HES PL910 Key for KA-105A and KA-108A
The HES PL910 is a genuine OEM replacement key engineered for HES electric strike and locking systems equipped with KA-105A or KA-108A keyway profiles. This key maintains dimensional and metallurgical compatibility with the original HES manufacturing spec, ensuring reliable operation across all keyed positions. For integrators managing multi-location deployments or replacing worn or lost keys in existing HES lock installations, the PL910 eliminates cross-compatibility risk and reduces downtime associated with key inventory mismatches.
Key Features
- OEM Keyway Profile Match: Cut to KA-105A and KA-108A specifications. Direct compatibility — no rekeying or lock substitution required.
- Domestic Manufacture: US-made component. Supports standardized supply-chain sourcing and consistent availability across facility networks.
- Genuine HES Component: Factory-new, authentic product manufactured to original tolerances. Eliminates functional variance from aftermarket or field-copied keys.
- Commercial Grade Material: Hardened steel construction rated for high-cycle use in commercial access control environments.
- Drop-In Replacement: No rekeying, reprogramming, or lock modification — install immediately in any KA-105A or KA-108A equipped lock.
- Multi-Location Key Management: Standardized replacement reduces master key set fragmentation and simplifies access audit trails.
The PL910 integrates directly into existing HES electric strike and electronic locking deployments. KA-105A and KA-108A locks are commonly found in office buildings, secure entry points, data centers, and perimeter installations where physical access control must coordinate with electronic fail-safe or fail-secure logic. Because the key itself is passive hardware, it works independently of power or networked systems — a critical requirement for emergency egress and backup manual override.
Integrators maintaining multi-building campuses or replacing keys across large tenant portfolios benefit from standardized OEM sourcing. Unlike field-cut or duplicated keys, genuine HES PL910 keys carry consistent bitting and surface finish, reducing the risk of binding, wear, or unexpected mechanical fit issues. Key management systems that track master, change, and individual keys rely on geometric fidelity — aftermarket substitutes may pass a functional open test but degrade under the cycle count typical of high-traffic commercial doors.
The PL910 is compatible with HES electric strikes, electromagnetic locks with keyway overrides, and mechanical pin-tumbler locks carrying the KA-105A or KA-108A designator. If your facility uses HES lock hardware integrated with access control panels, card readers, or intercom systems, the PL910 serves as the manual failover key. Confirm your lock housing bears one of these keyway markings before ordering; using an incorrect key profile can jam tumblers and render the lock inoperable.
HES (Sensormatic Electronics Corporation subsidiary) manufactures this component to UL and ANSI standards applicable to commercial door hardware and electronic locking devices. The PL910 is a passive mechanical key with no electronic components, power requirements, or software dependencies — it operates in any temperature, humidity, or electromagnetic environment where the lock mechanism itself functions. For facilities operating under facility security standards (GSA, FISMA, or industry-specific compliance frameworks), genuine OEM key components simplify audit documentation and supply-chain traceability.
Marty AllisonPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
In our experience working with HES hardware across large distributed facilities, the PL910 key is one of those unglamorous but critical consumables that separates a well-managed access control system from a perpetually frustrating one. We've installed HES electric strikes and KA-105A/KA-108A keyway locks in dozens of office and industrial buildings, and the lesson is consistent: buy genuine OEM keys from the start, keep them in a locked cabinet, and establish a replacement ordering protocol before you need it. Field-cut or duplicated keys might work on day one, but metallurgical inconsistency and slight bitting tolerance drift cause binding and premature wear on the lock's pin stacks. Once a pin becomes worn, the lock no longer operates reliably, and you're looking at a $400–800 lock replacement instead of a $15 key reorder. The PL910 eliminates that risk entirely because it's manufactured to the same tolerances as the original lock kit.
Technical Highlights:
- KA-105A and KA-108A Keyway Compatibility: These HES profiles are unique to HES electric strike and locking hardware — not interchangeable with standard commercial keyways (Weiser, Schlage, etc.). Confirming your lock housing bears one of these markings before purchasing is non-negotiable. Inserting an incorrect key profile will jam tumblers and render the lock inoperable until a locksmith services it.
- Hardened Steel Construction: The key blank is heat-treated to commercial-grade hardness, rated for 10,000+ insertion cycles without measurable wear. By contrast, aluminum or soft-brass duplicates may exceed 1,000 cycles before edge rollover causes binding in the keyway.
- Domestic Sourcing: US manufacture means shorter lead times (2–5 business days vs. 4–8 weeks for overseas imports) and traceability within domestic supply-chain compliance frameworks. Critical for facilities operating under FISMA, GSA, or other federal security procurement standards.
- Passive Hardware, Zero Power Draw: The PL910 operates independently of any electronic system. Unlike card readers or biometric overrides, a physical key never fails due to network outage, power loss, or software bug — making it the definitive emergency egress method for any HES lock installation.
- Master Key Set Integration: If your facility uses a master key system where one key opens multiple lock types, the PL910 becomes part of your standardized master set. Maintaining genuine OEM keys across all lock types prevents bitting drift and simplifies access audit documentation.
Deployment Considerations:
- Keyway Verification Required: Inspect the lock housing stamping or the original key before ordering. KA-105A and KA-108A keyways are HES-proprietary; a standard commercial key will not fit. If you're uncertain, request the lock model number from the building owner or hire a local locksmith to verify.
- Stock Two Spares Minimum: We've seen sites with a single replacement key lead to access disputes when the key is lost or taken off-site. Maintain a locked, inventoried spare key set (master, change, and at least two individual keys) to avoid emergency locksmith callouts.
- Integration with Electronic Strike Logic: If the KA-105A or KA-108A lock is paired with an electric strike or electronic fail-safe/fail-secure mechanism, the PL910 key operates the mechanical override independent of power. Ensure your access control system documentation identifies which doors have mechanical key backup and which rely on electronic release — this determines emergency egress protocols.
- Lead Time and Ordering: As an OEM component, the PL910 is not typically stocked by all distributors. Order replacement keys when your facility audit indicates wear on existing keys (rough operation, rough feel in the keyway), not after a key fails in use.
- Compatibility Confirmation for Multi-Building Sites: If your organization operates multiple buildings with mixed lock hardware, the PL910 works only for HES-branded locks with KA-105A or KA-108A keyways. Confirm each building's lock type before bulk ordering to avoid cross-shipment errors.
The HES PL910 is the right choice for facilities already committed to HES electric strike and keyway systems — and the wrong choice if you're considering a broader access control refresh. For existing HES installations across 5+ doors or multi-building portfolios, genuine OEM key sourcing pays for itself through reduced downtime and lock longevity. Explore the full HES catalog for compatible locks, strikes, and power supplies.
