Access & Security Abbreviations Guide

Understanding the abbreviations used in locks, cylinders, door hardware and access control products can help you identify the correct specifications, materials and finishes.

At Garrison Locks, we've created this handy A–Z reference guide to explain commonly used abbreviations found in locksmith supplies, architectural ironmongery, locking systems and security products.

Whether you're looking for keyed alike (KA) cylinders, master keyed (MK) locking systems, polished brass (PB) fittings or satin stainless steel (SSS) door furniture, our guide makes it easier to understand product descriptions and technical specifications.

Access & Security Abbreviations A–Z

Abbreviation	Meaning
0B	Zero Bitted
1B	One Bitted
A	Ampere
AB	Antique Brass
AC	Alternating Current
ADJ	Adjustable
AG	Anodised Gold
ALT	Alternative
AS	Anodised Silver
BC	Back Check
BJ	Black Japanned
BLK	Black
BLUX	Brasslux
BP	Brass Plated
BRN	Brown
BS	British Standard; Backset (depending on context)
BS EN	British Standard adopting a European Standard
BZ / BZP	Bright Zinc / Bright Zinc Plated
CCW	Counterclockwise
CG	Champagne Gold
CM	Centimetre
CP	Chrome Plated
CW	Clockwise
CYL	Cylinder
DBL	Double
DC	Direct Current
DEG	Degree
DMG	Dark Metallic Grey / Dull Metal Grey
EB	Electro Brass
EP	Euro Profile
F/L	Fail Locked
F/U	Fail Unlocked
FD30	30-Minute Fire Resistance Classification
FD60	60-Minute Fire Resistance Classification
FL	Fail Locked
FU	Fail Unlocked
G	Gram
GAA	Gold Anodised Aluminium
GE	Gold Enamelled
GHz	Gigahertz
GLV / GALV	Galvanised
GMK	Grand Master Keyed
GRY	Grey
HO	Hold Open
HR	Hour
IP	Ingress Protection
K	Thousand (1,000)
KA	Keyed Alike
KD	Keyed to Differ
KG	Kilogram
KIK	Key in Knob
LBS	Pounds
LED	Light Emitting Diode
LEV	Lever
LH	Left Hand
LTR	Litre
M	Metre
mA	Milliampere
MAX	Maximum
MHz	Megahertz
MIN	Minimum / Minute (depending on context)
MK	Master Keyed
ML	Millilitre
MM	Millimetre
MON	Monitored
MPL	Multipoint Lock
N/C	Normally Closed
N/O	Normally Open
NC	Normally Closed
NFC	Near Field Communication
NO	Normally Open
NP	Nickel Plated
NS	Nickel Silver
°C	Degrees Celsius
PA	Polished Aluminium
PAA	Polished Anodised Aluminium
PAS 24	Enhanced Security Performance Standard for Doorsets and Windows
PB	Polished Brass
PC	Polished Chrome
PG	Polished Gold
PL	Polished Lacquered Brass
PSS	Polished Stainless Steel
PSU	Power Supply Unit
PZ	Distance Between Handle Spindle and Cylinder Centre
REF	Reference
RFID	Radio Frequency Identification
RH	Right Hand
RIM	Rim Cylinder
RTE	Request to Exit
SA	Satin Aluminium
SAA	Satin Anodised Aluminium
SB	Satin Brass
SC	Satin Chrome
SCP	Satin Chrome Plated
SE	Silver Enamelled
SEC	Second
SGL	Single
SLV	Silver
SN	Satin Nickel
SNP	Satin Nickel Plated
SS / STST	Stainless Steel
SS312	Sold Secure Specification for Lock Cylinders
SSS	Satin Stainless Steel
ST	Steel
TP	Trade Pack
TS007	Security Standard for Replacement Cylinders and Protective Door Furniture
V	Volt
VP / VISI	Visi Packed
WH	White
YR	Year
ZP	Zinc Plated

Understanding Locksmith and Security Terminology

When purchasing locks, cylinders, padlocks, door furniture or electronic security products, understanding the abbreviations used in product descriptions is important to ensure compatibility and correct specification.

Keyed Alike, Keyed to Differ and Master Key Systems

KA (Keyed Alike) means that multiple locks are operated using the same key. This is particularly useful for businesses, commercial properties and customers looking to reduce the number of keys they carry.

KD (Keyed to Differ) means that each lock is operated by its own individual key.

MK (Master Keyed) refers to a locking arrangement where individual keys operate designated locks while an authorised master key can operate multiple locks within the system.

Understanding Lock and Door Hardware Finishes

Common product finish abbreviations include PB (Polished Brass),SC (Satin Chrome),SCP (Satin Chrome Plated),PSS (Polished Stainless Steel) and SSS (Satin Stainless Steel).

These abbreviations help identify the appearance and finish of door handles, locks, hinges, cylinders and architectural ironmongery.

Security Product Specifications

Security products may also feature technical abbreviations relating to electrical requirements, certification, dimensions and installation compatibility.

Understanding terms such as IP (Ingress Protection),AC (Alternating Current),DC (Direct Current) and BS (British Standard) can help when selecting access control equipment, electronic locks and other security hardware.

Professional Locksmith and Security Products from Garrison Locks

Garrison Locks supplies a comprehensive range of locksmith products, door hardware, cylinders, padlocks, master key systems, access control equipment and van security products from leading manufacturers.

Our abbreviations guide is designed to make technical specifications easier to understand and help customers identify the correct security products for their requirements.

Access & Security Abbreviations Guide

Understanding the abbreviations used in locks, cylinders, door hardware and access control products can help you identify the correct specifications, materials and finishes.

Browse the alphabetical table below to find the meaning of common access and security product abbreviations.

Access & Security Abbreviations A–Z

Abbreviation	Meaning
0B	Zero Bitted
1B	One Bitted
A	Ampere
AB	Antique Brass
AC	Alternating Current
ADJ	Adjustable
AG	Anodised Gold
ALT	Alternative
AS	Anodised Silver
BC	Back Check
BJ	Black Japanned
BLK	Black
BLUX	Brasslux
BP	Brass Plated
BRN	Brown
BS	British Standard; Backset (depending on context)
BS EN	British Standard adopting a European Standard
BZ / BZP	Bright Zinc / Bright Zinc Plated
CCW	Counterclockwise
CG	Champagne Gold
CM	Centimetre
CP	Chrome Plated
CW	Clockwise
CYL	Cylinder
DBL	Double
DC	Direct Current
DEG	Degree
DMG	Dark Metallic Grey / Dull Metal Grey
EB	Electro Brass
EP	Euro Profile
F/L	Fail Locked
F/U	Fail Unlocked
FD30	30-Minute Fire Resistance Classification
FD60	60-Minute Fire Resistance Classification
FL	Fail Locked
FU	Fail Unlocked
G	Gram
GAA	Gold Anodised Aluminium
GE	Gold Enamelled
GHz	Gigahertz
GLV / GALV	Galvanised
GMK	Grand Master Keyed
GRY	Grey
HO	Hold Open
HR	Hour
IP	Ingress Protection
K	Thousand (1,000)
KA	Keyed Alike
KD	Keyed to Differ
KG	Kilogram
KIK	Key in Knob
LBS	Pounds
LED	Light Emitting Diode
LEV	Lever
LH	Left Hand
LTR	Litre
M	Metre
mA	Milliampere
MAX	Maximum
MHz	Megahertz
MIN	Minimum / Minute (depending on context)
MK	Master Keyed
ML	Millilitre
MM	Millimetre
MON	Monitored
MPL	Multipoint Lock
N/C	Normally Closed
N/O	Normally Open
NC	Normally Closed
NFC	Near Field Communication
NO	Normally Open
NP	Nickel Plated
NS	Nickel Silver
°C	Degrees Celsius
PA	Polished Aluminium
PAA	Polished Anodised Aluminium
PAS 24	Enhanced Security Performance Standard for Doorsets and Windows
PB	Polished Brass
PC	Polished Chrome
PG	Polished Gold
PL	Polished Lacquered Brass
PSS	Polished Stainless Steel
PSU	Power Supply Unit
PZ	Distance Between Handle Spindle and Cylinder Centre
REF	Reference
RFID	Radio Frequency Identification
RH	Right Hand
RIM	Rim Cylinder
RTE	Request to Exit
SA	Satin Aluminium
SAA	Satin Anodised Aluminium
SB	Satin Brass
SC	Satin Chrome
SCP	Satin Chrome Plated
SE	Silver Enamelled
SEC	Second
SGL	Single
SLV	Silver
SN	Satin Nickel
SNP	Satin Nickel Plated
SS / STST	Stainless Steel
SS312	Sold Secure Specification for Lock Cylinders
SSS	Satin Stainless Steel
ST	Steel
TP	Trade Pack
TS007	Security Standard for Replacement Cylinders and Protective Door Furniture
V	Volt
VP / VISI	Visi Packed
WH	White
YR	Year
ZP	Zinc Plated

Access & Security Abbreviations Guide

Access & Security Abbreviations A–Z

Understanding Locksmith and Security Terminology

Keyed Alike, Keyed to Differ and Master Key Systems

Understanding Lock and Door Hardware Finishes

Security Product Specifications

Professional Locksmith and Security Products from Garrison Locks

Access & Security Abbreviations A–Z

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