Master Keying Suites - Explained

In Master key suites, a group of cylinders, each fitted with a special set of master keyed pins allow one key to open ALL of the locks under the existing master suite. Subsequently each indivdual lock can be opened with a different key which can only open that specific lock (and none of the other locks on the master suite). Confused ?

OK lets look at an example:

Building A contains
• 15 x appartments.
• 3 x storage/cleaners cupboards.
• 1 x security room with CCTV
• 1 x main lobby entrance/exit.

Traditional locksmithing would mean that:-

• Each tennant has 1 x key for the entrance, and 1 x key for their appartment.
• The cleaners have 15 keys for the different appartments, 3 x key for the cleaners cupboards, and 1 x key for the main entrance: Total of 19 keys.
• The security guard has access to all rooms so has the same as the cleaners plus the security room. Total of 20 keys.

Now here is the clever part. As bench locksmiths we can supply locks (i.e. rim and euro cylinders) which are 'pinned up' in such a way that specific keys can open certain locks but not others.

Modern masterkeying through a locksmith would now mean:-

• Tenant has 1 x key - masterkey which opens lobby door and their individual appartment.
• Cleaners have 1 x key - Grandmaster key which operates all apartments, cupboards, and main entrance door.
• Security Guard has 1x key - The Great Grandmaster key which opens all the locks on all building A and all the locks on Building B (I forgot to tell you about building B!! )


So what are the advantages:-
1) Obviously key control, less keys to worry about.
2) A 'registered' master keyed system stops people copying the key keeping key circulation and security tighter than traditional systems.

Please phone the technical team on 0121 459 8722 for more information on master keyed systems or choose one of the catergories below. Thank you.