Safe relocation and installation risks

The place where a safe is installed isn’t an afterthought.

In most cases, people buy safes knowing the dimensions of the space and exactly where they want them installed.

Since safes are seldom relocated, you will need to pay extra attention when you do decide to relocate the safe.

Safe relocation isn’t as simple as picking up the safe and putting it somewhere else. It requires you to measure the dimensions of the safe, make room for the installation, and call in the professionals to execute the relocation perfectly.

If you skip the installation process, then you will likely have vulnerabilities that can put the safe and its possessions in danger.

Read on to learn more about safe relocation and installation risks and how you can effectively relocate the safe without worrying about vulnerabilities or security gaps:

SAFE RELOCATION

One of the top ways safes can become vulnerable is due to poor handling or incorrect installation. Improper care can compromise the safe’s security, damage the property, invalidate insurance requirements, and create safety risks.

This is why you need to proceed with caution and take professional help. Here is what you need to know about safe relocation:

Risks Associated With Relocation

The chances of getting physically hurt during safe relocation are very rare, but not zero.

After all, safes can weigh from tens of kilograms to several tonnes, which makes attempting to move them without the right equipment dangerous.

In most scenarios, certain physical risks of relocation can lead to:

• Back injuries and crush injuries
• Trapped fingers or limbs
• Broken fingers or nails
• Contusions
• Tipping or falling accidents
• Damage to floors, walls, and doorways

Even if you consider yourself a macho person, we recommend you leave the relocation to professionals who use experience and brains to tackle the problem.

Professional installers use specialist equipment such as safe moving skates, lifting equipment, straps and restraints, and specialist transport methods that enable them to quickly and effectively move the safe without damaging it or your property.

Damage to the Safe

Safes are large, clunky objects that can become damaged under their own weight when they are not handled properly. Incorrect movement can affect the safe’s performance and lead to physical injury and even property damage.

If a safe is dropped, it can cause damage to internal components, especially in the case of cheaper models. This damage can be in the form of misalignment of the door or locking bolts, or damage to hinges or locking mechanisms.

Additionally, internal relocking mechanisms can also be triggered after a drop, which can cause you to be locked out indefinitely. A drop is even more damaging to electronic locks or electrical components within the safe.

Keep in mind that even if the safe appears visually fine after a drop, it may no longer provide the same level of protection.

Incorrect Positioning

What safe you buy is just as important as where you install it. Poor placement can make it easier for criminals to attack or remove the safe entirely.

It can also lead to reduced access control, and if the safe is installed in an awkward position, it can prevent the safe door from opening fully and create operational issues for people.

Professional installers like Calder Security use industry-standard practices to overcome these challenges.

This can include assessing the floor strength and access route before installation. It can also include considering working space and environmental conditions that can help keep the safe secure from threats like fire or moisture.

Incorrect Anchoring

Much like a ship’s anchor, a traditional safe is also required to be anchored to the ground. Many safes rely on correct anchoring to achieve their intended security performance.

In most cases, poor installation can result in weak fixings, incorrect anchor points, damage to the safe body, and increased risk of the safe being removed during a burglary.

Furthermore, insurance-rated safes require even stricter installation requirements that may be linked to the safe’s certification and insurer expectations.

Insurance and Compliance

In the UK, all safes are required to have the following certifications for them to be deemed insurance-ready:

• EN 1143-1 certification for high-security safes
• EN 14450 certification for secure storage units
• Approved installation methods

When an insurance-approved safe is not installed properly, it can result in reduced insurance protection, claims complications, and non-compliance with policy conditions that can invalidate claims and your policy.

Property Damage

Safes are no joke. When relocating, an improperly handled safe can damage flooring, tiles, stairs, door frames, walls, and even lifts.

If you plan to relocate an office safe, then you can also add a whole list of other problems, such as workplace disruption, blocked access routes, and operational downtime.

Electronic Lock and Fire Safety

Most modern safes often use electronic locking mechanisms and fire-resistant materials. These components are designed to be resilient, but mishandling can cause them to malfunction.

When a safe is not relocated using professional planning and tools, it can affect electronic components, the internal wiring and batteries, fire seals, and insulation materials.

Again, the safe may look fine from the outside, but when put in not-so-ideal conditions, the safe may fail when faced with fire or moisture threats.

WHY THE PROFESSIONAL ROUTE IS THE ONLY ROUTE

Moving a safe yourself may seem tempting and easier in your head, but trust us when we say that it is better to let a professional handle the potentially 30 kg clunk of metal.

A professional safe installer ensures correct handling and positioning so that the safe is away from public view but easily accessible without hindrance.

They can also securely anchor the safe to the ground or the wall so that it doesn’t move during earthquakes or a robbery attempt. Professional installers also ensure that they install the safe with compliance in mind and by using the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Keep in mind that certified safes need to be installed in a specific way, often dictated by the manufacturer. Failing to do so can void the warranty of the safe and cause the safe to develop failure points.

On top of this, a DIY installation may also threaten the insurance on the safe. Insurers also want the safe to be installed professionally, and they need to have a guarantee that the safe was installed in a way that it will not be damaged.

WHERE SHOULD YOU RELOCATE THE SAFE?

Professional installers like Calder Security will work with you to figure out the best relocation plan based on your needs.

They will send out consultants and technicians who can survey the area and assess the current location and the best route towards the new area.

Safes need to be installed in a way that they are away from public access but within reach of authorised people.

Most people think it’s better to install safes in a location where they least expect them; however, this practice may only benefit home users. For commercial safes, you would need to install the safe in a location that is already controlled using an access control system.

If you do not have an access control system, then the safe will be installed in an area that is only accessed by a few known individuals.

The location of the safe will also depend on its type.

Some safes may require you to bolt them to the wall or floor with fasteners so that they are unable to move.

If you want the safe to be completely hidden, then you will have to mount the safe and install it into the layout of your property. For example, you may hide it behind a piece of furniture, under the carpet, or behind a piece of wall art.

These types of installations require even more careful consideration because installers will need to ensure that the area can handle the weight and size of the safe. Additionally, professionals will also be mindful of the internal components within the property and ensure that there are no electrical cables, water drains, or gas pipes in the way of the installation.

Here are some of the best places to relocate the safe to:

Inside a Wall

Wall safes are convenient because you can access them at eye level and they always remain fixed in place.

Wall safes can be embedded into thick walls that are rated for weight-bearing components.

Keep in mind that wall safes are ideal for smaller safe sizes. These safes can typically accommodate a few items such as papers, a bit of emergency cash, boxed jewellery, or loose sentimental trinkets.

Wall safes provide several benefits, the topmost being concealment and accessibility. These safes can be hidden behind a painting, picture frame, mirror, or piece of furniture and always remain hidden from public view.

Under the Floor

Underfloor safes are another great way of storing items conveniently. Unlike wall safes that require weight-bearing measures, these safes can be installed directly on the floor, giving you the ability to go for larger sizes.

However, make sure that the safe is installed on the ground floor rather than the first floor. If the safe is installed on the first floor, then the installer will first have to ensure that the floor can handle the extra weight and that the structure of the floor is compatible with the dimensions of the safe.

Like wall safes, underfloor safes can be concealed using rugs, mats, and carpeting, and are much more secure.

The only downside to these types of safes is that they always require professional installation. We recommend that you let professionals assess your expectations and survey the area to rule out any risk of damage to the structural integrity of the building.

Additionally, you may want to consider the fact that underfloor safes are not as easily accessible as other safes. Since they are under the floor, you will have to bend down or lie on the floor to access the contents.

This also makes them vulnerable to environmental threats, especially if the area is prone to flooding. This is why we recommend that you let professionals assess the specifications of the safe so that they can ensure that it is waterproof or if it can be waterproofed using insulation.

Anchored to the Wall or Floor

Anchored safes are the go-to for most people. These safes require a typical installation process and can be quickly installed and configured once relocated.

The safe is bolted to a concrete wall to prevent it from being moved, which provides better security compared to an easily movable safe.

The safe can also be mounted to the wall behind it. In this scenario, you may be able to integrate the safe into a drawer or similar furniture. This installation offers easier access and can also help conceal the safe when the door of the furniture is closed.

Wall or floor mounting will depend on the area that you are trying to relocate the safe to. For example, if the floor is wooden but the wall is concrete, then you can anchor the safe to the wall or vice versa.

Either way, a professional installer will provide you with a detailed report of the area that you want to relocate to and help you move the safe in the most efficient way possible without damaging anything.

TIPS FOR INSTALLING A SAFE

As a best practice, we recommend that you keep the following tips in mind when installing the safe professionally:

• If the area that you are relocating to gets humid during different seasons, then avoid installing electronic safes in a humid room, as it may cause the lock to eventually rust and cause you a lot of inconvenience.
• If the premises have fire-risk equipment like machinery installed, then we recommend that you install a fire-resistant safe on the first floor.
• Do not advertise the relocation to anyone except the installer and authorised people. Make sure that you do not make the relocation plan obvious when you bring your safe home or to your office. Additionally, it would also be a good idea to quickly dispose of any cardboard or packaging, as it may attract attention.

CONTACT CALDER SECURITY

We are members of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA) and are familiar with a wide range of safes, cash boxes, and strong boxes. Our SSAIB contractors can help you assess your security needs and recommend a suitable safe perfect for your requirements.

We offer professional safe installation services to not only prevent theft and fire damage but also ensure that the safe is secured in place properly, cannot be removed, and is not in danger of falling or damaging anything.

We also offer safe opening services since misplacing the keys, forgetting the code, or failure of the safe itself can all lead to the contents of the safe being inaccessible. By design, of course, safes are very difficult to access in these circumstances, and you need a professional safe engineer to do it for you. Our Calder specialists can open most safes and restore them to full working order afterward.

When you need to relocate or remove your safe entirely, you can count on us to carry out the job with ease. In addition to that, our professional safe repair and maintenance services ensure that your safes are always in optimal health, providing you with the best security.

Contact us here or call us on 0800 612 9799 to talk to our security professionals right away for the best safes for your property, along with recommendations on where to install and relocate them.

Photo by Immo Wegmann on Unsplash