Business Safes

Business and commercial safes are generally either cash handling or storage types.

Cash Handling Safes

Most cash handling units are depository safes – they have a slot, “mail box door,” drawer or rotary hopper design that allows cash to be deposited into the safe without opening the main door. They help to reduce internal theft as well as loss from robbery. Some also dispense rolls of coins, or accept dollar bills and validate that the bills are not counterfeit. Depository safes are not fire rated and almost all are steel “B-rate construction.” B-rate safes normally have 1/2″ thick plate steel doors with bodies of thinner steel. Cash handling requirements for a large gas station/convenience store are different than what is needed at a restaurant.  Hoogerhyde Safe keeps at least 15 models of depository safes in stock, new and used.

Storage Type Safes

Storage type safes can be basic steel construction with no fire rating, or composite construction with fire ratings of up to two hours. Document safes are for storing and protecting important papers from fire, but usually have only light to moderate burglary deterrence. These days safes are built with fire ratings up to two hours.  Obviously, the storage requirements of a large jewelry store will be different (and more expensive) than what is needed at a thrift store.

Media / Data Safes

Media / data safes are not used much anymore now that offsite data storage is so prevalent. When businesses stored their tapes, discs, etc. in-house, these specialized, expensive safes were common. They still provide the very best fire protection, and many used units are available.

Business Safe Security Ratings

There are two different security rating systems for business safes. Having two rating systems causes lots of confusion, so talk with an experienced safe dealer to learn the differences.

In one system the safe is rated according to a definition – the door and body need to have a certain thickness of steel, for instance. In the other system, ratings are “earned” by passing specific tests which are performed by Underwriters Laboratories. Safes rated under the U.L. system may be made of plate steel or a combination of steel and composite material. Highest ratings are normally used by jewelers, credit unions, banks or other businesses that store items of very high value.

Between new and used safes, different sizes and different ratings, Hoogerhyde has more than 50 storage type safes at all times. Come to our showroom in Grand Rapids and find the business safe unit that is right for you.

Choosing A Lock for Business Safes

Electronic locks are replacing the traditional combination locks on about 75% of business safes. They are easier and faster to use than combination locks.  In addition the owner/manager can change codes themselves rather than paying a locksmith to change the combination. Multiple user codes, time delayed opening, time lock function and audit trails (to see who went into the safe and when) are among common features. We can help you decide which lock you need.