Safe locks: All you need to know

What is more secure? Key or Code Lock?

Both the Key and the Code Lock offer the same level of security for your security cabinet or safe. Your way of choosing the right locking system depends on your preferences.

Key Safe Locks - Traditional locking system

Quality key locks can be bought for a quite cheap price but cheap Code Locks can make errors and fail. You have to keep in mind that key locks can be breakable and most importantly losable. If you lose the key to your safe the security level decreases. In this case, you have to react fast and change your lock as soon as possible - and this is going to cost you money.

Code Safe Locks - Modern locking system

Code Locks give you quick access to the content of your security cabinet or safe. The best thing about Code Locks is that the code can be shared with other people without extra keys. However, it is important to remember that if you forget your lock's code it can be more pricey than changing the key lock.

What are the lock requirements for each burglary grade?

Safe locks are classified in ascending security classes going from A through D as per EN-1300 Regulation.

Additionally, starting at security grade IV, safes and vaults must contain 2 separate locks and even 3 for grades XI and higher.

The following table attempts to explain the lock requirements that each safe must meet in order to maintain the certification for the EN-1143-1 burglary resistance grade.

Do the external dimensions include the lock?

No, the lock is not included in the external dimensions of the safe. Measures of the safe are without the lock handle and fitting. You can find the lock dimension on the product description under the attribute "Lock depth".

My electronic safe lock is out of battery. How can I replace the battery?

Every safe equipped with a Code Lock has an external contact on which an external backup battery can be connected or the battery can possibly be changed from outside.

You can still access your safe in case of battery failure.

Depending on the safe lock, you can either:

1) Replace the battery externally, usually at the bottom of the keypad.

2) Connect an external battery to the keypad and open the door.

3) Some safes are delivered with an emergency key from the factory.

I forgot the code to my safe. Can you help me?

For security reasons, neither Safegear nor the manufacturer of the safe lock has a master code to unlock your safe. In some cases there is an option of opening the safe with the emergency key. If there is no emergency key for your safe code lock, you may need to break open the safe to recover your valuables inside the safe, which would destroy the safe.

Problems with closing or opening the safe?

It could have various reasons, why you are not able to close or open the safe, but most of the time the cause is quite simple to solve. 

Lock

After installation your lock needs to beep twice, which means that the code is installed correctly.

Stuck Doors

If your safe door is open it means that the lock is still not working, so you have to know the fact that the locking pins are forcing the lock into the manipulation protecting. The locking pins on the hinged side of the door are in contact with the body of the safe, which means that it is causing a force on the locking mechanism and the lock tongue.

The solution in this case, is to hold the power of the bolt, by pressing the handle immediately after entering the code in the closed position and then the latch is opened normally. It will work, when you remove the entire load from the tongue and try to raise the torque with a lever.

Battery and Emergency Power

In case if the battery runs out you have 2 emergency power buttons on the keypad, these are only for temporary use.

The battery is empty and I can not open my safe. Is there somehow a way to open it?

You can use the emergency power to open your vault, even with an empty battery. To activate the emergency power, you need a 9V block battery, which you need to insert into the corresponding contacts on your input unit.

On the right side, next to the keypad of the lock, you can find two notches. These must be exposed with a knife or a spatula, because underneath are the contact points for the 9V block battery.

Now you can adapt the 9V block battery to the contacts. Note that the large negative pole is placed on the large contact and the small positive pole on the small contact.

The flowing emergency power from the battery allows you to put in the numerical code and thus opening the safe.

Allow the emergency power to flow until the vault is completely open. When you have done this you can replace the empty batteries with new ones as normal.

 

I have an electronic lock. How often do I have to change the battery?

It depends on how often the electronic safe lock is being used. All electronic locks give an audible and/or visual warning when the battery is running low. As soon as this happens, it is advisable to replace the old battery with new ones.

You can always replace your electronic safe lock quickly even if it has already run out of battery. Read our FAQ on how you can change the electronic lock of your safe without expert help.

 

I think my keypad is faulty. How can I check this? BR 5010 (EM2020 / EM3520)

If the keypad test doesn't identify any issues, you may be typing the wrong code. The M-Locks BR 5010 create a long beep-sound if you type in the wrong code. Please keep in mind that if you are typing the wrong code four times, you will be locked out for 5 minutes. After expiration, entry of two more invalid codes restarts the 5 minute blocking period.

Download the manual by clicking the link below:

BR 5010 test

This video also outlines the process of checking your keypad:

How do I change the battery on my code lock? M-locks EM2020/EM3520

To replace the battery, open the compartment at the bottom of the keypad by sliding the plastic cover to the right.

Follow these steps to replace the battery on your safe:

1) Open the compartment at the bottom of the lock by sliding the plastic cover to the right.

2) Once the plastic cover is open, carefully remove the old battery from the input unit.

3) Disconnect the battery clip and connect it to the new battery.

4) Place the battery inside the lock and close battery cover.

Only use quality 9V batteries. The keypad BR5010 is used with code locks like EM2020 or EM3520 from M-Locks.

The keypad is used on safe series:

Lyra, Libra, Paper Star Light, Gemini Pro, SB Pro, GTA, GTB, Safegear Gun Safe, KWT, Topas PRO, Einsatzdeposit