Safe time lock: Store cash with a time delay in accordance with DGUV Regulation 25

Safe with time lock for increased security in cash operations

Wherever cash is regularly accepted, skimmed off, or stored until transport, protection against break-ins is not the only factor. It is equally important that employees cannot hand over the safe's contents immediately. A safe with time delay therefore only unlocks after a set waiting period has elapsed. Even after the correct code has been entered, direct access to the contents remains blocked initially.

The delay can reduce the incentive for a robbery and relieve the pressure on staff, as immediate opening is technically impossible. For the measure to be effective, the time-lock safe should be integrated into the company's security concept, and the time-delayed storage should be clearly marked for outsiders to see.

What does DGUV Regulation 25 require for the storage of banknotes?

DGUV Regulation 25 "Prevention of Robbery" applies, among other things, to points of sale, gambling venues, credit, financial services and payment institutions, as well as public authority cash desks and pay offices, where employees handle cash or other means of payment or have access to valuables. For the storage of banknotes, the following points are particularly relevant:

• Banknote stocks must be stored securely.
• The storage container must offer sufficient resistance against forced entry.
• The safe must be secured against simple removal, for example by professional anchoring.
• Access for regularly present authorized personnel must be time-delayed.
• The set time delay must only be changeable by authorized persons.

For points of sale, DGUV Rule 108-010 specifies these requirements: The blocking period or time delay for employees regularly present in the establishment must generally be at least five minutes. Which solution is suitable in an individual case is determined by the risk assessment, the operational security concept, and the DGUV rule applicable to the respective area.

Opening delay with the Kaba Mauer Combi B 90

The Kaba Mauer Combi B 90 high-security electronic lock is used for safes in this category. After entering a valid code, the set opening delay begins. Only when this waiting time has elapsed can the opening of the safe be confirmed within the defined opening window.

With the function activated, the lock's opening delay can, according to the manufacturer, be set to between 1 and 99 minutes, and the subsequent opening window to between 1 and 19 minutes. For time-delayed storage in accordance with DGUV Regulation 25, the delay must be configured to suit the area of application and the operational security concept.

Opening delay

Adjustable from 1 to 99 minutes

Opening window

Adjustable from 1 to 19 minutes

For which businesses is a safe with opening delay suitable?

A time-lock safe is particularly useful where employees regularly accept, temporarily store, or prepare cash for collection. Typical areas of application are:

• Retail and points of sale
• Gas stations and kiosks
• Catering, bakeries, and chain stores
• Arcades, gaming venues, and betting shops
• Hotels and reception desks
• Pharmacies
• Cash areas and pay offices
• Businesses with regular cash skimming

Even with small individual amounts, larger cash stocks can accumulate over the course of the day. Through regular skimming and subsequent time-delayed storage, the amount of cash immediately accessible is kept as low as possible.

Deposit safe or security cabinet with time lock?

The appropriate type of safe depends on how cash is accepted and stored in the business. A deposit safe with time lock is particularly suitable for ongoing cash skimming: banknotes, envelopes, or cassettes can be stored via a secure slot without opening the main access. The contents remain protected until time-delayed removal.

For daily closings, larger cash stocks, or the joint storage of other valuables, a security cabinet with an electronic combination lock and opening delay is often the right choice. If insurable break-in protection is desired, a model tested according to EN 1143-1 with a suitable resistance grade should be selected, and the insurance sum should be agreed upon with the property insurer before purchase.

What should you look out for when buying a time-lock safe?

• Appropriate lock function: Check whether the electronic lock supports an opening delay that is sufficiently long and can only be changed by authorized personnel.
• Suitable break-in protection: The design and resistance grade should match the value, the location, and the insurer's requirements.
• Protection against removal: Plan for professional anchoring in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the conditions at the installation site.
• Suitable safe type: For frequent skimming, a deposit safe is usually more practical; for larger daily stocks, a security cabinet may be the better choice.
• Appropriate size: Consider cash volume, containers, cassettes, and the space required for daily closings.
• Secure operational workflow: Establish binding rules for authorizations, skimming intervals, code management, checks, and the labeling of the time-lock security.

Buy a safe with time lock at Bremer Tresor

At Bremer Tresor, you will find solutions for time-delayed cash storage for various industries and security requirements. We support you in selecting a suitable safe, the appropriate lock configuration, and professional installation and anchoring. Upon request, we can also check whether an existing safe is prepared for retrofitting with a suitable electronic lock.

Get professional advice if you are looking for a safe with time lock according to DGUV Regulation 25, a deposit safe with opening delay, or a certified security cabinet for your cash area. This ensures you receive a solution that fits your operational processes, your need for protection, and the requirements of your security concept.