If you’re wondering about the security of key safes, this will answer your questions. It examines their features and compares them to other methods of key storage and the risks involved. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to decide if a key safe is right for you.
Key Points
Key safes store spare keys safely, are only accessible by combination code and are safer than hiding keys outside.
Look for high-security features, such as tamper-resistant mechanism, durable materials, and reputable certifications, to ensure the reliability of your key safe.
Key safes are great for emergency access, convenience for trusted people, and home security by reducing the risk of unauthorised access.
What is a Key Safe
A key safe is a mechanical box that stores one or more spare keys, which can only be opened by entering the correct combination code. These secure storage devices are also known as lock boxes or critical boxes. They are a more reliable alternative to hiding keys under the doormat or giving them to the neighbours. The knowledge that your spare key is safely stored and only accessible by the code is reassuring.
Designed for outdoor use, outdoor key safes are great for giving access to family members, friends and service providers like cleaners or dog walkers when you’re not around. They’re built to withstand the weather.
It’s worth noting that not all products marketed as' key safes’ are the same. Some are just regular lock boxes with no security features. When choosing one of these products, make sure you opt for ones that meet high-security standards so you know your keys are safely stored.
To protect your home and allow access when needed, understanding each model's different features will help you decide which one is best for you. By knowing what makes each one unique and looking closely at the benefits, choosing to secure our homes is accessible but achievable.
Secure Key Safe Security Features
Protecting your house keys is key, and key safes are designed to prevent unauthorised access with their security features. These safes have robust builds, bodies made from 3mm steel to increase security.
Key safes undergo rigorous security testing to meet criteria like the Police Preferred Specification and LPS1175 standards, which prove they can withstand forced entry. This testing makes key safes a more secure option than lock boxes.
Tamper Resistant Locks
Key safes that are tamper-resistant provide extra security, making it harder for unauthorised people to get in. They often have combination locks or digital keypads instead of standard locks, which provide a robust defence against tampering. The keys inside are safe because only those who know the code have access.
To store spare keys outside your property, outdoor key safes use either a combination lock mechanism with a secure code or a smart key lock box with biometrics. Tamper resistance is key to preventing break-ins and controlled access. These features give you peace of mind and extra protection for your stored keys.
Durable Materials
The material is a critical factor in the robustness of key safes. Heavier metals are more tamper-resistant than plastic ones. Choosing key safes made from durable materials like zinc alloy or stainless steel will give you extra security, longer life, and rust protection.
High-security key safes are made from tough materials to withstand impact and physical attacks. Build quality should be at the top of your list when choosing a key safe to ensure it will hold your keys regardless of external pressure or conditions.
Weather Resistant
Key safes' weather resistance improves their durability and functionality when used outdoors. They can withstand rain, snow, and extreme temperature fluctuations, so your keys inside will be safe and available.
For outdoor key safes, this is especially important as it protects them from environmental damage.
Key Safe Certifications and Standards
Choose a key safe that has been tested to the highest reliability standards and has a certification from a reputable body. Certifications, like Secured by Design and Loss Prevention Standards, mean the key safes have been thoroughly tested to withstand forced entry and additional security risks.
Certifications are key. Take the Supra C500 key safe, for example. It was the first in the UK to pass the toughest security tests and got a security rating equal to a standard front door. This shows how certified key safes are the trusted solution for storing spare keys.
Police Preferred Specification
Certifications like LPS1175 Issue 8 A5 mean the key safes meet the "Police Preferred Specification", which means a higher level of home security. These key safes have been tested to provide a robust defence against unauthorised access and are recognised for their high security.
LPS1175
LPS1175 is the benchmark for security products' resistance to attacks as defined by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) in conjunction with industry experts. A key safe that meets this standard gives you extra protection for yourself and your property.
When choosing key safes, choose those tested by the LPCB to give you a robust defence against forced entry. Key safes like the Burton Keyguard Digital XL are great examples of accredited key safes.
Key Safe Uses and Benefits
Key safes are a secure way to grant access to your home in emergencies, allowing designated people to get in even if the homeowner is not present. They are convenient for residents and service providers by allowing code sharing instead of distributing physical spare keys – reducing the risk of mishandling spare keys.
For service providers who need to access the property, key safes are the solution. They allow them to access the keys without the need to be present. Key safes are good for emergency access, for trusted people, for home security, or as an additional layer of security.
Spare key and Emergency Access
A key safe means that in emergency situations, responders can get in straight away by getting the keys inside. Having a secure outdoor key safe means you don’t have to smash windows or call a locksmith to get in. Family members, neighbours, or emergency services need to know the key safe code so they can get in when needed. Quick access to a spare key in an emergency avoids injuries from forced entry and costly repairs.
Outdoor key safes are very useful during crises, maintenance, or property inspections. They prevent lockouts by allowing visitors in through a shared code system—perfect for those coming and going during unscheduled visits. They also make life easier for landlords of rental properties by giving guests access even if the owner is not physically present.
For people with mobility issues who need caregiver support at home regularly, an outdoor key safe means hassle-free entry into their home thanks to its secure features, including customisable codes—a feature that’s especially good for senior citizens’ safety and for emergency services to get in quickly if needed within this demographic group.
Convenience for Trusted People
Key safes allow trusted people to access your property without having to pass around physical keys. This is especially useful for people who have service providers like housekeepers, pet sitters, or repair workers. You can share the code with these professionals, and they can get temporary access, and you don’t have to manage multiple spare keys.
This increases security and gives you peace of mind, knowing your home is only accessible to approved people.
Home Security
Key safes are a secure way to store spare keys, reducing the risk of unauthorised entry by not having to distribute multiple key copies. This increases home security by keeping spare keys in a key safe.
These outdoor key safes add an extra layer of security, making it harder for unwanted people to get into your home. They are perfect for homes with frequent visitors or service providers, giving controlled access without compromising safety.
Risks and Mitigation
Key safes are great, but they have risks. The main one is unauthorised access. To reduce this risk, you should change the code frequently. Discreet placement of key safes will also reduce the chance of interference and improve overall security.
Environmental factors also pose challenges to key safes. Extreme weather conditions can accelerate wear and tear and render them useless. Check regularly for signs of environmental damage and use protective enclosures when needed to keep them operational.
Key safes must be installed correctly to work as expected.
Unauthorised Access
Outdoor key safes can be accessed unauthorisedly, so you need to protect them. They can be forced open by picking the lock, bumping keys, and using crowbars, which can compromise the key safe.
To reduce this risk, change the access code on your key safe regularly. Also, change the factory-set default code to a memorable but private one from the start.
Once you’ve changed the code, please test it to ensure it works and is secure. Share the new code only with people you trust. Don’t recycle old access codes you used for your outdoor key safes.
Environmental Factors
Over time, key safes can be damaged by salt and humidity, which can affect their performance. Weather conditions can also compromise the integrity and operation of key safes. Check regularly for signs of environmental damage.
Use protective layers or enclosures around key safes to protect them against extreme environmental conditions that can affect their durability and operational life.
Installation
Key safes must be installed correctly to work as expected. Having a drill is important when installing a key safe, as it needs to be attached to a fixed surface, which makes it hard for intruders to remove it. It is recommended that a professional locksmith advises on the different types of key safes, and a locksmith installs your key safe.
Before putting keys in the key safe, make sure the code works and that you can open the device. This will prevent unauthorised entry and ensure that your key safe is working as designed.
Key Safes vs Other Key Storage
Key storage solutions like key safes offer more security than lock boxes. They come in many types and price points. The more expensive ones are supposed to be more secure, but that’s not always the case. When looking for secure key storage options, you need to evaluate the levels of security and functionality between key safes and smart locks – especially since a key safe is safer than hiding spare keys outside.
Both key safes and smart locks offer secure ways to manage keys but cater to different users' needs and preferences. Key safes are designed with security in mind, while smart locks offer ease of use and remote access. Further down, we will compare the two for key access or code access.
Key Safes vs Lock Boxes
Key safes are more secure than traditional key lock boxes which can be forced open. So key safes are better for those who want robust protection for their property. Unlike basic lock boxes, some key safes have electronic locks which offer more security than mechanical locks.
Products like Kidde AccessPoint 001170 and Supra C500 Key Safe are highly recommended for key storage. Both categories store keys securely, but there’s a big difference between key safes and regular lock boxes. Understanding these differences is key to choosing the right solution for your needs for key and property security.
Key Safes vs Smart Locks
Both key safes and smart locks are secure solutions for key management but serve different purposes based on individual needs and preferences. Key safes have security features like tamper proof locking mechanisms and rugged materials to provide secure key storage. Smart locks, on the other hand, focus on ease of use and remote access via smartphones or systems that don’t need a physical key.
When choosing between a smart lock and a key safe, consider your level of convenience vs. safety and the context of the keys' use. Smart locks have innovative features like remote entry but also risk digital hacking unless properly secured. Those who want to keep their keys away from the vulnerabilities of electronic devices can rely on key safes for their physical protection.
Choosing the Right Key Safe for You
Check the security features and credentials of a key safe to get the best defence. Tamper proof construction and securing the keys themselves are key when choosing an outdoor key safe. Going for high end materials will improve both durability and security of key safes. Looking for certifications will give you peace of mind.
Further down will be tips on evaluating protective measures, material robustness, and certifications for key safety. Knowing these will help you make a smart choice in choosing the right outdoor key storage for you.
Evaluating Security Features
Mechanical key safes that can withstand different levels of physical force have double-walled construction for added security. To store keys securely, you need to understand the security features inside key safes.
Checking these physical security features is vital to confirm key safes are safe for your keys.
Material Quality
When choosing a secure key safe, you must select one that is strong and well-built. Make sure the key safe is well manufactured. Avoid cheap plastic options.
Going for high-end material ensures your keys are safe inside the key safe for the long term, as well as your spare keys.
Certifications
To be reliable, a key safe must have police certification and can withstand a break-in. Look for certifications like Secured by Design or LPS1175, which will give you the assurance that your key safe has been tested and meets security standards.
These certifications prove the key safe can keep out unauthorized access and withstand forced entry, so you have more peace of mind with its security features.
Conclusion
Key safes are a secure way to store spare keys. They have tamper-proof locks, robust materials and weather resistant so that they can keep out unwanted entry and environmental degradation. Certifications from recognized bodies like Police Preferred Specification or LPS1175 will attest to their security. You can choose which key safe fits your needs by evaluating their typical use, pros and cons and how they compare to other key storage options in the market today. Choosing a high-end key safe will contribute to your overall home security and give you peace of mind that access to your keys is convenient and secure.
Published: 23rd August, 2024 | Updated: 23rd August, 2024