Question 1

Causes of defects in safes

Accepted Answer

1. use of incorrect batteries
Remember to use new alkaline batteries from reputable manufacturers (Duracell, Energizer).
9V batteries are less popular and can sit on shop shelves for long periods.

Pay attention to the expiry date of the battery and its manufacturer. We recommend using only Duracell or Energizer alkaline batteries.

2. forcing files into the safe
This can lead to a blockage, with items inside the safe pushing against the door.

3. Scattered items inside the safe will block the bolts.
This type of malfunction occurs when there are loose coins, paper clips, files etc. inside the safe. Their position between the bolts and the floor of the safe can lead to locking of the locking system.

4. Errors due to incorrect way of changing the code
The code should always be changed with the safe door open. The new code must be checked several times with the door open.

5. forgetting the code or losing the key
This can result in the need to open the safe mechanically in an emergency.

Question 2

I have had an attempt to break into a safe – can I still use it?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the damage the safe has suffered. If the outer sheet has been damaged, holes drilled in the safe, the door bent - such a safe is not suitable for further use.
In the case of mechanical damage to the keypad or the handle, our technician will assess the damage and decide whether the safe can be serviced or whether it is suitable for disposal.

Question 3

The most common mistakes I can make when using a safe

Accepted Answer

1. not changing the factory code (the factory code should have been changed immediately upon receipt of the safe)
2. use of simple codes (654321, 123456, birthdays, etc.)
3. not changing the code for a long period of time
4. Failure to regularly service and maintain the safe.
5. not replacing batteries
6. leaving the safe open during the entire period of operation (e.g. the safe is opened in the morning and closed only at the end of operation of the office, restaurant or shop)
7. using the safe as additional office furniture (placing potted flowers, electric kettles, etc. on it)
8. keeping an emergency opening key inside the safe to which the key is assigned

Question 4

I have damaged my safe key – can I use it?

Accepted Answer

1. Do not use a damaged key (it may break in the lock, making it impossible to open the safe)
2. Do not make a duplicate key in a key copying / locksmith workshop, as the duplicate will not be permanent (keys to the safe are made of special raw materials)
3. In order to make a duplicate key contact our service centre (serwis@hartmann-tresore.pl or tel. +48 22 850 4045)

Question 5

I lost the key to my safe

Accepted Answer

1. Open the safe with the second key (you received at least 2 keys in the set)
2. If you have a suspicion that the key may have been stolen, have the safe's lock replaced immediately
3. To have the lock replaced contact our service (serwis@hartmann-tresore.pl or tel. +48 22 850 4045)

Question 6

How do I use a safe properly?

Accepted Answer

1. Replace the battery regularly.
2. Use only new alkaline batteries from reputable companies (Duracell, Energizer).
3. Do not carry keys in large bundles (the teeth may break off).
4. Never lock keys to open the safe inside.
5. never give away the codes / keys to the safe to a third party.
6. Perform periodic inspections of the locking system.

Question 7

I cannot open the safe - what should I do?

Accepted Answer

– with electronic lock

1. Ensure that you are entering the correct code
2. Enter the code carefully and at the same speed, without interruptions
3. If you can, replace the battery
4. If the battery compartment is inside the safe, connect a new battery to the keypad as described in the lock manual.
5. Use only new alkaline batteries from reputable companies (Duracell, Energizer).
6. Contact our service (serwis@hartmann-tresore.pl or tel. +48 22 850 4045)

– with a combination lock

1. Make sure you enter the correct code
2. Enter the code carefully, following the instructions
3. Contact our service (serwis@hartmann-tresore.pl or tel. +48 22 850 4045)

– with a key lock

1. Make sure you are using the correct key
2. Check if the key is not damaged
3. Try to open the safe with the second key (you received at least 2 keys in the set)
4. Contact our service (serwis@hartmann-tresore.pll or tel. +48 22 850 4045)

Question 8

Since the regulation only mentions EN 14450, can weapons be kept in safes certified to EN 1143-1?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have clear guidance on this from the Police Headquarters (link to letter). Safes in classes 0 to VI certified to EN 1143-1, as better security devices, by definition meet the requirements of the regulation.

Question 9

Can weapons be stored in your safes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, according to the current regulation, weapons must be kept in a safe of at least class S1 according to EN 14450.

Question 10

Do you take care of carrying and assembly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in addition to safes, we also offer a full range of logistics services, including bringing the safe in and setting it up at your destination and mounting it to the floor and/or wall.

Question 11

Do you make bespoke safes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we manufacture safes, most of the parameters of which can be personalised, from the dimensions, to the colour of the paint, to the interior finished with exotic materials. We will make any safe within the limits of physical possibility.

Question 12

Does a wall safe offer better protection against burglary than one that stands in plain sight?

Accepted Answer

No, a wall-mounted safe will certainly not escape a potential burglar. Wall safes are by definition less secure than their free-standing counterparts, as only the door has a multi-walled construction, the body does not. There is also less choice in this category and there are no fireproof wall safes.

Question 13

Where is the best place to put the safe?

Accepted Answer

In the most convenient place for us. The security of a safe is determined by its anti-burglary class, weight and proper installation, while the place itself must be, above all, convenient for the user.

Question 14

Does a small safe have to be lightweight?

Accepted Answer

No, in high-end safes we use fillings that make even the smallest representatives of the series have a weight of up to 100 kg.

Question 15

Are fireproof safes as burglary resistant as non-fireproof safes?

Accepted Answer

Not all. We have safes with only fire-resistant classes and safes with both certificates, burglary and fire-resistant.

Question 16

Do safes protect against fire?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are several series of safes that have fire resistance classes expressed in minutes: 30, 60, 120 minutes.

Question 17

What are furniture safes?

Accepted Answer

By convention, furniture safes are safes that are compact enough to be fitted into existing furniture fittings.

Question 18

How much cash can be held in a particular class of safe?

Accepted Answer

This is regulated by the Ordinance of the Minister of Internal Affairs, (here the link to the source), for 2020 these limits look as follows (here the table with the amounts in PLN).

Question 19

Which burglary protection class is the lowest and which the highest?

Accepted Answer

In order from the weakest to the strongest:
S1 according to EN 14450,
S2 acc. to EN 14450,
0 acc. to EN 1143-1,
I-VI acc. to EN 1141-1.

Question 20

Why did I receive the keys for the emergency opening of the hotel safe separately?

Accepted Answer

For security reasons. This is to ensure that the keys do not go missing when the safes are installed in the rooms or fall into the wrong hands. The number of keys and their availability must be strictly controlled.

Question 21

How do I start working with hotel locks and the SMART programme?

Accepted Answer

1. Create a hotel structure (number of rooms, their type, number of common doors, etc.).
2. Determine the need for personnel cards (number, type).
3. Specify the program administrator and the number of personnel accounts.
4. Check the batteries in the locks and check the time programming regularly (summer and winter time).

Question 22

How should I prepare the hotel safe for use?

Accepted Answer

1. Change the master code (if the safe has one).
2. If an auditing device is used, set the time in each safe.
3. Give the keys for emergency opening to functional persons (technical department, reception manager, hotel owner).
4. Remember to change the batteries regularly.

Question 23

I forgot the code to the hotel safe

Accepted Answer

Report immediately to the hotel reception.

Question 24

Where to put the reception safe?

Accepted Answer

Reception safes are sized to be placed under the countertop. It is also possible to produce a safe with a slot sleeve that can stand in the room behind the reception desk.

Question 25

What is the best safe to put in the reception area?

Accepted Answer

Drop-in or drop-deposit safes work well at hotel reception, allowing reception staff to deposit the contents, but access is already available to someone with a key or who knows the code.

Question 26

Is a minibar with solid or glass doors better?

Accepted Answer

Minibars with solid doors have better cooling performance, are more energy-efficient and less expensive. Glass mini-bars allow their contents to be better presented, are more attractive and can be displayed without furniture.

Question 27

Are there glass minibars on your offer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they are available to order from the central warehouse in Germany.

Question 28

Can the doors be moved in the minibars?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is possible to change the hinges from right to left on all models. For convenience, left-handed doors are also available from the factory for some models.

Question 29

Does the minibar cabinet have to meet any special requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a minibar needs to have enough free space to work properly, especially at the top and back. Air draught is also important. Details are specified in the instruction manual and if in doubt, please contact our service department.

Question 30

Can minibars be installed in a cabinet?

Accepted Answer

Yes, each of the solid door minibars comes with a mounting kit.

Question 31

Are there any safes that open to the left?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have models available in right and left-hand versions.

Question 32

Can hotel safes be opened in an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Yes, each model has the option of emergency opening with a mechanical key, some also with an administrator code.

Question 33

Do hotel safes allow storage of 15" and 17" laptops?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the dimensions of our safes are adapted to the most popular laptops with matrices of 15", 15.6" and 17".

Frequently asked questions