VAULT DOOR
MANUFACTURER

Most community banks and credit unions specify UL Class 1 (TL-30) vault doors, which provide 30 minutes of tool attack resistance and meet standard insurance requirements. Regional banks with larger deposit bases often upgrade to Class 2 (TRTL-30) for additional torch resistance. The specific requirement depends on your insurance carrier's underwriting guidelines, the value of assets stored, and your facility's security response time. Many financial institutions also require time locks and dual-control (two-person) locking, which are standard on Class 1 and higher doors.

TL (Tool) ratings measure resistance to mechanical and electric tool attacks only, while TRTL (Tool and Torch) ratings include resistance to cutting torches in addition to tools. A TL-30 door must resist tool attack for 30 minutes, while a TRTL-30 door must resist combined tool and torch attack for 30 minutes. TRTL-rated doors incorporate additional materials designed to defeat torch attacks, including copper alloy dispersions in the concrete core. For most financial institution applications, TL ratings are sufficient, but jewelry stores and precious metals dealers often benefit from TRTL protection.

Vault door weight varies significantly by security class and size. A standard 36" x 80" Class M door weighs 800-1,200 pounds, while the same size in Class 3 weighs 5,000-8,000 pounds. Floor load requirements range from 150 PSF for Class M to 600 PSF for Class 3. Before ordering, verify your floor structure can support both the distributed load of the installed door and concentrated point loads during installation. For installations above ground level, structural engineering review is strongly recommended.

Yes, vault doors are regularly installed in existing buildings and retrofit applications. Key considerations include: access path from building exterior accommodating door dimensions and weight, existing vault opening properly prepared, floor structure supporting door weight, and anchoring provisions compatible with wall construction. Retrofit installations may require creative logistics including temporary wall removal or crane access. Our team can conduct site surveys for challenging retrofit situations.

Monthly maintenance includes exercising the lock through several cycles, inspecting door seal and weatherstripping, and verifying smooth bolt work operation. Annual maintenance should include professional lock servicing, inspection of relocker mechanisms, time lock accuracy verification, and frame anchoring assessment. Mechanical combination locks should be serviced every 2-3 years. Electronic locks require battery replacement every 2-3 years. We recommend establishing a maintenance contract with a qualified safe and vault service company.

Standard lead times range from 6-8 weeks for Class M doors with standard options to 12-16 weeks for Class 3 doors or GSA certification configurations. Custom sizes, special lock configurations, and combined fire/ballistic ratings may add 2-4 weeks. Lead times begin from order confirmation. We recommend beginning the specification and ordering process at least 3-4 months before your required installation date.

Dual-control locking requires two authorized individuals to open the vault, preventing any single person from accessing vault contents alone. This is typically implemented through two separate combination locks or split-knowledge electronic systems. Dual-control is required by banking regulations for many financial institution vaults, mandated by insurance carriers for high-value installations, and specified for certain government applications. Dual-control locks are standard on Class 2 and Class 3 doors and optional on Class M and Class 1.

Yes, vault doors are available with integrated fire ratings from 1 hour to 4 hours, meeting UL 72 fire test standards. Fire-rated vault doors incorporate intumescent seals that expand when heated to block smoke and flame penetration, plus internal insulation limiting heat transfer. The fire rating is achieved through the same concrete composite construction providing burglary resistance. Adding fire rating increases door thickness and weight, so verify floor load capacity.

Yes, we manufacture vault doors with interior emergency release mechanisms specifically designed for safe room applications. These doors include interior panic hardware or turn-knob releases allowing exit regardless of exterior lock status. They can be configured as inswing to prevent attackers from blocking the door open. Safe room configurations also accommodate ventilation penetrations and communication system connections. Note that emergency egress hardware reduces overall security compared to standard vault doors.

DEA regulation 21 CFR 1301.72 requires Schedule II-V controlled substances be stored in a vault meeting specific standards. The vault door must conform to Class M (TL-15) UL rating minimum with locks meeting Group 1R standards (20 man-hours manipulation resistance). Electronic locks must be UL Type 1 rated if used. The vault must also have an alarm system meeting specific requirements. State pharmacy boards may impose additional requirements. We manufacture vault doors specifically configured for DEA compliance.

If a combination is forgotten, a certified safe technician can manipulate or drill the lock to gain access. This is a time-consuming and expensive process (often $1,000-5,000+ depending on lock type and security class). We recommend maintaining combination records in a secure off-site location such as a safe deposit box at another institution. To minimize lockout risk, maintain regular lock servicing and keep backup combination records secure but accessible.

To receive an accurate quotation, please provide: desired security class rating, clear opening dimensions required, lock configuration preference, any additional ratings needed (fire, ballistic), finish preference, installation location, and required delivery timeframe. Submit through our website quote request form, email our sales team, or call to discuss your requirements. Budgetary estimates can typically be provided within 24-48 hours; detailed quotations with engineering drawings require 5-7 business days. Volume pricing is available.