Safe locks: classification, types, types, classes and reviews

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Equipment of a burglar-resistant safe with a locking system implies a high responsibility. Inexperienced owners of metal storages, when choosing a locking mechanism, first of all pay attention to its type, which is a mistake. There are indeed many attractive modern models with innovative operating principles on the market. But it is far from always appropriate to evaluate safe locks from the point of view of the mechanics of functioning. Much more important is the class of the device, which directly affects the reliability of the system, its burglary resistance and fault tolerance. However, you should also have an idea about the main classifications.

Basic types of safe locks

At the moment, the most common are classic key, code and biometric devices. The advantages of key models include low cost and ease of use. However, this is not the best safe-type lock, if we evaluate it according to reliability criteria. Code systems, in turn, are of two types - mechanical and electronic. Accordingly, in the first case, the secret is triggered depending on the combination of physical elements dialed, and in the second, a digital code is read. Mechanical reliability of such systemscorresponds to the key mechanisms, but the code system still assumes a higher degree of protection from bypassing the secret of the system.

As for biometric devices, they work on the principle of user identification by unique individual parameters. This can be, for example, a sensory determination of the conformity of the characteristics of the retina or fingerprint to the embedded sample. True, biometric safe locks are much more expensive than traditional systems.

Mechanical and electronic models - which is better?

The gradual move away from mechanics in the lock segment has its own logic. Firstly, this is due to a higher level of security. For example, electronic models practically do not require physical keys. That is, the owner does not have to think about additional storage places as well. Secondly, electronics is always multifunctional and flexible in operation. The same combination safe locks of this type can be programmed for different modes of operation depending on security requirements. But despite these advantages, mechanical devices remain popular. They are beneficial in that they do not need a constant power supply, that is, they are completely autonomous and independent of the mains. There is another advantage to mechanical locks. Of course, they can fail as a result of breakdowns of the internal stuffing, but electronic models also have the possibility of a malfunction of the software system, which entails additional risks.

Key typescastles

In the segment of key models, lever and cylindrical modifications are most widely used. They differ in the mechanical principle of operation, which as a result implies operational features. The strengths of lever mechanisms include resistance to force breaking and the use of master keys, the presence of false grooves and, in general, a high degree of reliability. Cylindrical safe locks are less attractive in terms of reliability. This option is mechanically just as strong, but the locking system itself is not as secure against hacking as compared to its lever counterparts. On the other hand, cylindrical mechanisms are easy to replace, cheaper in price and easier to maintain.

Classes of safe locks

To separate safe locks by class, letter marking is used. The belonging of a structure to one or another category is determined by the ability of the mechanism to resist various kinds of influences. Thus, the entry-level classes A and B provide protection against a mechanical tool, and as the level increases, other means of influence are added to these threats. For example, in class C, the resistance of the device to a thermal tool is already assumed. The most reliable safe locks for safes are marked with the letter D, which confirms the ability of the mechanism to withstand strong electromagnetic fields as well. What else is important to consider, each degree of protection is supposed to have its own resource endurance. In other words, class A and D models are capable ofprotect the safe from mechanical and power tools, but critical impact cycles will vary significantly.

Exploitation nuances

Depending on the type of lock, there are different ways to configure and control them. Traditional mechanical devices are almost free from auxiliary adjustments and usually operate in 1-2 modes of operation. Electronic devices, as already mentioned, require configuration, and in different ways. But in both cases, maintenance measures are assumed. Usually safe locks are repaired due to excessive blockages and in some cases can be done by improvised means by disassembling and cleaning internal elements. Electronic models are more susceptible to the negative effects of moisture and dust, so you should initially protect the place of operation of the safe from such factors.

Conclusion

The products of Elbor, Guardian and Cerberus are the most trusted among specialists in this field. Under these brands, high-quality, technological, functional and at the same time expensive models come out. For example, in the lines of these manufacturers, you can find a safe lock on a lever-type door that costs about 10-12 thousand rubles, which will also protect the metal block of the vault. The owners of mechanisms from the companies "Granit", "Sapphire" and "Bas alt" also point to worthy technical and physical qualities of products, but at the same time they note more affordable prices. In general, the Russian segment of locking devices deserves attention from various consumer groups.