What you shoud know before buying a safe

Is Your Safe or Fire cabinet tested and certified correctly ?

There are many products available that are certified "according to" European
specification. This means that the safe is uncertified and only has certification in a
country or region, which would not be acceptable for most European countries.
Be sure to purchase a safe which is certified, ask for a European certification comes
with the purchase. This can be confirmed by locating the metal plate on the inside of
the door which will state the European standard and certifying body.
In the event of a theft or fire, if the product is not properly tested and certified,
you stand to loose out and you may not be insured.

There is a risk involved in buying second-hand, reconditioned or
demonstration products.

If the product is not coming directly form the manufacturer, who provides fully
tested and certified equipment, you may be purchasing equipment that is pre-used
and this may not be brought to your attention. Always ask the supplier the date of
manufacture, the certification details i.e. the name of the independent certifying body
and the European recognized test standard. All of these details, particularly the date
of manufacture should be on a metal plate on the door of the safe. There should
also be a serial number stamped on the product which should relate to certification
badge. Remember, a serial number on its own is no guarantee of conformance to
insurance specifications. The problems with buying pre-used is that there may be
security breaches within the safe which may not be noticeable due to re-painting the
product may have been drilled or cut and subsequently filled and painted. The re-
locking devices may be removed. You have no guarantee of where copied keys may
be held. Your insurance company may insure the safe to begin with, but if there is a
theft or a fire and the product is found to be non-complaint,
you may loose out and you may not be covered by your insured.