Abstract: In a multiple talk path key telephone of the type of having multiple handsets, each handset is coupled to the key field for a predetermined short period of time when it is initially taken "off hook". During this predetermined time period a user can depress a key and connect with a desired telephone line. If the user has the handset "off hook" and desires to connect to another telephone line, he merely depresses an access key and the handset is again reconnected to the key field for the predetermined time period. The present invention eliminates the possibility of one user disconnecting another user's telephone line during a telephone conversation.