Electronic Safe Lock Combination Changing

Mechanical safe locks have always used similar construction. When required to change the combination on an unfamiliar safe lock, removal of the lock cover and a quick visual inspection of the individual parts usually easily helps to identify the amount of wheels and whether it is a hand change or key change lock.

Since there are few moving parts in an electronic lock, visual inspection is less helpful in determining how to change the combination. The following examples are only a few of the many types and varieties of electronic safe locks. Each manufacturer has its own system for combination changing. During the coming months we will be adding to this list.

Note: always make a written record of the new combination numbers before beginning combination changing. This will eliminate possible number transposition errors during the combination changing procedure and will provide your customer with a written record upon completion.

AMSEC: All AMSEC ESL10 combinations must contain six digits. To unlock the ESL10 lock, first press “C” to start the electronics. Next press the existing six-digit combination, and then press the # key. The lock will remain in the unlocked cycle for three seconds. During the three second period, turn the safe handle and open the safe door.

To change the combination, set the lock in a locked position with the door open. First press “C”, then “#”. This activates the change routine. A flashing red light and a warbling tone indicate that the safe lock is ready for programming. Now key in the existing combination, then press “#”. A tone will sound indicating the lock is ready for the next step. Key in the six digits of the new combination, then press “#”. A tone will sound indicating the lock is ready for the next step. Again key in the six new combination digits, then press “#”. An extended tone will sound indicating the new combination has replaced the old combination. Test the new combination several times with the door open before finally closing and locking the door.

GARDALL (microwave safe): To open: Press the START button and key in the existing code. A green light should illuminate and a chirp should sound. Turn the knob to open. Safe combinations must contain 6 digits. The Gardall safe is programmed to accept two different user codes. Combination changing must be done with the safe door open.

To change the first user code: Press the START button. Key in the new 6-digit code. Press the white or red memory button located inside the safe door. The first user combination is now changed. Test the new combination a few times with the door open before relocking the door.

To change the second user code: Press the white or red memory button located inside the safe door. Press the START button. Key in the new-6 digit code. The second user combination is now changed. Test the new combination a few times with the door open before relocking the door.

KABA LC SERIES: Usable combinations consist of six digits such as 40 24 30. Press the “*” key to start over whenever a mistake is made while keying in the numbers. To operate the lock, key in the existing combination. Immediately turn the handle to unlock the safe. An approximate 4 second opening time is allowed before a beep and flashing red & green lights indicate the lock has relocked.

Kaba LC safe locks allow single mode operation with two users, user 1 and user 2, each with a different combination which will unlock the safe. Kaba LC locks can also be set into a dual custody mode requiring both user 1 and user 2 to be present and to key in their individual combinations before the safe will unlock. This article will specifically refer to single mode usage.