Indicative (I) seal
Indicative seals are the most commonly used type and are found in countless applications. They have the ability to provide evidence of tampering, but are easily broken or cut open with ordinary tools or sometimes by hand. They are often referred to as tamper evident seals or tamper evident seals, although every security seal we offer comes with evidence of tamper resistance.
These include almost all closures such as totes, drum bags, wheelies, ballot boxes, levers, valves, money bags, etc. Many trucks are secured with indicator seals. Additionally, there are fixed enclosures such as meters, cupboards, lockers, storage bins and cages.
Also included in the indicative sealing category are adhesive tamper-evident labels and tapes, which also have a long history of use.
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Safety (S) seal
These seals are of medium strength and require stronger or larger tools (and more effort) to cut than the indicator seals. The added strength helps avoid accidental breakage in harsh applications or allows for easy tool-free access. The most popular of these is the cable seal, which is found in many of the same applications as indicative seals. They are used for higher value or higher risk functions such as tank trucks, hazmat, high value utility meters, and sensitive entry or access points. Process valves and controls in chemicals and other highly sensitive industries are users of this seal type.
The security seal exceeds the strength of the indicator seal but does not meet the strength test criteria for Category 3 "high security".
High Security (H) Seals
High security seals are tested and certified to meet specific strengths according to the ISO-17712:2013 standard. They can provide tamper resistance and also act as disposable locks to slow and deter theft or vandalism and require large tools to open.
Standard tests for this category specify minimum resistance to specific levels of tension, bending and compression. All certified high security seals are stamped with the letter (H) and manufacturer's logo. The most common use is for international shipping via doors on shipping containers or railcars and long-haul trucks. AC&M offers a range of (H) certified bolt-type and cable-type seals. All seals with "H" certification must have a test certificate from an independent ISO approved body. AC&M can provide this certificate for our High Security Seal.
In addition, conformance and independent auditing under Annex A of the ISO standard ensure that manufacturers are following accepted practices required for compliance.
(For information on compliance with ISO sealing standards, see the appendix to this guide.)
This is to ensure that manufacturers have appropriate controls and records for their seals and markings to ensure that end users receive a uniquely marked seal from the original source that can be traced from production to delivery.
Understand Indicative and Barrier Seals
We first classify seals as indicator seals or barrier seals.
This separates seals that are easily broken or cut with household scissors (indicative) from stronger seals that require a stronger cutting tool to open (barrier).
A good barrier seal may not be ISO certified as "high security" but may be better suited for your application. Many uses of stronger seals do not require formal certification. They do require a high quality barrier seal.
We offer all options to provide our customers with practical choices.
Note: Most people refer to any tamper-evident seal as a "security seal," regardless of category. It is a general term that separates tamper-evident seals from seals used for purposes unrelated to security. (i.e. O-ring seals, gaskets, weather seals, etc.)