| Floor
safes are safes that are designed to be mounted
directly in concrete or wooden floors. When mounted in concrete,
they are much more secure than a freestanding cabinet or
chest safe, as they cannot be easily carried off by burglars,
even when equipped with a hoist or wench. Floor safes are
ideal for businesses that handle large amounts of cash or
other valuables. There are a number of factors to consider
when choosing floor safes.
One factor to consider is the type of door used by the
safe. Floor safes are available
with lift-out doors and with hinged doors that rotate open
but remain attached to the safe. The hinged doors are more
convenient, but do not provide as much access to the interior
of the safe as the lift-out doors. Models are also available
with drop slots in the door for depositing cash or envelopes
in the safe without having to open the safe. The drop slots
have an anti-fishing baffle attached to them, to keep someone
from "fishing" the contents of the safe back out
through the opening.
Another factor to consider when choosing floor safes is
the type of locking mechanism used by the safe. Models are
available with mechanical key locks, mechanical combination
dials, and with electronic keypads. For models with key
locks, look for a 3-wheel key mechanism for added security.
For floor safes with combination dials, look for a changeable
combination with at least 4 numbers. Electronic keypads
are the most convenient form of locking mechanism. In order
to open the safe, the user simply enters the combination
to the safe on a PIN pad, similar to the ones used on ATM
or debit card machines. In addition, multiple users with
different PIN numbers can be granted access to the safe.
With this type of lock, look for a lighted keypad for ease
of use in low-light conditions.
Floor safes
also have a construction rating assigned to them, which
tells how well they are constructed. B-rated and non B-rated
models are available. A B construction rating means that
the body of the safe is constructed with 1/2" or less
thick steel and that the door of the safe is constructed
with 1" or less thick steel. A B-rated safe is more
secure than a non B-rated safe.
Special RV safes are available for mounting in areas where
you would normally not consider mounting a floor safe. They
have flanges attached so that the safe can be installed
by making a hole in the floor of an RV, mobile home, or
even an upstairs bedroom.
Another factor to consider is that floor safes are available
with rustproof polyurethane outer bodies. If you will be
installing the drop safe in an area that is prone to dampness,
as many floors are, then you might want to consider a safe
that uses one of these polyurethane outer bodies. Over time,
an exposed steel body might rust badly.
In summary, there are a number of factors to consider when
choosing floor safes. Be sure to keep in mind the type of
door, the type of locking mechanism, whether or not you
need a drop slot, the construction ratings, and whether
or not you need a rustproof outer body. Considering all
the factors will ensure you choose the floor safe that is
right for you.
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