What Is a Master Key System, and Why Do You Need It?
Posted on: 20 March 2018
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A master key system can be a good choice for any commercial business, as it can alleviate the burden of having different keys for various doors and entryways, while also offering more protection against unwanted intruders. Note a few factors about a master key system, including how it works and how it can benefit you at the office, so you know if this is a good choice for your security needs.
How do master keys work?
Many basic locks work with tumblers or pins; these pins open when they are lined up in a certain pattern that coordinates with a key. These pins become aligned this way when you slide a key over their top; the grooves in the key push the tumblers or pins down in a certain pattern, and once they're aligned, they can be turned so that the door is opened.
A master key system works with these tumblers locks, and may also work with a separate plate that is aligned with the key design. Several locks will have one set pattern for their tumblers and pins, and if this pattern and the separate plate all match up to the master key, those locks can then be opened by that one key alone.
These patterns for the tumblers may also have sub-patterns. For example, a lock may have the first few tumblers set in a pattern so that the door can be opened with Key A. Another lock may fit that pattern, and the next few tumblers will also then fit Key B. When these first few tumblers, and some additional pins and a plate align, the lock can be opened with the master key.
Pros and cons of master key systems
One of the obvious benefits of a master key system is that a person only needs one key to open a variety of locks, so that they don't need an entire ring full of keys to access every entryway at the office. This can also help to control access to various areas of office; one key may fit one sub-pattern, so that an employee can only access one area of the building, while a manager can access that area and another entryway, and the owner can access all locks in the building. The owner then doesn't need separate keys for all these locks, so there are fewer spare keys in the office, and less risk of unauthorized personnel gaining access to various areas of a building.