Key Cabinets

Protect Your Keys, Protect Your Property With Our Key Cabinets

Introducing our range of key cabinets: the ultimate solution for secure key storage.

• Emergency Key Boxes: Keep your emergency key easily accessible with our small and sturdy emergency key boxes. Never be locked out again!
• Door Key Safes: Give your guests the convenience of self-check-in with our door key safes. Installed right on your front door, these safes can be accessed with a personalised code, making it easy and secure for your guests to retrieve the key to their rental property.
• Key Cabinets: Keep your keys organised and secure with our large metal key cabinets. Our cabinets can store up to 600 keys, making them perfect for factories, warehouses, and other large workplaces.
• Padlock Cabinets: Keep your padlocks secure and organised with our large metal padlock cabinets. These cabinets can store up to 100 padlocks, making them ideal for construction sites, schools, and other places where multiple padlocks may be in use.

What Are Key Cabinets?

A key cabinet is a type of storage device that is specifically designed to hold and organise multiple keys. Key cabinets can come in a variety of sizes, from small boxes that hold a single key to large metal cabinets that can store hundreds of keys.

Some key cabinets are designed to be locked with a key, while others may use a combination or electronic lock. Some key cabinets also include a tagging system that allows you to label and organise the keys, making it easy to find the one you need.

Key cabinets can be used in a variety of settings, including homes, businesses, schools, and government buildings. They are commonly used in workplaces where multiple employees need access to different keys, such as factories, warehouses, and office buildings. They are also used in places where many padlocks are in use like construction sites, schools and other similar places. They provide a secure and organised way to store keys, reducing the risk of lost or stolen keys, and making it easier to find the key you need when you need it.

What Are Some Common Uses for Key Cabinets?

Key cabinets have many uses and can be found in a wide range of settings, including:

• Businesses: Key cabinets are commonly used in businesses to store keys for offices, warehouses, vehicles, and equipment. This makes it easy for employees to access the keys they need while keeping them secure.
• Homes: Key cabinets can be used in homes to store house keys, car keys, and other personal keys. This can be especially useful for families with multiple cars or for keeping spare keys for friends and family members.
• Schools: Key cabinets are often used in schools to store keys for classrooms, offices, and other areas of the school. This makes it easy for teachers and staff to access the keys they need while keeping them secure.
• Government Buildings: Key cabinets are often used in government buildings to store keys for offices, conference rooms, and other areas. This makes it easy for employees to access the keys they need while keeping them secure.
• Hotels, Motels and Vacation Rentals: Key safes are used to store keys and access codes that can be retrieved by guests to check in without having to wait in reception.
• Construction Sites: Key cabinets can be used on construction sites to store keys for equipment and tools. This makes it easy for workers to access the keys they need while keeping them secure.
• Storage Rentals: Key cabinets can be used in storage rental facilities to store keys for individual storage units. This makes it easy for customers to access their storage units while keeping the keys secure.
• Car Rental Agencies: Key cabinets can be used to store the keys for rental cars, making it easy for employees to quickly access the keys for customer’s vehicles.

What Are the Different Types of Key Cabinets?

There are several different types of key cabinets available, each with its own set of features and benefits. Some of the most common types include:

• Wall-mounted key cabinets: These key cabinets are designed to be mounted on a wall, typically using screws or brackets. They come in a variety of sizes and can hold anywhere from a few keys to several hundred. Some wall-mounted key cabinets include a locking mechanism, while others are designed to be locked with a separate padlock.
• Countertop key cabinets: These key cabinets are designed to sit on a countertop or table. They are typically smaller than wall-mounted key cabinets and can hold anywhere from a few keys to several dozen. Some countertop key cabinets include a locking mechanism, while others are designed to be locked with a separate padlock.
• Key safes: These are small key cabinets that are designed to be mounted outside, typically on a wall. They are often used to store a single key that can be accessed in an emergency or to store a key for a vacation rental property for the guest to access.
• Electronic key cabinets: These key cabinets are typically larger and are designed to hold several hundred keys. They use an electronic lock, which can be programmed with different access codes for different users. Some also include an audit trail that tracks who has accessed the cabinet and when.
• Heavy-duty key cabinets: These are large metal key cabinets that are built to withstand heavy use and are often used in factories, warehouses, and other industrial settings. They can hold a large number of keys and typically include a locking mechanism, such as a combination lock or electronic keypad.
• Padlock cabinets: These are specialised key cabinets designed to store and organise multiple padlocks. They come in a variety of sizes, and typically have a locking mechanism. They are often used in construction sites, schools, and other places where multiple padlocks may be in use.

What Are the Key Features to Consider When Choosing Key Cabinets?

When choosing a key cabinet, there are several key features to consider to ensure that it meets your specific needs and provides the level of security and organisation you require. Some important factors to consider include:

• Capacity: Consider how many keys you need to store and choose a key cabinet that can accommodate that number. Some key cabinets are designed to hold just a few keys, while others can store several hundred.
• Locking mechanism: Consider the type of locking mechanism that you want for your key cabinet. Some key cabinets have a traditional key lock, while others use a combination lock or an electronic keypad. Electronic key cabinets often also have an audit trail feature, which tracks who has accessed the cabinet and when.
• Material and construction: Consider the material and construction of the key cabinet. Some key cabinets are made of metal, which can be more durable and secure than plastic or wood.
• Size and Mounting: Think about the size of the key cabinet and the available space to place it. If you have limited space, consider a wall-mounted key cabinet. Also consider the amount of keys you have and the need to access them quickly, consider getting a cabinet with a larger size.
• Key tagging and identification: Consider whether you need a key cabinet that includes a system for tagging and identifying keys. This can make it easier to keep track of your keys and quickly find the one you need.
• Easy access: Consider the ease of access when you need the keys, some key cabinets have the keys hanging on hooks or placed in numbered slots, making it easy to find and take the key you need.
• Security: Consider the level of security that you need and choose a key cabinet that provides that level of protection. Some key cabinets are designed to be more secure than others, and you may want to consider a key cabinet that includes a locking mechanism, such as a combination lock or electronic keypad
• Additional features: Some key cabinets come with additional features such as key tracking software, that can be accessed via web, or adding a digital lock.

Keep in mind your specific needs and budget when choosing a key cabinet, and choose one that provides the level of security, organisation, and access that you require.

Can I Use a Key Cabinet for Outdoor Use?

Not all key cabinets are designed for outdoor use, most are designed for indoor use only. Key cabinets are typically made of metal or plastic and are not sealed to be weather resistant. If exposed to the elements, they can become damaged, rust or the keys inside could get wet which can cause them to not work properly.

However, if you need an outdoor key cabinet, you can consider using a key safe. Key safes are designed to be mounted outside, typically on a wall, and are weather resistant, with the capacity to withstand sun, rain, and other outdoor elements. They are often used to store a single key that can be accessed in an emergency or to store a key for a vacation rental property for the guest to access.

You should also consider the location of the key cabinet, if you're going to place it in a location that is exposed to sun or rain, you should choose a cabinet made of weather-resistant material and that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the key cabinet is securely mounted, so that it can't be easily removed or tampered with.

What Safety Considerations Should Be Taken Into Account When Using Key Cabinets?

There are several safety considerations to keep in mind when using key cabinets, including:

• Locking mechanism: Make sure that the key cabinet is locked when not in use. A locked key cabinet can help prevent unauthorised access to the keys. It is also important to consider the security level of the lock mechanism. Electronic key cabinets that come with an audit trail feature are considered more secure than traditional locks.
• Key tags and labels: Make sure that key tags and labels are legible and accurate. This will make it easy to identify the keys and their corresponding locks, reducing the risk of using the wrong key.
• Access: Limit access to the key cabinet to authorised personnel only. This can be done by using an access control system, such as an electronic keypad or an access card reader. This can also help to track who has accessed the key cabinet and when.
• Inventory: Keep track of the keys in the key cabinet by doing regular audits. This will help you to identify if any keys are missing and take appropriate action.
• Handling: Be careful when handling the keys to avoid injury. Keep your fingers clear of the key ring when inserting or removing keys from the cabinet to avoid pinching.
• Fire Safety: Make sure that the key cabinet is located in a fire-safe area and is not blocking any fire exits. Many key cabinets are made of metal and can withstand fire to some degree, but in the event of a fire, it is important to ensure that the key cabinet doesn't impede the evacuation of the building.
• Proper Use: Make sure that the keys are only used for their intended purpose and that they are returned to the key cabinet when not in use. This will help ensure that the keys are not lost or stolen, and that the correct keys are always available when they are needed.

By following these safety considerations, you can help ensure that your key cabinet is used safely and securely, reducing the risk of injury, loss or theft, and making it easy to find the keys you need when you need them.

Are There Any UK or European Industry Standards or Regulations That Apply to Key Cabinets?

There are several industry standards and regulations that apply to key cabinets in the UK and Europe. These standards are in place to ensure that key cabinets are safe, secure, and fit for purpose.

• BS EN 12320:2005: This is the European standard for key cabinets. It specifies the requirements for key cabinets, including the security of the locking mechanism, durability, and resistance to fire. The standard also specifies requirements for testing and marking key cabinets.
• Locks and Security Devices – British Standard BS3621-2007 : It specifies the minimum requirements of safety and security for locks used on external doors of buildings that are intended to resist forced entry and to provide a reasonable level of protection against casual or opportunist theft.
• Fire Safety: Key cabinets are subject to the same fire safety regulations as any other type of cabinet or storage unit. They should be made of fire-resistant materials and should be located in a fire-safe area. Additionally, it should not block any fire exits.
• Data protection: Electronic key cabinets that store personal data should be compliant with data protection regulations such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in the European Union or DPA (Data Protection Act) in the UK.

It is also important to note that key cabinets should be appropriately maintained and inspected in regular intervals to make sure they are in good condition and comply with the above standards and regulations.