Things You Might Not Know About Safes
When encountering a high-end safe, there are many features that might surprise us. What could these be? This article introduces readers to some of them.
1. Time-Delay Opening Mechanism
Restricting Access to Specific Times
Some safes only allow opening during certain periods, such as business hours. Outside of the designated times, an auxiliary lock ensures that even if the correct code and key are used, and the correct actions are taken, the safe cannot be opened. For safes using microcontrollers, this is relatively easy to implement with a real-time clock and a simple code that prevents the safe from opening. However, for purely mechanical safes, a mechanical timer similar to an alarm clock is required to perform this function, allowing the safe to be opened only at specified times.
Figure 1: A Timer Counter on a Safe and a Time Lock Patent from 1885 in the USA
2. Mechanical Watch Winder
Keeping Mechanical Watches Running
High-end safes are often not used for storing money because, in some cases, the contents may be worth less than the safe itself. These safes protect collections of watches, cigars, antiques, or art pieces. A mechanical watch, for instance, derives its energy from a mechanical pendulum that charges the battery through wrist movement. However, in storage, as the watch is not worn, a watch winder is used to keep it running. These devices are often sold by watch brands and integrated into the safe by the manufacturer. Essentially, these winders consist of a small motor and a microcontroller to set the movement mode. Safes for watch collections typically have bulletproof glass so the owner can admire their watches from the outside.
Figure 2: Watch Winder in a Dott Barcelona Safe
3. A Wire Not Connected to Any Device
Enhancing Security with Surveillance
Some safes come with a wire inside intended for connecting to a camera, transmitting data to a recording device at a location of your choice. If someone sees the camera inside the safe and tries to remove it, it will be too late.
4. Relocking Devices
Preventing Unauthorized Access
When opening the back panel of a safe door, many components may seem unclear in their function. For example, the components shown in Figure 3 below:
Figure 3: Relocking Mechanism
If drilling occurs in the area around the lock, the drill bit will break the tempered glass in Figure 3 before it reaches the lock. Due to the characteristic of tempered glass to shatter, it releases the anchoring points of the cables, causing the locking pins to engage and secure the safe lock. There is no external mechanism to deactivate these auxiliary locks once they are triggered.
5. External Locking System
Reinforcing the Safe’s Integrity
For large safes, besides the standard locking pins, the heavy doors are often too thick to maintain a narrow gap with the frame. Due to the thickness, these doors typically come with a door brace to provide an additional degree of freedom for easier operation. Unlike standard safes, opening or closing the door initially involves linear movement rather than rotation, thanks to this additional freedom.
To reinforce the connection between the door and the frame, an external locking system is used, centrally driven and locked along with the internal pins. The locking motion is derived from the same dial as the internal pins and redirected using a large module bevel gear system. Once the locking process is completed, both the internal and external pins are locked together, similar to standard safes, meaning either the busbar carrying the pins or the dial shaft rotation is blocked.
Figure 4: External Locking System and Door Brace
Protection Against Heavy-Duty Attacks
This system does not target those using crowbars or handheld cutters but is designed to counteract explosives or forklift attacks on the door. A safe with numerous active and passive protection measures, where visible features may deter thieves, while the unseen features are the real worry.
Additional Features and Considerations
Advanced Security Measures
Many high-end safes come equipped with advanced security features such as biometric scanners, multi-factor authentication, and remote monitoring capabilities. These technologies enhance the overall security by adding additional layers of protection.
Fire and Water Resistance
High-quality safes are often designed to protect contents not only from theft but also from fire and water damage. These safes are built with special materials and seals that can withstand extreme conditions, ensuring that valuables remain secure in any situation.
Customization Options
High-end safes can be customized to meet specific needs. Whether it’s the interior layout, the type of locking mechanism, or additional security features, manufacturers offer a range of options to tailor the safe to the user’s requirements.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of a safe, regular maintenance is essential. This includes checking the locking mechanisms, updating any electronic components, and ensuring that the safe remains in optimal condition.
Conclusion
High-end safes are complex devices with numerous features designed to protect valuables from theft, damage, and unauthorized access. Understanding these features can help users make informed decisions about their security needs and ensure that they are using their safes to their full potential. Whether it’s time-delay mechanisms, mechanical watch winders, or advanced relocking devices, each feature plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and security of the safe.
