What Happens to My Gun Safe When the Battery on the Electronic Lock Dies?

Not to worry! You will not be permanently locked out of your gun safe when your electronic lock battery dies. You can change the battery on an electronic lock quite easily by opening the front of the locking keypad and sliding out the battery compartment.

Since we use non-volatile memory on our safes, your passcode information will not be lost. Simply insert the new battery, and then test your code. We recommend replacing the battery for your electronic lock every year with a Duracell 9V. This will ensure optimal performance and lasting durability.

Operating Electonic Locks

The nine-volt battery in your safe's electronic keypad lock should normally last between 8,000 to 10,000 openings. And that is a lot of openings. But what if you go to open your safe and find that the battery has suddenly died? Will you be locked out of your safe because your code will be wiped out? Here is what happens when the battery on an electronic safe lock dies.

Do Not Panic...Your Code Is Still There!

While it is inconvenient, being locked out of your safe because of a dead battery is only a temporary problem. You can rest assured that once you replace the battery in your lock, your combination code will still be there. This is because electronic locks contain what is called non-volatile memory that holds onto the combination codes that you have programmed into your lock. In fact, your electronic lock's memory can hold onto your codes for up to 10 years whether your battery is dead or removed.

Lock Lights Up, but Safe Won't Open

If your battery is not quite dead yet, the lights or display on your lock could still light up. After entering your combination code, you might still hear the expected beeps and clicks that happen as the safe's bolt disengages. However, when you try to turn the handle, you might find that the lock has not fully disengaged. This is because there is not enough juice left in the battery to fully power the opening operation. Replacing your battery with a fresh one should resolve this problem for you right away.

The Type of Battery You Use Matters

When it comes to the reliability of your electronic safe lock, the type of nine-volt batteries you use matters. You should use high-quality alkaline nine-volt batteries, like Duracells or Energizers. Even though there are high-quality carbon batteries available, often at a lower cost, electronic locks are designed to work better with alkaline batteries. A carbon battery may not provide enough consistent power to allow the bolt to retract enough to open your safe. So, if you want to ensure proper lock operation, never skimp on its batteries.

Preventing Surprises

The last thing you want when you go to open your safe, especially in an emergency, is to find out the batteries are dead in its electronic safe lock. Liberty Safe recommends that you replace the battery in your safe lock every six to 12 months. This will ensure your safe can always be opened quickly, as is intended by equipping it with a reliable electronic lock.

Liberty Safe uses high-quality SecuRam electronic locks for their safes because of their extreme reliability. Learn more about upgrading your safe to an electronic lock by contacting your local Liberty Safe dealer.

Our gun safes have the option to be manufactured with an electronic lock instead of a manual key lock or dial. As of 2018, the SecuRam ProLogic electronic lock is an available option on all models of Franklin, Fatboy, Lincoln, National, and Presidential Series safes, and comes standard on the Premium 20 models. SecuRam safe locks offer the reliability of mechanical locks while providing the convenience of an electronic lock. Electronic locks can be factory installed on 23 models and larger, including Centurion, Colonial, Franklin, Lincoln, Presidential or National Security safes.

If you own an older model of Liberty Safe, it will have an S&G model lock, which will also continue to provide excellent security for years. Not sure which electronic lock is on your Liberty Safe? We have a guide to help you identify your electronic lock. Regardless of your model, you can rest assured that your safe has lasting protection.