Security. A word that is used in all cases, in all sorts of circumstances and situations, because it is very important to us – we put it first, not only in relation to ourselves or our loved ones, but also to the valuables that each of us possesses. We store the most obvious things such as money, documents, but also bullion or jewellery, collections of various kinds and data carriers. Securing your valuables from unauthorised persons is crucial, and it does not matter whether you are a private individual, a business owner or an employee of an institution. Strongboxes have long been an integral part of our reality. They are a barrier, a mechanical security device designed to prevent threats to property such as burglary, theft or fire, among others. A strongbox – it is simply a product worth having. In this article, we take a closer look at strongboxes, their importance, types and the advantages they offer.
Strongboxes – a brief historical overview
The history of strongboxes (safes) dates back to ancient times, when valuables were stored in special boxes protected from unauthorised access. This means that in the earliest times, people were concerned with protecting and securing their valuables from others.
As technology developed, the boxes for storing values also evolved.
The first metal safes appeared in Europe in the 18th century. These were relatively simple in construction and were lockable chests. As time went on, the constructions became more complex and robust, making them more resistant to external influences and attempts to break into them.
What is a strongbox?
A strongbox (or safe – these are names often used interchangeably) is a special type of security device designed and made to provide a high level of security and protection for valuables. They are made of a very strong and damage-resistant material, namely steel. Inside, special fillings are used between the sheet metal shells to strengthen the structure. In addition, the safes are equipped with certified locks.
It is worth paying particular attention to the security class of the safe. Safes are subjected to special tests and strength trials, which lead to a specific security class being assigned to a particular product – the idea being that the higher the level, the more time it takes to get into the safe.
Types of armoured safes
Armoured safes come in a variety of sizes, shapes and can be used for different applications. There are several main types of safe deposit boxes depending on their intended use, although this is a highly conventional division, due to the fact that most often a variety of items are deposited in safes, not just specific ones from a particular category:
1. cash safes: these are the most common type of armoured cash box, used primarily in all places where money is circulated and cash is stored – banks, shops, various types of institutions or businesses.
2. document strong-boxes: used for storing important documents such as contracts, passports, deeds, personal files, insurance policies or wills. They usually also provide protection against the effects of fire, so that documents are safe even in the case of a fire outbreak.
3. jewellery and valuables strong-boxes: these are equipped with special compartments, drawers, shelves and inserts in which jewellery, diamonds or other valuables can be safely stored.
4. armoured safes for storing firearms: These are designed to securely store firearms so that they do not fall into the wrong hands.
5. armoured safes for data storage: these are safes for storing data media such as hard drives or memory sticks, protecting them from unauthorised access. These safes also have a fireproof feature (data media have a different sensitivity to temperature increases, so media safes are a separate category of safes).
Structure of strongboxes – or how are strongboxes built?
The construction of strongboxes is a key element when it comes to their effectiveness in protecting against burglary. Here are some of the features that make them secure:
1. Material: every classified strongbox you find in the Hartmann Tresore range is made of high-quality steel.
2. Doors and walls: the thickness of the doors and walls in the safes varies according to the resistance class, but usually ranges from a few millimetres to even tens of millimetres. The higher the security class – the more sheet metal sheathing and additional filling between the walls.
3. Locks: safes are equipped with various types of approved locks, such as key, combination, electronic or biometric. An interesting option is the possibility of opening the strongbox via an app on the phone. Each of the locking methods has its advantages and limitations.
4. Fire resistance: some safes pass tests to prove their resistance to fire (or, in fact, to the rise in temperature inside the safe). This is all thanks to the use of suitable materials and seals.
Resistance and classification
The classification of armoured safes is important in determining their level of security and resistance to burglary. Hartmann Tresore offers a range of safes, in different security classes. The lowest security classes are S1 and S2 (these are safes with a simple design, characterised by basic burglary resistance). It is worth mentioning at this point that, according to Polish law, weapons can be stored in safes of at least class S1.
Class 0 to V safes are those with multi-walled, thick doors and a multi-walled body. Increasingly higher resistance levels are achieved by using special fillings between the steel shells.
Advantages of using armoured safes
There are many advantages to using a strongbox, both for individuals and for companies or financial institutions. Here are some of the most important advantages:
1. Security: armoured safes provide a high level of security and protection against theft and burglary.
2. Fire protection: some safes are also fireproof, i.e. resistant to fire (high temperatures), which is particularly important when storing documents or data carriers.
3. Organisation and segregation: strongboxes allow valuable items to be stored in an orderly manner, thanks to special compartments and drawers. A specific number of shelves allows good organisation of the space inside the safe.
4. Privacy: by storing valuables in an armoured safe, we can be sure that they are safe and accessible only to authorised persons.
What are the uses of strongboxes?
Armoured safes enable even very large amounts of cash, important documents, cheques, bills of exchange, weapons and ammunition and various types of valuables to be stored safely. Strongboxes are used in many places, such as:
• banks,
• notary offices,
• law firms,
• cash rooms,
• jewelleries,
• shops,
• financial institutions,
• companies and enterprises of various activities,
• private houses and flats.
Wherever there is a need to secure something that someone defines as 'valuable', it is a good idea to opt for such devices.
What to look for when choosing a strongbox?
There are various models of safes available, so it is worthwhile to carefully analyse your own needs. What issues should you pay particular attention to?
• Burglary resistance class – a very important criterion when choosing an armoured safe is the burglary resistance class. The first step in choosing a class is to determine what items you want to store in this strongbox and how much they are worth.
• Size of the strongbox – think about how big an armoured safe you need. The right size will ensure that you can arrange any valuables comfortably and, above all, fit inside. We'll also give you a hint: it's always a good idea to opt for a bigger safe than you think is fine. Valuables are increasing year on year.
• Mounting location – another issue we should think about before buying a strongbox is where to mount it. It is best to choose a place so that the device is not too visible to random people.
Summary
Armoured safes are an indispensable part of security systems, providing a high level of security and protection for valuables. Depending on their purpose, they can be adapted to different needs, offering protection against theft, fire, water or other threats. Without a doubt, they remain an essential element in building a sense of security in your personal and business life.
If you're planning to invest in a strongbox (and remember, it's an investment that lasts for years) – welcome to Hartmann Tresore – we're here to help with our expertise, experience and off-the-shelf products.
How do to order a strongbox from Hartmann Tresore?
Ordering a safe at Hartmann Tresore is very quick and efficient. All you need to do is follow a few steps:
• step 1: choose the right model for you. Pay attention to the parameters of the safe, the security class, the optional equipment: you can order each strongbox in a configuration with key lock, combination lock, electronic lock, biometric lock. Remember that in safes of class IV and above this will be a two-lock configuration
• step 2: call or write to us. Do you have questions? You can use the call page (we will call you back), the contact form or the chat function (available on our website)
• step 3: think about the form of delivery. We deliver safes by forwarding service to the address of your choice or we provide a delivery service including lifting, setting up and assembly of the safe.
• step 4: you will receive an order confirmation and a proforma from us. Once we have received your payment – we begin processing your order.
• step 5: we know how important time is. We will make sure that the safe reaches you as soon as possible. Wait for delivery.
If you want more information – contact our advisor (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at +48 22 850 40 45 (Warsaw showroom) or +48 17 742 15 99 (Rzeszów showroom) or send an e-mail to: info@hartmann-tresore.pl.
You are welcome to contact us.
