The Security Features of the CBU Mailbox
The CBU mailbox is designed to prevent vandalism, weather damage, break-ins, and tampering that might occur with other, less secure mailboxes. Several features are added to make this possible.
Solid Construction
The CBU is constructed of steel and aluminum, which are strong materials that are resistant to weathering and damage of all types. The cabinet is constructed using high-precision robotic welding.
Weather Resistant Features
- CBU’s feature sloped roofs and hoods over mail slots, which divert rain and other debris away from customers and mail.
- The ceiling also overshoots the front of the unit to form a “drip edge,” which keeps water from the customer doors. This also helps prevent weathering and damage to components such as locks.
Secure Mail Slots
The CBU includes mail slots for outgoing mail. Mail slots have an additional feature to protect the contents: an anti-fish comb. This metal comb is located on the lower lip of the slot and will catch any instrument placed through to remove mail.
Keeping Packages Safe
Many CBU’s contain parcel lockers for holding customer packages.
- These have two locks, one for the customer and one for the USPS.
- The customer lock holds the key once used and keeps it safe for retrieval by the postal service.
Internal Security Features
Most of the CBU’s security features aren’t visible on the outside. All components such as fasteners are located inside the unit, making them unreachable to thieves and vandals.
- The master doors, used by the USPS to deliver mail, use a vertical piece between them to eliminate any gaps thieves could use to pry open the doors.
- Parcel lockers also have a sliding panel on the bottom. This panel hides bolts that anchor the CBU to the pedestal that it stands on.
- Another internal security feature of the cluster box unit includes zinc-plated clamps inside each customer compartment. These help to lock each door and prevent vandals from prying open each of these compartments.
- Stainless steel covers and screws that resist tampering are also used to shield the locks inside the parcel lockers. This feature is useful because parcel lockers often serve multiple people.
Cluster Box Unit FAQs:
