Security cabinets

A safe with a code lock is also known as a digital safe or combination safe. Locking is done by an electronic code lock or a mechanical combination lock. Key-operated safes are also available, as are combinations of both. The right choice depends on your daily use and the security grade of your safe.

From grade 4 onwards, two safe locks are mandatory — a combination of key lock and code lock, or two code locks. For lighter safes, a second lock can be added as an option.

• Electronic locks: user-friendly, the code is easy to set and change, often with multiple codes, time functions, audit trail and alarm connection.
• Mechanical locks: the classic mechanical dial lock — extremely reliable and durable, less prone to faults, but slower to operate and more complex when changing the code.
• Key locks: suitable as an additional lock, but rarely recommended as the only lock.

Learn more about how to choose the right safe or explore our range of safe locks.

The resistance class of a safe can usually be found on the certification plate installed by the manufacturer inside the safe. This plate is typically located on the inside of the door and indicates, among other things:

• the European standard (for example EN 1143-1 or EN 14450)

• the resistance class (for example S1, S2, class I, II, III…)

• the certification body (for example ECB-S, VdS, CNPP, SBSC…)

• the weight of the safe

• the year of manufacture

If no certification plate is present, the safe may be non-certified. It may also be an older safe manufactured before the introduction of the European standard EN 1143-1, which came into force in 1997.

EN 14450 is a European standard for security cabinets and safes providing a basic level of burglary resistance. The standard distinguishes two levels: security level S1 and security level S2. Unlike EN 1143-1, resistance is not expressed in Resistance Units but the product is classified based on standardised attacks with limited mechanical hand tools.

Security level S1 provides basic protection against opportunistic theft and simple burglary attempts. Security level S2 provides a reinforced basic level compared to S1, but remains clearly below the level of EN 1143-1 Grade 0.

The indicative insurable value is €2,500 in cash or €5,000 in valuables for S1, and €5,000 in cash or €9,000 in valuables for S2 — based on storage in an unattended and unsecured building. Cash and valuables may not be combined.

More about S1 and S2 security cabinets and safes according to EN 14450

For a business, it is above all the intended use that determines the choice. If you take in cash daily, choose a deposit safe: employees deposit money without opening the safe, optionally with a time delay as extra protection. For contracts, documents or digital media, a fire-resistant cabinet or data safe is the right choice. For higher values, you choose a burglary-resistant safe in a higher grade according to EN 1143-1. Also decide who gets access and when: some electronic locks allow a personal code per employee, and with a time lock you determine at which moments the safe can be opened. If you insure the contents, your insurer will usually require a minimum grade; certain sectors also have specific obligations. You will find the full range under professional safes; for step-by-step guidance, see how to choose the right safe.