In running a commercial or retail operation, you need to know that your stock and money are as secure as possible. This requires an appropriate safe. In this post, we explore whether a TL-30 safe offers better security than a TL-15 safe.

What are TL-30 safes?

TL-30 safes are high-security safes that are guaranteed to be tool resistant for a period of up to 30 minutes. This means that a safe with this security rating must resist entrance attempts by determined attackers armed with picks, drills, hammers, hand tools, cutting wheels or power saws.

There are many manufacturers that offer safes for sale with this security rating, and they all have a number of construction elements in common. They must have a combination lock that satisfies the requirements of UL Listed Group II, 1 or 1R. They may also feature a Type 1 electronic lock, but this is not mandatory.

They are typically very heavy safes, weighing at least 750 pounds. Where they do not satisfy this weight criterion, they must be anchored securely to a concrete floor. The body walls of the safe will consist of steel that is a minimum of an inch thick, and that has a tensile strength of 50,000 PSI.

The weld that is used to join each element of the safe together must be at least a quarter of an inch thick and have a minimum tensile strength of 50,000 PSI.

Where the safes are fitted with a hole to accommodate electrical conductors, this must measure no more than a quarter of an inch and not provide a direct view of the locking mechanism or the interior of the door.

How are the safes tested?

When a TL-15 safe is tested, testers are allowed up to 15 minutes to create a 6-inch square opening through the door or front face of the safe, using any tools or combination thereof that they deem appropriate.

When the testers are presented with TL-30 safes, they are allowed up to 30 minutes to try to penetrate the safe, and, again, are allowed to choose the tools that they wish to use to attempt to breach its security features.

Is a TL-30 safe better than a TL-15 safe?

Businesses and individuals that need to secure high-value items or significant amounts of cash would be wise to invest in a TL-30 safe. This includes jewelry stores, pawn shops, pharmacies and banks. If your premises is fitted with a monitored burglar alarm, a safe with this security level is considered by most insurance companies to be capable of protecting contents with a total value of $375,000.

If the contents or cash that you wish to secure have a considerably lower value, a TL-15 model may be entirely appropriate for your needs.

To sum up

The main differentiating factor between these safes is that TL-15 safes only need to withstand a concentrated attack for 15 minutes, while a TL-30 will withstand an attack for 30 minutes.
Where you are uncertain as to which is better suited to your needs, you may wish to consult with your insurance provider prior to purchase to ensure that your chosen safe will satisfy the needs of your policy.