The electronic key tether (ekt) from Seattle-based Tether Technologies is designed to prevent the loss of master keys.
The two-unit system uses an electronic tether to keep keys within a 10- to 15-step radius of the user, who wears the belt unit. If the keys separate from the user by more than 10 to 15 steps, both the belt unit and the key unit immediately respond with unique alarms. The user’s belt unit vibrates and emits a chirp alert while the key unit sounds a loud 85dB alarm and emits a bright LED warning strobe.
The product is ideal for high-rises, hospitals, universities, hotels and corrections facilities, which all utilize master and sub master keys, according to the company. When one of the keys is lost or misplaced, often the entire building must be re-keyed at costs upwards of $80,000. Other non-financial results can be just as painful, including embarrassment for owners and security vendors responsible for the safety of these buildings.
