Whether at home or on the job, having a safe can provide a peace of mind that's priceless. Safes can be used to store cash in retail establishments and offices, or to protect jewelry, cash, bonds, important papers and firearms at home. If this is your first time buying a safe, you should become familiar with the various types of safes that are available. Here are brief descriptions of the most common types of safes so you can make an informed decision.
Depository Safes
A depository safe is one in which a bank bag or envelope containing cash/checks can be inserted through a slot. These are used by businesses where employees must handle a lot of cash throughout the day. The manager is the only one who can access the safe to remove the money.
The most reliable and sophisticated depository safes are those with a front slot, drawer or hopper for depositing the items. These feature a combination or key lock, a drill resistant hard plate (combination safes only), mounting holes (for securing with bolts), a thick steel door with steel locking bolts and an active relocker. Drop safes are more affordable and feature a slot on top of the safe where cash/checks may be dropped. Drop safes, however, do not feature a drill resistant hard plate, so it is not recommended to store cash in a drop safe overnight. Unfortunately, neither type of depository safe is fireproof due to the opening.
Security or Jewelry Safes
A security safe or jewelry safe is burglar-resistant and often used for the home to protect valuables. These may or may not be fireproof, but are constructed with a heavy door and solid metal walls that are resistant to drilling, prying or cutting.
Wall or Floor Safe
Wall safes are usually small in size and are installed into a wall between studs. They can have an electronic lock or a combination. In-floor safes come in various shapes and sizes and are set into the floor (either concrete floor or in a concrete block). The lid is of very heavy construction and lifts out when unlocked.
Gun Safe
A gun safe is designed specifically for storing firearms of all shapes and sizes. Firearm safes are built to be taller in size to easily store hunting rifles and shotguns. Some of the anti-theft features of gun safes include a drill-resistant hard plate and solid door bolts with full door wrap around security. Gun safes are also fireproof (some up to an hour or longer) with a heat-activated fire door seal. Storage features may include racks or shelves and various sizes for 10 or 12 gauge guns.
Fireproof Safe
Some safes are designed to protect against fire and burglary. The safe you choose depends mainly on what you plan to store. If you need to protect important documents such as insurance papers, birth certificates, house deed, car titles, etc., then a regular fireproof safe will suffice. If you plan to store valuables, cash, bank certificates, coins or gold/silver, then consider a safe that is fire and burglar resistant.
Safe Rating
Safes are rated either by class, which is based on the thickness of the wall and door, or by UL (Underwriters Laboratory), which is based on the length of time the safe can resist an attempt to open by force.
Investing in a safe is a wise decision for both home and business. Shop online to find the best deals on all types of safes. Read the descriptions carefully, compare pricing and determine which will fit your needs and budget.
To learn more about subjects like safe please visit the web site at: http://www.Vaultandsafe.com
For more information and informative related articles and links about this subject matter and content, please visit Majon's Home Accessories | Interior Design directory: http://www.majon.com/directory/home-accessories-interior-design. Also visit our Shopping Directory Marketplace for more related sites.
About the Author
Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2011 (Thu Nov 18 2010) Majon International. Majon International is one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource internet marketing web site at: http://www.majon.com
