Precision FL2203 Apex Fire Rated Vertical Rod Exit Device - Wide Stile, Key Retracts Latchbolt

The Precision FL2203 is the fire-listed version of the Apex 2000 Series wide stile Surface Vertical Rod (SVR) exit device in function "03" - Key Retracts Latchbolt. It's the specification when a fire-rated egress door needs both the Precision fire listing and two-point vertical rod latching. The top latch bolt engages the door frame header through a surface-mounted S300 stainless steel strike. The bottom bolt seats in a flush floor strike (S460). One push on the touchbar retracts both simultaneously. From outside, a key retracts the top latch bolt for entry.

Two specs define when to order the FL2203 over any other Precision fire-rated device: the door needs a fire listing (FL prefix), and the door height or structural requirement calls for two-point SVR latching rather than single-point rim latching.

FL2203 vs FL2103: SVR vs Rim on Fire-Rated Doors

The FL2103 (fire-rated rim device) and FL2203 (fire-rated SVR device) both carry UL fire exit hardware listings and both use function "03" key retracts latchbolt. The difference is latch points.

The FL2103 is a rim device - one latch at the device body level, engaging a single frame keeper. For standard-height fire-rated corridor doors under normal use, single-point rim latching is sufficient. The device is compact, the installation is straightforward, and single latch engagement provides the required fire barrier closure.

The FL2203 is an SVR device - two latch points, top and bottom, with surface vertical rods connecting both to the device body. For taller fire-rated doors (8 or 10 feet) where a single rim latch at mid-height doesn't provide structural engagement across the full door height, two-point latching maintains fire barrier integrity under the pressure differential and warp forces that a fire condition generates against the door. It's also the specification when the hardware schedule explicitly calls for vertical rod exit hardware on fire-rated openings. For all Precision Apex fire-rated exit devices, browse our exit hardware catalog.

No Dogging: The Fire Rating Requirement

The standard Apex SVR 2200 Series device (non-fire) includes hex key dogging standard. The FL2203 does not. Fire-rated exit hardware cannot be mechanically dogged under any configuration - NFPA 80 requires that every labeled fire door close and positively latch on every door cycle without exception. The fire listing on the FL2203 removes the dogging port and dogging function from the device entirely.

If the opening is a fire-rated corridor door that also serves as a primary building entry requiring free-passage dogging during business hours, the correct solution is not the FL2203. Either the fire rating requirement needs to be verified with the AHJ (some fire-rated doors can use delayed egress or electric hold-open with automatic fire alarm release rather than mechanical dogging), or the opening design needs a rethink. Confirm with the AHJ before finalizing the specification on any fire-rated opening where dogging is operationally desirable.

Height Options: 7, 8, and 10 Feet - Not 12

The standard non-fire 2200 Series SVR device is available in 7, 8, 10, and 12-foot door heights. The FL2203 fire-rated version is available in 7, 8, and 10-foot heights only. The 12-foot top rod is not available in the fire-rated FL configuration on this series. 

Top and Bottom Latch Specs

Top latchbolt: 3/4-inch throw stainless steel, deadlocking plunger. Engages S300 Investment Cast Stainless Steel surface-applied top strike in the door frame header. Bottom bolt: 5/8-inch throw steel plated, independent action with adjustment range for 3/4-inch door undercut. Engages S460 flush-mounted steel floor strike.

The S300 top strike on the FL2203 distinguishes it from the 2703 wood door CVR device (which uses S519). On the FL2203 SVR wide stile, the top strike is S300 for standard hollow metal frame applications.

Field-Selectable Functions: FL2201 Through FL2215

The FL2203 ships in function "03" standard. The same fire-rated SVR device body converts to FL2201 (exit only, cover plate), FL2202 (exit only, dummy trim), FL2205 (key locks/unlocks thumbpiece), FL2214 (lever always active), or FL2215 (thumbpiece always active) in the field. If the hardware schedule changes after the device is installed, the function can be reconfigured without replacing the device.

Precision FL2203 Specifications

• SKU: FL2203

• Also known as: Precision FL2203, FL-2203, FL 2203-630-36, FL 2203-630-48, bfs2203, precision fl2203 fire rated svr, apex fire rated vertical rod fl2203, stanley precision FL2203, phi precision fl2203, fire rated svr exit device wide stile

• Series: Precision Apex 2000 Series, FL2200 Fire Rated SVR Exit Devices

• Function: "03" - Key Retracts Latchbolt; field selectable FL2201-FL2215

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

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

• Latch points: Two - top and bottom, via surface vertical rods

• Top latchbolt: 3/4" throw, stainless steel, deadlocking; self-latching every cycle

• Bottom bolt: 5/8" throw, steel plated, independent action; adjustable for 3/4" door undercut

• Top strike: S300 (Investment Cast Stainless Steel, Black Powder Coated) surface applied

• Bottom strike: S460 (Steel, Black Powder Coated) flush mounted

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

• Door height: 7', 8', 10' only (12-foot NOT available in FL fire-rated version)

• 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

• Chassis: Investment Cast Steel, Zinc Dichromated

• Reversible: Yes; standard packaging RHRB

• Outside trim: 4900 Series lever trim or 1700 Series pull trim (see Parts and Accessories)

• Finishes: 605, 606, 612, 613, 625, 630