How to Run Power Into Gun Safe

As a responsible gun owner, you must ensure your gun safe has a stable power supply. How certain are you that you have followed all the safety precautions?

A gun safe can offer a secure spot to stash your firearms and shield them from burglary and harm. However, a gun safe can only be effective if it has a reliable power source.

In this post, I’ll go over the significance of powering up your gun safe, analyzing your gun safe’s power requirements, preparing your gun safe for a power source, safety concerns, and the proper procedures. 

Assess Your Gun Safe’s Power Needs

Before powering up your gun safe, you should evaluate its power requirements. 

Below is a table that portrays the power needs of various gun safes. 

Gun Safe	Power Requirement	Size and Type	Capacity	Length of Time You Need the Power to Last
1. Biometric Safe	– AA batteries.	– Dimensions 3.2″x12.1″x9.9″   – Weighs around 10 lbs	– 0.08 cubic feet.	– AA batteries can last up to two years.
2. Electronic Lock Safe	– Battery-powered.	– Stealth Handgun Hanger Safe (9″ H x 9″ W x 12″ D) – Vaultek Handgun Safe (10.25″ L x 7″ W x 2.25″)  – Gunvault (‎13 x 8.5 x 5.5 inches) – Liberty(60.5″ x 30″ x 22″)	– Stealth – 28 Gun Capacity (Pistols & Long Guns) – Vaultek – 8 handguns (6 using pistol racks, 2 inches top shelf) – Gunvault (4 guns) – Liberty (14.5 cu ft, Large Safe that can hold up to 24 long guns)	– A standard battery should last one year on average.   The longevity of your battery will vary depending on how frequently you visit your safe.
3. Mechanical Lock Safe	– Does do not require power.	– 60 inches tall and 20-25 inches broad	– Capable of storing between 25-36 Guns.	– Not applicable
4. Portable Vehicle Gun Safe	– Most models are battery operated (AAA batteries), 9-12 volts.	– 6.1 x 1.6 x 19.2 inches	– One to two standard  handguns.	– Rechargeable batteries can be replaced yearly, depending on how often they are used

You can use several power sources to power up your gun safely. A standard electrical outlet suitable for smaller gun safes with limited accessories is the most common. 

You may need to install a dedicated electrical circuit for larger gun safes or those with more accessories. When the power sources are too far, you may utilize these alternatives. Examples are battery pack and rechargeable power source.

Preparing Your Gun Safe for Power Source

Now that you have assessed your gun safe’s power needs, you must prepare it for a power source. Preparing a power source involves locating a suitable power outlet near the gun safe or installing one if necessary.

You can also use a battery backup or a generator to power your gun safe, especially in areas with frequent power outages.

Ensuring the power source is compatible with your gun safe’s electrical system is essential. For more clarification, consult a professional electrician or the manufacturer’s instructions.

Steps in Preparing Your Gun Safe for Power Resource

If you want to power your gun safe, there are a few steps you’ll need to take before you can successfully install a power source. 

Step 1: Choose a Location

To set up your safe, select a spot that best suits your needs. The initial step is to identify a location. It’s crucial to choose a spot that’s easily accessible and hidden from plain view, away from areas prone to flooding or moisture. 

Step 2: Measure the Space

After pinpointing the optimal spot, take measurements to ensure the requisite safety size. This is important to ensure the safe fits ideally in the area without compromising accessibility or functionality.

Step 3: Choose the Right Safe

Some factors to consider when buying a safe include the size, type of lock, and level of security offered. You must also consider the kind of power resource you’ll use to power your safe. You can choose a battery-powered or electric-powered safe, depending on your needs.

Step 4: Install the Wiring to Your Gun Safe

You can hire a professional electrician or do the wiring yourself if you have the necessary skills. If you use a battery-powered safe, be sure that the batteries are ultimately charged and changed on a regular schedule.

Step 5: Clean the Gun Safe Thoroughly

Before installing a power source, you need to ensure the gun safe is clean. Clean the exterior and interior of your gun safe thoroughly. Check for moisture as well as dust and debris. 

Steps in Preparing the Power Source 

Before installing the wirings to power up your safe, adhere to these specific preparation procedures. 

Step 1: Determine the power requirement of your gun safe.

The power needed for a gun safe differs due to many factors, including size and the number of features incorporated, such as lighting and dehumidifiers.

Initially, you need to know the power requirement of your gun safe to proceed. Before choosing a power source, it is essential to determine the power requirement of the gun safe. 

Step 2: Choose a power source.

Battery-powered sources are common and make for easy installation and portability. When selecting a power source, this option is a great choice.

A permanent solution could be achieved by using a plug-in power source. This source can be directly installed in a wall socket or an outlet near it.

Step 3: Install the power source.

The installation process may vary depending on the selected type. If it is a battery-powered source, the batteries must be inserted into the designated slots in the gun safe. A power cable must be attached to the gun safe if it is a plug-in power source.

Step 4: Test the power source.

The testing involves turning on the lights or other features that require power and observing whether they turn on. Troubleshooting or seeking professional advice may be necessary if the power source isn’t functioning properly.

Testing Your Gun Safe’s Power

One crucial aspect of testing a gun safe is checking its power source. Batteries typically serve as the backup power source for gun safes, even though they often come with a plug-in power source.

Here are the key points on how to test your power source:

1. Plug in your gun safe and test the power.

• Check if the safe turns on.
• Make sure any accessories or equipment turn on

2. Test the backup power source.

• If you’re using a backup power source, test it to ensure it works.

3. Replace batteries when needed.

• Replace the batteries, especially when they are faulty or no longer working. Afterward, test the safe’s locking mechanism to ensure it functions correctly. 

Maintaining Your Gun Safe’s Power

Like any other electronic device, your gun safe requires regular maintenance to maintain its functionality.

Here are the key points for maintaining your gun safe’s power.

1. Check the power cord periodically.

• Make sure it’s not damaged.
• Make sure it’s still securely connected.
• If broken or frayed wires are discovered, replace them. Keep an eye for any evident indications of wear and tear.

2. Replace batteries if needed.

• If you use a battery pack or rechargeable batteries, replace them.
• When you need to use it, it’s important that the safe is always powered up, so it’s suggested that you replace its batteries annually.

3. Consider a surge protector to protect your gun safe from power surges.

• Power surges can cause significant damage to electronic devices, including gun safes. 
• A surge protector can absorb any excess voltage and prevent it from reaching your gun safely, ensuring it remains protected.

Conclusion

Ensuring your family and property’s safety begins with powering up your gun safe. By assessing your gun safe’s power requirements, preparing it for a power source, and following expert techniques, you can ensure that your gun safe’s electrical system is installed safely and securely.

It is important to remember to prioritize safety when installing and maintaining your gun safe’s power supply. Always wear protective gear, hire a licensed electrician, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

By following these best practices, you can maintain your gun’s safe power supply and ensure it is always ready to protect your firearms.

FAQs 

Sources

“The Whole Process – Electrical Installation Guide.” Electrical-Installation.org, 2022, www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/The_whole_process.

Austin. “Gun Safes Don’t Need Power [except for These Reasons].” Amanandhisgear.com, 19 Mar. 2020, amanandhisgear.com/do-gun-safes-need-power.