Buying a safe is an important investment to protect your valuable assets and important documents. However, it is crucial to know how to evaluate the security level of a safe before making a purchase choice. In this article, we’ll look at the different locking systems, burglary standards, and security levels and strength ratings to help you make an informed decision.
The different locking systems
There are several different locking systems for safes, each offering a different level of security. The most common locking system is the key lock. Although this lock is simple and easy to use, it offers a high level of security that can be certified by organizations such as A2P. A certification of this type will attest to the quality of your lock.
Another common locking system is the combination lock. This lock uses a numeric code to unlock the safe. Combination locks are often more secure than key locks, but it is important to choose a complex combination and change it regularly. As with key locks, it is recommended that you choose products that are certified by recognized organizations.
Electronic locks are the most advanced and secure locking system. These locks require a digital combination to unlock the safe and usually have additional features such as notification of attempted break-ins, multiple user management or traceability of openings. Electronic locks are more expensive than other locking systems, but offer a higher level of security and superior functionality.
The different anti-burglary standards
Burglary standards are another important factor to consider when evaluating the security level of a safe. Standards vary by country and region, but they are generally set by independent organizations that test safes to determine their security level. The most common standards are the European standard EN 1143-1 and the American standard UL 608.
The European standard EN 1143-1 is the most common standard in Europe. It tests the resistance of a safe to different levels of attack, such as drilling, picking and hammering. Safes that meet this standard and are certified according to its criteria have a high level of security.
The U.S. UL 608 standard also tests a safe’s resistance to various types of attacks. Safes that meet this standard also have a high level of security.
The different security levels and degrees of resistance
Safes are classified according to their security level and degree of resistance. In Europe, the resistance levels of a safe are validated by a certification according to the EN 1143-1 standard. These products can therefore receive a certificate attesting to their resistance ranging from class 0 to class VI. Class 0 and I safes offer a basic level of security and class V and VI safes offer the highest level of security.
The resistance level of a safe is determined by the time required for the attacker to access the contents of the safe according to defined test procedures and with a defined set of tools. Safes with a higher degree of resistance require more time and effort to break into, making them more secure.
It is important to choose a safe with the right level of security and strength for your needs. For example, if you have very important valuables, you should choose a class VI safe with a high degree of resistance. If you simply need a safe place to store important documents, a class I or II safe should suffice.
Finally, it is important to consider other factors such as the size and storage capacity of the safe. If you have large items to store, make sure you choose a safe that can accommodate them.
In summary, evaluating the security level of a safe is a crucial process before making a purchase choice. Locking systems, burglar resistant standards it meets and certified strength class should all be taken into account when choosing the safest safe for your needs. It is important to choose a safe with the right level of certification for your belongings and to consider other factors such as size and storage capacity. By following these tips, you can be sure that your safe will provide optimal protection for your valuable possessions and important documents.
However, matching these different criteria can be complex. In any case, we advise you to call on a professional who will be able to assess your needs and propose a safe that is perfectly adapted to them.
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