The difference between a luxury car and a runabout is not only the power of the engine, but also the comfort which it provides. Similarly, a security cabinet must be built in order to protect the contents from external attacks, but, since it will probably be used quite frequently, it is important that its structure and the interior set-up also make it convenient to use and functional. Obviously, different uses require different set-ups. Security cabinets are typically used to house guns or documents and other valuable items, so they are therefore divided mainly into document cabinets, gun cabinets and modular cabinets, the latter being a combination of the two previous types.

Document cabinets

The main internal accessory of document cabinets consists of the shelves on which the documents and objects can be placed. For greater flexibility of use, it is very handy if the shelves can be positioned as desired, and, if possible, that additional shelves can also be fitted at a later date. It is necessary to also check that the size and load capacity of the shelves are suitable to hold the objects to be stored. The shelves of Viro security cabinets, for example, each hold up to 15 kg and are designed so that they can carry without problems both laptops and bulky ring binders.

A Viro document cabinet with shelves can easily accommodate even bulky ring binders

Document cabinets can be fitted with the so-called “safety box“, that is, an internal compartment protected by a further closed door with a lock different from that of the cabinet.  This compartment can be used for storing sensitive documents or objects which must not be reached by other people who normally use the cabinet.

The safety box of a Viro document cabinet

Gun cabinets

In order to avoid scratching or damaging the guns stored, gun cabinets must be fitted with butt supports in the base and barrel supports on the bottom, both made of scratch-proof material, such as the high density polyethylene used in the Viro cabinets. Before purchase a cabinet it is worth checking that the dimensions of the barrel support are suitable for the guns to be housed. Particular attention should be paid to double-barrelled rifles or ones fitted with sights, which require larger supports.

The photo shows the barrel support (at the top) and the butt support (at the bottom) of a Viro security cabinet. The thickness of the barrel support should be noted, which is able to hold double-barrelled rifles or ones fitted with sights

Gun cabinets can also be fitted with the so-called “safety box“, that is, an internal compartment protected by a further door with a lock and key, which may be used to hold ammunition or other items (for example, knives or binoculars).

The safety box of a Viro gun cabinet

An important variable which distinguishes gun cabinets is the number of guns which it can hold. Viro, for example, produces a range of cabinets which can hold from 3 to 12 rifles.

Modular cabinets

Modular cabinets hold both rifles and handguns or documents and other items. They are therefore fitted both with butt and barrel supports and with shelves.

A modular Viro security cabinet

Accessories and finishes

The security cabinets can also be supplemented with some accessories and finishes:

• Interior climate control systems. Weapons and documents are particularly sensitive to moisture, so the security cabinets can be fitted with accessories, such as the Viro digital weather station, which allow the temperature and humidity inside the cabinet to be monitored, but also to forecast the weather for the day, in order, for example, to help choose one’s clothing and equipment for the day’s shooting, according to the expected weather conditions.
• Inside lighting. This is a particularly useful accessory for easily finding the smallest objects even in the more poorly illuminated corners of the cabinet. It is battery operated and can be applied in any desired point. A special sensor switches it ON and OFF when the door is opened and closed.
• Painting. Bearing in mind the large size of the cabinets and, therefore, their great visual impact, it is also necessary to consider the appearance. For this reason, Viro cabinets are available, on request, with an elegant “wood effect” paint finish which allows them to be well integrated with the surrounding furnishing.
  

  The special “wood effect” painting available on request for the Viro security cabinets

Conclusions

A gun or document security cabinet must not only be secure, but also attractive and convenient to use. For this reason, the best security cabinets offer different options in order to customise the cabinet according to one’s specific needs. When, for example, we choose a car, we don’t look merely at the price and performance, but we also want to test it to make sure it meets our needs. The purchase of the right security cabinet is also an important decision. In this case, it is therefore worth assessing its daily ease of use before purchase.

You can see the range of Viro security cabinets here