Commercial safes are an essential investment for any business, regardless of its size or industry. These safes are designed to protect valuable assets and documents from theft, fire, and other forms of damage. However, with so many different types, ratings, sizes, and features available, choosing the right commercial safe can be a challenging task.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at commercial safes, including types, steel thickness, locking mechanisms, fire rating, size, space requirements, and contents to be stored in the safe, and the importance of considering the contents value before making a purchase.
Types of Commercial Safes: Commercial safes come in a variety of types, including depository safes, floor safes, wall safes, and stand-alone safes.
Depository safes are designed for businesses that deal with a high volume of cash transactions. These safes have a slot on the top or front for depositing cash, checks, or other documents without opening the safe's main door.
Floor safes are installed directly into the floor and are often used for storing high-value items.
Wall safes are installed directly into the wall, providing a hidden and secure storage solution.
Stand-alone safes, on the other hand, are free-standing units that are bolted down to the floor.
Steel Thickness: One of the most critical factors to consider when purchasing a commercial safe is the steel thickness of the door and body. Thicker steel offers better protection against drilling, cutting, and prying attacks. For the door, a minimum steel thickness of 1/2" is recommended, while a steel thickness of 1/4" is recommended for the body. For added security, some commercial safes feature composite doors, which combine several layers of steel and other materials to provide superior protection.
Locking Mechanisms: The locking mechanism of a commercial safe is another essential factor to consider. Different locking mechanisms offer varying levels of security and convenience. The most common locking mechanisms for commercial safes include key locks, mechanical combination locks, and electronic locks. Key locks are the most traditional type of locking mechanism and offer a high level of security. Mechanical combination locks require a specific sequence of numbers to be entered to unlock the safe, while electronic locks use a keypad or fingerprint scanner to grant access.
Fire Rating: Fire rating is another critical factor to consider when purchasing a commercial safe. The fire rating indicates how long the safe can withstand fire exposure without its contents being damaged. The standard fire rating for a commercial safe is typically 1-2 hours. Safes with higher fire ratings can withstand fires for longer periods, providing extra protection for your valuable documents and assets.
Size and Space Requirements: The size and space requirements of a commercial safe depend on the contents you want to store. It's essential to consider the size of the safe's door and body, as well as the available space in your business premises. If you have larger items, such as cash drawers or jewelry cases, you'll need a larger safe. It's also crucial to ensure that the safe can fit through the entrance and into the designated storage location.
Contents to be Stored in the Safe: When purchasing a commercial safe, it's essential to consider the contents you want to store in it. This will help you determine the size and features you need to ensure that your valuables are adequately protected. Some common items stored in commercial safes include cash, jewelry, confidential documents, and data storage devices. Depending on your business's industry and operations, you may have specific requirements for what you need to store in the safe.
The Importance of Considering Contents Value: Before purchasing a commercial safe, it's important to consider the value of the contents you want to store. This will help you determine the level of protection you need, and the features required to ensure your valuables.
Consult with a safe or vault pro to have a better understanding of your actual needs.