Terminology Guide

Every industry has its own selection of words and phrases which are everyday phrases to sales reps who have been working with safes for years, however to the average person they mean nothing at all. Here is our selection of industry terms with a guide to find out what they actually mean!

Electronic Locking - This is an electronically operated keypad lock that is usually powered by standard alkaline batteries.

Override Key - This key will open a safe with an electronic lock in case you forget the code or if the batteries need replacing on the lock.

Biometric Locking - Allows you to open your safe by simply reading your fingerprint. Most biometric lock safes allow you to store more than 1 fingerprint to allow multiple users to access the safe.

Time Delay - This feature allows for a pre-set delay between operating the lock and being able to open the safe. The operation may vary between lock types. Time delay locks on safes will keep any cash not in the till, or not yet banked, safe from all but the most determined robbers.

Time Lock - Time lock allows the user to set periods during which the lock may be operated. Timer controlled safes add extra security by ensuring that the safe cannot be opened outside pre-determined hours. For instance, you may only wish the safe to be opened during business hours only and not at weekends. These locks can only be altered by an authorised user as required.

Audit Trail - The lock is able to give a report (it will vary in detail from model to model) of usage and may show times of operation, codes used and operations performed.

Internal coffer - An internal lockable compartment that is normally located at the top of the safe. It can be supplied with or without a deposit slot.

Internal drawer - An internal drawer that can be produced with or without a lock. Usually located at the bottom of the safe.

Jewellery drawers - Similar to the above but lined with felt and made shallower, making them ideal for storing jewellery.

Deposit Slot or Chute - Deposit slots (rectangular) or chutes (cylindrical) come fitted on some of the safes. These allow items to be deposited into the safe without having to unlock the safe. Deposit capsules are available to keep items together once they are inside the safe. These safes will usually also feature an anti-fish plate to prevent items being removed once they have been deposited. Please note deposit devices can affect the insurance cash ratings.

Rotary deposit - Similar to the above but ideal for larger deposits and generally offering a higher level of protection against fishing. These items can be fitted to the top of most of the Burton Eurovault Safes in a front or top loading position.

Duress Feature - It is possible for an alarm engineer to link the lock into a monitored alarm system. It is then possible, by a given procedure, to operate the lock, open the safe and silently signal to the monitoring station that this is being done under duress.

Manager Mode or Master Code - Allows one user to control the functions of other combination holders or a single override entry function.

Dual Control/Operation - Allows two users to enter their details before any operation can be performed.