The Biggest Mistakes Businesses Make with Their Safes – And How to Avoid Costly Security Oversights That Put Your Assets at Risk Leave a comment
The Biggest Mistakes Businesses Make with Their Safes – And How to Avoid Costly Security Oversights That Put Your Assets at Risk
When it comes to protecting your business’s most valuable assets—whether it’s cash, precious metals, or important documents—the quality of your safe plays a critical role. Yet, many businesses unknowingly make costly mistakes when choosing, using, or maintaining their safes. These oversights can leave you vulnerable to theft, loss, and even insurance claim denials.
In this guide, we’ll uncover the most common safe-related mistakes businesses make—and provide clear advice on how to avoid them.
1. Using Non-Certified or Low-Rated Safes
Many businesses opt for cheaper, uncertified safes that offer minimal protection. These units may look secure on the outside but often lack the burglary and fire resistance needed for true peace of mind.
Why It’s a Problem
Non-certified safes are typically made from thin steel, with weak locking mechanisms that can be easily bypassed. Worse, many are not tested to withstand tool or torch attacks, putting your assets at serious risk.
How to Avoid It
Look for UL-rated burglary safes such as TL-15, TL-30, or TRTL-30×6. These have been independently tested to resist advanced break-in methods. Ensure your fire-rated safe has at least 1–2 hours of fire protection.
2. Misunderstanding Anchoring Requirements
Anchoring a safe is often seen as a security essential—but doing it incorrectly can cause more harm than good.
Why It’s a Problem
Drilling anchor holes into a TL-rated safe that wasn’t designed for it can invalidate its UL certification, potentially reduce insurance coverage, and even increase the risk of rust if moisture collects under a bolted-down safe.
How to Avoid It
Only anchor safes using manufacturer-provided bolt holes. If your safe doesn’t include pre-drilled anchor points, consult your provider before making modifications. In environments prone to moisture, use risers or non-absorbent materials under the safe to allow airflow and prevent rust.
✅ Pro Tip: Before anchoring, always check with the manufacturer and your insurance provider.
3. Placing the Safe in a High-Visibility Location
Positioning your safe in plain sight might seem convenient—but it’s a big risk.
Why It’s a Problem
Safes placed in customer-facing areas or near entrance points are easy targets. In the event of a robbery, criminals can locate and attack your safe without resistance.
How to Avoid It
Keep your safe in a secured back office, preferably behind access-controlled doors. Choose locations that are discreet and offer some physical protection (e.g., inside a locked cabinet or closet).
4. Neglecting to Change Factory Default Codes
Many safes ship with default access codes—and many business owners never change them.
Why It’s a Problem
Factory-set codes are easy to guess or find online, making unauthorized access alarmingly simple.
How to Avoid It
Immediately change all default codes upon setup. If your safe supports it, enable dual control or time-delay access to add an extra layer of protection.
5. Choosing the Wrong Size
Underestimating how much storage you need often leads to overstuffed, poorly organized safes.
Why It’s a Problem
Overfilled safes are harder to manage and increase the chance of damage to your valuables. You may also resort to leaving items unprotected due to lack of space.
How to Avoid It
Plan for growth—go one size up from your current needs. This ensures room for inventory expansion and better organization.
6. Overlooking Fire & Moisture Resistance
A burglary isn’t the only threat—fires and humidity can be just as destructive.
Why It’s a Problem
Important documents, currency, and jewelry are highly sensitive to temperature and moisture. A burglary-safe without fire protection won’t help in a fire.
How to Avoid It
Invest in a dual-rated safe (burglary + fire) with UL-certified fire resistance. Moisture-resistant coatings and sealed interiors protect against rust and corrosion.
7. No Regular Maintenance or Inspections
Even the best safes require occasional checks and maintenance to function optimally.
Why It’s a Problem
Locks can wear out, seals can degrade, and hinges may loosen—any of which can compromise your security over time.
How to Avoid It
Schedule annual inspections for your safe and locking mechanism. Replace batteries on electronic locks regularly, and test your alarm integrations frequently.
Why Businesses Trust Blue Dot Safes
At Blue Dot Safes, we understand the real-world security challenges that business owners face. Our safes are engineered to meet the highest standards of protection—so you can focus on running your business, not worrying about what’s behind a locked door.
✅ TL-Rated Safes (TL-15, TL-30, TRTL-30×6)
✅ Fire-Resistant & Moisture-Proof Models
✅ Custom Interiors for Jewelry, Documents, or Cash
✅ Advanced Locking Systems with Dual Access & Audit Trails
✅ Expert Installation & Support Across the U.S.
Proudly made in the U.S., Blue Dot Safes are built to meet the highest standards of durability and performance.
Don’t Let a Simple Mistake Cost You Everything
Avoid these common oversights and secure your business the smart way.
Talk to a Blue Dot Security Expert Today.
We’ll help you choose the right safe—and use it the right way.
Visit: bluedotsafes.com
Email: [email protected]
Call: (866) 747-7233
