But how does one effectively keep records and label the keys using such terminology? In the 1960s, a standard system of no- menclature was developed that’s known as the Standard Key Coding System (SKCS). This system uses letters and numbers to designate the keys while identifying each one’s location in the system hierarchy. This system had a limitation in that it addressed only four levels of keying: change key, master key (M), grand master key (GM) and great grand master key (GGM). Later another level was added, the sub- master key, which is noted by the addition of another letter in the key set symbol. Also, there has been a trend to replace the GGM terminology with TMK for top master key. When a system is viewed from the bot- tom up, it reveals that it’s possible to create a master key for the bittings in one chamber (four keys in a two-step system, or five keys in a single-step system). There can also be a master key for the bittings in two chambers, three chambers, four chambers, five cham- bers and all six chambers (TMK) in a 6-pin system. So, a 7-level master key system is possible, and yet we only have nomenclature for a five-level system. I have found that an- other sixth level is oſten useful; I’ll explain later how I identify any such master keys. A Bit About Bitting Waste Another issue is the old habit of thinking in terms of building masters, floor masters, suite masters, etc. When one thinks that way, there is inclination to take all the building masters from the same level in the system. A smaller building would have a large num- ber unused bittings that couldn’t be used anywhere else because they’d be operated by a master key that had been issued for another purpose. This can lead to the unnecessary waste of a lot of bittings. A classic example of this is reserving and not cutting one of the grand master keys to allow for changes under the GGM (TMK). There are usually only a small WWW.ALOA.ORG “Just because one can represent a key by numbers does not mean that those numbers can be converted into to an actual usable key.” number of such restricted access spaces in a facility that require this keying, and yet doing it this way ties up a large number of bittings. In the most extreme case, with a single keyway key system, one-fourth of all the possible change keys would be tied up as change keys under the GGM. Recommended Approach I suggest starting from the bottom up and determining how many changes are needed under a designated master key, allow a few extra changes for expansion or rekeying, and pull the master key from the appro- priate level in the system. Doing it this way provides more bittings for use in other areas. If it’s done this way, how does one label or designate the keys? First let’s review some basics of the Stan- dard Key Coding System. Basically, the master keys are designated by letters, and the change keys are designated by letters and numbers where the letters indicate the master key group the change keys are in. Below are some examples of key designa- tions using the SKCS: D — single letter, grand master D DB — two letters, a master key under grand master D DBC — three letters, a sub-master key under master DB and grand D DBC12 — three letters and a two digit number, a change key under all of the above Using the bottom up approach, one might have the following master keys for buildings: DA, DB, DC, DDA, DDB, and DDC where the DD_ sub-masters are the master keys for smaller buildings. Who’s Using the Keys? What is the purpose of a building master key, and who will be using it? In my experience it’s usually for housekeeping and a build- ing manager for those buildings that have a manager. The step up from one master key level to the next gives a multiple of four or five times as many bittings. What about those situations where the building is just large enough that a sub- master won’t handle it, but the master key level provides far more bittings than will ever be needed? I’ve set up such buildings and issued two sub-master level keys to cover those needs. Two keys instead of one is not a serious burden — plus if it’s for a house- keeper, their keys should be on a tagged and sealed ring that they sign out and back in at the end of their shiſts. Great Grand Master Changes Now let’s look at the changes under the GGM mentioned earlier. A sub-master usually controls 16 or 64 change keys in a two-step system, depending on how one divides the key for master keys and change keys. Pick the level master key that provides the nec- essary number of change keys and label the keys using the SKCS. Do not cut any of the intermediate master keys above the selected master key. This can leave other parts of that section and their respective master keys available for use in other areas of the facility. In the next installments, I’ll discuss a system for labeling cut keys, and a way of designating sixth-level master keys. arles Cameron, CML, be- n his journey as a locksmith n 1974 at John’s Lockshop in oulder, CO, and became an LOA member later that year. e has written for Keynotes d the American Society of dustrial Security, served as n ALOA ACE instructor, and rved on the committee that ote the first PRP exams. though recently retired, teer for Habitat for Human- s for their Re-Store. Charles’ ring antique padlocks, re- y trains, raising butterflies, and tending a raised-bed vegetable garden. MAY 2014 KEYNOTES 19
