Choosing the Right High Security Safe: A Buyer’s Guide

High security safes offer a high level of security for both commercial businesses and within the home, protecting your valuables from theft or any other harm such as fire, flooding or general damage.

For high security safes we consider Eurograde 4,5,6 models to meet this need, as they offer enhanced protection and are rated to a high cash value.

If you’re looking to buy a high security safe but unsure of what type you need or what features you need then this guide aims to help. By uncovering the key factors like security ratings, sizes, lock types and installation options you’ll have everything you need to make a decision, and if you don’t then call our experienced team today.

Understanding Security Ratings of High Security Safes

What are security ratings?

The first thing you need to know about high security safes is the security ratings. But what are security ratings? Put simply the security ratings of safes help to indicate the level of protection the offer against burglary and theft. The rating system is carried out by certified governing bodies who subject the safes to a variety of attack methods to assess their resilience to these attacks.

By giving the safes security ratings it makes it clear and easily digestible the level of protection they can provide. The higher the security rating, the more resistant the safe is to attempts of forced entry.

Many insurance companies also specify a specific safe security rating required for their policies to cover valuables. Ensuring your safe meets the policy is vital for protection. In some cases if you a high security safe and the right compliance this can help lower the insurance premium.

Eurograde Ratings

Throughout Europe and the UK the safe industry widely recognises Eurograde ratings. Eurograde starts at S1 up to Eurograde 6 with each number representing a higher level of security.

Eurograde 4: Offers a high level of security, suitable for storing large amounts of cash, valuable items, and sensitive documents. Typically, these safes are tested to withstand advanced burglary attempts and provide substantial fire protection.

Eurograde 5: Represents an even higher security level, ideal for both commercial and residential use where exceptionally high-value items need protection. These safes are built to endure severe attacks and come with advanced locking mechanisms.

Eurograde 6: The highest standard in the Eurograde rating system, Eurograde 6 safes offer maximum security. They are designed for the most critical applications, such as securing significant amounts of cash, high-value jewellery, and sensitive information, making them suitable for high-risk environments.

Importance of Size and Capacity of High Security Safes

When considering buying a high security safe you need to consider what you’re going to be storing within the safe and then find a balance between the safe size and the items you are storing. You’ll need to make sure your items fit inside comfortably but also, you’ll want to think about your future needs.

Our high security Eurograde 4 Safes are available in 7 sizes ranging from 82 to 770 litres – view our Eurograde 4 safes for specific dimensions.

Our Eurograde 5 safes are available in 7 sizes ranging from 96 to 770 litres – view our Eurograde 5 safes for specific dimensions.

Here’s some tips for assessing the right size of high security safes:

1. Take inventory of your valuables: Start by making a list of all items you intend to store in the safe. This may include cash, important documents, jewellery, electronics, or other valuable items. Knowing what you need to store will help you gauge the minimum size required.
2. Measure Larger Items: If you have larger items like binders, laptops or collectables, measure their dimensions to ensure they fit within the safe’s interior space. Pay attention to the safe’s internal dimensions rather than just the external ones.
3. Consider Future Needs: Think about your potential future security needs. It’s a good idea to choose a safe with more capacity than you currently need. This will accommodate any additional items or if it’s for business use it will accommodate business growth – especially if the business deals with cash, saving you money on another safe purchase later.
4. Space Constraints: Evaluate the available space in your home or business where the safe will be installed. Ensure that the chosen safe fits comfortably in the intended location, considering both the physical space and the ease of access for daily use. Remember for maximum security many high security safes will need to be secured to the floor.

Installation of High Security Safes

To maximise the security of your safe it’s important to ensure the safe is correctly installed. There are several pros and cons to each method as well as a number of factors to consider when deciding what location to install your safe.

Installation options

Wall mounted safes: just like in films, this is a safe mounted into a wall and often hidden behind a picture or even furniture. The benefit of this type of installation is that it’s hidden out of plain sight so it’s a discreet option. It also means removing the safe is difficult. the cons of this type of installation method are that you’re slightly limited by the size of the safe due to wall space, also it’s difficult to move the safe if needed.

Floor Standing Safes: These safes are bolted to the floor for extra security. The advantages of this type of installation are if you need to store large items you can fit a larger safe and it’s easier to move if needed. The downsides are that the safes can take up a lot of space and it’s hard to hide the safe.

Hidden Safes: Another popular installation method is a hidden safe – concealed within furniture, under floorboards or other methods of hiding the safe from plain view. The advantage of this type is the extra layer of security from the discreet location of the safe however again space can be limited and accessibility to the safe could be a problem if regular access is required.

Key Factors When Installing a High Security Safe

Here are some key factors to consider when installing a safe:

Accessibility and Use:

• Proximity: Install the safe in a location that is easily accessible for authorised users, especially if you need frequent access.
• Visibility: Choose a spot that isn’t immediately visible to visitors (or intruders). Hidden or discreet locations can significantly enhance security.

Security Considerations:

• Structural Support: Ensure the installation site provides adequate structural support, especially for heavy floor-standing safes. This might be a reinforced floor or a sturdy wall.
• Avoid Obvious Places: Avoid placing the safe in common or obvious locations such as master bedrooms or home offices, as these are typically the first places burglars may check.
• Basements: Installing a safe in a basement can offer additional protection against fire and theft, but ensure the area is dry and not prone to flooding.

Environmental Factors:

• Humidity and Temperature: Choose a location that is not subject to extreme temperature fluctuations or high humidity, as these can damage both the safe and its contents if exposed for long periods.
• Fire Safety: Consider areas that provide natural fire protection, such as lower levels of the building. However, ensure that the safe itself is fire-rated.

For maximum security, see our safe installation services. We can ensure that the safe is properly anchored and concealed while providing expert advice on the best placement for your specific needs. This is especially important to ensure your safe meets its requirements and the requirements of any insurance policies.

Choosing the Right Lock Type of High Security Safes

High security safes usually come with multiple locking options but generally will have 2 locking mechanisms. For example, our Eurograde 4 and Eurograde 5 safes are available with key and combination locks, Key and electronic locks or dual electronic locks.

Key Locks

Traditional mechanical locks are operated by a physical key. These locking mechanisms are simple to use with no need for a power source or batteries and due to complex key designs can be highly secure. The disadvantage of these types of locks is that keys can be lost or stolen, it can be less convenient if frequent access is needed. There’s also the duplication risk if keys fall into the wrong hands.

Combination Locks

Mechanical locks require a specific sequence of numbers to open. The advantages of this type of lock are that there’s no need for batteries or external power, they’re highly reliable with no electronic failures and they’re difficult to bypass without knowledge of the combination. The downsides are that they can be time-consuming to open and combinations can be forgotten, access to the safe is also only limited to the knowledge of the person who knows the sequence but this can also be advantageous.

Electronic Locks

Digital locks are operated via a keypad, biometric scanner, or RFID card. The benefits of these locks are that they provide quick and easy access, are easily reprogrammed for new users, and provide advanced security options like biometrics provide higher security. The electronics inside can often include audit trails to monitor access by a person. The disadvantage is the dependence on batteries or power supply along with the potential for electronic malfunctions. If not properly secured these locking options may be more susceptible to hacking.

Think carefully about the type of lock on high security safes that will best suit your needs. Multiple locks provide the best protection – if one is compromised then the other lock will remain secure.

Special Focus: Eurograde Safes

What sets Eurograde Safes apart?

If you need a high security safe, then Eurograde safes are renowned for their exceptional security capabilities and security features. As mentioned, the safes are subject to rigorous testing ensuring they meet strict standards.

Rigorous Testing and Certification: Eurograde safes are tested by independent certification bodies such as the European Certification Body (ECB-S) and the Association of Insurance Surveyors (AiS). These organisations conduct exhaustive tests to evaluate the safes’ resistance to various forms of attack, including drilling, cutting, and explosive force.

Enhanced Security Features: Eurograde safes are constructed from high-grade materials such as reinforced steel and advanced composite materials. These safes feature multi-wall construction, providing additional layers of defence against penetration attempts. They incorporate multiple locking systems adding additional layers of security.

Fire Protection: Many Eurograde safes are also tested for fire resistance. They are designed to protect contents from high temperatures and flames for specified periods, often up to 60 minutes or more. The safes also often feature Intumescent seals meaning when exposed to heat the seals of the safe expand to help protect the safe’s interior from smoke damage.

Insurance Recognition: Eurograde safes are widely recognised and recommended by insurance companies. Installing a Eurograde safe can help meet insurance requirements for both residential and commercial policies.

Browse our full range of high security safes to buy online – many are Eurograde rated.

When purchasing a high-security safe, you need to consider several key factors to ensure you select the best safe for your needs. Understanding security ratings, especially the Eurograde system, helps in evaluating the safe’s resistance to burglary and fire.

We hope this guide has helped to give some direction on what to look for when buying a high security safe. The right safe not only provides peace of mind but also meets insurance requirements and safeguards your most important possessions.

For a wide selection of high-security safes, including Eurograde 4, 5, and 6 models, shop our safes now. Explore our range of top-quality safes designed to provide the ultimate protection for your valuables. If you still have questions then contact our experienced team today, we can help with giving safe buying advice such as what is the best safe for your industry as well as the installation of high security safes.

Make a smart investment in security with Trident Safes today.