SAFES
Safe lock bolt type: Deadbolt Deadbolts can be key locks, mechanical combination locks or electronic combination locks.
The lock’ s bolt is retracted into its body, which allow the safe boltworks to pass through the space, previously occupied by the bolt head.
The bolt retraction occurs:
• Key lock: When a key is turned
• Mechanical combination lock: When the correct combination is dialled
• Electronic lock, when the code has been entered and a spindle is turned, either by the keypad or with a knob.
Safe lock bolt type: Deadbolt
A deadbolt may function only to block boltworks, but for higher grade safes, a deadbolt is often used to move live relockers – safe parts that are connected to the lock’ s bolt head.
Live relockers Live relockers are security devices which move when the safe lock bolt moves and allow the boltwork handle to be turned. As such, live relockers provide an additional point of security.
Safe lock bolt type: Swingbolt
A swingbolt bolt head is pushed back into the lock body by the movement of the boltworks, as such it can only protect at one position, and cannot be attached to relockers. If the safe has been designed with live relockers, a swingbolt should not be used.
Safe lock bolt type: Motorbolt
A motorbolt functions in the same way as a deadbolt, but the bolt is retracted with a motor inside the lock body, and does not require a manual movement.
Motorbolts can be used in place of a deadbolt, but if live relockers are part of the safe design, the motor must have sufficient power to move the relockers, which can exert particular force against the bolt head. Motorbolts are typically available with different bolt forces:
• A bolt force 2.5 N should not push or pull a mass of more than 250 grams
• A bolt force of 5 N should not push or pull a mass of more than 500 grams
• A bolt force of 30 N should not push or pull a mass of more than 3 kilograms
Safe adjustment As stated in BS 7582:2021, the safe lock must function in the way that was intended by the safe manufacturer. If a safe is adjusted by removing live relockers to accommodate a particular kind of lock like a swingbolt or blocking motorbolt, it will almost certainly reduce the security of the safe and therefore the certification and cash rating.
Conclusion
Ensuring that safe locks are retrofitted in accordance with BS 7582:2021 provides the customer with confidence that the security of their safe is upheld and their insurance cover remains unaffected.
Safelock Systems offers trade pricing to security professionals, please visit our website for more information, where you can also find detailed information on all the electronic and mechanical safe locks we supply.
www. safelocksystems. co. uk, 020 8949 1005
JUNE 2026
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