Today the Phoenix Dream Home Safe is ready for review with another expert assessment.

The Dream from Phoenix has just been launched in 2022 with a new and modern design, along with some excellent features and has been manufactured to a very high standard. The Dream offers a digital electronic lock and has an insurance rating of £1,000 for cash and £10,000 for valuables.

Pros and Cons in Short

• Certified by ECB.S class S2 according to EN 14450
• Cash rating £1,000 / valuables rating £10,000
• Digital electronic lock – Manual override key included
• Felt lined soft interior
• Available in 3 colours
• Can be anchored down
• Not fire resistant

Phoenix Dream Safe - Specifications

In total there are 3 different Phoenix Dream safes to choose from, they all have the same specification but just differ in colour.

Positives

Design: One of the main stand out features of the Dream safe is the design and colour, it has been designed with a unique colour scheme in mind. The majority of safes on the current market normally are chosen with the colours of Grey, Black or White in the design. The safe door has been laser cut so it gives a rounded and modern curve finish.

Electronic Lock and Override Key: Budget home safes are normally manufactured with just a key lock as standard or at best a basic electronic lock. The Dream provides you with a stylish electronic lock and a manual override key included in the price. This for the price of the safe is a fantastic advantage in comparison to the other competitors around that price point.

Value for Money: The overall value for money of the Dream Home safe is excellent if you take into consideration all of the features mentioned in the above pros list. For the amount being paid for the safe you are being provided with an good quality safe to protect your cash, valuables or documents.

Quality and Features: Along with the design and finish of the Dream, it has a fully lined velvet soft interior and a removable shelf to create extra space when storing cash and valuables. It has internal locking bolts which ensure that extra level of security and it can also be anchored to the base or back wall of the safe if required.

Negatives

Fire Resistance : The main negative with the Phoenix Dream is the safe not having any fire resistance included, but for the price being paid for the safe you wouldn't expect this to be included. So I only feel that this a slight negative that doesn't take away the overall quality and value for money of the safe.

Expert Review - Phoenix Dream Home Safe

The Phoenix Dream review has now been concluded and after taking all things into consideration the Dream is a fantastic safe to keep small amounts of cash and valuables secure in the home or office.

The Dream has 3 unique colours to choose from with a modern and stylish finish.  The Dream provides excellent value for money along with a high quality product compared to other competitors.

Price/performance is Excellent.

View the Dream range on Simplysafes

It’s time to spring clean your caravan or motorhome

The popularity of caravans and motorhomes continue to increase which is why it is imperative to ensure it is secure when not in use or you are out and about.

It is also as important to protect any valuables that are left within the vehicle.

It is predicted that it will be another boom year for staycations so whether you are opening your existing vehicle or planning to buy a new one, it is critical to invest in the right security products to have peace of mind when away from the vehicle.

Theft is a constant threat and continues be on the increase, especially in the uncertain and challenging times. As fuel prices soar, there has been an increase in the theft of petrol, diesel, and heating oils. It is important to fit deterrents from opportunist thieves or a planned theft.

Best Products and Brands to Buy

Simplysafes offers a full range of security products to protect your motorhome, caravan and trailers. The range comprises of Hitch locks, Wheel clamps and security posts. We have an excellent selection of products available from Autolok, Bulldog and Sentinel.

Our Recommendations

You may have recently purchased a caravan, motorhome or trailer and are now ready to use it over the next few months. Keeping your property secure from thieves is important for your peace of mind and insurance purposes.

Hitch Lock

Our recommended Hitch Lock is the:

Bulldog AA Alko/Albe Hitch Lock

One of our most popular hitch locks from Bulldog, the AA has been designed for use with a wide variety caravans and trailers. It has been tested to the Sold Secure Gold Standard and is insurance approved. For the price it provides excellent value for money and ensures that extra level of security when securing your trailer or caravan.

• Insurance approved
• 5 Year warranty
• Supplied with Bulldog Super Lock Bolt including 2 keys
• Drill and pick resistant lock
• Can be used on various models
• Can only be used unhitched

Wheel Clamp

Our recommended Wheel Clamp is the:

Bulldog DC400 Auto Clamp

The DC400 wheel clamp from Bulldog has been designed for use with larger sized wheels that are commonly used on vans and motorhomes. The wheel clamp is fully adjustable, lightweight and easy to fit. It comes with a 5 year warranty and ideal to keep your van or motorhome secure all year round.

• 5 Year warranty
• Insurance approved
• Supplied with a Bulldog plunge lock
• Top arms are fully adjustable for tyre width and diameter
• Simple to use and easy to fit
• Not suitable for smaller wheels

Security Post

Our recommended security parking post is the:

Sentinel SS-4 Fold Down Security Post

The SS-4 security post from Sentinel provides that extra security when your car, motorhome or caravan is stored on the driveway. A high quality padlock is provided with 2 keys included, it automatically acts as a visual deterrent to any potential thief. It has been constructed to an good standard and comes supplied with easy to follow installation instructions.

• Easy to fold down
• Supplied with a high quality stainless steel padlock – 2 keys provided
• Installation instructions included
• Bright yellow and black vinyl fascia ensures high visibility
• Fixing bolts not supplied

Securing your valuables in your motorhomes or caravan?

Now that your caravan or motorhome might be secured with a hitch lock or wheel clamp. It is important not to disregard the security of your cash or valuables. You may be out on a day trip, walk or night out. But you have also left personal belongings in the caravan.

Why not have that extra peace of mind whilst out by purchasing a small home safe to secure cash or valuables?

Please see our top 3 recommendations below -

Burton Primo Home Safe Size 1

Pros & Cons

• Digital electronic lock supplied with emergency override key
• Cash Rating £1,000 / valuables rating £10,000
• Anti-bump solenoid – Prevents the safe from being bumped open
• Can be anchored to the base or back wall
• Not fire resistant

View the Burton Primo Home Safe Size 1 on our website

Chubbsafes Air 10E Compact Home Safe

Pros & Cons

• Beautiful design, good quality
• Cash Rating £1,000 / valuables rating £10,000
• Robust keyboard
• Can be anchored to floor and wall, incl. mounting hardware
• Only 1 user code adjustable

View the Chubbsafes Air 10E on our website

Phoenix Vela SS0803E Home Safe

Pros & Cons

• Cash Rating £1,000 / valuables rating £10,000
• Supplied with an easy to use digital electronic lock
• Concealed internal hinges
• Carpeted floor
• Not fire resistant

View the Phoenix Vela SS0803E Home Safe on our website

Need advice?

If you have any questions on our Autolok, Bulldog or Sentinel range, please do not hesitate to contact our team.

Rechargeable batteries can be found everywhere and make our daily lives a lot easier. Unfortunately, the latest lithium ion batteries are not as harmless as they seem.

What is a lithium battery?

A lithium battery is a type of battery that can store much more energy than an ordinary alkaline battery. The lithium battery consists of several cells, each of which consists of a kind of sandwich of materials. The advantage of its extremely high energy density is that a relatively small battery can provide a device with energy for a long time. Compared to alkaline batteries, lithium batteries last on average 7 times (!) longer.

The difference between lithium and li ion

There are two types of lithium battery: the non-rechargeable lithium battery and the rechargeable lithium ion battery (also called li ion). Nowadays a lithium ion battery is used in almost every rechargeable device. Smartphones, laptops, electric toothbrushes. All these devices are equipped with the popular rechargeable Li-ion battery. Even electric cars, ships and e-bikes are equipped with lithium ion batteries.

Extend lithium ion battery life

The life of a lithium ion battery depends on several factors. The average lifespan is estimated at 3 years. A lithium ion battery continuously loses its capacity, even if it is not used. There are a number of circumstances that continuously decrease the capacity of the battery.

For example, the higher the temperature of the battery, the faster the capacity is lost. A fully charged battery also ensures that the capacity decreases faster. Since a lithium ion battery is not cheap to buy, you ideally extend the battery life to the maximum. 4 tips to extend the lifespan:

• Store the battery at a temperature below 25°C
• Keep the battery charged to a maximum of 80%
• Do not discharge the battery below 30% during use
• Only use original chargers (no fast chargers)

Are lithium ion batteries dangerous?

Unfortunately, the lithium battery also comes with dangers. It has probably not escaped your notice that there has been a lot of stories about batteries of electric bicycles and smartphones that spontaneously catch fire or even explode. This resulted in electric bicycles catching fire while charging and smartphones exploding in the user's hands.

3 fires from a bicycle battery

Entrepreneurs who sell or rent electric bicycles, drones or IT equipment often charge the batteries at night, so that they are not visible and the batteries remain on the charger for a long time after they have been fully charged. This increases the risk of overheating causing the batteries to catch fire and completely burn down the business premises. In the factory of the e-bike manufacturer Stella, fire broke out no less than 3 times (!) in the space of six months. In all three fires, the cause was a lithium battery of an electric bicycle that overheated.

But even without the electric bicycle battery being connected to the charger, the battery can catch fire and explode. For example, a battery of an electric bicycle in Auke Tweewielers bicycle shop in the Netherlands spontaneously caught fire when no one was present. The bicycle repair shop sustained extensive damage as a result of the fire.

The danger of a lithium battery is that if one of the cells catches fire, the other cells will also catch fire one by one. In addition, the chemical properties of the cell make it extremely difficult to extinguish.

Electric cars with lithium ion batteries

Tesla, BMW, Smart and more car manufacturers produce electric cars that can drive up to 530 km with their large batteries on board without having to recharge in the meantime. The super-powerful lithium-ion batteries are also used here.

Just as with cars that run on petrol or diesel, things sometimes go wrong with electric cars. Due to traffic accidents or other reasons, the cars can catch fire. Compared to traditional cars, electric cars require a completely different extinguishing method.

At the end of March 2019, an electric BMW was extinguished by submerging the car for 24 hours in a large container of water. It was the first time that the fire brigade had an electric car fire under control in this way. This again shows that there is not enough information available about the dangers of lithium batteries and that we need to be extra careful with them.

Extinguishing a lithium ion battery fire

Owning equipment with lithium batteries is therefore not without risks. If a device with a lithium ion battery leaks, becomes excessively hot, smells strongly, produces smoke or produces sparks, it is wrong. If you notice any of the above signals, it is important that you disconnect the device from the charger and move it outside. Be careful not to place the device near combustible materials, then call 999.

If a small lithium ion battery such as a smartphone or power bank is on fire, you can try to extinguish it yourself. Make sure that you do not inhale any hazardous substances and think about your own safety. At the time of writing this article, the fire service is still busy researching the best extinguishing method for lithium batteries. Lithium battery extinguishing agents that are most effective now are the following.

• ABC-powder extinguisher
• (spray) foam extinguisher
• Sand
• Water (only if an extremely large amount is available)

After extinguishing, consult the fire brigade to make sure that the appliance is completely extinguished and that there is no longer a risk of catching fire again. To extinguish larger battery fires such as the batteries of electric bicycles, electric scooters and electric cars, it is necessary to call in the fire service. The fire brigade then determines a suitable extinguishing method.

5 tips to prevent lithium ion battery fire

To reduce the risk of one of your devices with a lithium-ion battery catching fire, keep the following in mind.

1. Replace damaged chargers
2. Only use chargers, devices and batteries from reputable manufacturers
3. Immediately remove the batteries from the charger when they are full
4. Supervise the battery while charging
5. Do not store batteries in direct sunlight

Tips for entrepreneurs

There are also ways for entrepreneurs dealing with lithium batteries to reduce the risk of fire.

1. Place a smoke detector near the battery charging point.
2. Keep the number of batteries in stock to a minimum.
3. Only charge the batteries if you or your staff can see them or if they are charged in a fireproof cabinet with internal power supply.

Storage of lithium ion batteries in a fire-resistant safety cabinet

As mentioned earlier, it is recommended to charge lithium ion batteries in a specially developed fire-resistant safety cabinet. Different models are available from different brands. The safety cabinets are optionally equipped with an internal (controlled) power supply and are fire-resistant from the inside and out.

The controlled power supply minimizes the risk of overheating. If one of the batteries does catch fire, the safety cabinet is fire resistant, so that the fire is kept in the cabinet. By providing the cabinet with an optional internal extinguishing system and smoke detector, you will be alerted in time and the fire inside the cabinet will be fought in good time.

Please note, safety cabinets are not endlessly fire-resistant. If a fire occurs in such a cabinet, it is important that you take action as quickly as possible by moving the cabinet to a safe place and calling in emergency services to extinguish the fire.

Please contact us to discuss this further with regards to the storage of lithium ion batteries in our own specially designed safety cabinets that we have developed.

Today the Phoenix Dream Home Safe is ready for review with another expert assessment.

The Dream from Phoenix has just been launched in 2022 with a new and modern design, along with some excellent features and has been manufactured to a very high standard. The Dream offers a digital electronic lock and has an insurance rating of £1,000 for cash and £10,000 for valuables.

Pros and Cons in Short

• Certified by ECB.S class S2 according to EN 14450
• Cash rating £1,000 / valuables rating £10,000
• Digital electronic lock – Manual override key included
• Felt lined soft interior
• Available in 3 colours
• Can be anchored down
• Not fire resistant

Phoenix Dream Safe - Specifications

In total there are 3 different Phoenix Dream safes to choose from, they all have the same specification but just differ in colour.

Positives

Design: One of the main stand out features of the Dream safe is the design and colour, it has been designed with a unique colour scheme in mind. The majority of safes on the current market normally are chosen with the colours of Grey, Black or White in the design. The safe door has been laser cut so it gives a rounded and modern curve finish.

Electronic Lock and Override Key: Budget home safes are normally manufactured with just a key lock as standard or at best a basic electronic lock. The Dream provides you with a stylish electronic lock and a manual override key included in the price. This for the price of the safe is a fantastic advantage in comparison to the other competitors around that price point.

Value for Money: The overall value for money of the Dream Home safe is excellent if you take into consideration all of the features mentioned in the above pros list. For the amount being paid for the safe you are being provided with an good quality safe to protect your cash, valuables or documents.

Quality and Features: Along with the design and finish of the Dream, it has a fully lined velvet soft interior and a removable shelf to create extra space when storing cash and valuables. It has internal locking bolts which ensure that extra level of security and it can also be anchored to the base or back wall of the safe if required.

Negatives

Fire Resistance : The main negative with the Phoenix Dream is the safe not having any fire resistance included, but for the price being paid for the safe you wouldn't expect this to be included. So I only feel that this a slight negative that doesn't take away the overall quality and value for money of the safe.

Expert Review - Phoenix Dream Home Safe

The Phoenix Dream review has now been concluded and after taking all things into consideration the Dream is a fantastic safe to keep small amounts of cash and valuables secure in the home or office.

The Dream has 3 unique colours to choose from with a modern and stylish finish.  The Dream provides excellent value for money along with a high quality product compared to other competitors.

Price/performance is Excellent.

View the Dream range on Simplysafes

Today the Phoenix Fortress Pro SS1442E is ready for a review and another expert assessment.

The Fortress Pro from Phoenix has just been launched with some excellent features and has been manufactured to a very high standard. The pro offers 60 minutes fire protection for paper documents and has an insurance rating of £4,000 for cash and £40,000 for valuables.

Pros and Cons in Short

• Certified by ECB.S class S2 according to EN 14450
• 60 minutes fire protection for paper
• AiS insurance and Secured by Design – Police Approved
• High security digital electronic lock (EN 1300 approved)
• Certified by ECB.S class LFS30P according EN 15659
• Handy pull out tray for small items
• Modern design
• Cannot be anchored to the back wall

Phoenix Fortress Pro Models

In total there are 8 fortress pro safes which differ in size. They all offer the same specifications and features but just differ in size.

Positives

Fire Protection: One of the massive advantages of the Fortress Pro is the excellent fire protection of 60 minutes for paper documents. Safes normally around this price bracket do not offer a good level of cash/valuables insurance cover along with fire protection. So the Fortress Pro covers ever area!

Security Protection: In combination with the fire protection, the pro offers excellent protection against burglary attack. it has also been designed to match up with the latest European S2 Standards which provides greater reassurance when storing cash or valuables.

AiS and Secured by Design: The Pro has a massive positive with being approved by AiS (British Association of Insurance Surveyors) along with Secured by Design (the Police Preferred Specification). In comparison to similar specification safes the Pro is top of the list when compared against other safes.

Value for Money: The overall value for money of the Fortress Pro is excellent if you take into consideration all of the features mentioned in the above pros list. For the amount being paid for the safe you are being provided with an excellent safe to protect your cash, valuables or documents.

Quality: The construction quality of the Pro has been completed to an excellent standard. The safe is supplied with anti-drilling plates and has three way live locking bolts with also fixed dog bolts. This creates a door with massive strength and provides resistance to attack.

Negatives

Rear Wall Fixing : The main negative with the Phoenix Fortress Pro is that you are unable to anchor the safe to the rear wall and only able to fix it to the base. Please take this into consideration if you are planning to install the safe.

Expert Review - Phoenix Fortress Pro SS1442E

The Phoenix Fortress SS1442E Pro review has now been concluded and after taking all things into consideration the Pro is an excellent safe that provides fantastic security for your cash, valuables or documents.

The good selection of model sizes and locking types will cater for all customers requirements. The pro provides excellent value for money along with a high quality product compared to other competitors.

Price/performance is very good.

View the SS1442E on our website

In the United Kingdom it is vitally important to abide with current rules and laws around the storing of firearms securely. It is an offence to not comply with certain conditions. If offences are committed it can lead to a prison sentence, or a fine, or both.

When choosing a gun cabinet it is important to make the correct selection, so you can then adhere to this current legislation. Many different suppliers of gun cabinets offer different levels of security with each product offered.

Gun Safe Cabinets – BS7558:1992

The current British standard for a gun safe is BS7558:1992, which details the requirements to which gun cabinets must conform.  Although conformity to BS7558:1992 is mandatory, many gun cabinets remain untested and not certified to this day.

If you are going to store expensive firearms securely, it is important to choose the most appropriate gun cabinet to match your requirements.

Who are Sold Secure?

Originally Established in 1992 by Northumbria and Essex Police, with the help and backing of the Home Office. Sold Secure is dedicated to reducing the risk of crime by the assessment of a vast range of security products. Sold Secure is now owned and administered by the Master Locksmiths Association. Products are regularly tested by a highly skilled team.

What is Sold Secure SS302?

Sold Secure’s test specification SS302 meets and exceeds the minimum required in Britain of BS7558 for gun cabinets. Sold Secure work closely with the insurance industry, government organisations and the police to ensure that the products being tested are fit for purpose and grade them at either Bronze, Silver or Gold.

How does testing work?

The testing and approval for Sold Secure is classified into 3 main categories; Gold, Silver and Bronze (there is an additional Diamond grade in some specifications). The higher the grade, the higher the level of security offered by the product. Bronze is the lowest grade and Gold is the highest, unless in a specification with a Diamond grade, in which case Diamond is the highest. The amount of time and the tools allowed are dependent on which test specification is being tested to. This is because Sold Secure testing replicates attack methods used by criminals to ensure maximum security for the intended application; thus, a Gold grade product would need to withstand heavier duty tools for an extended timeframe, in comparison to a Silver or Bronze grade product.

Gun Cabinets Certified with Sold Secure SS302

Warden LFS Gun Safe Range

The Burton Warden gun safe range has been certified to Firearms Cabinets SS302:2020. It has been approved to the Silver Standard by Sold Secure.

The Warden is available in two different sizes (LFS 6 and LFS 14). It also comes with two different locking types with the choice of either a double bitted key lock or easy to use digital electronic lock. It has been built to an excellent standard and can be anchored to the base or back wall for added security.

Pros & Cons