What is a lead seal?

A leadseals is a security device mainly made of lead. It's designed to safeguard the contents of a container, package, or equipment by indicating if there has been unauthorized access.

Structure and Components

Lead Body : The main part is the lead itself. Lead is chosen for its malleability. It can be easily shaped around an object, such as a wire or rod passing through a hasp on a door or a container latch.

Markings : Many Lead Seals have unique markings, like numbers, letters, or symbols. These markings are used for identification and tracking purposes. For example, in a shipping operation, each seal has a distinct number, allowing for easy identification of the container it secures.

Working Principle

Sealing : To seal an item, the lead seal is placed around the fastening element (e.g., a cable through a container door). A tool is then used to compress the lead, deforming it to firmly hold the cable in place. This creates a secure and tamper - evident connection.

Tamper - Evident Feature : If anyone tries to open the sealed item, the lead seal must be broken. Once broken, it cannot be restored to its original state, clearly showing that unauthorized access has occurred.

Applications

Shipping and Freight : Lead seals are commonly used to seal shipping containers. This ensures that the goods inside remain untouched during transit from the point of origin to the destination.

Utility Meters : They are used on utility meters, such as electricity, water, and gas meters. The seal prevents unauthorized access to the meter, which could be used to manipulate readings and avoid proper billing.

Banking and Cash Transportation : Banks use lead seals to secure cash - carrying bags during transportation. The seals guarantee the integrity of the money inside and help detect any attempts at theft or tampering.

a lead seal is a simple yet crucial security tool that provides a visible indication of whether an item has been accessed without permission, protecting the value and integrity of various goods and equipment.