Guides

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.

In this expert review, we take a closer look at De Raat's popular PT1 home safe.

It is a home safe designed to protect cash and valuables. De Raat's PT series is Security Level S2 certified according to European Standard EN 14450, filled with a fire-retardant material and can be anchored to the floor or wall. The ET series includes the same construction method, certification and models, but is equipped with a digital code lock instead of a key lock. See also below for an overview.

Pros and cons De Raat PT1 - in short

• Easy operation
• European certified Security Level S2 according to EN 14450
• Can be anchored to bottom (2) and / or rear wall (2)
• Excellent quality
• Little to no fire protection
• Not highly achievable certificate for safes
• Free passage is reduced by safe door that can open up to 90 degrees

Model overview De Raat home safes

De Raat PT (key lock) Range

De Raat ET (electronic code lock) Range

Pros

Ease of use : The PT1 is has a double-bit key lock. Operation is simple and because the key is not too long, it is still fine to hang on a key ring.

Safety : The safe door and double-walled hull are solidly constructed. The locking pins on 3 sides (front, top, bottom) give a solid impression. With a value deposit of £4,000 in cash, this safe offers more than enough protection for most individuals. Jewellery are of course also stored safely here.

Anchoring: The PT1 is provided with 2 anchoring holes in the bottom and in the back wall. So there are enough options to anchor the safe properly. A mechanical anchoring set is included in the delivery.

Quality: The quality is more than sufficient. The finish is simple, but neat and solid.

Negatives

Fire protection:  Although the safe is burglar resistant, the fire safety performance is very limited. The fire resistant filling causes some delay, but the construction is not suited for fire protection; in a fire the contents will be destroyed within a short time.

Certification: Although the PT1 carries the S2 label according to EN 14450, it is certified by an Eastern European institute, namely Czech Trezor test. Experts among us know that the level of such an institute is significantly lower than safes certified by ECB.S. The production process is also less strictly monitored. De Raat opts for easy certification and thus a cheaper product and not for optimal security.

Interior: Due to the integrated hinge construction, the safe door can be opened up to 90 degrees. This significantly reduces the net passage. This is definitely something to consider when purchasing. The shelf is removable.

Expert assessment De Raat PT1

The De Raat PT1 home safe is a high-quality safe for storing valuables and cash. This safe is suitable for both private and small business use. The safe feels sturdy and offers a good price / quality ratio. The PT1 is the second smallest of the 7 models in the PT series.

The certification is not optimal. The right standard, but the better ECB.S certification has not been chosen.

Consider the narrow passage due to the thickness of the safe door.

View all safes from De Raat Security.

Today we are going to review the Chubbsafes Homesafe 50 EL.

The Homesafe series is the latest range of home safes from Chubbsafes and designed for the safe storage of money, jewellery and paper documents. The range offers certified protection against burglary and fire.

The Homesafe series is European certified class S2 according to EN 14450 with a value storage of £4,000 for cash and £40,000 for valuables.
The Homesafe series is European certified class LFS30P according to EN 15659 and offers 1/2 hour fire protection for paper documents.

Anchoring is possible via the bottom by means of 2 large anchors (included). In our review we look at model 50 EL which is equipped with an electronic code lock.

In total there are 6 models ranging from 11 to 91 liters. Equipped with a key lock or electronic code lock per model.

Plus and minus points - in short

• Light weight safe with excellent quality
• High-quality electronic code lock with 2 adjustable codes
• Class S2 according to EN 14450. Value storage € 5,000 cash / € 9,000 valuables
• 1/2 hour fire resistant according to EN 15659, class LFS30P
• European certified by ECB.S; highest attainable certificate
• Shelf not adjustable in height
• Insufficient depth for binders (ring binders do fit)
• Cannot be anchored via the rear wall (floor only)

Chubbsafes Homesafes models

The designation "KL" (Key Lock) is the variant with key lock, "EL" (Electronic Lock) electronic code lock.

Construction features

Revolutionary V-shaped shots	Integrated thief claw on hinge side Special band in the door frame that swells during fire	2 large M16 wedge bolts for bottom anchoring

Pros

Ease of use : What is striking is the lack of a door handle. This function has been adopted in the lock, which is equipped with a black rotating ring. After entering the factory code, we were able to open the lock and then the safe. The keystrokes feel good and give feedback by means of a beep and red LED. You will be warned in time if the battery is weak. Changing is easy because the battery is in the keyboard. A battery is included as standard. Nice feature is the lighting; in the dark you press the light and the keyboard is illuminated.

Safety : Chubbsafes is known for its high-quality constructions. This is underlined by opting for the toughest tests and certifications. This strategy has also been followed for the Homesafe and it has been opted for certification by ECB.S for both burglary and fire. The safe feels good and on the hinge side the safe door has integrated thief claws.

The lock runs smoothly and the alternative choice for "V-shaped" shots differs from what we are used to with safes, but this has clearly been thought about.

Certification: As already indicated, the Homesafe burglary and fire is certified by ECB.S. Burglar-resistant Security Level 2 (S2) according to EN 14450 and fire-resistant class LFS30P according to EN15659. The certification plates, in accordance with EN standards, are affixed to the rear of the safe door. In accordance with the requirement, all locks on the Homesafe series are EN 1300 certified.

Anchoring:  2 anchoring holes are provided in the bottom and the safe can be anchored perfectly with the 2 M16 anchors supplied. Because this safe is also certified fire resistant, it logically has no anchoring holes in the back wall. After all, this would weaken the fire-resistant barrier. If anchoring in the floor is not possible, gluing is a good alternative.

Quality: The finish in anthracite-colored powder coating is scratch resistant and can take a beating. The quality is excellent.

Negatives

Weight:  The low weight certainly has a great advantage; installation is easier and saves costs. However, the safe feels less heavy and solid, which can also be experienced as less 'good'.

Interior: The supplied shelf is removable, but not adjustable in height. If you want to store higher items, the shelf must be removed, but then you no longer have any extra space for other items.

Then there is the interior depth of the safe. All Homesafe models have an internal depth of 281 mm. Sufficiently deep for all kinds of stuff, but not deep enough for placing a file. This just does not fit because we are 10 mm short. That is a pity because there will also be business users who want to store their binders with paper documents in a fire-safe manner. Less deep ring binders do fit.

Expert review Chubbsafes Homesafe

Since its introduction, the Chubbsafes Homesafe series has quickly developed into a bestseller. Many private individuals and small business users are now satisfied users. With European certified burglary and fire safety, the Homesafe series offers a high-quality safe for storing money, jewellery and other valuable belongings.

Unfortunately, the internal depth has not been given enough thought. Folders just don't fit and as a business user this would be handy. The shelf is also not adjustable in height (but removable). We have now heard from a reliable source that Chubbsafes is working on this 'problem'. Time will tell.

Due to the low weight, the safe may feel a little less solid, but it is ingeniously constructed and with the right ECB.S certificates there is no reason to doubt. Truly a bestseller !

Order the Chubbsafes Homesafe 50 EL on our website.

About Lips Safes

The Lips family business was founded in 1870. Founder Jacobus Lips started as a small forge with the manufacture of stoves, fireplaces and soon safes. The company has grown over the years. Around 1920, the Lips factory already had 1,000 employees. After a reconstruction of the company after 1945, the company has continued to grow steadily.

Lips Safes and Chubbsafes

In 1971 the company merged with the English company Chubb. In the following years, the company Chubb-Lips successfully started with electronic security solutions. After several purchases and sales of the company, Lips Brandkasten became part sold to the current Swedish owner Gunnebo.

Lips Brandkasten is still one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality safes today. Due to further internationalization, the products are labeled with "Chubbsafes". The name Lips Brandkasten is still used in the Netherlands and Belgium because of their reputation. A Chubbsafes safe is therefore equal to a safe from Lips Brandkasten and vice versa.

Always protect your irreplaceable valuables against fire!

Vital and irreplaceable paper documents (tax returns, certificates, diplomas, customer information, personnel files, contracts, etc.) have high emotional value or are critical to any business operation and must be protected from fire.

Statistics indicate that companies need to take additional measures to protect their sensitive information.

What is a fire resistant safe?

A fire resistant safe (or safe) is designed to ensure that the temperature inside the safe does not rise above a certain temperature during a fire and to prevent damage to the contents. Depending on the items stored in the safe, the temperature should not exceed:

• 177 ° C for paper (documents, files, contracts, etc.)
• 52 ° C for data media (backup tapes, floppies, microfilms, hard disks DVDs, CDs, USB sticks, memory cards etc.)

For data media, the relative humidity must not exceed 85%. This requirement does not apply to paper, because paper is not destroyed if it gets wet.

The fire resistance of a safe is indicated in minutes or hours.

Fire resistant tests & standards

There are several tests that are performed on fire resistant safes to measure fire safety. For more information about fire resistant safes, tests and standards go to What is a fire resistant safe?

Fire resistant standards table

The following standards are applied internationally. If one of these tests is carried out by a VdS, SP, UL or JIS), a correct execution of the fire test is ensured. The test results are reliable. Independent experts recommend a fire-resistant safe certified to one of these standards and test institutes.

Note

• Data media are most vulnerable storage media, such as: backup tapes, floppy disks, photo negatives, (traditional) hard disks, USB sticks, CDs, DVDs, memory cards
• For a real fire resistant safe choose a safe certified according to EN 1047-1, EN 15659, UL72, JIS (S1037) or NT Fire 017.
• For the best fire resistant safe, choose a safe certified to EN 1047-1 or UL72.
• A fire-resistant construction according to DIN 4102 does not yet make a fire-safe. At most, it provides a fire delay of a few minutes. See our DIN 4102 article.

Which fireproof safe is most suitable for me?

In order to make the right choice, you need to know the following:

1. How long should the safe provide protection against fire?
2. How big should the safe be? What is the required storage capacity?
3. Is an indication of value storage required for storing cash or other valuables?
4. Which type of lock do you prefer?
5. What is your budget?
6. Miscellaneous

1. Duration of fire protection, how long is long enough?

It is important to consider what you want to protect against fire and what risk you run or don't want to run.

The higher the risk, the higher the necessary fire safety

In addition, the location of the safe also has a (major) influence on fire safety. In the basement, the temperature development during a fire is lower than on the top floor of a building. In the basement, there is also no risk of the safe falling down upon collapse. Furthermore, the intensity of a fire is determined by the presence of flammable materials. A monumental farm with a lot of wood and a thatched roof will develop a different kind of fire than a modern building of 'steel and concrete'.

The location can also be decisive; is the arrival time of the fire brigade short or longer? This will be different for urban area vs. country side.

Which fire resistant safe is most suitable for me?

It is important to consider what you want to protect against fire and what risk you run or want to run.

The higher the risk, the higher the necessary fire safety

Tip

• Safes with the best fire protection are certified fire resistant safes according to European Standard EN 1047-1.
• If you want to store these very valuable, emotional or business criticisms fireproof, then choose an EN 1047-1 certified safe.

2. How big should the safe be? What is the required storage capacity?

The size of the fire-resistant safe must of course depend on what you want to store in it. If you wish to place files in the safe, you must take into account a height (file folder in portrait orientation) or width (file folder in landscape format) of 32 cm and a depth of 29 cm. A safe is a sustainable investment, so make sure you not only fit things in now, but provide extra space for later.

Tip

• The purchase of a safe is a sustainable investment; never buy a safe too small, but focused on the future.
• Note the free passage of a safe. Due to the door construction, the free passage can be smaller than the net internal width. As a result, a file, laptop, or other stuff just can't fit!

3. Is a value deposit also required?

A fire resistant document safe is primarily constructed to keep heat from a fire out of the safe and to ensure a low temperature. However, in a number of cases people want to protect against burglary at the same time. Burglary resistant safes are different in construction and filling materials, but a combination of burglary and fire resistant properties is quite possible.

However, a safe that combines fire safety and burglary protection requires a higher investment. For value storage, see also  Selection Help 1. Total value - value storage of a safe .

Basically, you have to assume which burglar-resistant safe supplemented with fire-resistant properties or a fire-resistant safe with burglar-resistant properties.

Products can also be (cleverly) combined, such as placing a fire-resistant box in a fire-resistant safe.

If you need a burglar and fire resistant safe, you can contact us for tailor-made advice.

4. Safe lock type, which one is best?

A wide variety of locks are available for safes. You can choose from key locks, mechanical combination locks, electronic code locks or biometric locks. There are also time locks and safes can be equipped with double locks so that 2 people are needed to open the safe. The various lock options have advantages and disadvantages.

Read our extensive blog article which type of safe lock is best for you, or contact us for personal advice.

5. Budget, amount of your investment

In principle, there is a safe for every budget. In general; the higher the investment; the higher the protection against burglary or fire. Is burglary and fire safety combined in a safe? The required budget will increase, but at the same time you will be better protected.

Budget is an important factor in every situation. However, determine your choice for the right safe based on your requirements and wishes. If this is above your budget, consider a smaller model or switch to a key lock. You maintain a lower investment while maintaining safety.

6. Other important things when choosing a fire safe

Fireproof safes come in many different types and designs. This has to do with the type of items that can be stored in the safe and additional provisions that have been made in the safe.

• Home safe  - for storing limited amount of paper documents. Pay attention! Not all private safes are fire resistant.
• Document safe  - for storing paper documents, contracts, files, etc.
• Data safe  - for storing backup tapes, USB sticks, CDs, DVDs, microfilms, etc.
• Fire resistant chemical cupboard  - for storing chemicals, hazardous and highly flammable substances
• Fireproof filing cabinet  - for filing files, documents, etc. Such cabinets are often filled with a fire-retardant material. In practice, these are called fire resistant, but often this is not so, or very limited!

Interior options

There are several options when it comes to the interior of your safe. It is possible to provide a safe with lockable compartments, so that there is only access to documents, not cash. Extendable suspension file frames, extra shelves, or special data inserts for extra fire safety of data media.

Placement and anchoring of fire resistant safes

Take into account the maximum permitted weight on the spot and the weight of the safe you have in mind. If you are not sure whether the floor is strong enough, please contact us.

A fire resistant safe can be installed in different ways. Safes can be placed freestanding, while they can also be attached to floors, walls, or inside a cupboard, under a bed, etc. There are also floor safes, specially designed to be mounted below ground level. All safes up to 1000 kg must be properly anchored. If you want to have a safe installed, go to Placing and Anchoring Safe.

Need personal advice?

Would you like personal advice or speak to one of our specialists? Please contact us for further explanation and advice.

View all fireproof safes

A burglary takes place every 106 seconds in the UK ! Most of us don't expect to fall victim to a burglary. Yet there are 817 domestic burglaries in the UK every day! Do not wait until it is too late, but take timely measures to protect your valuables. Even good insurance is no substitute for your cash, jewellery, sensitive documents, computer media or other valuable assets.

A safe is a worthwhile investment and offers you peace of mind and security

Due to increasing supply and demand, the range of safes for private homes has become very affordable. With the growing number of break-ins, a safe is an ideal place to store cash, important documents, such as marriage certificates, passports and credit cards.

But also for every company, a safe remains an indispensable place to safely store cash and crucial business information and to protect it against the burglars' guild.

How do I make the right choice for a safe?

Many different safes are available to protect money and valuables from theft. To further help you make the right choice, there are the following basic questions:

1: What is the total value of cash and valuables in the safe you wish to store?
2: How large should the safe be, or in other words, what is the required storage capacity?
3: Which type of lock do you prefer?
4: What is your budget?
5: Other important things when choosing a safe

1. Total value - storage of a safe

All safes that are resistant to burglary are equipped with an (indication) valuables storage. The value storage indicates how safe a safe is. The higher the value storage, the safer the safe. Please note: valuation is only applicable if the safe is properly anchored in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

How is the value storage measured?

The value storage, also known as insured value, is a measure for distinguishing the burglary-resistance of different safes. It also applies if you want to have the contents of the safe insured. The higher the value storage, the higher the resistance to breaking open, and thus the better the safe. If you want to insure the contents of your safe, it is advisable to contact your insurance company and be informed of the requirements and conditions that your insurer provides for cover.

In a safe with a value credit of £10,000, you can store up to £10,000 in cash value . It is therefore not wise to store a cash amount of £50,000 in a safe with a value deposit of £10,000.

Information card for safes Standardization and Coverage advice

As of 1 June 2015, a distinction is also made between value storage for cash and valuables .

If you want to store valuables such as jewellery, a stamp collection, old coins in a safe, the value storage will be doubled. This may partly influence the location of the house or the building, region, the presence of an alarm system, etc.

The valuation is also indicative of the construction of the safe, thickness of the walls and door, complexity and safety of the locking mechanism, lock, additional protections and general build quality. In general, the higher the value storage, the safer the safe.

It is always advisable to contact your insurance company if you want to store specific valuables with high value or a lot of cash.

Security tests & standards

For burglar-resistant safes, a distinction is made between the following security standards:

• EN 14450 European Standard for private safes Security Level S1 and S2 *
• EN 1143-1 European Standard for safes Grade 0 to class VI *
• EN 1143-2 European Standard for Deposit Safes Grade DI to Class DIV *

For more information about standards and burglary resistance go to: What is a security safe .

Table of standards and valuation

• For EN 1143-1 and EN 1143-2: 'Class' is also referred to as 'Grade', 'CEN' or 'Eurograde'.
• For EN 14450: 'Security Level' is also referred to as 'Class'.
• The NCP and VDMA standard has become obsolete and has been replaced by European Standard EN 14450. However, this indication is still frequently used to indicate the safety of a safe. Please note: these are safes built according to regulations. These have not been tested and are not certified! This designation will fully expire on 1 January 2016.

2. Storage capacity, contents of the safe

The size of the safe must of course depend on what you want to store in it. If you wish to place files in the safe, you must take into account a height (file folder in portrait orientation) or width (file folder in landscape format) of 32 cm and a depth of 29 cm. A safe is a sustainable investment so make sure that not only do things fit in now, but provide extra space for later.

Tip

• The purchase of a safe is a sustainable investment; never buy a safe too small, but focused on the future.
• Note the free passage of a safe. Due to the door construction, the free passage can be smaller than the net internal width. As a result, a file, laptop, or other stuff just can't fit!

3. Safe lock type, which one is best?

A wide variety of locks are available for safes. You can choose from key locks, mechanical combination locks, electronic code locks or biometric locks. There are also time locks and safes can be equipped with double locks so that 2 people are needed to open the safe. The various lock options have advantages and disadvantages.

Read our extensive blog article  which type of safe lock  is best for you, or contact us for personal advice.

4. Budget, amount of your investment

In principle, there is a safe for every budget. In general; the higher the investment; the better the protection against burglary or fire. Is burglary and fire safety combined in a safe? The required budget will increase, but at the same time you will be better protected.

Budget is an important factor in every situation. However, determine your choice for the right safe based on your requirements and wishes. If this is above your budget, consider a smaller model or switch to a key lock. You maintain a lower investment while maintaining safety.

5. Other important matters when choosing a burglar-resistant safe

Type and version; a specific safe for each application

Safes come in many different types and designs. This has to do with the type of items that can be stored in the safe and additional provisions that have been made in the safe.

• Home safe  - for storing limited amount of cash and valuables. Private and small business use.
• Certified Safe  or  Money Safe  - for storing larger amounts of cash and valuables. Business use.
• Safes for computer and laptops  - for storing laptops, computers, servers, etc.
• Key safe or Key cabinets - for the safe storage of several or hundreds of keys.
• Deposit safe  - for skimming day money for hotels, restaurants, shops, etc.
• Wall safe  - walled in a stone or concrete wall.
• Hotel safe  - for hotel guests and management functions.
• Floor safe  - walled in to a floor below ground level.
• Car key safe  - for storage of car key sets.
• Gun safe - for safe storage of firearms.

Interior options

There are several options when it comes to the interior of your safe. It is possible to provide a safe with lockable compartments, so that there is only access to documents, not cash. Extendable suspension file frames, extra shelves, or special data inserts for extra fire safety of data media.

Placement and anchoring of safes

A safe can be installed in several ways. Safes can be placed freestanding, while they can also be attached to floors, walls, or inside a cupboard, under a bed, etc. There are also floor safes, specially designed to be mounted below ground level. All safes up to 1000 kg must be properly anchored. If you want to have a safe installed, go to Placing and Anchoring Safe.

Take into account the maximum permitted weight on the spot and the weight of the safe you have in mind. If you are not sure whether the floor is strong enough, please contact us.

Should you forget the user code, it might be possible to open without the need for a locksmith or safe engineer. However, it depends on the type you have purchased.

Emergency key

If you purchased an entry-level model, there should be an emergency key. This will allow you to override the digital keypad and open your safe. There will have been two keys supplied if this is the type you bought. If you have lost these keys then you will need to enlist a locksmith to open it.

Safes with insurance approval

Models with insurance approval, do not have this override facility. This will require a safe engineer to drill or pick the safe open in this instance. Despite this, it does mean the safe can be used in future but it may require a new lock to be fitted. The replacement cost will be dependent on the rating of the safe and the lock specification to suit your needs.

Here at Simply Safes, this is one of the most frequently asked questions that we receive. We have put together this handy buying guide to help you make your choice. Ultimately it is our opinion that this broadly down to your own personal preference. This guide also goes into further detail about the different options available on digital locks and your options when faced with a really long safe key.

How secure is a digital lock and can it be hacked? 

When a safe is tested for insurance purposes, it is done in two parts, one is the safe and the other is the lock. The lock goes through testing and part of that is to check if it can be hacked by various methods.

Of course the lock is only as secure as the numbers that are programmed into it and ensuring all factory codes are changed. The last thing you want is not have deleted a master code that is readily available in product manuals online.

We also recommend that you ensure the code is changed regularly and to use different numbers in that process to avoid tell signs of keypad wear that might tip off an opportunist.

Is one lock type more secure than another?

Essentially, no one type of lock is more secure than another, as we have mentioned above. Locks are tested to a specific level for the type of safe it is fitted too.

Ultimately it boils down to keeping the code you set secure on a digital lock or keeping the key secure. For insurance purposes, your broker can insist you keep the key on your person at all times.

What happens if the batteries fail on my digital lock?

Is it some customers fear that if the batteries fail then the safe might spring open or go back to the default settings. Rest assured, it will definitely not just open and only in very rare cases will it go back to the default factory codes if at all.

In essence, we strongly recommend that you ensure you change the batteries regularly to avoid these kinds on issues. It might be wise to put a simple calendar reminder in for 6 months after your purchase to check the level of the batteries.

What happens if I lose a key to my safe?

If you should lose a key to an entry level model, then sadly it is not possible to get replacements in most cases. You could try a locksmith local to you, this needs to be a reputable MLA registered locksmith and not somewhere such as Timpsons. If you have purchased an Arregui or BTV safe from us then it may be possible for us to arrange a replacement key however we need proof of purchase and a form of ID before we are able to do this.

Should you lose a key to an insurance approved model with a double bitted key lock then replacements can be cut for you but a copy would need to be made from an original. If you have lost both keys we can arrange for an engineer to visit, they would use best practice to minimise any damages. Once open, a new lock can be fitted to get your belongings secure again.

Some key locking models from Burg Wachter and De Raat Security have the option to re-key your lock. This means should you lose a key or a staff member leaves with one, the safe is not compromised. As long as you have one key to open the lock, you can change the lock over to a new set of keys.

To do this, you would need to purchase a set of new keys in a kit from us - in the kit also comes a change key. All of this can be done without the need to call a locksmith out, saving you money. Please call us for more details and assistance.

What are my options on the really long safe keys?

If you have a higher rated safe that features long safe keys, which you do not want to keep on your person then in some cases it is possible to have key stem system. This is where the keys come in multiple parts and essentially you put the key together to open the lock.

The only part you would need to keep on your person in this instance is the part that features the double bitted key.

I need an audit trail and multiple users, is this possible?

Yes this is certainly no issue at all, you may require a more advanced digital lock to be fitted, if you require certain functionality. Where possible, we will find a product that matches your requirements from an off the shelf item.

This will be more cost effective for you and also quicker to be delivered. Please call one of our friendly sales team to discuss your options further

Are you able to provide digital locks with one-time access codes?

We have worked with several large customers on big projects where very advanced digital locks were required. This was for audit and internal purposes to provide added security for staff members. One-time access codes can be created off-site and then sent to the user that is present, once they have been verified.

Our summary

We hope you have found this buying guide to be helpful, we understand that some of the tips may not apply to everyone.

In short, keys for safes that are approved for insurance purposes may need to kept on your person, so could prove an inconvenience. There is however, peace of mind in that you do not have to remember a code or change batteries.

An electronic digital lock has the benefit of no keys to keep with you and are easy to open for the user. The more advanced locks have various features which might be of more benefit to the commercial market.

Making the right choice of home safe, can be overwhelming due to so many choices. At Simply Safes, we frequently receive calls asking for assistance. Our experienced staff put them at ease and help them make an educated decision.

With an extensive range of safes to choose from you might ask "Why do you list so many safes?". Some are not suitable, simply down to their size and/or weight. While most manufacturers follow similar sizing, some will have models with external hinges and larger handles than others. In certain situations, this will limit your choice. Rest assured we will help you find the type of safe to suit.

Buying a safe for your home is often a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. This easy to remember Buying Guide will assist you. The five points will give you peace of mind now, and many years to come.

Do I need a particular rating of safe?

Our suggestion is to start by choosing a rating that you require to suit the valuables you will be securing. Safes have a Cash Rating and the valuables rating is a multiple of 10 of that value. Entry level models start with a cash rating of £1,000 which gives a Valuables Rating of £10,000.

Do you want to protect any items from fire?

In our experience, customers will often opt for a model that has fire protection as well as a security rating. These models are a little more expensive than those without. It is not essential to have a fire resistant safe but it is worth considering as we tend to keep important documents at home more than in the past.

Our banks and solicitors used to keep our Title Deeds and Wills as standard. In most circumstances this is no longer the case. Costs to replace copies of these and documents such as passports can cost a considerable amount.

What type of lock should I choose?

Personal preference often solves this the answer to this question. In short, a key lock will last you longer. However, you will be required by insurance companies to keep the key on your person. An electronic lock means no key to keep with you. However, you should remember to change the batteries every year, or every 6 months if you use the safe a lot.

How will you secure your home safe?

An important part that most customers do not fully consider is how they are going to secure their purchase. We can of course arrange this for you if needed for greater peace of mind. Unless a safe is 1000kg or over you will need to ensure it is bolted down.

The world's strongest man is capable of lifting 500kg. You might ask why this is relevant? If your safe weighed 200kg it would probably take two burglars to remove it if it were not bolted down.

To secure your home safe, the best method is to fix it to a solid concrete floor. If you can't do this, then fix it to a solid wall such as brick or block. Alternatively, you can secure it to a joist underneath a wooden floor. Chemical fixing is a last resort for you to consider. Check out our handy installation guide for full details.

What sort of size should I consider?

Space in the home is often limited. You may not have many options as to where your safe can be secured. This could mean that size is one of the most important factors to consider. For this reason we stock many models, so you can narrow your choice by dimensions if nothing else.

A safe is a once in a lifetime purchase, so it is worthwhile getting the biggest model possible. This will enable you to store extra large items such as laptops when on holiday.

While budget may be limited, we urge you to bear in mind the replacement costs of documents. Please consider all the factors mentioned in this article when making your choice.

What is the purple badge I see on your product listings and product pages?

This purple badge is the AiS approved logo by the Association of Insurance Surveyors or AiS for short. It also confirms that the safe has been tested in a reputable testing house. Your insurance company will have access to the insurance approved safe list. Should you purchase a model with this logo they will know what cash rating it has.

How long would it take for a home safe to be opened by a burglar?

The typical time for the Police to respond to a burglary can vary dramatically. The average burglar will remain in your property between 8 and 12 minutes. Ultimately having a safe will buy you time. The higher the rating, the greater the level of protection, the longer it might take. If a burglar had sufficient time and the right tools then they would be able to gain access eventually.

Why should I bother locking keys away?

The modern-day burglar is no longer interested in taking your TV. They find it far more valuable to them to remove items such as car keys. Sophisticated burglars are even using a scanning device to trick your car into opening so it can be driven off. Locking your car keys away, not just your spares, will prevent this from happening.

What other measures can I take to help prevent my home from being a target?

There are several different ways you can prevent your property, these include:

• Ensuring all doors and windows are locked when you leave.
• Hide all keys from view and store them securely in a safe.
• Install outside lighting with motion sensors.
• Install a burglar alarm with a siren box to act as a further deterrent.
• Install a video doorbell or CCTV so you can monitor and record activity.
• Mark all property with your name and postcode.
• Consider joining a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme or starting one.

This list is by no means exhaustive, so try to consider all aspects of how a burglar might gain access.

Our summary

In short, it is no easy task to choose the right home safe. What is right for one customer is not right for everyone. We hope this buying guide has made the process of choosing that little bit easier.

Your ultimate choice might boil down to the size of space you have or the locking type you prefer. No matter what model you choose, your belongings, identity and keys will be secure, giving you that peace of mind.

Should you require any assistance please call and speak to one of our friendly sales advisors who will be happy to assist.

Here at Simply Safes, we have put together this handy buying guide on fireproof safes, to suit all budgets. All fireproof safes are tested differently depending on the type of item that is being protected. Media damages at different temperatures so it is important to select the right type of fireproof safe. Please feel free to get in touch with one of our friendly sales team to discuss your choices further.

Fireproof Safes under £249

Key Locking Model under £249

The Phoenix Titan FS1281K is popular model with our customers and provides a key locking solution not normally seen at this price point.

Features

• Twin locking bolts
• Two keys supplied
• Internal pull out tray
• Fixings supplied for concrete

Pros & Cons

• 60 Minutes protection for paper documents
• Key locking with two keys supplied
• 2 larger models available
• Easily removed if not bolted down
• No water protection
• Not tested for security

£184.80 including VAT

Buy the Phoenix Titan FS1281K online

Electronic Model under £249

The Sentry Safe Big Bolts SFW082GTC is a compact model that offers both fire and water protection. You can also keep CDs, DVDs and memory sticks inside to keep them protected from fire damage.

Features

• Compact size
• Well known fireproof brand
• 60 Minutes protection
• Water protection

Pros & Cons

• Attractive keypad with key lock
• Fire protection for documents and digital media
• Water protection up to 5 inches for 24 hours
• No pre-drilled holes
• No security rating

£239.00 including VAT
Buy the Sentry Safe SFW082GTC online

Fireproof Safes between £250 and £400

Key locking Model between £250 and £400

The Chubbsafes Home Safe S2 20K uses revolutionary V locking bolts not seen on any other brands. With many sizes available the range offers something for everyone.

Features

• V Shaped locking bolts
• Known brand trusted the world over
• 6 Sizes
• Choice of key or electronic to suit your preference

Pros & Cons

• Insurance approved for £40,000 in valuables
• V Shaped locking bolts
• 5 Other sized models available
• Easily removed if not secured
• No water protection
• Only fixing points in the base

£265.00 including VAT

Buy the Chubbsafes Home Safe 20k online

Fireproof Safes between £400 and £600

Key Locking Model between £400 and £600

The Burton Safes Firesec 4/60 2K gives peace of mind that it offers both security and fire protection that is tested. It features 60 minutes fire protection tested to LFS 60P and is insurance approved by the AiS.

Features

• AiS Insurance approved
• 60 Minutes fireproof
• Nice cube shape to accomodate different sized items
• Popular range