rod touchbar exit device with a rim cylinder. This version is field-selectable for either night latch or hold back functionality.
- 1694: Concealed vertical rod touchbar exit device with a rim cylinder (field-selectable for night latch or hold back) and 9970 dummy trim.
- 1690 Exit Only: A version of the device that functions solely as an exit device without the dummy trim.
Each variant is tailored to specific security and access control requirements, making the Falcon 1690 a versatile solution for a wide range of applications.
Installation Process
The installation of the Falcon 1690 requires careful preparation and adherence to the manufacturer's guidelines. The following steps outline the key stages of the installation process, based on the provided technical documentation.
Pre-Installation Considerations
Before beginning the installation, it is essential to verify the door dimensions and ensure that the device is compatible with the intended application. The device is designed for doors with a minimum width of 24 inches and a standard height of 84 inches. For non-standard door widths, it is necessary to follow the field sizing instructions provided in the installation manual to adjust the device to the appropriate length.
The installation process also requires the use of specific hardware, such as #10-32 x 1/4" undercut flat head screws, rod bearing bushings, retaining rings, and 1/4-20 x 1/2" flat head screws. These components are included in the package, which varies depending on the finish and function of the device.
Mounting the Device
The first step in the installation process is to locate the two 1/4-20 mounting holes on the lock stile. These holes should be drilled and tapped on the inside face of the door. The device is then mounted using the supplied 1/4-20 undercut flat head screws, ensuring that it is positioned horizontally on the door. The distance from the bottom of the door to the bottom of the channel should be consistent on both stiles.
Next, the channel end cap is positioned at the end of the channel and used to mark the locations for the hinge mounting holes. The device is then removed from the door, and the hinge stile is prepared by drilling and tapping through the two 1/4-20 mounting holes. Once this is complete, the installation can proceed according to the standard 1690 installation instructions.
Installing the Retractor and Pinion Components
The retractor is installed under the traveler tabs and positioned over the rods. A light coating of lubricant is recommended to prolong the life of the pinion cam. The retractor should be installed with the teeth to the right for both right-hand and left-hand doors, ensuring that all keys function in the same direction.
Following this, the pinion support bracket, retainer screw, and axle are installed. The retainer screw and axle are interchangeable, and their installation should be verified to ensure proper functionality. After this, the NL or HB function should be tested to confirm that the device operates as intended.
Cover Installation and Final Adjustments
Once the mechanical components are in place, the center case cover is installed over the center case and secured with two (#8 x 5/8") cover screws. The hinge stile end cap is then placed over the push bar and secured with two (#8 x 1-1/2") end cap mounting screws. It is important to note that the device must be undogged before installing the center case cover.
The final step involves performing a functional check to ensure that the device operates correctly. This includes pressing the touchbar to lock the top latch forward and verifying that the bottom latch bolt is flush with the bottom of the door. The device should also be tested in the dogged position to confirm that the top latch pivots freely.
Touchbar Dogging and Rod Length Adjustments
The touchbar can be dogged using a hex key, which is included in the package. To dog the device, the touchbar must be depressed with one hand while the dogging key is inserted into the hole on the touchbar. The key is then rotated approximately 1/8 turn clockwise, and the pressure on the touchbar is released. To undog the device, the same process is followed, but the key is rotated counterclockwise.
For MEL (electric latch retraction) devices, mechanical dogging using the touchbar is not possible. If mechanical hold back is required in addition to electric latch hold back, the pull side HB key cylinder option should be used.
Rod length adjustments are necessary for doors that deviate from the standard 7-foot height. The factory length settings are designed for a standard 7-foot door with a specific C dimension. The top rod set length (TR) is calculated as TR = door height minus 0.655 inches, and the bottom rod set length (BR) is adjusted accordingly.
Maintenance and Warranty
The Falcon 1690 is designed for long-term reliability and comes with a 10-year warranty against defects in workmanship and materials. Regular maintenance, including lubrication of moving parts and inspection of hardware, is recommended to ensure continued performance.
In the event of wear or damage, replacement components such as set screws and hole plugs can be ordered separately. The manufacturer provides detailed instructions for retrofitting the device, including the use of new set screws and hole plugs if the original components are unavailable or unusable.
Conclusion
The Falcon 1690 Concealed Vertical Rod Touchbar Exit Device is a robust and flexible solution for medium-duty applications requiring secure and reliable egress control. With its customizable functions, durable construction, and ANSI certification, it is well-suited for a wide range of commercial and institutional environments. The installation process, while detailed, is supported by comprehensive technical documentation and clear step-by-step instructions. Proper maintenance and adherence to the manufacturer's guidelines ensure that the device continues to perform optimally over its service life.