PHI Precision FL2101 Rim Exit Device, Exit Only, Cover Plate Prep, Fire Rated

The PHI Precision FL2101 is the fire-listed, exit-only version of the Precision Apex 2000 wide stile rim exit device. Two things in the model number tell you everything about where this device belongs on a hardware schedule: "FL" means fire listed, and "2101" means function "01" - exit only with a cover plate on the outside.

Exit only means no outside entry capability at all. The outside of the door has a cover plate where outside trim would normally mount. No lever, no thumbpiece, no cylinder. The only way to open the door from outside is if it's opened from inside, or if the door is equipped with a separate key cylinder added to the cover plate prep. For emergency egress doors that are designed as one-way exit paths - fire stairwells that lead outside, loading dock emergency exits, theater emergency exit corridors - the FL2101 is the correct specification.

Why "Fire Listed" Is Not the Same as "UL Listed for Panic"

Every Precision Apex 2000 device carries a UL listing for panic hardware. The "FL" in FL2101 adds a separate and more demanding listing: UL fire exit hardware listing. This certification applies to devices installed on labeled fire door assemblies - doors that form part of a fire-rated barrier and must maintain that barrier integrity during a fire event.

The fire listing imposes an additional physical requirement: the device must positively latch the door on every single cycle. No exceptions. No held-open positions through the device mechanism. This is why fire-rated exit devices cannot be mechanically dogged. For all PHI Precision exit devices and fire-rated hardware, browse our exit hardware catalog.

No Dogging: The Defining Requirement for Fire-Rated Exit Hardware

Standard exit devices can be dogged - a hex wrench holds the touchbar depressed so the door operates as a simple push/pull door during high-traffic periods like shift changes or school dismissals. Fire-rated exit devices cannot be dogged under any circumstances.

NFPA 80 - the fire door standard - requires that every labeled fire door close and positively latch on every cycle without manual intervention. Dogging prevents positive latching. A dogged fire door is a code violation regardless of whether it happens to close on a given day or not. When the hardware schedule calls for a fire-rated exit device, order the FL version without dogging. The FL2101 ships with no dogging option available.

FL2101 vs FL2103 vs Standard 2103: Choosing the Right Model

The standard 2103 is not fire rated. Specify it on non-fire-rated doors where hex key dogging is needed for free-passage periods and outside entry by key is required.

The FL2103 is fire rated with function "03" (key retracts latchbolt from outside). Specify it on fire-rated doors where outside entry by key is still required - building main exits that are also fire-rated, for example.

The FL2101 (this product) is fire rated with function "01" - exit only, no outside entry capability. Specify it on fire-rated doors where the design intent is one-way emergency egress only, with no provision for re-entry from outside. Emergency stairwell exits, auditorium egress doors, and loading dock emergency exits are the most common applications.

Apex 2000 Construction: Same Quality as the Standard Line

The FL2101 uses the full Apex 2000 construction: heavy wrought Brass, Bronze, or Stainless Steel for all visible components including the touchbar, device channel, fillers, and end cap. Investment Cast Steel zinc dichromated chassis. 3/4-inch throw deadlocking stainless steel latchbolt. The fire listing doesn't change the material specification - it adds a testing and compliance layer on top of the same architectural-grade construction.

Door widths: 36-inch bar for doors 2'-7" to 3' wide. 48-inch bar for doors 3'-1" to 4' wide. Both are field-cuttable. Covers ANSI A115.2 (Type 161), A115.18 cylinder lock, and A115.1 (Type 86) mortise lock door preparations.

PHI Precision FL2101 Specifications

• SKU: FL-2101

• Also known as: PHI Precision FL2101, FL-2101-630, FL2101-630-36, FL2101-630-48, FL2101630, stanley precision FL2101, phi precision exit devices FL2101, apex fire exit device fl2101, precision fl2101 fire rated exit only

• Series: PHI Precision Apex 2000 Series, FL (Fire Listed)

• Function: "01" - Exit Only; cover plate outside; no outside entry from trim

• Fire listing: UL listed for panic hardware and fire exit hardware; ANSI A156.3 Grade 1

• Dogging: None - fire-rated devices cannot be mechanically dogged per NFPA 80

• Latchbolt: 3/4" throw, stainless steel, deadlocking; self-latching on every close

• Door widths: 36" (2'-7" to 3'); 48" (3'-1" to 4'); field-cuttable

• Door preps: ANSI A115.2 (Type 161), A115.18 cylinder lock, A115.1 (Type 86) mortise lock

• Base material: Heavy wrought Brass, Bronze, or Stainless Steel (covers, touchbar, channel, fillers, end cap)

• Chassis: Investment Cast Steel, Zinc Dichromated

• Strikes: S300 (Investment Cast SS, black powder coat) standard; S988 for aluminum doors; S458 for mullion applications

• Reversible: All functions and trims; standard packaging RHRB

• Applications: Emergency stairwell exits, fire egress corridors, theater/auditorium emergency exits, loading dock emergency exits

• Related models: FL2103 (fire rated, function 03 key retracts latch), 2103 (standard non-fire, function 03)

• UL: Listed for panic hardware and fire exit hardware

• ANSI/BHMA: A156.3 Grade 1