Safe locks: classification, types, types, classes and reviews

Equipping a security lock with a lock system assumes a high responsibility. Inexperienced owners of metal storage facilities, when choosing a locking mechanism, first of all pay attention to its type, which is erroneous. There are a lot of attractive modern models on the market with innovative principles of work. But it is far from always safe locks to evaluate from the point of view of the mechanics of functioning. Much more important is the class of the device, which directly affects the reliability of the system, its burglar resistance and fault tolerance. However, the basic classifications should also have an idea.

Basic types of safe locks

At the moment, the most common classical key, code and biometric devices. The advantages of key models include low cost and ease of use. However, this is not the best lock of the safe type, if you evaluate it according to the reliability criteria. Code systems, in turn, are of two types - mechanical and electronic. Accordingly, in the first case, the secret operates depending on the typed combination of physical elements, and in the second case, the digital code is read. The mechanical reliability of such systems corresponds to the key mechanisms, but the code system still assumes a higher degree of security from circumventing the system's secrets.

As for biometric devices, they work on the principle of user identification by unique individual parameters. This can be, for example, a sensory definition 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 segment of locks has its own logic. First, this is due to a higher level of security. For example, electronic models practically do not require the presence of physical keys. That is, the owner does not have to think over additional storage places. Secondly, electronics is always multifunctional and is flexible in operation. The same code lock locks of this type can be programmed for different modes of operation, depending on the security requirements. But despite these advantages, mechanical devices remain popular. They are advantageous in that they do not need constant power supply, that is, they are completely autonomous and independent of the power grid. There is another advantage to mechanical locks. They, of course, can fail as a result of breakdowns of the internal filling, but electronic models also have the possibility of disrupting the operation of the software system, which entails additional risks.

Types of key locks

In the segment of key models, the most widespread are the two-sided and cylindrical modifications. They differ in the mechanical principle of operation, which, as a result, also assumes operational features. Strengths of lever mechanisms include resistance to force breaking and the use of skeleton 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 strong, but the system of the secrets itself is not so protected from breaking in comparison with the analogues. On the other hand, cylindrical mechanisms are convenient to replace, cheaper to cost and easier to maintain.

Classes of safe locks

For the division of safe locks into classes, letter marks are used. The belonging of a structure to a particular category is determined by the ability of the mechanism to resist various kinds of influences. Thus, entry-level classes A and B provide protection against a mechanical tool, and as the level increases, other means of influence are added to these threats. For example, in class C, the device is already expected to be resistant to a thermal tool. The most reliable safe locks for safes are labeled with the letter D, which confirms the ability of the mechanism to resist, including strong electromagnetic fields. What is still important to consider, each degree of protection assumes its own resource endurance. In other words, the models of classes A and D are able to protect the safe from mechanical and power tools, but the cycles of critical impacts will be significantly different.

Nuances of operation

Depending on the type of lock, there are different ways to configure and control them. Traditional mechanical devices are almost rid of auxiliary adjustments and usually operate in 1-2 modes of operation. Electronic devices, as already mentioned, require tuning, and by different parameters. But in both cases maintenance measures are expected. Usually the repair of safe locks is made due to excessive blockages and in some cases can be realized by improvised means by disassembling and cleaning of internal elements. Electronic models are more susceptible to negative effects of moisture and dust, so initially it is necessary to secure the safe deposit box from such factors.

Conclusion

The greatest confidence among specialists in this field is enjoyed by the products "Elbor", "Guardian" and "Cerberus". Under these brands come out high-quality, technological, functional and at the same time not cheap models. For example, in the rulers of these manufacturers you can find a safe lock on the door of the thrust type, worth about 10-12 thousand rubles, which will also protect the metal storage unit. The owners of mechanisms from the companies Granit, Sapphire and Basalt also point out the worthy technical and physical qualities of the products, but they also note more affordable prices. In general, the Russian segment of lock devices is quite worthy of attention from a wide variety of consumer groups.