Master Key Suites in Birmingham and the West Midlands
Here at C&T Locksmiths, we provide Master Key Suites to suit your lock systems. We cater to schools, colleges, businesses and landlords, offering a bespoke service to help you streamline your key management.
What is a Master Key Suite?
A Master Key Suite allows for multiple locks to have their own individual key as well as a singular master key which unlocks them all. This means that people and organisations such as hospitals, schools and colleges only need to carry around one singular key.
There are a few different categories of keys in Master Key Suites:
- Independent Master Key: This key can be made to operate any specific lock or cylinder within a system. These are often used as maintenance or cleaner keys.
- Great Grand Master Key: This key opens all locks in several groups of locks which are operated by their own grand master keys.
- Grand Master Key: This key opens all locks in several groups of locks which are operated by their own master keys.
- Master Key: This key opens a group of locks within a system such as the rooms in a building.
- Sub Master Key: This key is more specific and may open the floor of a building.
- Individual Key: This key opens one singular lock.
Planning your Master Key System
To begin planning a Master Key System, it is useful to have an overview of the system of locks the Master Key Suite will be applied to. It is not essential to mention every lock at this stage, as there is more focus on the groups of locks. These groups can cover departments, floors, buildings or other geographical locations. At this point, an organisational flow chart will be created to visualise the system.
After the system has been visualised, a more detailed picture of the system can be generated, including individual locks. When this is done, the manufacturing can begin.
It is important to consider who will have access to certain keys. It would not be secure if everyone had access to all of the keys within a Master System. Some keys, such as the Grand Master Key should not be in general use and should have restricted access to ensure a secure system.
If you would like to book a consultation with us for a Master Key Suite, or if you would like some more information, please get in touch with us today using our contact form and we will respond as soon as possible.
For more information about Master Key Systems, please feel free to get in touch with us.
Call: 0121 783 0442
Email: sales@ctlocksmiths.co.uk
Fill out the form on our contact page
Master Key Terminology
Here at C&T Locksmiths, we are committed to providing you with a helpful and transparent service. We know that in order for you to get the most out of our service, you need to understand the process of Master Key Suites and the different types available. In this guide, we detail some of the different types of Master Key Systems to help you determine which one suits your situation.
KD: Keyed to Differ
Keyed to Differ means that within a system, each lock has its own key. There is no overlap between keys. These keys may be a part of a Master Key System but only if the system is designed to fit them, they cannot be added in at a later date without recutting the master keys.
KA: Keyed Alike
Keyed Alike means that a number of locks can be opened with the same key. A good example of this is if your front and back door can be opened by the same key. Like Keyed to Differ, these can be a part of a Master Key Suite, but only if the system is designed to fit them.
MK: Master Key 2-Level System
The 2-level system is the simplest Master Key system. The first level includes individual keys which open their own locks, while the second level is a universal key which opens the locks on the first level.
GMK: Grand Master Key 3-Level System
A Grand Master Key system consists of two or more Master Key systems detailed above. These are then opened by one Grand Master Key.
GGMK: Great Grand Master Key 4-Level System
A Great Grand Master Key system consists of two or more Grand Master Key systems which are detailed above. These are then opened by a Great Grand Master Key. Most systems do not require more than four levels within a system.
For more information about Master Key Systems, please feel free to get in touch with us via our contact form and we will respond as soon as possible.