The Different Types of Security Seals and Their Uses

With the increase in crimes in the world, there’s an equal increase in the demand of proper and efficient security solutions. Security seals have emerged as effective tools for identifying and preventing unauthorized access or tampering in many fields including storage and transportation. There are different types of seals based on the type and level of security they provide. They are mainly categorized as tamper-evident seals, barrier seals, and electronic seals. While tamper-evident seals provide evidence of tampering, they are not much useful in preventing the same.

Barrier seals, on the other hand, serve to prevent any breach and can also provide physical evidence if tampering occurs. Electronic seals, however, provide both prevention of any breach as well as evidence of tampering. Apart from this basic categorization, security seals are also divided according to their make and uses.

Here are the different types of security seals and their uses.

Plastic Seals

As the name suggests, these seals are mainly made of plastic materials and can easily be broken by hand or using a snipping tool. Such one piece security seal is mainly used in places where there is no need for high level security. Plastic seals are mainly designed as fixed length or adjustable length seals. Fixed length seals are strong and inexpensive while adjustable seals are easier to use and more versatile.

Cable Seals

Cable seals are again one piece seals made of steel cables that are fixed into the locking mechanism at one end of the seal’s body. As they are made of steel, cable seals are not so easy to break or tamper with. They are quite durable and used to seal valves, doors, and other items and also provide evidence of tampering in case of breach.

Bolt Seals

Bolt seals are high security metal seals with a complex self-locking mechanism. Bolt seals are made of two metal parts called a steel bolt and a tamper-evident body that fit together to form a seal. With a self-locking mechanism, bolt seals do not require any tools for locking but can only be opened with bolt cutters. You can even customize the color, print and barcoding of these seals for additional security.

Padlock Seals

Padlock seals are plastic seals shaped as a padlock that feature the same tamper-evident protection as any fixed-length or variable length seal. They are relatively small and easy to use with varied applications. They’re often used for locking doors and securing meters, drums, food carts, zipper bags, etc. Padlock seals can be used as any padlock but do not require any keys to open. They simply break off at their built in break point using hands or a small pair of wire cutters.

Electronic Seals

Electronic seals or e-seals are seals that include electronic systems to monitor and control the security. These systems can detect attempted tampering by monitoring changes in the electrical cables, etc. they provide good protection as well as prevention services for high level security. Some electrical systems can also give real-time alerts in case of any tampering.

While security seals do bring in effective technological solutions, it is also important to use well-planned and well-enforced countermeasures for better safety and security.