Dormakaba 79 Series

The dormakaba 79 Series is a standalone RFID proximity lock platform designed specifically for multifamily residential, senior living, and student housing properties. It covers the full range of door types found in these applications, from individual unit mortise locksets to panic trim for perimeter rim exit devices, and integrates Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology so residents can use a smartphone in addition to a key fob for access. American Locksets stocks the dormakaba 79 Series as an authorized dormakaba dealer with same-day shipping and free shipping on all orders over $300.

Dormakaba 79 Series RFID Proximity Locks for Multifamily and Senior Living

The 79 Series RT Plus is a full-body electronic lock, not a retrofit reader overlay. The lock body, the RFID reader, and the credential management hardware all integrate into a single tamper-resistant unit designed for new construction and retrofit installations alike. The sealed reader design covers legacy deadbolt cutouts in existing doors without requiring frame or door modifications, which makes the 79 Series the correct specification when a property is upgrading from mechanical key systems and doesn't want visible door patches or additional hardware plates on the face of the door.

The credential presentation method is contactless. A resident presents a programmed fob or card in front of the reader to disengage the locking mechanism. No insertion, no turning, no force required. For senior living communities where residents may have limited dexterity or hand strength, this operational difference matters significantly compared to traditional key cylinders or mechanical push-button locks. The same contactless operation also reduces wear on the lock mechanism because there is no physical contact required at the credential interface.

79 Series Product Configurations

Dormakaba 79PS Mortise Locksets: Unit Doors and Utility Spaces

The Dormakaba 79PS Utility RFID Mortise Lockset covers apartment unit entry doors and utility space doors. The utility function carries no deadbolt, with latchbolt operation controlled by the RFID credential from the exterior and always free by lever from the interior. This is the standard specification for individual unit entry doors where the resident controls their own lock from inside but the property management system controls credential issuance and audit from the management side.

For unit doors requiring a privacy deadbolt function, the 79PS privacy mortise lockset with deadbolt covers applications where the occupant needs interior deadbolt control in addition to RFID exterior access. Both configurations are available in left-hand and right-hand versions with Long Lever trim in Satin Chrome 626 finish, and both ship with the BLE module and Electronic Lock Override (ELO) enabled.

Dormakaba 79PS Panic Trim: Perimeter Exit Doors

The Dormakaba 79PS3721EN621626 RT Plus RFID Panic Trim for Rim 9300 Series extends the 79 Series RFID access control to perimeter exit doors equipped with rim panic exit devices. The trim mounts to the Saffire LX-P panic device case and adds the same contactless RFID reader and BLE module to a door that must maintain panic egress compliance while also providing controlled exterior entry. This configuration is specified on building entry doors, parking garage entries, pool decks, and amenity areas where the same credential used on unit doors must work at perimeter controlled entries without installing a separate reader and controller for each door.

RezShield and dormakaba Community Software

The 79 Series operates as a standalone unit, which means no wired connection back to a control panel is required during normal operation. Credentials are programmed into the lock directly or through the RezShield and dormakaba Community access management platforms. Both software platforms provide web-based credential issuance, audit trail review, lock programming management, and staff monitoring through RFID key audits. Properties can issue or revoke credentials remotely, review access event logs without visiting each door, and monitor door-ajar conditions on locks equipped with the Messenger tracking mortise option.

Staff keys carry different access levels from resident credentials, and the audit trail distinguishes between the two, which matters for operational accountability in senior living communities and multi-site student housing portfolios where turnover events require rapid credential revocation without rekeying.

Bluetooth Low Energy and Mobile Access

All 79 Series RT Plus units are Bluetooth Low Energy enabled, meaning residents can use the dormakaba Mobile Access Solutions app on a smartphone as a credential in addition to a physical fob. The BLE module is integrated into the lock body, not a separate add-on. For properties marketing to younger residents or tech-forward senior communities, the ability to issue mobile credentials eliminates the cost of fob production and distribution for residents who prefer smartphone access. Physical fob credentials and mobile credentials can coexist simultaneously within the same lock and the same property management account.

Battery Life, Maintenance, and Durability

The 79 Series RT Plus runs on three AA batteries with a rated battery life of over two years under normal use conditions. A low battery indicator alerts facility staff before the lock loses power, giving enough time to schedule a battery replacement without an emergency service call. Lock programming and audit records are stored in non-volatile memory, so battery replacement doesn't erase the credential database or access event log. The sealed contactless reader has no moving parts exposed to the environment, which eliminates the wear mode that degrades traditional reader overlay products in high-humidity corridors, pool-adjacent doors, and exterior applications.

Why Source dormakaba 79 Series from American Locksets

American Locksets has carried dormakaba commercial and multifamily hardware as an authorized dealer since 2001. The dormakaba 79 Series requires correct model number specification in order, including the correct hand function (utility vs. privacy vs. panic trim), and ASM (armored strike module) configuration for the specific door prep on the project. Ordering the wrong configuration creates a site delay rather than a quick swap. Our team understands the 79 Series product matrix and can confirm the correct SKU before the order ships.

Browse the full Dormakaba Electric Keypad/Proximity Locks, all Dormakaba Lever Locks, and the complete Dormakaba product catalog for the full range of dormakaba hardware we carry as an authorized dealer. For multi-unit project pricing, software licensing questions, or credential system setup support, call 877-471-4870.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the dormakaba 79 Series used for? 

The 79 Series is a standalone RFID proximity lock line for multifamily residential, senior living, and student housing unit doors and controlled building entries.

Q: What credential formats does the dormakaba 79 Series accept? 

It accepts dormakaba lodging and multihousing 17-byte RFID credential format, compatible fobs and cards, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mobile credentials via smartphone.

Q: Does the 79 Series require a wired connection to a control panel?

 No. The RT Plus operates as a standalone unit with onboard credential storage and audit memory. No wired network connection is required.

Q: What software manages the dormakaba 79 Series?

Compatible with dormakaba Community access management software and RezShield web-based platforms for credential issuance, audit logs, and remote lock management.

Q: How long do batteries last in the dormakaba 79 Series? 

Batteries (3 AA) last over two years under typical use. A low battery indicator alerts staff before power is lost and programming is retained during replacement.

Q: What is the 79PS panic trim used for? 

It provides RFID access control on perimeter exit doors with rim panic devices, so the same resident credential works at both unit doors and controlled building entries.

Q: Is the dormakaba 79 Series available with Bluetooth mobile access?

 Yes. All RT Plus units include integrated BLE capability for dormakaba Mobile Access Solutions, allowing smartphone credentials alongside physical fobs.

Q: What is ELO on the dormakaba 79 Series? 

ELO stands for Electronic Lock Override, which allows the lock to be electrically released from a building management system for emergency or automated access control scenarios.