Frequently Asked Questions

A basic master key system is a mechanical access system whereby a single key (master key) can open all the doors with cylinder locks within a complex or business. While the individual locks can have their own keys opening just that door and no other.

Key control systems are ideal for projects such as schools where there are multiple users who need access to selected areas, but each individual lock doesn’t have its own key.

e.g.

• Headteacher holds the master key and can enter all cylinders on the suite
• English teacher holds a key that will open all cylinders in the English block but no cylinders in any other blocks. (unless otherwise stated)
• Maths teacher holds a key that will open all cylinders in the Maths block but not cylinders in any other blocks. (unless otherwise stated)

Master key systems with sub keys are ideal for projects such as care homes where there are multiple users who need access to selected areas, but the individual locks need to have their own keys.

e.g.

• Care Home Manager holds the master key and can enter all cylinders on the suite.
• Carer who takes care of residents on floor 1 will hold a key that can open all doors on floor 1 and nowhere else.
• Cleaner holds a key that can get into only the communal areas which they need to clean and nowhere else.
• Kitchen staff hold a key that get them in to the kitchen and dining areas but nowhere else.
• Residents will hold a key that opens their own room ONLY but nowhere else.

Master key systems that include common cylinders are ideal for projects such as HMO’s

e.g.

• The landlord can hold the master key which can be used to gain access to all cylinders on the suite.
• The front door will be fitted with a common cylinder enabling the residents to access the main front door or any communal areas that are also fitted with a common cylinder and their own bedroom door ONLY but have no access to other occupants’ bedrooms.

Please bear in mind that common cylinders are built with convenience in mind. We would advise against common cylinders and recommend a 2 key system is put in place whereby the tenants will have a key to the entrance door and a separate key for their bedroom as this minimises the amount of moving components inside the main entrance cylinder and increases the cylinders life expectancy.

For a more detailed explanation of master keys systems please see our ‘Master Keys Explained’ sheets in the download section of our website here.