It's come to my attention that safe can have a primary lock and then a fail safe lock (usually a key?) that will allow one to open the safe should the primary lock 'fail' (broke, forgotten combo, whatever).

Is it possible to have one lock be a dial combo lock and the other lock to be electronic - either one can open the safe? I like the the convenience of an electronic lock but the durability of the combo lock.

The safe would be an Amsec (one of the business models with TL-15 or TL-30). If only possible w/ non-TL rated, that may be okay too.

I did have a wall safe with a digital key pad and it came with a key to open and close when the battery eventually failed which it did. I don’t remember the brand; it was an option in buying a new house.

Anything (typically) with a backup key will not be UL rated and susceptible to entry by those most wish to keep out (children and criminal).

They do make redundant locks which are electronic backed up by mechanical combination, but only have the rating of its lowest rated component which is generally going to be the mechanical lock. Anything for a TL rated safe would require a minimum of a group 2M lock, with a group 1 being above it in terms of manipulation resistance.

Redundant locks are a bit deeper than a single lock due to the stacked design, and may not work in all safes if the door cavity is too shallow.

I haven’t seen a safe where a key lock opens the safe if the combination lock fails. I’ve seen safes with two locks: a manual or electronic combination one and a key one. Both must be unlocked to open the door.

With a manual combination, you can leave the dial in the open position and use just the key to lock and unlock the safe, but if your turn the dial, you’ll have to dial the combination again. With these, the key is captive in the unlock position. In other words, to remove the key you have to lock the key lock.

Thanks guys.

Sounds like I need to check directly with AMSEC if the models of interest offer a redundant electronic/mechanical lock. Like the CEV2518.

I don't really need TL rated but it would be nice to have.

This is mostly for important docs and a little bit of emergency cash. Safe is mostly for fire protection and to make it a hassle for just snatch and grab. Safe is probably worth more than contents - just very inconvenient to lose the contents.

Just thinking that an electronic lock would be nice if we need quick access (for aging eyes in the dark (ie - a fire in the house)) but want the reliability of a combo lock in case the electronics fail.

The CEV is not customizable by AMSEC. It is imported and only comes in one configuration. Your local dealer could retrofit it.

Thanks. I'll find a local dealer. I'm probably looking for a made in USA safe. Definitely not made in chicom.

Vietnam (V in the model number). Regular CE and CF Amvaults are US made, but priced accordingly. Those can be special ordered from the factory.

Thanks. Good to have some industry insights. I'll look at the CE and CF offerings in a similar size.

ETA: looks like the CE series offers what they call a rotobolt redundant lock (electronic and mechanical in one). May not be type security (I can't tell) but may be good enough for me.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: konata88,