Master key systems are a great yet simple and effective way to manage several properties or access areas within a business.
In essence, a master key system is a plan, almost like a key route, where certain keys, maybe just one, can open your specified doors. And many doors at that.
Below we’re going to look at just what a master key system is, the different levels, and why you might consider one.
What is a Master Key System?
A master key system is a system of locks that any of several keys can open. A typical master key system consists of two or more groups, each containing several locks and their matching keys. The locks within each group are designed so that a specific key can only open them. The locks in each group are also designed to be opened with any of the other keys in the same group.
Master key systems are used in many applications, including schools, universities, apartment complexes, and hotels. They also control access to restricted business areas such as warehouses and factories.
The most common type of master key system is called a “one-key” system because it uses only one key for all the locks in the building or area being protected. However, there are also two-key systems (which use two different keys) and three-key systems (which use three different keys).
In addition to controlling access to restricted areas, master key systems allow workers to move freely throughout their facilities without worrying about losing their keys or having them stolen by others who also have access to the same building or area.
How Does A Master Key System Work?
A master key system is a system of smart locks that any different keys can open. A typical master key system consists of two or more groups, each containing several locks and their matching keys. The locks within each group are designed so that a specific key can only open them. The locks in each group are also designed to be opened with any of the other keys in the same group.
Master key systems are used in many applications, including schools, universities, apartment complexes, and hotels. They also control access to restricted business areas such as warehouses and factories.
Master key systems can take the place of a traditional lock and key. The master key system allows you to have only one main key, which will open all doors in the building. Aster key systems are popular in businesses with multiple locations or needing to keep the same locks on all the doors. The master key uses a series of pin tumblers that reset when a new key is inserted.
The pin tumblers include levers raised or lowered based on how far they are pushed into the lock. Each lever has a different number of pins attached to it, depending on its function. A pin tumbler lock can only be opened if all levers are at their correct height, allowing all pins to fall into place and unlock the mechanism.
When you insert your master key into this type of lock, it will push some pins up or down so that they no longer interfere with the locking mechanism. This allows you to open all doors in your building with just one key.
Benefits of a Master Key System
A master key system for your business can provide benefits beyond just locking and unlocking doors. Here are some of the biggest benefits:
Security – A master key system ensures that all your employees have access to every door in your building. This means you don’t have to worry about them having to call for assistance if they need to get into a room or area that’s off-limits. It also allows them to help each other if something happens and an employee is locked out of their office or workstation.
Convenience – Having one set of keys for all your employees means that everyone can be let in by anyone else, so there’s no need for multiple sets of keys. This makes it easier for people to get in and out without waiting while someone fetches them another set of keys from their desk drawer or wherever else they might keep them stashed away.
Savings – Having one set of keys means you don’t have to purchase a new set every time someone leaves your company or joins it — which can save you money over time if you’ve been doing this regularly with individual sets of keys for each member of staff.
Switching to a Master Key System
One of the most common questions is, “how do I switch to a master key system?”
The first question you should ask yourself is whether or not it is necessary to switch. If only two locks on your door must be locked by one person, then it may not be worth the time or money to change to a master key system.
A master key system will allow you to have many different keys that operate the same lock. This allows the building or business owner to control who has access at any given time. The other great benefit of a master key system is that it allows you to change lock combinations as often as you like without having to re-key all your locks. This makes changing combinations quick and easy for building owners and managers constantly changing personnel within their businesses.
A Master Key System
Master Key Management System (MKMS) is a software that generates master keys, tracks their use, assigns them to specific locks and records the history of the key.
A Master Key Management System (MKMS) is an automated system that manages master keys used in a building or facility. These systems are used in large facilities such as hotels, hospitals and office buildings. They are also used in smaller facilities such as residential homes with multiple dwellings. In this case, each apartment may have its own set of master keys for its building entrance door and for any other doors within the unit itself.
The MKMS provides a central database for recording all the information about each key issued from it or entered by an authorised employee or contractor. This database contains information such as:
- The identity of each person who has been issued a key.
- The date on which each key was issued to that person.
- The identity of each person with access to a particular location using his or her unique key.
- The date on which each person gained access to that location.
Types of Cylinder Keys
For houses in multiple occupancies (HMOs), these cylinder key systems can have many different elements. There are options. For example, you could consider a single master key which for a landlord is perfect. However, each door cylinder could then be opened by the tenant’s keys, known and referred to as the differ key.
This works great for landlords as each tenant has their unique key, but the landlord has overall access whenever necessary.
Suppose there is a common entrance to access the building, whether to a set of flats or business premises. You might also consider fitting a cylinder lock to the main door. This way it can be opened by the master key and each tenant’s keys – sometimes this can be referred to as a common entrance.
However, a word of caution from us, sometimes a common entrance isn’t always recommended, and there are safer and more secure systems to choose from.
Our emergency locksmiths can help with assessments on locking systems and recommend what will suit your needs and your doors!
What is it That You Need?
Before thinking about the locking system, you need to consider your requirements carefully. What do you want the master key system to do for you? Who will be the master key holder? Is this just one person or multiple? Can you upgrade to multiple users if you need to? How many doors require cylinder locks? Will more be required in the future?
Don’t panic if you feel bamboozled with questions and you’re now wondering if a master key system will even work for you.
We can help
As the number one locksmith throughout the Northeast, we have fitted more than our fair share of master lock systems. Each one is as different and unique as they need to be. Call us on 0191 438 6595 to learn more and how we can help you.
Levels of Access
Everyone’s needs vary. From a single-use master key system to a multiple-use system, we not only help supply and install all but there is also a range to consider.
First is a Great Grand Master Key System. A large key system is mainly used in schools or hospitals where depending on your expertise or discipline/level would depend on where individuals would have access.
As part of this, there will also be a Grand Master Key. The Grand Master Key is almost like the next level down, operating all the cylinder locks except those primarily set out for the Great Grand Master Key (following us so far?!)
Then we go down a level again to the Master Key. Again, only open the designated doors and not those you have specified to the Grand Master System and the Great Grand Master System.
Eventually, you can get down to Sub Masters and then Differ Keys.
Depending on the levels you operate and specify will depend on who can access what doors/areas.
Types of Door Cylinders
Today’s most common door cylinder is the Euro Cylinder Lock, and there is a wide range of these types of locks to choose from. For example, you could consider a single or half cylinder where access to the door is only required on one side (they also come in a range of lengths to suit individual doors and furniture).
Double cylinder locks or key cylinder locks are when access to the door is needed from both sides – again available in a range of lengths and combinations to suit 95% of makes and models of doors.
Conclusion: Which Master Key System is Right for You?
Overall you need to think about the level of security you need. Are you looking for something simple: a master key holder and individual key holders can get keys cut at a local locksmith? Or are you looking for something much more secure? In this closed or restricted system, the manufacturer of the cylinder lock will not issue key blanks. If the key profile is completely restricted, it will only be available to the Master Key System manufacturer.
Depending on your needs and a thorough assessment of your properties/business we can help develop the ideal solution for you.
If you’d like to talk with a professional locksmith in Fenham, someone who is trusted, reliable and who has years of experience with master key systems, give us a call at Tyne Tees Locks today, 0191 438 6595 – we look forward to hearing from you.
