View as

Key Switches

Key switches are worked with a key, so a system such as an access controlled door, an automatic door or an alarm zone can be overridden by key holders alone. Types include maintained and momentary switches, 2 and 3 position models with AUTO, OFF and OPEN settings, keyed alike and keyed to differ versions, and shunt switches, from brands including 3E Security, CDVI, Dantech Electronic Engineering, KAC by Honeywell, RGL Electronics and STP.

Choosing Key Switches

Choose by the switch action, the number of positions, the keying and the mounting.

Momentary or maintained

The 3E Security 3E0660-1NS is a momentary switch with a key-biased spring return, while the Knight P02 latches in place until the key is turned back. The STP STP-KS-2SMO is momentary, for momentarily overriding access controlled doors, with key removal in the ON position. The STP-KS-2SB is maintained, and its key can be removed in both positions. The Hoyles S1709SM is a flush stainless steel double-pole keyswitch with a spring-biased momentary action.

Positions and legends

The RGL KS-3 is a 3 position maintained switch with an AUTO / OFF / OPEN legend for secure override, with key removal in all positions. The STP STP-KS-3F is a flush architrave 3 position switch, supplied with its cylinder and 2 keys. For CDVI Digiway door operators, the DWSP-KS surface keyswitch is a remote alternative to the integral rocker switch for changing door modes.

Keyed alike or keys differ

On the Knight P02, keyed alike means all locks and keys are identical across multiple units; the P01 is keys-differ, so each unit is keyed differently from the next. The CDVI KEY-SFMAKA and KEY-SFMAKD square stainless steel switches make the same split. The 3E Security 3E3KS-230-MOM is key to differ as standard, with a cylinder and three keys. The RGL A126 KEY is a pair of spare A126 keys for the RGL range.

ModelActionKey removal
STP STP-KS-2SMOMomentaryON position
STP STP-KS-2SBMaintained (latching)Both positions
RGL KS1-DPDTLatching, 2 positionON position only
RGL KS-3Maintained, 3 positionAll positions
Knight P02Latching, keyed alikeEither position

Euro profile cylinders

The 3E Security 3E0669-1 takes a 40mm single euro-profile cylinder, which is not included, and the 3E0668-1 requires a single euro profile cylinder.

Alarm shunts and door release

The Dantech DA250LS switches out (shunts) an active security circuit, allowing controlled access to a secure area and preventing false alarms. The Hoyles S1709PRG has DPCO contacts rated 1A 30vdc and suits maglocks and door strikes, and the RGL WP-KS-1 is an IP65 weatherproof latching key switch for secure override.

Related categories

See exit buttons and door release, door alarms and the wider access control systems range.

Brands we stock in Key Switches

3E Security, Abloy, Acre, C-TEC, CDVI, Dantech Electronic Engineering, Haes Technologies, Hoyles, KAC by Honeywell, Knight Fire & Security, RGL Electronics, STP and Vimpex.

Frequently asked questions

What does keyed alike mean on a keyswitch?

Keyed alike means the units in a set share the same key, while keyed to differ means the units have different keys. The Knight Fire & Security P02 is supplied keyed alike, and the P01 is keys-differ, so each unit is keyed differently from the next. The CDVI KEY-SFMAKA and KEY-SFMAKD stainless steel square switches offer the same choice, and the 3E Security 3E0660-1NS is keyed alike as standard.

What is an A126 key used for?

It is a common key type, used by many different manufacturers, that fits many key switches, panel locks and operator interfaces. The RGL A126 KEY is a pair of replacement or spare keys for the RGL range of key switches, suitable for any key switch that requires an A126 key. The RGL KS1-DPDT two position latching key switch uses A126 keys, with key removal in the ON position only.

What does a shunt keyswitch do on an alarm circuit?

A shunt keyswitch switches an alarm circuit out while authorised people pass through a door, so the area can be entered without causing a false alarm. The Dantech DA250LS shunts an active security system circuit with its built-in key switch, so the area can be entered once the door is unlocked and the circuit is shunted; the zone can be switched back in only if the alarm circuit is clear. On the Dantech DA343CS door alarm, turning the key switch shunts the alarm relay output.

Should I choose a momentary or a maintained keyswitch?

Choose by how long the override has to last. The STP STP-KS-2SMO is momentary, for momentarily overriding access controlled doors, with key removal in the ON position. The STP-KS-2SB is maintained (latching), for temporarily overriding them, and its key can be removed in both positions. The RGL KS-2 is a momentary 2 position switch, and the RGL KS-3 a maintained 3 position switch.

What do the AUTO, OFF and OPEN positions on a door key switch do?

They set the door mode: AUTO is normal automatic operation, OFF leaves the door free and OPEN holds the door open. The CDVI DWSP-KS gives Digiway Plus and Digiway SR door operators these three positions as a remote alternative to the built-in rocker switch, and comes with two keys. The RGL KS-3 is a 3 position maintained key switch with an etched AUTO / OFF / OPEN legend and key removal in all positions.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

You may also like

  • Fast shipping

    On every UK Order

  • Special Trade Discount

    Regular sales and discounts

  • WME Guarantee

    We provide warranty

  • Full Support

    Talk to a real person