Equipping a burglar-proof safe with a lock system implies high responsibility. Inexperienced owners of metal storages, when choosing a locking mechanism, first of all pay attention to its type, which is wrong. There are indeed many attractive modern models with innovative operating principles on the market. But far from always safe locks are appropriate to evaluate from the point of view of functioning mechanics. Much more important is the class of the device, on which the reliability of the system, its burglar resistance and fault tolerance directly depend. However, the main classifications should also be understood.
Basic types of safe locks
At the moment, the most common classic key, code and biometric devices. The advantages of key models include low cost and ease of use. However, this is not the best safe-type lock, if you evaluate it according to the criteria of reliability. Code systems, in turn, are of two types - mechanical and electronic. Accordingly, in the first case, the secret is triggered depending on the combination of physical elements typed, and in the second, a digital code is read. The mechanical reliability of such systems corresponds to key mechanisms, but the code system still implies a higher degree of security against bypassing the system secret.
As for biometric devices, they work on the principle of user identification by unique individual parameters. This can be, for example, a sensory determination of the correspondence of the characteristics of the retina or fingerprint to the embedded sample. True, biometric safe locks are much more expensive than traditional systems.
Mechanical and electronic models - which is better?
The gradual departure from mechanics in the lock segment has its own logic. Firstly, this is due to a higher level of security. For example, electronic models practically do not require physical keys. That is, the owner does not have to think through additional storage locations as well. Secondly, electronics is always multifunctional and flexible in operation. The same code safe locks of this type can be programmed for different operating modes, depending on security requirements. But despite these advantages, mechanical devices remain popular. They are advantageous in that they do not need a constant power supply, that is, they are completely autonomous and independent of the power grid. There is another advantage with mechanical locks. Of course, they may fail as a result of breakdowns in the internal filling, but electronic models also have the likelihood of a malfunction of the software system, which entails additional risks.
Types of Key Locks
In the segment of key models, the most common are lever and cylindrical modifications. They differ in the mechanical principle of operation, which, as a result, also implies operational features. The strengths of lever mechanisms include resistance to force breaking and the use of master keys, the presence of false grooves and a generally high degree of reliability. Cylindrical safe locks are less attractive in terms of reliability. This option is mechanically just as durable, but the secret system itself is not so protected against hacking as compared to leverage counterparts. On the other hand, cylindrical mechanisms are convenient to replace, cheaper in price and easier to maintain.
Safe Lock Classes
To divide the safe locks into classes, letter marking is used. The belonging of a design to one or another category is determined by the ability of the mechanism to resist various kinds of influences. So, entry-level classes A and B provide protection against a mechanical tool, and as the level rises, other means of influence are added to these threats. For example, in class C, the resistance of a device to a thermal tool is already assumed. The most reliable safe locks for safes are marked with the letter D, which confirms the ability of the mechanism to withstand even strong electromagnetic fields. What is still important to consider, each degree of protection has its own resource endurance. In other words, models of classes A and D are able to protect the safe from mechanical and power tools, but the cycles of critical impacts will differ significantly.
Operation Nuances
Depending on the type of lock, different methods for setting and controlling them are assumed. Traditional mechanical devices are almost eliminated from auxiliary adjustments and usually operate in 1-2 operating modes. Electronic devices, as already mentioned, require configuration, and for different parameters. But in both cases, maintenance measures are envisaged. Usually, repair of safe locks is carried out due to excessive blockages and in some cases can be implemented by improvised means by disassembling and cleaning the internal elements. Electronic models are more susceptible to the negative effects of moisture and dust, so the safe place of operation of the safe should initially be protected from such factors.
Conclusion
The greatest trust among specialists in this field is enjoyed by the products of Elbor, Guardian and Cerberus. Under these brands are high-quality, technological, functional and at the same time expensive models. For example, in the lines of these manufacturers you can find a safe lock on the door of a level type with a value of about 10-12 thousand rubles, which will also protect the metal block of the storage. Owners of mechanisms from the companies Granit, Sapphire and Basalt also point to the worthy technical and physical qualities of the products, but at the same time note more affordable prices. In general, the Russian segment of locking devices deserves attention from a variety of consumer groups.