Best A3 System User manual

SERVICE MANUAL
SERVICE MANUAL

CREDITS/COPYRIGHT
©2001 Best Lock Corporation dba Best Access Systems. All rights reserved. Printed in
the United States of America.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Best Access Systems. The software described in
this document are furnished under a license agreement or nondisclosure agreement.
This publication is intended to be an accurate description and set of instructions
pertaining to its subject matter. However, as with any publication of this complexity,
errors or omissions are possible. Please call your BEST distributor or Best Access
Systems at [phone] if you see any errors or have any questions. No part of this
manual and/or databases may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or information
storage and retrieval systems, for any purpose, without the express written permission
of Best Access Systems.
This document is distributed as is, without warranty of any kind, either express or
implied, respecting the contents of this book, including but not limited to implied
warranties for the publication’s quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any
particular purpose. Neither Best Access Systems, nor its dealers or distributors shall be
liable to the user or any other person or entity with respect to any liability, loss, or
damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this publication.
Masterkey codes are owned by BEST and constitute confidential and proprietary
information. BEST will seek to protect Masterkey codes by all legal means necessary,
including, but not limited to, seeking injunctive relief and/or a suit for damages.
The Life Safety Code is a registered trademark of the National Fire Protection
Association.
Written and designed by Best Access Systems and Avalon Group, Inc., Indianapolis,
Indiana.
T61806 Rev - 1413201 ER7991-6 October 2001

A3 System Service Manual iii
CONTENTS
FIGURES VII
GETTING STARTED 1–1
Introduction 1–1
Documentation package 1–2
Technical support 1–2
Support services 1–2
Telephone and web technical support 1–2
Training seminars 1–2
OVERVIEW OF AMASTERKEY SYSTEM 2–1
Understanding the BEST difference 2–2
Benefits 2–2
Support from BEST 2–2
Training 2–2
BEST warranty 2–3
Defining a masterkey system 2–4
Definition of a masterkey system 2–4
General design guidelines 2–4
Product family diagram 2–5
Interchangeable core 2–6
Keys 2–6
Keyways 2–7
Codes 2–8
System organization and size 2–8
System security 2–9
Key and core control 2–10
Common control problems 2–10
G-Series forms 2–10
Keystone 600 Software 2–10

Contents
iv A3 System Service Manual
PARTS 3–1
Overview of the BEST core 3–2
Core with segments, springs, and caps 3–2
Cross-section view of a core 3–2
Overview of the BEST key 3–3
Diagram of an operating key 3–3
Tools 3–4
Stamping tools 3–5
Lubrication items 3–5
OPTIONS AND APPLICATIONS 4–1
Keyway options 4–2
Special options and applications 4–3
CHANGES TO THE A3 SYSTEM 5–1
Determining your needs 5–2
Questions to consider 5–2
Working with BEST 5–2
Surveying the facility 5–2
Designing the schematic 5–4
Obtaining BEST codes 5–7
Re-lock options 5–9
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 6–1
A3 System basic procedures overview 6–2
Combinating cores 6–2
Cutting keys 6–3
Stamping cores and keys 6–3
Installing cores 6–4
Developing a key control system 6–5
Purpose of a key control system 6–5
Objectives of a key control system 6–5
Updating key and core records 6–5
G-Series cards and equipment 6–6
Procedures to administer your key control system 6–13
Sample key agreements 6–13
Issuing and returning keys 6–14
When keys are lost or stolen 6–15
Adding, removing and changing cores 6–15
Planning for emergencies 6–16
Parts servicing 6–17
General core maintenance 6–17
GLOSSARY A–1
INDEX B–1

A3 System Service Manual vii
FIGURES
OVERVIEW OF AMASTERKEY SYSTEM
Product family diagram 2–5
Sample masterkey hierarchy 2–7
PARTS
Segments, springs, and caps 3–2
Cross-section view of core 3–2
Standard key features 3–3
Tools used for servicing cores and keys 3–4
Stamping tools 3–5
Lubrication items 3–5
CHANGES TO THE A3 SYSTEM
Sample site survey 5–3
Sample keying schematic for buildings 5–5
Sample keying schematic for departments 5–6
Sample code sheet 5–8
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Door Number card 6–7
Core Number card 6–7
Key Marking card 6–8
Employee Name card 6–8
Key Request card 6–9
Key Receipt card 6–9
Lock Request card 6–10

Figures
viii A3 System Service Manual
Safety Lock Opening Request card 6–10
Lost Key Report card 6–11
Key envelope 6–11
Core envelope 6–12
Key Return tag 6–12

A3 System Service Manual 1–1
1GETTING STARTED
INTRODUCTION
The A3 System Service Manual contains essential
information to help you maintain your A3 System.

Getting Started
1–2 A3 System Service Manual
DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE
The following documentation is available to help you with the
installation, start-up, and maintenance of your A3 System.
The installation and assembly instructions also can be ordered
separately:
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Support
services
When you have a question about the A3 System, your first resource for
help is the A3 System Service Manual. If you cannot find a satisfactory
answer, contact your local BEST Representative.
Telephone and
web technical
support
A factory-trained Certified Product Specialist (CPS) is available in your
area whenever you need help. Before you call, however, please make
sure that the product is in your immediate vicinity, and that you are
prepared to give the following information:
■what happened and what you were doing when the problem arose
■what you have done so far to correct the problem.
Best Access Systems Representatives provide telephone technical
support for all A3 System products. You may locate the Representative
nearest you by calling [phone] Monday through Friday, between
7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. eastern standard time; or visit the web page,
www.BestAccess.com.
Training
seminars
BEST holds training sessions for its customers. The seminars are
specifically designed for BEST end-users who have a registered BEST
Masterkey system and registered BEST security equipment. If you are
interested, you may contact your local BEST Representative for details.
Document Title Doc. No.
Core and Key Service Manual T35527
Key Combinator Service Manual T35532
Keystone 600 Getting Started Guide E-774

A3 System Service Manual 2–1
2OVERVIEW OF AMASTERKEY
SYSTEM
This chapter discusses the benefits of a BEST system
and defines how a masterkey system works. It also
describes some of the components of a masterkey
system such as interchangeable cores, keys, and
codes. Finally, it provides guidelines for protecting a
masterkey system.

Overview of a Masterkey System
2–2 A3 System Service Manual
UNDERSTANDING THE BEST DIFFERENCE
Best Access Systems has positioned itself to be your complete provider
for access security systems. Our sales team has been trained to analyze
the specific needs of your facility and recommend products and
solutions that will most effectively address your access control
requirements.
Benefits By choosing BEST, you are automatically guaranteed resources to help
you with all of your security needs including:
■full installation services for all systems’ products
■staff training services for various product lines and processes
■24-hour assistance and consultation for any security need
■full specification preparation for new construction
■superior product availability and delivery.
Support from
BEST
Your BEST Representative will support you in all aspects of
administering the system provided by BEST including:
■security consulting for all phases of security administration
■designing customized access control systems
■customizing a masterkey system for any size facility
■maintaining accurate records of the system
■expanding the system in the future.
Training In-house system maintenance and service
BEST Representatives provide local inventories, expertise, and training
in servicing BEST’s security system. Formal training is available to help
you develop an in-house service department as well as to give you the
ability to:
■combinate cores
■recombinate cores
■cut keys
■program and maintain electronics
■maintain lock hardware.
Formal training is available from BEST with special “Advanced Systems
Curriculum” training being offered by the corporate factory
headquarters.

Overview of a Masterkey System
A3 System Service Manual 2–3
BEST warranty BEST warrants that all of its products sold under its trade name are free
of defects in materials, workmanship and operation, normal wear and
tear excepted, for a period of three years from the date of sale to the
original purchaser. BEST does not, however, warrant against defects
that may be due to improper uses or installation, poor or no
maintenance, shipping and/or handling, improper storage, accident,
abuse or unauthorized service. BEST cannot be responsible for services
provided by other companies to the system. Contacting your BEST
Representative for installation and maintenance needs will ensure that
you keep your warranty. The liability of BEST under this warranty is
limited to the repair or replacement of any product covered by the
warranty.

Overview of a Masterkey System
2–4 A3 System Service Manual
DEFINING AMASTERKEY SYSTEM
Definition of a
masterkey
system
A masterkey system is often misunderstood because it is not a tangible
product and can have many variations. A BEST Masterkey system can be
customized to meet any particular customer needs.
Masterkeying is a mathematical process that shows the number of
different combinations available within a given plan and allows all cores
to be combinated into your system. It also assists the user in controlling
the doors that people can access in the given facility.
Several security levels of keys are usually able to operate a single lock in
a masterkey system. This feature offers flexibility as well as control to
your system. Careful planning and consultation with your BEST
Representative can help you maximize the benefits and avoid common
pitfalls of a masterkey system. In most systems, 7-pin cores are used
because they permit more combinations and allow greater flexibility for
future expansion.
General design
guidelines
BEST Representatives use the following guidelines when designing a
customized masterkey system for the customer:
■Design the keying system around the function of the building and
not the actual organization, if possible.
■Develop a simple design.
■Try to predict where, when, and how people move throughout the
building.
■Plan for any future expansion that may be needed.
■Recognize the families of keys that are established, because they can
restrict the flexibility of the system.
Moreover, once a system is established, it is not necessary to use all of
your codes at one time. Codes may be set up as needed. Then, if growth
occurs, BEST refers to its own secure files for the remaining available
combinations. This activity is conducted as directed by the customer. It
is the customer’s responsibility to keep track of which core markings
have been used in a given series.

Overview of a Masterkey System
A3 System Service Manual 2–5
Product family
diagram
Figure 2.1 Product family diagram
C
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
CAUTION
PINCH POINT
ALIBRATE
YSTEM A2
Key combinator
Core capping press
Core
Key blank
Combinating kit
Keystone 600 software

Overview of a Masterkey System
2–6 A3 System Service Manual
Interchangeable
core
The standard figure-8 core that is interchangeable throughout the entire
product line is a major feature of BEST. This interchangeability permits
BEST locks of any type, size, or style to be masterkeyed into one system.
Therefore your system can easily expand to include new facilities. Also,
no BEST core needs alterations to fit any other BEST lock. You simply
remove the core with the control key and insert a new core that
operates by different keys. This unique feature lets you perform a re-
lock in seconds. See page 5–9.
Keys It is important to understand several key terms to more fully
comprehend the concepts of masterkeying. See Figure 2.2.
Control key
The control key installs and removes the interchangeable core in your
BEST system. The control key has the same security level as a
grandmaster and must receive the same level of protection.
Grandmaster key
The grandmaster key operates all locks in a masterkey system (unless
locks are specifically excluded from the grandmaster for security or
safety reasons such as cash boxes, drug cabinets, hazardous waste areas,
and so forth).
Master key
The master key operates a large group of locks. For example, one
master key can have access to an entire building, floor, or department.
Submaster key
The submaster key operates a smaller group of locks that are part of a
master group.
Operating key
The individual key is also known as the operating key and is the lowest
level key. This key operates only one lock or keyed-alike group of locks.
(This type of key is also called “change key” in the locksmith industry.)
It is important to note that keying is not limited to just the organization
of the keys listed above. More levels in the hierarchy may be created if
needed. For example, a sub-submaster key level may be added.

Overview of a Masterkey System
A3 System Service Manual 2–7
Keyways The keyway of a core is a specific design or shape of the key blade and
is manufactured into the core plug. This specific design keeps keys of
other keyways from working in a dissimilar core. The keyway shapes
can be grouped into the following categories:
■Standard keyways
■Restricted keyways
■Patented keyways.
Figure 2.2 Sample masterkey hierarchy
Control
Grandmaster
Master Master
Submaster Submaster Submaster
Operating Operating Operating Operating Operating
Operating Operating Operating Operating Operating
Operating Operating Operating

Overview of a Masterkey System
2–8 A3 System Service Manual
Codes One of the most significant elements of a masterkey system is the codes
on which the entire system is based. Codes are the number sequences
that directly relate to key cuts and indirectly relate to the pin segments
or combinations within the interchangeable core. Codes originate at the
corporate headquarters and are used by BEST offices to establish
systems around the world. All codes remain proprietary property of
BEST.
Codes are only supplied to the customer when BEST authorized service
equipment has been ordered and received. Once generated, the codes
arrive in the form of a code sheet or bitting list. This sheet then
becomes a printed record of your keying system. It contains
information about your system that is highly confidential. See page 5–8
for an example of a code sheet.
SYSTEM ORGANIZATION AND SIZE
The size of your system is determined by the following factors:
■The number of individual locks you need
■The pin size of your cores
■The code system you need.
The number of actual locks you require is taken from the information
you received from the site survey. A general rule of thumb is to estimate
your future core needs by doubling the number of locks determined by
the site survey. Then you will have codes available when you need to re-
key one or several locks due to lost or stolen keys. Planning for extra
codes will also let you add an additional building or wing under the
same system.
The pin size of cores refers to the number of barrels in each core. BEST
uses 7-pin cores as a standard in order to provide greater flexibility in
the number of combinations that can be generated. However, if your
existing system uses 5-pin or 6-pin cores, BEST offers these pin sizes as
well. Using 5-pin or 6-pin, though, will decrease the number of total
combinations that are available to you.
Manufacturing tolerances, as designed, are a vital factor in consistent
key control. For each specific system, keys and core segments must be
designed to mate exactly as coded. BEST holds a very close tolerance
throughout its product lines.
Your BEST Representative can help you determine which options not
only meet your facility’s current needs, but also provide maximum
flexibility and efficiency as your system evolves.

Overview of a Masterkey System
A3 System Service Manual 2–9
SYSTEM SECURITY
To increase the level of security within your system, you need to
protect sensitive security products or information. These may include:
■Code sheets
■Service equipment
■Authorized security personnel contacts
■Key/core inventory.
BEST will help you with these procedures by maintaining code records
at local BEST offices. In addition, authorized security contacts are kept
on file. These contacts are people who are responsible for receiving all
products and information. Security policies and procedures such as
these help assure the integrity of your keying system.

Overview of a Masterkey System
2–10 A3 System Service Manual
KEY AND CORE CONTROL
A good mechanical locking system involves more than hardware. A key
and core control system is a recording and filing plan that provides
complete information on keying, doors, locks, and personnel. The
system should include formal policies and procedures to regulate the
distribution and control of key, core and code issuance. The following
five elements must be controlled in all lock and key systems in order to
maintain security:
■Keys
■Cores
■Forms
■Doors
■People.
Common
control
problems
Based on a survey conducted by BEST, security system users revealed
the following problems with managing and administering the locking
system:
■Loss of keys—either lost or stolen
■Not retrieving keys from employees that have been replaced or have
retired
■Management indifference to security problems
■Theft—internal and external
■Too many keys issued
■Poor management of records resulting in keys being misplaced or
stolen by employees within the facility
■Code expansion without BEST involvement
■Too many people involved with the system.
G-Series forms Keeping accurate and up-to-date records is essential for the overall
management of a BEST system. It is important to use adequate forms, in
detail, to account for all keys/cores in your facility. The BEST G-Series
form system provides color coding, cross-referencing, and space for
continuous relocks and key changes. Contact your BEST Representative
to obtain these forms.
Keystone 600
Software
For larger systems (systems with 100 or more users), the Keystone 600
Software is the recommended means of maintaining the A3 System.
BEST’s Keystone 600 key and core control software is a valuable tool for
managing records. This user-friendly, Windows-based system allows for
expedited entry of data and the generation of multiple standard reports.
This program records, cross-references, and accesses all key and core
information. Modeled after the proven G-Series form system,
Keystone 600 helps you to efficiently make the transition from a manual
system to a computer.

A3 System Service Manual 3–1
3 PARTS
The following pages contain descriptions and figures
for BEST A3 System cores, keys, and tools for
servicing them. To order these items, refer to the
Core and Key Service Manual (T35527).

Parts
3–2 A3 System Service Manual
OVERVIEW OF THE BEST CORE
Core with
segments,
springs, and
caps
Cross-section
view of a core
Figure 3.1 Segments, springs, and caps
Segments
Spring
Cap
Standard
beveled
segment
Standard flat
segment
Spooled
beveled
segment Spooled flat
segment
Figure 3.2 Cross-section view of core
Core body
Control lug
Throw pin hole
Core plug
Ejector hole
Cap
Top segments
Spring
Bottom segment
Throw pin hole
Keyway
Core sleeve