What is a master key suite?

Master key systems offer control over the movement of people within a building or buildings to provide security and accessibility to the customer for their key holders, tenants or occupiers. We recommend using a restricted key system as this is more secure, meaning authority and rights are required before keys may be reproduced, giving control to the owner.

We fit master key systems to many different buildings including : domestic houses, flats, communal and tenanted buildings, schools, colleges, universities, councils, retail premises, business.

Guardians locksmiths can design master keys systems to operate many lock types including cylinder locks, mortice locks, pad locks, cam / cabinet locks, as well as any combination of these locks.

From a single security lock on a front door to a complete refit for multiple sites, here at Guardian Security we have the in house know-how.

We can design a system for your current needs now, and we can consider your future needs in the initial design so that additional locks can be added quickly and easily.

Think of master keying as grouping areas of a building for different security levels. For instance everyone may have access to the entrance / exit doors, whilst office staff may also have access to offices but not the warehouse, and maintenance may have access to every door except the storage department, whilst the business owner has one kay giving access to every single door. This is why careful effective planning is crucial to the safe and effective use of the security levels that we design into our master key suites.


Want keys cut for a master key suite ?

We look at the markings on the key or lock to determine the original supplier / manufacturer (if it's not Guardian), and to see if that key set is still restricted. You could either go direct to the originating manufacturer, or supply us with a letter of authority from an authorised signatory so we could order replacement locks on your behalf.


Master Key Terminology - what it means :

Keyed to Differ : Individually keyed locks can only be opened by its own key..

Keyed Alike : A number of locks can be operated by the same key. For example one key to open your front and back door. For business you may need one key to open security shutters, gates as well as front and back doors.

Master Keyed : Each lock has its own individual key which will not operate any other lock however all locks can be operated by a single key, usually held by an owner or security guard / premises key holder - this is the master key.


To discuss your master key suite requirements, please contact our head office on 01392 277 467, or email us here.