Many business class safes, including the FireKing and Schwab Corp brand (now owned by Sentry Safe) have electronic locks for access control and security. Today we take a look at replacing the batteries on the Keypad Lock for the LaGard Basic 3600 series. These locks are used on many of the media safes and media cabinets, safes that are designed to protect backup computer media such as DLT tapes, LTO tapes and even external hard drives.

Operating the Electronic Lock under Normal Operation

LaGard Basic Electronic Lock

1. Type in the 6-digit combination on the keypad.
2. Two beeps means that the combination was enter successfully and the combo was accepted. Three beeps means the combination was not accepted.
3. If you enter four consecutive wrong electronic combiinations you will lockout the keypad for 5 minutes.
4. After the 5 minute lockout of 5 minutes, the  entry of two consecutive wrong combos will start a new 5 minute penalty period.
5. If you enter the 6 digit combination and hear two beeps but the safe or vault door does not unlock, it is time to replace the keypad batteries.

How Do I know when the batteries need replaced? When the batteries in the lock are low the electronic keypad may give the normal two beep signal that the combo is accepted and the safe may be opened, yet the safe will still not open. The reason for this is that weak batteries can still be strong enough to make the beep sound and light the LED, yet are not quite strong enough to pull the solenoid and open the lock on the safe or vault door.

Replacement of 9 Volt batteries

Changing the 9 Volt Batteries on the 3600 Series Electronic Safe Lock

Step 1. Gently place the heel of your hand under the lock keypad.
Step 2. Gently push up until keypad becomes free.
Step 3. Replace the low batteries with quality 9 Volt alkaline batteries.
Step 4. Gently reattach the lock keypad and verify that the lock opens correctly.

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The S&G Audit Lock is the world’s premier high security lock for access control on safes, vaults and doors of all types. Many banks, insurance companies and

9V Batteries in Electronic Lock

other entities with evidence rooms choose this lock for its versatility and ease of use. What makes this lock unique is the ability to record, manage and analyze times and dates for every time the door has been opened or closed. Companies with access control policies in place (e.g. Cash safes at retail locations) can use this information for record keeping and as information to provide to authorities if a theft occurs.  Like any electronic lock, over time the batteries become low and require replacement.

MYTH: The lock will loose the user codes during battery replacement

FACT: The lock will NOT loose any programmed user codes, passwords or settings

Electronic locks always have some way to measure the low battery, the S&G audit control lock is not different and when a user code is entered and a series of five (5) beeps occur, the 9 volt batteries are low. This is the best time to replace the batteries. If the batteries are not replaced during the onset of the beeping sequence eventually the lock will not open and you will not be able to access the safe, vault or secure room that the lock protects.

• 2 Signs that the Batteries Needs Replaced!
• A series of 5 beeps occurs when the user code is entered
• Electronic Lock beeps 20 times and the lock won’t open.

How to change the batteries

The two 9V batteries are located directly behind the touch keypad. The S&G audit lock uses two (2)  9-volt alkaline batteries. Like most safe and lock manufacturers we always recommend Duracell alkaline batteries. They last the longest and are the preffered battery for electronic safes and locks.

Step 1.

Very carefully remove the keypad housing of the lock by gently lifting the bottom edge (closest to the S&G logo) and slowly easing it off the base.

Step 2.

Carefully detach the old 9V batteries from the battery terminals. Now, insert the brand new Duracell batteries. NOTE:  Make sure you support the top of each 9v battery holder to prevent bending or breaking the battery holder.

Step 3.

Very carefully replace the keypad housing of the lock

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Smoke Detector Battery

Everyone is familiar with the annoying chirping sound that a smoke detector makes when its battery needs changed. Many states have laws about smoke detectors in homes. Commercial businesses are also included in these state laws, lets face it smoke detectors save lives. So when you hear that annoying chirping coming from your smoke detector, remember that its there to save your life in the event of a fire.  We here at BestBatteryTips.com have a few Battery Tips to keep your smoke detector ready for a fire.

• It is recommended that you test your smoke detectors in your home once a month. Smoke detectors can and will fail, so its important to test your smoke detectors monthly.
• The smoke detector advises you when its battery needs changed by making a chirping or beeping sound. In the event that you hear your smoke detector chirping or beeping, change the battery as soon as possible. Remember, the smoke detector is there to save your life, and the lives of your family.
• It is recommended that your smoke detector battery be changed yearly. We here at BestBatteryTips.com recommend changing your battery every 9 months to be sure your battery is always ready in the event of a fire.
• Upgrading your smoke detector battery to a Lithium battery is a good idea. Lithium batteries have a lot more available capacity than alkaline batteries. Lithium batteries also have a slow discharge rate, which will aid in the duration of a operational battery in your smoke detector.
• Never use rechargeable batteries in your smoke detectors. The battery being fully charged is a unknown with rechargeable batteries, and is not worth risking lives over. A defective charger would lead someone to believe the battery is fully charged when its not.
• WARNING: After replacing the battery in your smoke detector, and the smoke detector is still chirping or beeping there is a problem!! It is possible to have bought a battery that is defective, or the smoke detector has failed.

Security and Identity theft protection are a top priority for anyone with a laptop or notebook computer. One method to mitigate this risk is to secure your computer inside a laptop safe. These steel safes allow you to safely store your valuable computer behind “lock and key” and make it much more difficult for any would-be thieves. While there are a wide variety of brand name manufacturers of laptop computer safes the most common include bolt down kits and optional, security locking cables. Many of these safes can also be used in your automobile and are referred to as auto safes or car safes.

Gary Laptop Safe

*NOTE: If the your batteries are low the LED on the front of the safe will read “LO-BAT” and the batteries have to be replaced.

If the batteries are dead, the first step in battery replacement for the Gary Laptop Safe is to open the electronic safe with your key. This will allow you to easily install the AA batteries. This series of replacing the batteries on the FireKing Gary safe is for batteries that are dead, whereby the electronic lock will not operate due to insufficient voltage.
Step 1

Uncover the round cap that has the safe logo on it. Under this plastic cap to reveal the key lock hole.

Step 2

Insert your factory supplied key, and turn it clockwise. The electronic safe door will open automatically.

Step 3

With the safe door in the open position,  close the lock and remove your key. Set the key off to the side so as to not lock it inside your safe.

Step 4

Remove the cover of the battery box that holds the batteries and replace your dead batteries with 5 batteries type AA/1,5V /Alkaline).

*NOTE: If you only press #, the LED indicator light will show “HI-BAT” or “LO-BAT”, “HI-BAT” means normal voltage and “LO-BAT” means deficient voltage, in which case the batteries need replacement.

This FireKing Gary safe is designed to offer secure protection for laptop computers and other valuables. The compact size allows easy installation on the wall or floor in a home, dorm room, office, or even your automobile. The electronic key lock provides security and easy access for any person or businesses that wants to add an additional layer of security to computer data.

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Is your battery dead on your fire safe? Replacing the AA Batteries on your SentrySafe electronic safe is quite easy. This step by step guide will show you exactly how to replace the batteries, located under the electronic lock in a holding tray.

Our blog followers have told us that these batteries should last at least 9 months.

We recommend that you change them every six months.

Step 1

Notice the Small Hole below the keypad

Make sure that the handle of your safe is in the UP position, this means the horizontal position.

Insert a paper clip or pen point into the small hole of the battery cover. This small hole is located directly below the electronic keypad. Simply push in with your paper clip or pen point while simultaneously sliding the battery cover to the right.
Step 2

Simply disconnect and remove the battery holder and insert four (4) brand new AA Batteries. Sentry does not include batteries with your new purchase, we recommend Duracell as they offer the longest charge.

Step 3

Now, reconnect the battery holder and simply install it back into the proper position and slide the AA battery cover back in place.

DONE!

ELECTRONIC LOCK NOTE:  There is a yellow LED that will light up when the batteries need replacement.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS!

Problem: My safe won’t open

Solution: If the electronic lock is not operating, the first step is to simply replace the batteries located behind the battery cover.

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Note: If your electronic lock is functioning and you cannot get into the safe, consult the owners manual.

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Subscribe to our RSS feed and keep tabs on how to change batteries in electronic safes for all brand name manufacturers! See our last post about the GunVault Biometric Safe

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We at BestBatteryTips.com recently posted a blog entry about replacing the batteries in the GunVault electronic safe for handguns and have been encouraged to continue covering the topic of electronic safes. In this installment we have decided to include the biometric safe from GunVault called the Bio. Much like the standard firearm safes manufacturerd by Cannon the biometric fingerprint safe requires both a power pack and 9 volt battery.

As with the standard electronic gun safe the manufacturer continues to recommend Duracell 9Volt batteries.  Only (1) 9Volt battery is required for operation and the replacement is a breeze if you follow these simple steps.

Step 1.

Locating the Battery Holder
Much like the non biometric version of the safe, GunVault recommends that with your palm up, reach inside the safe to remove the foam liner and install or replace the battery. We have found that it’s much easier to turn the safe upside down. By doing so your hand is in a much more natural position and can more easily locate the battery tray.

Gently Pull out the Foam Liner

Reach inside and find the far end of the ceiling foam. With your fingers, pinch the far end, and carefully pull the foam liner partially out of the electronic safe. Be gentle and careful not to tear the foam loose!

The 9volt battery holder is located inside on the roof of the gun safe and attached to the back side of the electronic lock body.

Location of 9 Volt - Use a Duracell Battery

Step 2.

Replacing and Installing the 9 volt Battery

Again, we recommend that you position the safe upside down with the door facing you. This position allows for an easiter way to find the battery.
Simply connect the power cable to the 9volt battery. Listen for a beep audio signal, this
confirms that power is connected and operational.
• Be Carefule not pinch the power cable as this could case damage.
• Gently press the 9volt into position in the battery tray holder.
• Reposition the foam liner back into the ceiling fo the safe to covery the battery.

Now you are ready to set up the biometric fingerprint lock by enrolling your and up to thirty (30) other fingerprints for the safe.

For backup the GunVault also has a key lock, please do not lock your keys inside the safe!!! Store them in a location that is easy to remember!

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According to the manufacturer of GunVault you should NEVER use a rechargeable battery as it will not work! We have yet to test this theory out and look forward to providing an update in the near future.

The GunVault pistol and security safe line of electronic safes is a must have for any handgun owner. These safes offer lightning fast entry for home defense and the best safety for firearm owners that have children at home.  Today we take a look at the GunVault Mini Deluxe, manufactured from 16-gauge steel with pry-resistant doors,  it can be used to securely store a variety of items out of reach of children and unauthorized access.

The  Deluxe Models have special features that require both a power supply and AA alkaline batteries to power an interior courtesy light as well as a motion detection and audible alarm.

Like many electronic safe manufacturers, GunVault (owned by Cannon Safe) recommends the use of Duracell AA batteries.  A total of Eight
(8) AA batteries are required for the operation of the interior light, lock and audible alarm system. There is a key lock as a backup, so you can rest easy that you won’t get locked out! It is important to note that you should NEVER use a 9v battery or rechargeable batteries – they will not work with the GunVault safe brand.
Locating the Battery Tray
GunVault recommends that you locate the battery tray with your “palm up” However, we have found it to be much easier to turn the safe upside down so you can more easily locate the battery tray and remove the fastener screws.

Step 1.

Gently Pull the Foam Out

Reach inside the gun safe and locate the far end of the ceiling foam. Gently squeeze or pinch the far end of the foam with your fingers and carefully pull it part of the way out of the safe box. *imagine that you are pulling on the tongue of your shoe*  Take special care not to tear the foam loose! Afterall, you just spend your hard earned cash to buy a safe! You will find both the battery tray and mounting screws on the ceiling (or if you turned the safe upside down they will be on the bottom).

Location of Fastener Screws and Wires

Loading the Battery Tray

Step 2.

Pay close attention to the polarity of the batteries as you install them! Make sure that the ends of each battery match the positive (+) and negative (-) marking in the tray exactly. This will ensure that you do not have to repeat this step!

+ - Batteries Must Be Installed Correctly - +

Installing the Battery Tray in the Safe

Electronic Gun Safe

Step 3.

Position the safe with the door facing you. Again GunVault recommends that you have the keypad upward. HOWEVER, we have found it to be much easier to turn the safe upside down so you can more easily locate install the battery tray and fastener screws.

a)  Ensure that you have connected the power cable to the battery tray. You should hear an audible beep signal’ this cofirms that power is connected.
b) Do not pinch the power cable between the tray and the ceiling as this can cause damage to you new gun safe.
c) Gently insert the tray into position; Pay close attention to aligning the slots/holes onto the mounting studs.
d) Use the fastener thumbnuts to secure the tray inside the gun safe. Do not over-tighten the fastener thumbnuts!
e) Gently press the foam back into the GunVault so it covers the battery tray and tuck the foam lining in the far end to keep it in place.

Now you can close the door and your GunVault is ready for use!

Every GunVault safe includes standard features such as a spring-loaded door for quick access to contents, powder coated finish that resist corrosion, the no-eyes electronic keypad and a backup key lock so you do not get locked out! For gun safety the safe has a Security Sleep Mode in case of unauthorized keypad entry and special “knock outs” to use a security cable or bolt down kit for security.

After continued use you will notice a low battery warning in the form of period beeps. You will also notice in both the Deluxe and biometric electronic safe the door will not open properly when the batteries are low.

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With the popularity of electronic safes we continue to offer tips and step by step guides for our readers to replace the batteries in their locks. Many security safes come equipped with biometric locks or fingerprint readers for convenience. This type of advanced lock technology provides greater security and access control, and well, quite simply it’s very cool to open a lock with your fingerprint. The majority of fingerprint readers are battery powered and depending on the safe, some include a power pack for normal operation and rely on batteries as backup power.

In this post we take a look at the S&G® biometric keypad lock. This lock is used on several electronic safes, home safes and burglary rated safes. The biometric keypad lock is powered by two 9-volt batteries, both easily accessed via battery compartment on the bottom of the lock.

Helpful Tips: Listen for a change in the sound or pitch of the lock beeps – this means you need new 9 volt batteries!

Sporadic or inconsistent operation of the biometric keypad is also a sign that it’s time for new batteries.

Batteries—How often do should I change them?

Location of Battery Compartment

Once you are familiar with the biometric lock itself, you know that during both operation and programming the lock, it emits beeps.  You’ll know that it’s time for battery replacement when there is a If you notice an obvious change in the sound of the beeps. This means that the lock is telling you it’s time to change the batteries. Over time, if you do not go through the proper battery replacement steps, the lock will beep 20 times rapidly; when you try to open it, the unit will remain locked and you will not be able to open your safe.  This feature is the manufacturers way of  declaring that you change the batteries.
Batteries—How do I replace the 9 volt batteries?
First off, always remember that to ensure reliable operation of the lock that the batteries must be replaced periodically. The fingerprint codes and PIN numbers will be stored in internal memory.  Underneath the bottom of the S&G® keypad, you’ll find a raised ridge. Place your finger behind it, pull forward and down to gently open the

Slide Out Battery Tray

battery compartment. Be careful not to break the tray or pull the wires.

Each of the 9 volt batteries are connected to wires with tops that snap onto the batteries terminals. These connectors are common and found on most appliances, gadgets and other technology that use 9-volt batteries. Unplug the connectors, remove the old batteries, then snap the connectors onto a pair of new Duracell® brand (for best performance) alkaline batteries. Remember, the batteries must be alkaline. Place the batteries in the tray with the connector wires facing up. Once the replacement batteries have been installed, simply push the battery tray back up into the biometric keypad until it snaps into place.

MYTH: The biometric fingerprint codes and programmed combination or PIN will be erased during battery replacement.

Biometric Lock Battery Replacement

FACT: During a battery change the lock is designed to remember the fingerprints and PIN numbers.

Each and every electronic safe will have batteries. While some are powered with 9 volts, there are many other home safes or fireproof safe brands that utilize AA alkaline batteries. Stay tuned as BestBatteryTips.com brings you more reviews and battery replacement tips for all types of storage cabinets and safes with locks.

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MYTH: The electronic lock will not remember the pass code or password during battery replacement.

FACT: The circuitry is designed to hold the password information for extended periods of time even if there are no batteries installed.

Many safes today come standard with battery powered or electronic locks. There are many reasons to buy a safe with either a digital keypad or biometric fingerprint sensor; whether that be security, safety or access control.  In today’s blog post we will walk you through the standard procedure for replacing the battery in the S&G® 6120 lock. You’ll know that it is time to put in a new 9 volt when the lock beeps repeatedly when not in use.

The Sargent & Greenleaf® lock is standard on many commercial fire safes. Manufacturers such as FireKing,  SentrySafe and Hamilton utilize these locks for reliability and access control.  After continuous use, the battery will weaken and replacement is necessary. Typically the battery life for a safe with electronic lock is one year or more.

Low Battery Condition
The Model 6120 lock uses two 9-volt alkaline batteries. S&G® recommends Duracell®. If the batteries in the lock need to be replaced, a total of twenty consecutive beeps will be audible after the last number of the code and the # sign have been pressed. The batteries must be replaced before the lock on your safe can be opened.

Step 1—
Remove the keypad from the mounting base plate. This is easily accomplished by pulling the bottom of the keypad away from the base. Grip the keypad as shown in the photo for best results. Support the keypad so that the wires which are attached to its circuit board are not pulled or damaged. Remember, do not let the electronic keypad hang from its wires!

Step 2—

Turn the keypad over and remove both 9 volt batteries.  This is best accomplished by grasping the bottom of a battery and pulling it gently away from the circuit board.  Please do not use any type of tool to pry a battery from its holder as this can cause damage to the locks circuit board.

Step 3—

Install new 9 volt batteries by pushing them directly into the battery connectors. Again, S&G® recommends two Duracell 9 volt batteries. During this step remeber to support the connectors so they will not become bent or damaged when insterting the new batteries. The connectors are designed to make it very difficult / nearly impossible to install a battery incorrectly.  Pay attention to battery polarity so you don’t damage a connector by installing a battery backwards.

Don't Damage the Wires!

Step 4—

Hold the electronic keypad close to the mounting base while you coil the excess battery wire inside. Gently move the wire away from the spring clips that hold the keypad to the mounting base – this will again prevent damage to the electronics and circuit boards of the  lock and ensure proper operation of the safe.

Step 5—

Align the spring clips with the in the base. Gently push the keypad back onto its mounting base. Don’t allow any wire(s) to be damaged by contact with the spring clips. The keypad should gently snap into place on the base.

Step 6—

Check the master password and all user codes (if you have them)  at least three times with the safe door open. Close the door of the safe only after the lock has been thoroughly checked for proper operation.

Failure to check the lock prior to closing the door could result in the inability to open the safe. If this occurs, a locksmith will need to be called to open the safe, creating costly expenses (especially if it’s after hours or over a holiday).

For more information please visit the Sargent and Greenleaf website at http://www.sargentandgreenleaf.com

In our next installment on electronic safes and locks we’ll be taking a look at the GunVault Pistol Safe.