SentriGuard electronic key safe receives impressive C3 rating from LPCB

This rating was achieved by continuous product development and recurring testing, which resulted in the use of a shroud (ie a customised steel key safe ‘armour’) and specified fixings to guarantee the C3 level security rating for key safes mounted on metal substrates.

Such a solution is particularly suitable for customers who require higher levels of security, while still reaping the benefits of key storage at the point of entry.

Achieving excellence in product security is not an easy and straightforward journey. It often entails a step-by-step approach to guarantee that every element and procedure is reviewed, which might take years to accomplish.

When undertaken by a reputable and globally recognised industry expert such as the LPCB, the certification process consists of numerous steps, including a product design review by expert engineers, assessment and surveillance of the manufacturer’s factory production control system, product testing and evaluation and ongoing audits.

This rigorous process serves to ensure that no corners are cut and that the security product under test meets a specific standard.

Understanding the terminology

Certification decoding witnesses the LPCB employing a system in which letters denote the threat level. This aligns with the toolkit used to evaluate the product’s resistance (eg ‘A’ for light duty tools like a small screwdriver or a lever with tool severity increasing alphabetically).

The number in the grading represents the time delay, outlining the minimum delay (in minutes) provided by the product when under attack.

Hence, the SentriGuard key safe’s C3 rating is equivalent to three minutes of uninterrupted attack with category A to C tools, such as a 12 V drill, a 400 mm bolt cutter and a700 mm crowbar (among others).

Further, during the attack test, two variables are considered: product robustness and key safe removal from the wall. This means that both the mounting fittings and the key safe are tested.

Outstanding achievement

Stuart Wheeler, managing director at Keynetics, commented: “For years now, we’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that our access solutions combine the best of physical and digital. A good deal of time, effort and resources underpin this latest achievement. We’re very proud to have achieved LPS 1175 C3.”

Wheeler concluded: “We will continue our work on product development and remain the strongest advocate for access control product certification to ensure that the standards meet clients’ security requirements, and most notably so for commercial property where the risks are higher.”

*Further information is available online at www.keyneticsltd.co.uk