Pamex Exit Devices Explained: Series, EF Fire Rated Models, Sizes and Trims

Pamex (Pamex Inc.) exit devices are ordered by a code that combines fire rating, series, function (size) and finish, such as EF9000V/EO3X7-SS. This page explains the six series and their codes, using the 2024 Pamex Multi-Family Architectural Guide (pages 48-89) and Pamex spec sheets. For the device types, see our exit device types guide.

Pamex exit device series at a glance

Each rim, vertical rod and less-bottom-rod page in the guide prints the ANSI grade, "UL listed for Panic and UL10C, UBC 7-2-1997 Codes" and a fire rating for the EF model only, for example "UL 3 Hour Fire Rated (EF9000 only)".

The guide calls the E8000 "Standard duty exit devices" and the other five "Heavy-duty exit devices". Minimum stile widths: 5-3/8" for single doors (E9000, E9300), 2-5/8" (E9100) and 4-1/4" (E7000, E5000, E8000). For the EF5000 the code compliance lines read "UL 1-1/2 Hour Fire Rated" but the ordering key prints "EF - 3 HR Fire Rated"; check the UL listing of the exact model. Which device a door needs is set by the code for your building.

How to read a Pamex exit device number

The guide's example "EF 9000 / EO3 - SS" reads:

• Fire rating: E ("Non-Fire Rated") or EF; our titles for EF devices add the rating, for example "3H Fire Rated".
• Series: 9000 rim, 9000V surface vertical rod, 9020V concealed vertical rod (9100, 9100V, 9120V for narrow stile).
• Function, which in these keys gives the size: EO3 or EO4 (rim); EO3X7, EO3X8, EO4X7, EO4X8 or EO4X10 (vertical rod); LBR37 to LBR410 (less-bottom-rod).
• Finish: SS Stainless Steel, AL Satin Chrome, DB Dark Bronze, BL Matte Black in this key (the E7000, E5000 and E8000 pages call AL "Aluminum").

The width ranges in our titles are ours; Pamex prints "For all doors up to 36" or 48" wide".

Dark bronze: one code, several names

The ordering keys call DB "Dark Bronze", but the documents give it different numbers: "Dark Bronze (US10B/695)" on the guide's E9000 device pages, "Dark Bronze (US10B/613)" on its E9000 trim pages, "US20 - 690 - Dark Bronze (Painted)" on the E9000 rim spec sheet and "Oil Rubbed Bronze (US10B/613)" on the E9000 rim product page at pamexinc.com. Our titles show DB as "US10B" or, on some pages, "Oil Rubbed Bronze".

Rim, vertical rod and less-bottom-rod devices

The E9300 section is headed "Mortise Lock Exit Devices"; its device page reads "Rim Type Exit Devices" and uses the sizes EO3 and EO4. The concealed vertical rods (E9020V, E9120V) note "Top strike mortised into frame". In the E9000 and E9100 series the less-bottom-rod pages list only EF versions, with an auxiliary fire bolt: "Auxiliary spring loaded latchbolt releases when exposed to fire to keep the door closed and regulated".

Dogging: "1/4" turn, hex key dogging (E9000 only, non-fire rated)" and "Cylinder dogging kit available" on the E9000 rim page, and "No dogging on fire rated devices" on the EF less-bottom-rod pages and the EF9000 spec sheets.

Electric latch retraction (ELR) models

Per the guide, "When energized, the motor retracts the exit device latch and pulls the pushpad into the dogged (depressed) position, enabling momentary push and pull operation of the door." The features list "24VDC @ 700 mA activation, 200 mA continuous". Only the series changes; the rest of the code is "same as non-electric exit device": "900E - Rim Type with ELR", "900EV - Vertical Rod with ELR" and "902EV - Concealed Vertical Rod with ELR" in the E9000 series, and 910E, 910EV and 912EV in the E9100 series.

Our titles for these models do not say ELR, so look for 900E, 902E, 910E or 912E in the model number: E900E/EO3-AL is the ELR version of E9000/EO3-AL. For electrified hardware in general, see our electrified door hardware guide; for wiring, follow Pamex's installation instructions.

Trims and their codes

The E9000 lever trim key "E9000 / L3 PA D- AL" gives the style (L3 Annapolis, LN Pendleton, LH Alameda, LF Mesa), the function (blank for Entry, PA Passage, S Storeroom, D Dummy), the option "D - I/C core" and the finish; in the model tables E9000/L3D is the I/C entry trim and E9000/D3 the dummy. Our titles call these trims "Heavy Duty L3 Lever Entry Lock" and similar.

Electrified trims follow "E9000 / L3 SE D- AL" with "SE - Fail Secure" or "SA - Fail Safe". Our titles call them "Heavy Duty Fail-Secure Lock" or fail-safe lock and write the I/C versions as L3SDE and L3SDA (the guide's table: L3SED). Electrical ratings are on page 55.

Per the guide, E9000 devices are "Compatible with E9000 series trims only" (E9100 and E9300 likewise), E7000 and E5000 devices are "Compatible with E7000, E5000 & E8000 series trims", and E8000 devices are "Compatible with E8000 series trims". In the E9300 tables the storeroom and I/C storeroom trims are numbered E9350.

The E9000, E9100 and E9300 trim pages pair entry trims with a mortise cylinder and storeroom trims with a rim cylinder. We list both in SC 6-pin, KW 5-pin and I/C core versions; see our SFIC vs LFIC guide.

Kits, accessories and mullions

• Dogging and I/C core dogging kits for E9000 and E9100 devices (the guide prints "No dogging on fire rated devices"), alarm kits (E9000, E9100, E7000) and extension kits, some titled for 8' or 10' high doors.
• Glass bead kits, overlapping strike plates and E4000 accessories such as door coordinators.
• Mullions: KR (Keyed Removable) or R (Non-keyed Removable), 7' or 8', E or EF; fire rated mullions use "Mullion Strikes & Strike Hooks, sold separately".

Pamex exit devices at The Builders Supply

• All Pamex products and all exit devices: rim, vertical rod, surface vertical rod, exit device trim, parts and mullions
• Examples: E9000/EO3-AL (rim), EF9000V/EO3X7-AL (fire rated), E9020V/EO3X7-AL (concealed), EF9000V/LBR37-AL (LBR), E900E/EO3-AL (ELR), E9100/L3-AL (trim), E9000/L3SE-AL (fail secure trim), E900-0/36CD-AL (dogging kit)

Not sure which device or trim fits your door? Our customer support team is available Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM Central Time, at 1-888-800-7789 or [email protected].