More and more people are realising that a safe should be a must-have for every home and office. However, before you decide to buy one, it's worth finding out which safe will be right for you. There are many models on the market, so it is a good idea to check what characterises each one. Decide on a safe with a high burglary class, as the limit of the values stored in the safe and the insurance rate depend on this. Also check out what else is important when you buy an armoured safe deposit box.
Why is the class of the safe so important?
Every safe should meet burglary resistance standards. According to the Polish and European standard EN 1143-1, armoured safes can have the following security classes: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII.
Home safes generally have a maximum security class II. However, nothing prevents you from ordering a safe even of class V. Higher burglary resistance standards are used for vaults.
The class of the armoured cabinet determines the limit of the protected value. The higher the resistance level, the better the insurance you will receive for your safe. The protected value limit is not fixed. It depends on the average gross salary. For a class S1 safe, for example, it amounts to approximately PLN 45,000. If you are interested in high insurance for your safe, buy a model with a higher security grade.
If a burglary occurs, the insurance company will check what class the safe was. If it turns out that the value of the items kept in the safe exceeds the protected value limit, you will have a problem getting compensation.
Security levels of safes are discussed further in another blog text.
Weapons safe – choose a high resistance class
Weapons and ammunition should be stored in safes with a minimum resistance class of S1. Note, however, that gun safes also hold weapons sights and optical equipment. Several weapons can exceed the value limit, which for a S1 safe is around £45,000. Take care of your safety – choose a higher resistance class and don't worry about insuring your safe.
When choosing a gun safe, it is worth buying a larger cabinet. Remember that your arsenal may grow over time. Also look out for extra shelves for ammunition and documents. A large gun cabinet is convenient and it is easier to keep things tidy in there. In the event of a police check, you won't have any problems.
However, the insurance of the safe and its size are not everything. Choose a model to suit your needs. Armoured showcases are becoming increasingly popular. Such a cabinet is not only used for storing weapons. Cabinets fitted with toughened glass look beautiful and can be a decoration for your home.
A gun cabinet in the form of a display case can have LED lights installed inside. This will make your arsenal look even better. The interior of the cabinet is also decorated with cloth, which emphasises the stately character of the items stored.
We write about the requirements that a gun cabinet should meet here: What class should a gun safe have? Regulations vs. reality.
Different types of locks for the safe
Insuring the contents of the safe is also influenced by the type of lock. You can install the following types of locks in an armoured cabinet:
● key lock,
● a mechanical combination lock with a rotary dial,
● an electronic lock with a numerical keypad,
● a biometric fingerprint lock.
A key lock is the simplest and reliable solution. However, you must have a place to keep the key. If the safe is to be used by many people, then this lock is not the best solution as everyone would have to have their own key. In that case, it is better to rely on a combination lock.
Security based on a rotating dial is characterised by a high level of security. Keep in mind, however, that dialing the cipher requires precision. The dial has hundred graduations and a minor mistake can cause a problem with opening the door. This is not a good option for people who are impatient and have problems with trembling hands.
The electronic lock with numeric keypad is convenient. It allows you to open the safe quickly. Simply enter the code and the door opens immediately. If multiple people should have access to the safe, it is worth investing in such a solution. Remember, however, that someone can see the code you enter.
You might think that a biometric fingerprint lock is a reliable option. However, not everyone will be happy with this solution. A dirty reader or an unclear fingerprint will prevent the locker from being opened. If you are in frequent contact with grease or your fingers are prone to injury, it is better to choose a different lock.
Choosing a safe is not as obvious a matter as you might think. There are many things to consider before buying. It is not only the burglary resistance class that affects the insurance of a safe, but also the security certificate of the lock. Remember that you can always contact a Hartmann Tresore expert if you have any problems.
