Security threats are a growing concern for businesses handling cash, sensitive documents, or valuable goods. Banks, pharmacies, government offices, and 24-hour convenience stores all face risks from armed robberies and other violent incidents. To mitigate these threats, many facilities install bullet-resistant transaction drawers. These specialized pass-through devices allow secure exchanges while protecting employees and assets.

But what exactly makes a transaction drawer bullet resistant? The answer lies in its materials, construction, and certification process.

Bullet-Resistant Materials: The Foundation of Protection

A transaction drawer’s ability to stop bullets depends on the combination of materials that can endure extreme force. By absorbing impact, dispersing energy, and preventing penetration, these materials work together to form an impenetrable barrier.

  • Ballistic Steel: Heavy-gauge, hardened steel forms the primary protective layer in many transaction drawers. Its thickness varies depending on the level of security required, with some models designed to withstand high-caliber firearms.
  • Fiberglass Composite Panels: Lightweight yet highly durable, fiberglass composite layers help distribute the impact of bullets, reducing penetration.

The combination of these materials ensures the transaction drawer remains structurally sound even under direct ballistic impact.

Reinforced Design and Construction: Built for Resilience

Even the strongest materials need reinforced construction to maximize bullet resistance. Every design feature is intentional, eliminating potential weak points.

  • Seamless Welds and Overlapping Joints: Unlike bolted connections, which can produce vulnerabilities, many bullet-resistant drawers use welded seams and overlapping steel plates to prevent bullets from finding a direct path through the structure.
  • Angled or Sloped Surfaces: Some designs include sloped or angled components. These help deflect bullets rather than absorbing their full force, reducing the likelihood of penetration.

UL 752 Ballistic Ratings: Tested for Real-World Threats

Setting the industry standard for security products, the UL 752 ballistic rating system certifies a transaction drawer’s ability to withstand gunfire.

  • Level 1: Designed to stop 9mm handgun rounds. It’s suitable for lower-risk locations like convenience stores and pharmacies.
  • Level 3: Capable of withstanding .44 Magnum rounds, commonly used in high-risk financial institutions and cash-handling facilities.
  • Level 5: Engineered to resist rifle fire, including 7.62mm rounds. This level is ideal for armored transport depots and government buildings.
  • Level 8: Provides protection against .30 caliber rounds, ensuring maximum security for embassies, military checkpoints, and high-profile government facilities.

A drawer’s UL rating is a key indicator of its ability to resist ballistic threats. Selecting the appropriate level of protection ultimately depends on the specific risks of a location.

Secure Locking Mechanisms: Strength Beyond Ballistics

Built to withstand more than just gunfire, a bullet-resistant transaction drawer acts as a strong defense against forced entry, ensuring security from multiple threats. High-security locking mechanisms are crucial for making sure unauthorized access is impossible.

  • Reinforced Lock Housing: Locks are protected by hardened steel or ballistic composite materials, preventing them from being disabled by gunfire.
  • Interlocking Security Features: Many high-security drawers include a system where only one side can be open at a time, reducing exposure during transactions.
  • Automatic Locking Systems: Certain models can automatically engage locks when the drawer is closed, ensuring security even in fast-paced environments.

Testing and Certification: Delivering Reliability Under Fire

A transaction drawer’s bullet resistance is only as good as its testing. Before reaching the market, the drawers undergo stringent live-fire tests to verify their strength and performance.

  • Multiple Impact Testing: The drawer is fired upon from different angles and distances to confirm its ability to withstand repeated ballistic impact.
  • Structural Integrity Assessment: Engineers evaluate whether seams, welds, and locking mechanisms remain functional after gunfire.
  • UL Certification Process: Only drawers that pass rigorous testing protocols receive UL 752 certification, ensuring their effectiveness in real-world security scenarios.

Why Businesses Need Bullet-Resistant Transaction Drawers

Businesses require reliable protective measures in place as security risks can arise unexpectedly. Bullet-resistant transaction drawers provide a barrier that shields employees and customers from potential harm while ensuring secure exchanges. Their presence alone discourages criminal activity, reducing the likelihood of attacks. Even in high-risk situations, these drawers keep transactions moving smoothly, allowing businesses to operate without disruption.

For industries like banking, retail, and government services, compliance with UL-rated security standards isn’t just a precaution but a requirement. These transaction drawers help businesses meet strict safety regulations. They also offer essential protection for staff and customers in environments where security cannot be compromised.

Armortex: The Trusted Choice for Bullet-Resistant Transaction Drawers

Armortex manufactures high-quality bullet-resistant transaction drawers designed for security, durability, and efficiency. With models built to meet UL 752 standards, our drawers provide protection for banks, pharmacies, and government facilities. Contact Armortex to locate the right security solution and ensure safety without compromising daily operations.