Key takeaways
- Medeco's Patented Technology page says it currently has two patented key systems: "Medeco 4 High Security Key System (Patented through 2040)" and "Medeco X4 (Patented through 2030)". Its X4 Technical Manual gives 2028 and 2027 for two X4 patents instead.
- Medeco's Medeco 4 Key Control Programs booklet shows patent protection for Medeco 3, Biaxial and Original as "Expired".
- Medeco's site names four Medeco 4 key control programs (DND, Freedom, LSC and DBK) and two X4 programs (Dealer/End User and Chrome). They differ on who cuts the keys.
- Medeco's Medeco 4 and X4 Commercial Keyway sheet describes Commercial Keyway programs in which "Cut keys are readily available through any Medeco dealer or distributor."
What Medeco makes and what this page covers
This page covers Medeco's mechanical door products: the Medeco 4, M4 BiLevel, X4, Medeco 3 and Medeco B key systems, their cylinder formats, Maxum deadbolts, padlocks and key control programs. Medeco lists more: its electronic key systems (XT, CLIQ, eCLIQ and Classic CLIQ), the DC3 family, cam, cabinet and switch locks and key cabinets are not covered here.
For how rekeying, master keys and interchangeable cores work on any brand of lock, see the general guide to commercial rekeying, master keys, SFIC and LFIC.
Source Medeco's Mechanical Solutions page and its product listings.
Key systems
Medeco 4, M4 BiLevel, X4, Medeco 3 and Medeco B
Medeco's Mechanical Solutions page lists six key systems: Medeco 4, X4, Medeco B, Medeco 3, BiLevel and DC3. The first five are below.
Medeco 4. The cylinders are "UL 437 Listed for high security and built with solid brass components reinforced by strategically placed hardened steel inserts". Besides pins that lift and rotate, they have four side pins: three finger pins and one lift pin. The key has "a movable element specifically engineered to defend against emerging threats such as 3D printing for key duplication."
Medeco also states: "Medeco 4 cylinders meet or exceed ANSI/BHMA A156.30 and 156.5 Grade 1 high security criteria, which includes testing for strength, durability, and resistance to surreptitious entry along with patented key control."
M4 BiLevel. These cylinders use patent protected keys "without the added expense of UL 437 high security attack resistance where it isn't required." Medeco's example keys a main entrance on M4 High Security and "interior spaces like closets or supply rooms" on BiLevel into one key system.
X4. Medeco calls X4 "the perfect security upgrade for Small Format Interchangeable Core (SFIC) installations" and says it is "available in every cylinder format Medeco manufactures." It gives "Up to 65,536 unique change keys in a 7 pin master key system on a single keyway."
Medeco 3. The cylinders "feature UL 437 Listed physical strength components like the triple locking technology for ultimate pick resistance". They "meet BHMA test standards in the high security cylinders category" and can be masterkeyed into a system containing M3 BiLevel and M3 CLIQ.
Medeco B. A small format interchangeable core in standard 6 and 7 pin format, which Medeco describes as an "affordable alternative for facilities currently using industry standard unpatented keyways". Medeco says "Dealers do not need a contract to purchase Medeco B SFICs."
| Key system | Medeco's words | Security type on its product page | Patent date Medeco states |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medeco 4 (M4) | "Medeco's highest level of protection against both physical attack and unauthorized key duplication" | "High Security [UL 437], Patented" | "Patent End Date: December 31, 2040" |
| M4 BiLevel | "cost effective key control by using patent protected keys" | "Patented" | 2040 (Medeco 4 Key Control Programs booklet) |
| X4 | "the most versatile technology Medeco offers" | "Patented" | December 31, 2030 (X4 product page); 2028 and 2027 for two patents (X4 Technical Manual, copyright 2015) |
| Medeco 3 | "triple locking technology" | "High Security [UL 437]" | "Expired" (Medeco 4 Key Control Programs booklet) |
| Medeco B | "an economic and efficient solution to rekeying needs" | Not listed on its product page | Not listed on its product page |
Source Medeco's Mechanical Solutions page, the Medeco 4, BiLevel, X4, Medeco 3 and Medeco B product pages, and the Medeco 4 Key Control Programs booklet.
Patents
The patent dates Medeco states
Medeco's Patented Technology page says it protects key systems from unauthorized key duplication "through obtaining patents to protect key systems." Its key control brochure says warnings such as "Do Not Duplicate" or "Restricted" on a key "have no impact without utility patents to back them up."
Medeco's documents disagree on the X4 date. The X4 product page and the X4 section of Medeco's catalog give 2030. The X4 Technical Manual, which the X4 page links, gives 2028 for a slider/locking pin patent and 2027 for a key section/keyway patent.
For Medeco 4, the booklet adds: "Even after patent expiration, Medeco 4 will still offer a high degree of protection/attack resistance and restricted key control."
| Medeco document | Key system | What it states |
|---|---|---|
| Patented Technology page | Medeco 4 and X4 | "Medeco 4 High Security Key System (Patented through 2040)"; "Medeco X4 (Patented through 2030)" |
| Medeco 4 product page | Medeco 4 | "USA Patent Number: 11,624,206"; "Patent End Date: December 31, 2040" |
| Medeco 4 section of the catalog | Medeco 4 | "M4's patent runs through 2040" |
| Medeco 4 Key Control Programs booklet, "Patent Protection Through" row | M4, M4 BiLevel, Medeco 3, Biaxial, Original | 2040 for M4 and M4 BiLevel; "Expired" for Medeco 3, Biaxial and Original |
| X4 product page | X4 | "Patent End Date: December 31, 2030"; "Patent is valid through 2030" |
| X4 section of the catalog | X4 | "Patented system lasting until the year 2030" |
| X4 Technical Manual (copyright 2015) | X4 | "Slider/Locking Pin Patent – expires in 2028"; "Key Section/Keyway Patent – expires in 2027" |
| Medeco 3 Technical Manual (copyright 2015) | Medeco 3 Biaxial | "The patent expires in 2021." |
| Medeco 3 product page | Medeco 3 | No patent number or patent end date in its specifications, as read on 2026-11-10 |
Source Medeco's Patented Technology page, the Medeco 4, X4 and Medeco 3 product pages, the Medeco 4 and X4 sections of its 2026 catalog, the Medeco 4 Key Control Programs booklet, the X4 and Medeco 3 technical manuals and the key control brochure.
Formats
Cylinder formats: mortise, rim, key-in-knob/lever and interchangeable core
Medeco says its products come in retrofit formats, "with cylinders to secure virtually any opening." The Medeco 4 page lists the formats below except small format interchangeable core, which the X4 page lists.
Rim and mortise. Medeco 4 rim and mortise cylinders "are precision-machined solid brass and retrofit into virtually any industry standard hardware." "A set screw holds the mortise cylinder in place", and rim cylinders are used with auxiliary rim locks "such as: surface mounted deadbolts, night latches, panic devices and jimmyproof locks".
Key-in-knob and key-in-lever. These Medeco 4 cylinders "are designed to retrofit cylindrical locksets, padlocks, and bored-type auxiliary deadlatches and deadlocks."
Interchangeable cores. Medeco 4 large format interchangeable core (LFIC) cylinders "allow cores to be changed without having to take the entire lock apart" and "are often used in commercial applications where personnel turnover is higher and where rapid rekeying is needed." X4 small format interchangeable core (SFIC) cylinders "are designed to allow the user to instantaneously remove and replace cores through a control key". The X4 SFIC and Medeco B SFIC pages list 6 pin and 7 pin cores.
The comparison table in Medeco's Medeco 4 and X4 Commercial Keyway sheet marks "Available in SFIC" under X4 only and "UL 437 Listed" under Medeco 4 only.
Source Medeco's Mechanical Solutions page, the Medeco 4 and X4 product pages, the Medeco 4 rim and mortise, key-in-knob/lever and LFIC pages, the X4 SFIC and Medeco B pages, and the Medeco 4 and X4 Commercial Keyway sheet.
Deadbolts
Maxum deadbolts
Medeco's deadbolt is the Maxum, "also referred to as the “11 series”". Medeco lists six: Medeco 4, Medeco 3, X4, BiLevel, CLIQ and Classic CLIQ Maxum deadbolts. The Maxum "comes in two styles – commercial and residential", and the residential version "has a trim piece that's more aesthetically suited for homes."
Medeco's deadbolts page says of the Maxum: "It is also ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified. When paired with Medeco 4 cylinders the Maxum is UL 437 listed for high security offering anti-drilling, picking, and anti-prying features." The Medeco 3 Maxum page says that deadbolt "is UL 437 certified and meets ANSI/BHMA test standards." The BiLevel Maxum entry says "it does not have the UL 437 security features".
Medeco's documents name two different standards for the Medeco 4 Maxum's grade; the table gives both, with the fire door listing and door sizes.
| Specification | What Medeco lists |
|---|---|
| Grade, Medeco 4 Maxum | "ANSI/BHMA A156.5, Grade 1" (Medeco 4 Maxum page); "ANSI/BHMA A156.36 Grade 1 (M4) and UL 437 listed cylinders for high security (M4)" (catalog) |
| Fire doors (Medeco 4, Medeco 3 and X4 Maxum pages) | "UL-cUL Listed for use on fire doors having a rating up to and including 3-hours" |
| Cylinder options (catalog) | "as a single- or double-cylinder or with a “captive thumbturn.”" |
| Captive thumbturn | "Converts the inside cylinder of a double cylinder to a thumbturn for easy exit while the facility is occupied." |
| Door thickness | "Fits doors 1 3/8'' to 2 1/2'' thick" |
| Door holes | "Standard 2 1/8'' crossbore and 1'' edge bore (ANSI A115.13 prep)" |
| Latchbolt throw | 1 inch |
| Backset depth | 2 3/8 inches minimum, 2 3/4 inches maximum |
| 1 3/8 inch doors | "The 1-3/8" deadbolt also requires spacers." (catalog) |
Source Medeco's deadbolts page, the Medeco 4, Medeco 3 and X4 Maxum pages, and the Maxum section of its 2026 catalog.
Padlocks
Medeco padlocks
Medeco "offers a variety of High Security Padlocks that are designed to accept both mechanical and Intelligent Key cylinders." The Medeco 4 page lists four padlock families: the All Weather Padlock (AWP), System Series, Hockey Puck and 50 Series.
| Padlock | Body and shackle, in Medeco's words | Cylinders and keying, in Medeco's words |
|---|---|---|
| Medeco 4 System Series | "two distinctive body styles – an indoor/outdoor weather resistant design or with a shrouded shackle. Both models utilize a boron alloy steel shackle" | "can be keyed alike, keyed differently, or masterkeyed with existing door hardware systems" |
| Medeco 4 All Weather Padlock (AWP) | "made of 303 stainless steel" | Not quoted on this page |
| Medeco 4 Hockey Puck | "A shackle-less design"; bodies "constructed of 304 stainless steel" | "accept Large Format Interchangeable Core (LFIC) and key-in-knob/lever cylinders" |
Source Medeco's padlocks page, the Medeco 4 product page and the Medeco 4 System Series, All Weather Padlock and Hockey Puck pages.
Key duplication
Who Medeco says may duplicate its keys
Medeco's home page says its keys "are protected by patents and design features so that only certified locksmiths can duplicate them."
Medeco's key control brochure says: "Medeco key control programs are protected by patent laws. That means your keys may only be duplicated by Medeco or an authorized Medeco dealer, and only at your request."
The Medeco 4 page says utility patented keys "are only available through authorized dealers and require a special key cutting machine and access to Medeco specific blanks."
The brochure also describes four program types:
| Program | How additional keys are obtained, in the brochure's words |
|---|---|
| Card Program | A card with "unique control data and space for signature", presented to "a participating Medeco locksmith"; "The data and signature will be verified" |
| Signature Program | "Keys may only be duplicated by the locksmith where the locks were purchased." |
| Contract Program | For "large businesses and institutions that want to produce specific Medeco keys within their facility for their own use"; "A written contract is required" |
| Factory Program | "Additional keys are only available from the factory with the proper authorization." |
Source Medeco's home page, the Medeco 4 product page and Medeco's key control brochure.
Programs and key blanks
Medeco 4 and X4 key control programs and key blanks
Medeco's Key Control Programs page names four Medeco 4 programs and two X4 programs, each described on its own page.
Medeco's X4 Technical Manual says "To enroll in any Medeco X4 program, a “Restricted Key Section Agreement” must be signed". Custom coining, in the X4 page's words, "adds dealer information to keys, ensuring keys can only be copied by authorized dealers."
Medeco also publishes Commercial Keyway programs for Medeco 4 and X4, which "are designed for consumers who need Medeco locks and are looking for convenience. Cut keys are readily available through any Medeco dealer or distributor." The sheet's first listed reason for a commercial keyway is "Key control not a major concern at the facility".
For commercial keyway blanks, the same sheet says "KEY BLANKS CAN SHIP TO DISTRIBUTOR OR DEALER", "NO SOURCE DESIGNATION FORM (SDF) IS REQUIRED" and "NO CUSTOM COINING".
The Medeco 4 Key Control Programs booklet says "Medeco only supplies cut keys and key blanks that are constructed of the highest quality nickel silver." It also says "Medeco offers a lifetime warranty on mechanical key blanks."
This page does not describe key cuts, codes or cutting equipment.
| Program | Who cuts the keys, in Medeco's words | Authorization Medeco describes | Other controls on the program's page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medeco 4 DND (Do Not Duplicate) | "Keys are ordered locally and cut at a wholesale distributor and/or Medeco, then shipped back to the locksmith" | "Electronic card reader for authorization" | "Key blanks are only sold to authorized DND distributors"; "Authorization cards are tracked electronically and an audit trail is created for every transaction" |
| Medeco 4 Freedom | "Keys can be cut at any Freedom-participating locksmith across the U.S. or Canada" | "An authorization card must be presented, which is matched to proper ID, in order to have the keys cut" | "Authorization cards are tracked electronically and an audit trail is created for every transaction" |
| Medeco 4 LSC (Locksmith Service Center) | "Key duplication is restricted to only the locksmith that provided the system to the end user" | "Dealers must verify identity and authority prior to cutting additional keys" | "custom coining required"; a "restricted key control agreement to ensure product is only available to contracted dealers" |
| Medeco 4 DBK (Dealer Based Keyway) | "Key duplication is restricted to only the original DBK locksmith/dealer that provided the system to the end user" | "Dealers must obtain identification prior to cutting additional keys" | "custom coining required"; a "restricted key control agreement to ensure product is only available to contracted dealers" |
| X4 Dealer/End User | "Keys can be cut at any participating locksmith across the U.S. End users are also eligible to cut keys when contracted for an end-user keyway" | Not listed on this program's page | See the X4 Technical Manual note below the table |
| X4 Chrome | "Keys can be cut by the originating locksmith" | "Authorization for cutting additional keys is made with confirmed identification" | "Custom coining required" |
Source Medeco's Key Control Programs page and each program's page on medeco.com, the X4 product page, the X4 Technical Manual, the Medeco 4 and X4 Commercial Keyway sheet and the Medeco 4 Key Control Programs booklet.
Service
Service for doors with Medeco locks
Elwin Security installs, repairs and replaces commercial lock hardware, including doors fitted with Medeco cylinders and deadbolts, as part of its commercial locksmith service for commercial and multifamily properties in the San Francisco Bay Area. Calls are answered 8:00 AM-8:00 PM daily at (408) 539-0535.
FAQ
Medeco lock and key questions
Where can a Medeco key be copied?
Medeco's key control brochure says keys "may only be duplicated by Medeco or an authorized Medeco dealer, and only at your request." Which locksmith depends on the program: Medeco 4 Freedom keys "can be cut at any Freedom-participating locksmith across the U.S. or Canada", while LSC keys are restricted to the locksmith that provided the system.
When do Medeco's key patents expire?
Medeco's Patented Technology page lists Medeco 4 as patented through 2040 and X4 through 2030; its X4 Technical Manual gives 2028 and 2027 for two X4 patents. Medeco shows Medeco 3, Biaxial and Original patent protection as "Expired".
What grade is a Medeco Maxum deadbolt?
Medeco's deadbolts page says the Maxum "is also ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified." For the Medeco 4 Maxum, its page lists "ANSI/BHMA A156.5, Grade 1", and the Maxum section of Medeco's catalog lists "ANSI/BHMA A156.36 Grade 1 (M4)".
Sources and further reading
These sources back up the general guidance. Your building and the people who approve the work decide the details for your doors.
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco 4 product page
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): X4 product page
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco 3 product page
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): BiLevel product page
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco B SFIC product page
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Mechanical Solutions
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Patented Technology
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): About Medeco and ASSA ABLOY
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco 4 Rim & Mortise product page
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco 4 Key in Knob/Lever product page
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco 4 LFIC product page
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): X4 SFIC product page
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco Maxum High Security Deadbolt (deadbolts page)
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco 4 Maxum Deadbolt product page
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco 3 Maxum Deadbolt product page
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): X4 Maxum Deadbolt product page
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Padlocks
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco 4 System Series Padlocks product page
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco 4 All Weather Padlock (AWP) product page
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco 4 Hockey Puck product page
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Key Control Programs (Carded Programs)
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): M4 Do Not Duplicate (DND) Distributor Key Control Program
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): M4 Freedom Dealer Key Control Program
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco 4 Locksmith Service Center Program (LSC)
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco 4 DBK Key Control Program
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): X4 Dealer/End User Program
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): X4 Chrome Program
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco home page
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco Key Control Brochure: Controlled Duplication (LT-302007-10 REV 5, copyright 2021)
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco 4 and X4 Commercial Keyways (2025.008)
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco 4 Key Control Programs, Channel Partners (LT-507172 Rev 3, 2022.017-06/22)
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco X4 Technical Manual (LT-620000 Rev B, copyright 2015)
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco 3 Technical Manual (LT-922088 REV C, copyright 2015)
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Medeco 4 Section of Medeco Catalog (2026 catalog)
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): X4 Section of Medeco Catalog (2026 catalog)
- Medeco (ASSA ABLOY): Maxum Deadbolt Section of Medeco Catalog (2026 catalog)