Keyed alike systems

One key to open all doors

Many different cylinders, one key

How much simpler would it be to be able to open all the doors of a property with a single key?

Most people are forced to carry around huge bunches of keys, which causes considerable problems:

  • Accessibility

    Searching each time for the right key to open the door to the house, garage or cellar is a time-consuming and frustrating process.

  • Security

    Having many keys also means having to keep track of them, including any duplicates given to family members and trusted persons.

Keyed-alike systems make easier to access home without sacrificing security.

What are keyed alike systems?

A keyed alike system is a set of cylinders made with the same encryption. That is, they can all be opened using the same key.

This has many benefits. With the front door key, in fact, it is also possible to open the cellar door, the garage door and even the mailbox.

A key with garage, house, gate and mailbox icons

Is a KA system also safe?

In order to be a solution that is as secure as it is practical, keyed-alike systems must be made with security cylinders, tested according to the most rigorous international standards.

ASSA ABLOY cylinders follow the European standard EN 1303:2015 for Euro-profile cylinders and EN 12320:2012 for padlocks.

The key blanks are patent-protected, so they can only be made by the manufacturer until they expire, and a duplicate of the key can only be obtained at an authorised centre by presenting the ownership card.

Double cylinder cross-section with certificate

Keyed alike systems in master key systems

It is possible to integrate a set of keyed-alike cylinders within master key systems (or MK systems), hierarchies of cylinders that allow specific areas of a building to be accessed by certain people only.

For example, within a block of flats, a keyed-alike system may be that linked to the properties of a single tenant, who with his key can open his flat, his garage and his cellar, but not the properties of his neighbour (who will instead have a different KA system). If included in a master key system, using special common cylinders, the keys of all the apartment owners (even if different from each other) will also be able to open the building door or the pedestrian gate.

In the workplace, on the other hand, each employee can be given a key that opens only the areas assigned, while the building administrator will be able to open each lock thanks to a master key that controls all the cylinders in the system.

Master key system of cylinders
La Semaforica headquaters
Case study

La Semaforica

Learn about the project developed together with the historical Italian company

Learn more about ASSA ABLOY cylinders

  • CY110 - Dimple Key Cylinders

    Durable, high-performance cylinders with 6-pin technology to bring security to your building.
  • CYS10 - Sawn Key Cylinders

    Durable, high-performance locks and cylinders with 6-pin technology made in EU provide the confidence that your building is secure, inside and out.

    The trusted sawn key design offers a convenient user experience. Double patent protection increases security

    Certified security
    EN 1303:2015 Euro profile cylinders tested to 1 6 – B – C 6 0 plus rigorous testing at ASSA ABLOY labs. Security technology patent protected until 2037.

    Attack resistance
    Secure anti-pick design and 3rd-party tested bump resistance for additional security.

    Reliable construction
    Durable design with 96-hour corrosion resistance and tested for 300,000 lock/unlock cycles.

Would you like more information on ASSA ABLOY cylinder platforms?

Contact our sales team.