Master Keys

In it's simplest form a master keyed system is perhaps just two or three locks that are not only operated by individual keys (the change keys), but with an additional key (the master key) that will open them all. This would mean, for instance, that each of three offices could only be accessed by the personnel working within that office but the department manager would only need the master key to open any of the three doors enabling him to carry out his duties more efficiently.

Once this concept has been grasped it is easy to understand how much simpler life can be if there are dozens, if not hundreds, of doors involved. Other personnel that might benefit from access to a master key might be a managing director, head teacher, cleaners and maintenance staff.

There may be occasions where this may be insufficient for your needs. It may be more secure to split up a building into zones. Perhaps there might be 'sensitive' areas such as laboratories or wages rooms where you want to restrict access - even to master key holders. This might be solved with the introduction of a sub-suite incorporating a sub master key. This would introduce a third tier to the previously described two tier system. There is no limit to the number of sub suites that can be incorporated into a system. However the managing director, or equivalent, could still have a key that opens everything - The Grand Master Key!

If all this sounds complicated don't worry! A site meeting and a chat is generally sufficient to enable us, assisted by the very latest computer technology, to arrive at the solution to your problems.

In closing let us not forget a further option. Locks that are keyed alike. This is any number of locks that all use the same key. Any key-holder opens any lock. This alternative also has its uses.

For more details on Delta Security's DPS Master Keyed Suites please click here to download pdf.