New In-bay Safes

[slash007]

A little update on my failed safe solenoids. Turns out IDX made them and I was able to talk to them about this. They said the solenoids used to open the safes are designed for intermittent use. In this case the signal went through a key switch. They said if the key was left on overnight the solenoids would cook. I think that is what happened here. And of course no one at the wash admits doing this. Se we have new regular safes on the way and a concrete saw and chipping hammer standing by. Not only that, but the yahoos who built and installed this ran all the wiring in the walls and then under ground. Including the J boxes that connect them. There has to be a special place in Hades for these kind of people, and should I end up there, I'll definitely look them up. And Slas007 I have installed the Etowah boxes like this and so far no issues. Just open the door and the bills and coins are easy to remove.

Mac, are you actually using the boxes with the hidden vault yourself, or just installed them for others? I am curious about the day to day and if there was potential for damage to the wires etc. over time.

At one wash I lost power to a couple of vacs. After troubleshooting everything that I could, I finally figured out that the problem was underground. Apparently they had installed a J box under the concrete. I had to dig it up and redo all the wires. I can't imagine what goes through someones head when they concrete over a J box.

 

[MEP001]

Can you say "Design Flaw"!!!

If I were to design something like that, I'd include some sort of fail-safe, even if it has to be as simple as a spring to push the safe out when the solenoid is momentarily energized, or even a beeper that stays on until the power is killed.

 

[MEP001]

At one wash I lost power to a couple of vacs. After troubleshooting everything that I could, I finally figured out that the problem was underground. Apparently they had installed a J box under the concrete. I had to dig it up and redo all the wires. I can't imagine what goes through someones head when they concrete over a J box.

It's usually against electrical code to bury any type of junction box or pull elbow.

 

[slash007]

It is against code, but I guess if nobody is checking then people do all kinds of crazy things with wires. Luckily it wasn't too deep.

 

[cwguy.com]

Makes sense. I probably won't really find anything better and will just stick with what I have. My coinboxes and safe are right in the middle of the bay, I have been thinking about moving them to one side so that they don't keep getting sprayed with water so much. In the winter they get covered in ice as the water freezes. That would also give me more room as it clears half a bay wall to add tri-foam or something else like tire shine.

If you are looking for smaller square t-handle safes.... I have some drawers I could send you. Coleman sells just the safe housing separately. I believe I also have some Coleman high security plates somewhere?

I also read the IDX patent for those safes a long time ago. I believe there are 2 electromagnets and if 1 fails it will still open.
https://www.google.com/patents/US5211275