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.

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.