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| Guide To Master Key Systems |
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| Recommended Products |
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Many of our products will support Master Key Systems. When planning a master key system it is always best to call us. We can however recommend the the following products if you wish to plan your Master Key system yourself.
For Cylinder Padlocks we recommend the ASEC Range - Master Keyed Asec Brass Padlocks
For Euro Cylinders we recommend the ASEC Range - Master Keyed Euro Cylinders
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| What is a Master Key System? |
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A master key system is a set of locks that are keyed so that they each may have an individual key, called a pass key, yet all are opened by an additional, special key called a master key. These locks would be described as keyed different and master keyed.
Within a master key system, groups of locks can be keyed alike, so that the same key operates all locks in the group, plus all locks in the group are operated by the master key. These locks would be described as keyed alike and master keyed.
Under the master, groups of locks can be keyed different, keyed to a submaster, and keyed to the master. For example, you might have three buildings. Each building has six locks keyed differently and a submaster key that operates all the locks within a single building. The master key opens all the locks in all three buidlings, but the submaster from one building will not open any lock in either of the other two buildings.
A grand master key might be necessary if a property manager is responsible for groups of buildings, for example. Each group of buildings would be under a seperate master key; each building would have a submaster key; and overall would be the grand master key that would open everything.
The way a master key system is laid out determines the ability that each individual key holder may have to operate any given lock. Therefore it is best to have a clear idea of who needs to get in where before you start. |
| Identify the Doors |
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If your master key system is going to be part of new construction, use the door numbers from the architect's hardware schedule to identify the doors. If this is an existing facility, you can assign names or numbers to the doors as you see fit. The point of this is to be able to match up a key with a door in the future so that you will be able to look at your keying schedule and identify what keys open which door. |
| Identify the Keys |
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Typically locksmiths number keys in a master key system similar to this:
Grand Master: A
Master: AA
Submaster: AAA
Pass or Change Key: AAA1
If there are no submasters and no grand master, the master key would simply be numbered "A" and the pass keys "A1", "A2", etc.
Once you have identified your doors and settled on a key numbering system, you are ready to design your master key system.
Once you have got all the above information together call us on 0800 0612 688 and we will design your master key system for you.
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