Mechanical Security Technology and Safes

Function of mechanical security

Mechanical security measures – burglar-resistant locks, fittings, window and door reinforcements and roller shutters – delay forced entry and thereby increase the likelihood that an intruder is deterred by an alarm being raised or by the time taken. Safes and strongrooms additionally protect cash, data media and valuables specifically against forced opening, drilling and, in some cases, fire.

Classification and anchoring

EN 1143-1 classifies secure storage units into resistance grades that indicate the proven resistance value against mechanical and thermal attack tools; the insured sum up to which a safe is accepted without additional security depends on this grade. Free-standing safes below a certain weight must be anchored to the structure in accordance with the standard, as otherwise they can be removed as a whole.

Insurance relevance

Insurers regularly set tiered indemnity limits for cash and valuables losses linked to the proven resistance grade of the safe used. Missing or inadequate anchoring, and a resistance grade too low relative to the value stored, are among the most common reasons for reduced claims payments.