SAFES
VAULTS, VAULT DOORS AND SAFE DEPOSIT
CENTRES – THE ULTIMATE GUIDE
Building a vault is a big investment, and there’s a lot to think about.
From planning and system selection, to implementing additional security
systems – it pays to get the right support from a specialist team.
» » IN THIS ULTIMATE GUIDE, SAFE &
Vault specialists explain everything you
need to know. From how a vault is made
and explaining the security ratings, to
location and entry systems.
How are Vaults Made?
Modern vault wall systems are
modular– they are made up from a
number of panelled sections, which
are either welded or bolted together
to create the external wall of the vault.
Once this structure is in place, they are
then fitted with a specialist vault door.
This modular system is really versatile.
Panels can be created in a range of
different sizes, and vaults can be created
to meet the needs of a full range of
buildings and environments, in bespoke
shapes and sizes to suit any space.
At Safe & Vault, we can provide
standalone - new build or retrofitted -
vault solutions to meet a full range of
requirements. Stocking systems from
the world’s leading brands, we will find
the right solution to fit your requirements
exactly.
Vault Security Ratings Explained
Just as with safes, all vaults, strong
rooms and vault doors come with a
security grade, in line with EN1143-1
resistance standards. This European
legislation is an agreed set of test
standards – and applies to all strong
rooms, vaults and vault doors.
The grades run from 0 – 13 (XIII), with
XIII being the highest possible security
rating. For insurance purposes, the cash
value of a XIII safe could be as much as
£3.5m (or £35m in valuables) – but at
this level, insurers will typically provide
custom policies and quotes.
Deciding on the level of security you
require depends on a number of different
factors, such as:
• What you’re storing inside
• Insurance requirements
• Location
• Building construction
Increased security levels come with
additional cost – and it’s important to
strike the right balance between security
and value. At Safe & Vault, we can provide
you with advice on the best solution to
meet the needs of your application.
Where is the Best
Place for a Vault?
Thanks to the versatile, modular
nature of vault construction, it’s possible
to place a vault in a wide range of
structures. It’s important to remember
that vault systems are very heavy – so
typically, they will need to be placed
on a ground floor, where they are
not restricted by access or weight
constraints.
The safest place for a vault is typically
ground floor or in the basement of a
building. This can reduce fire risk, whilst
providing an additional level of security.
For companies looking to establish
safety deposit businesses, the most
cost-effective solution can be to utilise a
building with an existing vault – such as
an old bank. Retrofitting and refurbishing
an existing vault can be significantly more
cost-effective than building from scratch.
‘Increased security levels come with additional
cost – and it’s important to strike the right
balance between security and value’
80
At Safe & Vault, our security specialists
can provide tailored advice on vault
location and planning.
Refurbished and Used Vaults
There is an existing second hand
market for vaults and vault doors.
The modular nature of vault systems
means that they can be removed
and repurposed, with vaults being
disassembled and rebuilt. Utilising
second hand panels and doors can offer
a significant saving over buying new – as
long as there is an appropriate system
available.
Ultimately, whether you choose to
go new or approved used will depend
on your requirements, space, budget
and the availability of suitable second
hand vault systems and doors to fit your
project.
At Safe & Vault, we offer new
vault systems from a full range of
manufacturers, alongside approved
second-hand systems, carefully sourced
from across the UK.
Domestic Vaults vs. Luxury Safes
For high net worth individuals with
significant valuables, or a wide range
of items that require secure storage
(e.g. gold, artworks, wines, jewellery or
firearms), a home vault can offer a better
solution than a large safe, in terms of
both security and storage space.
Safe & Vault specialise in vaults,
providing a complete design, supply and
installation service available across the
UK.
For those looking for a luxury safe, we
offer a completely tailored, fully bespoke
service – hand-crafting luxury safes onsite
in Yorkshire to meet any requirement –
find out more. We also offer a range of fire
safes, with protection to suit a full range of
needs – read our blog on choosing a fire
safe for more info.
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