The requirements for securing safes, classified-information cabinets and secure rooms are continuously increasing. In addition to traditional valuables, confidential information, sensitive data media, cultural assets and other particularly security-sensitive contents increasingly need to be reliably protected against manipulation, approach and unauthorized access.

Especially in security-critical areas, early electronic detection is becoming increasingly important. Mechanical protection measures remain the first and most important component of modern security concepts. In addition, electronic monitoring systems create an additional layer of security directly at the protected object.

For many years, we have offered a proven solution for the electronic monitoring of high-security storage units: capacitive safe protection according to VdS Class C.

Early detection of approach and manipulation attempts

In addition to mechanical protection measures, capacitive monitoring detects approaches to the protected area at an early stage. The system uses an invisible electrical field that extends around the safe, classified-information cabinet or secure room. Changes in this field, for example caused by people or manipulation attempts, are reliably detected by the capacitive field-change detector and immediately evaluated as an alarm. This creates an additional electronic layer of protection directly at the object before a potential mechanical attack can take place.

Depending on their design, the electronic protection of high-security storage units can involve considerable installation effort. Conventional monitoring concepts often use several components, such as seismic detectors on the door and body, magnetic contacts and tear-off contacts. The Cx-1 capacitive field-change detector provides a powerful alternative that eliminates the need for additional components.

Regardless of the size, shape or surface of the protected storage unit, the detector reliably detects any approach or contact. Another key advantage of the system is its insensitivity to typical environmental influences such as vibrations caused by traffic, construction work or technical equipment. This makes the solution suitable for highly frequented and demanding environments.

Capacitive monitoring for security-critical areas

Reliable and cost-effective monitoring solutions are particularly important in areas containing confidential information or highly valuable assets. The solution is therefore particularly suitable for:

• Safes and high-security storage units
• Classified-information cabinets
• Secure rooms
• Government agencies and public institutions
• Museums, archives and collections
• Companies holding sensitive information or high-value assets
• Critical infrastructure

Technical features

The core of the system is the Cx-1 capacitive field-change detector. It generates and monitors the electrical field around the protected storage unit.

Key features:

• Contactless monitoring
• All-round field distribution
• Adjustable detection range of up to approx. 40 cm
• 31 sensitivity levels
• Flexible installation of the evaluation unit
• Multiple high-security storage units can be monitored with a single detector

Simple installation using a conductive connection and safe connection box significantly reduces installation effort.

Installation requirements

For the capacitive monitoring system to function properly, the protected storage unit must be electrically isolated from earth potential. Suitable insulation and mounting components are available for this purpose. The system also includes various connection, testing and maintenance components for professional integration into existing security concepts.

VdS Class C for high security requirements

The Cx-1 capacitive field-change detector is designed for applications according to VdS Class C and is currently the only detector listed by the BSI for the technical monitoring of classified-information storage cabinets.

The system is therefore particularly suitable for applications with high regulatory and security requirements, as well as for modern security concepts in government, industrial and infrastructure environments.

The solution complements existing mechanical protection measures with an additional layer of electronic detection, enabling early alarm activation in the event of approach or manipulation attempts.

You can find more information about the Cx-1 capacitive field-change detector here.