In today’s unsteady economical environment and with the increase in purchases being made with credit or debit cards, cash is not used as often. However, there are certain businesses that still handle cash transactions. Businesses such as pawn brokers, convenience stores and some retail chains often have frequent cash exchanges. These businesses should make obtaining a safe a major priority to protect against theft.
General Information
Cash safes are used primarily to hold larger amounts of cash so that only a small amount is kept in registers. They are available in a large range of size, shape and function. The safes are constructed of solid steel to guard against destruction. Slots allow cash to be deposited into the safe and integrate baffles to prevent retrieval of cash through the slot once it is placed inside.
More sophisticated models are time controlled, with the ability to dispense cash on command. There is a time delay between each cycle. These specific types are referred to as cash handling safes and have slots for coins, small bills and a deposit area for larger bills. This model safe can be outfitted with technology for auditing transactions. This enables reporting of who has made transactions, what time and the amount.
Some cash safes can be programmed with codes. The more sophisticated versions are outfitted with either electronic locks or fingerprint access keypads. The basic models are operated with a single or two-key access. For mounting purposes, safes generally come standard with four to six pre-drilled holes. Most cash safes are fireproof and have at least one adjustable shelf.
Safe Ratings
There are three types of construction ratings for cash safes, which correspond to the steel thickness.
• A B-rating refers to safe doors that are 2.54 cm thick or less and walls that are 1.27 cm thick or less.
• C-rated safes are constructed of doors that are at least 2.54 cm thick and walls that are at least 1.27 cm thick.
• An E-rating classifies the safe with at least 3.81 cm doors and walls of at least 2.54 cm thick.
There are also anti-theft classifications that rank the difficulty involved for breaking into the safe using general burglary tools. These ratings are identified by a TL, which refers to hand tools; TRTL refers to hand tools and torches; and TXTL, which refers to all types of theft devices.
• TL-15 refers to combination locks that resist break-in for up to 15 minutes using hand tools.
• TL-30 refers to combination locks that resist break-in for up to 30 minutes using hand tools.
• TRTL-30 is rated as a TL-30 with the additional protection against torches.
• TRTL-60 is rated at 60 minutes protection against tools and torches.
• TXTL-60 provides the same rating as the TRTL-60 with the added protection against explosives.
Guarding against theft in business or at home is a necessary procedure one must take. It is unfortunate, but it is better to have protection in place than to be sorry later. Taking the steps to protect your assets is a part of daily business practice. When purchasing cash safes, it is essential to know your specific needs and select accordingly. A safe is a very wise investment that will pay off in peace of mind.