Many factors go into choosing the right safe at the right size and security rating. It all starts with what you’ll be protecting, as well as where the safe will be installed, what other security measures are in place, and so on. At Empire, we work with each business owner or homeowner individually to ensure that you choose a safe well suited to your collection, insurance requirements and building load limits, then we advise you on how to make the most of every inch of space.

These acronyms and numbers are shorthand for how well a safe can withstand an attack.

• TL = Tool latency, or resistance to manual and electronic tools, such as sledgehammers, chisels and pry bars, picks, grinders, and impact hammers
• TRTL = This includes tools as well as torches such as plasma cutters, gas and butane torches, etc.
• TXTL = Resistance to everything in TL and TRTL, plus explosives
• TDR = Torch and drill resistant
• CD = Core drill protection, meaning it has been engineered to withstand specialized circular bits
• 30×6, 15×6, 30, 15 = The first number tells you how long the safe has been able to withstand an attack by a professional with advanced tools. If they cannot open the door or create a six-inch hole in the door or body within 30 minutes of tools in contact with the safe, the safe gets a “30” rating. The “x6” means that it has been tested on all six surfaces—the front, back, sides, top and bottom. If there is no “x6”, the safe has only been rated on the front face.

Sometimes you’ll see “EQ,” which means the safe has been demonstrated to achieve equivalent protection.

Most high-quality safes today provide adequate fire protection. Unfortunately, that’s often a far less important consideration than burglary protection. If you’re concerned about fire and burglary protection, talk to an Empire security advisor for the best option for you.

The digital locks we install on Empire safes are considered the best in the industry. They have been proven over decades, through UL testing and real-world use. In addition, they offer easy-to-change combinations, should you need to revoke someone’s access, and continue to operate even when the batteries are removed. We have tremendous confidence in these locks.

Many older safes still offer solid burglary protection. Some may require some service of a refurbishment, or you may want to upgrade the lock. The Empire team will be happy to make a recommendation based on your safe and needs.

On one hand, your combination should be something you can remember—perhaps a number that’s meaningful to you. On the other hand, it can’t be something easy to guess or find on social media, such as a birthday, anniversary or address. If you have to write it down, keep it off premises.

Don’t worry—even when the batteries are removed, your lock will retain user IDs and combinations for quite some time.

A safe is a mechanical device—in order to perform at its best, it should be serviced every two years, or more often if any parts are worn or disfigured. Maintenance will ensure that the locks, bolts and hinges are clean, well lubricated and properly adjusted. A qualified service technician will also inspect the whole safe to identify any emerging issues or faults.

Call us at +1 212-684-2255 and we’ll walk you through next steps.