Please note that I wrote from my knowledge and copied information below from another web site that I found while doing a search. The information that was on their site was so perfect and thorough I wanted to pass it on. This is an informational purpose blog for your use to educate yourself prior to purchasing a safe. None of the information is proprietor and is all available in publications or on the internet. The Locksmith company who did an amazing job is www.wellingtonlocksmiths.com They are located in Florida.
Underwriters Laboratory is one of the larger testing facilities in the United Sates so if need be you can contact them as well.
READ
Before you head to the big box discount stores or the I’m the man hunting supply places to purchase a super duper safe for your goods, read this.
Purchasing a safe can be confusing and misleading. Purchasing the correct type of safe for your specific needs is very important.
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS:
Ask yourself: self, why do I need a safe? What will I put inside of it? Once you have answered this question, read below to figure out what safe you need.
There are many styles, sizes, Test laboratory designations of safes and more.
Categories of safes are:
- Fire safe
- Dual purpose fire & Burglary safes
- Burglary rated safes
- Data safes
FIRE SAFE: A container that will keep the interior at a specific temperature for a specific length of time with an (tested) exterior temperature of X. X = what the safe is rated/tested for. The safe must keep the interior below 200 C.
(Depends on the physical properties of the paper, its composition, manufacturing process (residual chemical off gassing), its millage.. etc.
paper is too generic of a descriptive, think magicians “flash paper” and cardboard.
as a general rule cellulose (the main component of most “papers”) begins outgassing in a Pyrelletic process at around 165-180. At that point it can and will ignite with any external spark). This is not a science class just a way to make sure you get the correct product for your needs. 451 degrees Fahrenheit is what most of the papers we would secure inside a container would ignite. The testing agencies do many things to test fire safes. Read your label carefully. Don’t get burned, purchase the correctly rated safe. Safes are also drop tested to make sure it will stay closed after a fall from a specific height. Most say that the fire proof materials go bad after 20 years I would feel more comfortable with a replacement sooner.
DUAL PURPOSE FIRE & BURGLARY: These are some of the great “all around” basic protection containers. Offering parts of both worlds. Again, remember to read the labels. These safes have basic “burglary” protection as well as specific fire protection. A good safe to store, papers, small amount of cash and valuables inside your home. If possible secure safe to your floor.
BURGLARY: Very misleading and confusing! These safes are tested for specific traits of defense against physical attacks. Only safes that have labels of certified testing facilities should be trusted as such. These containers are not fire rated and will not protect contents from fire.
DATA: This type of safe is designed to keep the interior temperature below 52C and humidity below 80%. Heat and moisture will destroy data on certain type of medium. Read labels. These safes are quite costly.
Choosing a Safe
The following is an overview of the various types of safes. In your search for a safe you will note that sometimes, more than one kind of safe will meet your requirements. That’s when the dimensions or the look of a safe can become the main factors in deciding which safe to choose.
Stand alone units come in many different sizes and design but all basically fall into one of four main categories:
- Burglary Safes
- Fire Safes
- Fire / Burglary Safes
- Data Safes
Burglary Safe – is designed primarily to protect the contents against theft and will generally offer little or no protection against the damage of contents by fire or other risk.
Fire Safe – is basically designed to protect contents (primarily papers) against fire damage and typically offer only a minimal level of security. Fire safes are tested and rated in respect of their performance in the event of a fire.
Test criteria will include the length of time (normally specified as minutes – 30, 60, 90 or 120), in a fire of a specified temperature, that the safe can maintain an internal temperature of below 200 degrees C (the point at which documents will be destroyed).
A safe achieving a particular standard will be rated accordingly, e.g. a safe rated as VDMA/120 would indicate that the model has been tested to and met the VDMA 120 minute test.
Fire / Burglary Safes – These are generally multi-purpose safes and offer good security against forced entry as well as protection from fire.
Data Safe – is similar to a fire safe but to be effective, must in the event of a fire, maintain a much lower internal temperature than a fire safe (less than 52 degrees C – the point at which data media is destroyed) and also protect against other hazards such as high humidity, electro-magnetic contamination, etc. Test ratings are applied in a similar way to those for fire safes however for a data safe, much more demanding test criteria are applied.
Safe Ratings & Terminology
Burglary Ratings:
- B1 — Theft resistant (minimum security)
- B2 — Underwriters’ Laboratories Residential Security Container label
- B3 — Non-rated anti-theft (incorporates features of high security safes without a UL rating)
- B4 — Underwriters’ Laboratories TL-15 label
- B5 — Underwriters’ Laboratories TL-30 label
- B6 — Underwriters’ Laboratories TL-30X6 or TRTL-30 label
Fire Ratings:
- FR — Fire resistant unrated insulated safe
- 1/2 hr — UL class 350. Protects valuables for up to 30 minutes with outside temperature of 1550 degrees.
- 1 hr — UL class 350. Protects valuables for up to 1 hour with outside temperature of 1700 degrees.
- 1 hr+ — UL class 350. Protects valuables for up to 1 hour with an outside temperature of 1700 degrees, plus survived drop test from 30 feet.
- 2 hr — UL class 350. Protects valuables for up to 2 hours with an outside temperature of 1850 degrees.
- 2 hr+ — UL class 350. Protects valuables for up to 2 hours with outside temperature of 1850 degrees, plus survived drop test onto rubble from 30 feet.
UL Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) – UL is a non-profit, non-bias agency that tests and rates the safety and performance of consumer products. Safes that have earned specific UL ratings will carry a UL label which designates the product’s security and fire-protection ratings.
- Net Working Time – This is the UL term for testing time which is spent trying to break into a safe using tools such as diamond grinding wheels, high-speed drills with pressure applying devices, or common hand tools such as hammers, chisels, saws, and carbide-tip drills. If a safe has been rated with a 30-minute net working time, (TL30), the rating certifies that the safe successfully withstood a full 30 minutes of attack time with a range of tools.
- Theft resistant – This rating means the safe provides a combination lock and minimal theft protection.
- Residential Security Container rating (RSC) – This UL rating is based on testing conducted for a net working time of five minutes, on all sides, with a range of tools.
- TL-15 rating – The TL-15 rating means the safe has been tested for a net working time of 15 minutes using high speed drills, saws and other sophisticated penetrating equipment.
- TL-30 rating – A product carrying the TL-30 security label has been tested for a net working time of 30 minutes with the same types of tools mentioned above.
- TL-30 x 6 – The TL-30 (30-minute) test is conducted on all six (6) sides of the safe.
- TRTL-30 – The TRTL rating designates a safe which successfully resisted 30 minutes of net working time with a torch and a range of tools which might include high speed drills and saws with carbide bits, pry bars, and other impact devices.
Fire Ratings
- Impact test – The UL impact test calls for the safe to be heated to 1550 degrees for 30 minutes (1638 degrees for a 2-hour fire rated safe) then dropped onto concrete rubble from a height of 30 feet. The safe is then turned upside down and reheated for another 30 minutes (45 minutes for a 2-hour fire rated safe). During this process, it must maintain its integrity and protect all contents in order to pass the UL impact test.
- Explosion hazard test – All UL fire-rated safes must undergo this test, during which the unit is inserted into a pre-heated 2000 degree oven. If the safe is not constructed properly, the rapid heating will likely cause an explosion.
- FR – Fire resistant, unrated insulated safe – This product is awaiting UL approval.
- Class 350 1/2-hour fire rating – During this test, the safe is heated for one-half hour to reach an exterior temperature of 1550 degrees. Because paper will begin to char at approximately 400 degrees, the unit being tested must maintain an interior temperature of less than 350 degrees during heat-up and cool-down testing in order to earn its rating.
- Class 350 1-hour fire rating – To earn this rating, the safe is heated for one hour to reach an exterior temperature of 1550 degrees, then put through the cool-down test. During this time the safe must maintain an interior temperature of less than 350 degrees.
- Cool-down test – This procedure is a key part of UL’s fire testing procedures. After a one or two-hour fire rating test, the safe is left in the oven for cool-down time with the heat turned off. Because of the intensive heat of one- and two-hour tests, the temperature inside the safe will continue to rise for up to one hour after the oven is turned off. To pass UL testing, the safe’s interior temperature may not exceed 350 degrees at any time during heat-up or cool-down procedures.
- Class 350 1-hour fire & impact label – The safe has passed both UL impact testing and Class 350 1-hour fire testing (see above).
- Class 350 2-hour fire rating – The safe is heated for two hours to reach an exterior temperature of 1550 degrees and must maintain an interior temperature of less than 350 degrees to earn this rating. Class 350 2-hour rating and impact label – The safe has passed both UL impact testing and Class 350 2-hour fire testing (see above).
…There are two basic classes of safes Fire and Burglar
Fire Safes
Safes that protect against fire are usually made of thin steel sheets (or sometimes
plastic) molded together to form an inner and an outer shell. These units are filled with an insulating material that will keep the temperature inside the safe below a certain point for a fixed period of time. Fire safes prevalent in the market today are usually one or two-hour rated safes.
There are several testing agencies throughout the world that certify these types of
safes. Tests vary somewhat from agency to agency but usually include a time
temperature test, explosion test, and impact or drop test. Every fire safe should be
clearly marked with the name of the testing agency and the tests that were passed.
To find out more about the testing of a particular safe refer to the sales literature or ask your dealer for details. Fire safes, because of their construction are best suited to store non-negotiable documents and just a few valuables. Cash and high value items belong in a safe better suited against a burglary attack.
Burglary Safes
Burglar safes are usually made of solid steel plate or a combination of solid steel and composite fill material such as concrete. These safes are divided into categories based on the level of protection delivered and the testing endured. Here we will discuss only four classes, B-Rate, C-Rate, U.L. TL-15 and U.L. TL-30
B-Rate Safes
This is a catchall rating for essentially any box with a lock on it. The safe industry had an unwritten standard of ¼ inch body, ½ inch door. As steel prices (and shipping costs) increased manufacturers tried many things to reduce their costs. No tests are given to provide this rating. When buying a B-rate safe, look at things such as lock work, hard plates, and relocks.
C-Rate Safes
This is defined as a ½ inch thick steel box with a 1-inch thick door and a lock. As before No tests are given to provide this rating. Look at the lock work, relocks and other features when making your decision.
TL-15
Safes given a U.L. TL-15 rating have all passed standardized tests defined in UL
Standard 687 using the same tools and usually the same group of testing engineers. I have personally worked with the same 5 people for 15 years. The label requires that the safe be constructed of 1-inch solid steel or equivalent. The label means that the safe has been tested for a NET working time of 15 minutes using “…common hand tools, drills, punches hammers, and pressure applying devices.”
Net working time
means simply “when the tool comes off the safe the clock stops”. There are over fifty different types of attacks that can be used to gain entrance into the safe. Usually they will try only 2 or 3 based on what they know about the product, and they know a lot.
TL-30
These tests are essentially the same as the TL-15 tests except for, you guessed it, the net working time. They get 30 minutes and a few more tools to help them gain
entrance. Keep in mind these engineers have the manufacturing blue prints and can
disassemble the safe being tested before the test begins to see how it works. They
know their stuff.
What the Ratings Mean
Here’s one of the strongest ratings: TRTL-30×6
- TR – torch resistant
- TL – tool resistant
- 30 – the number of minutes the front door only can resist tool and/or torch break-ins
- x6 – 6 sided safe, tool and/or torch resistant on all six sides for 30 minutes
These safes are most popular and necessary for Jewelry Stores. Call your insurance company for your exact coverage for a particular rating based on your store location, alarm system, and jewelry’s wholesale replaceable value.
Here’s an example of what your store may need:
- Safe
- Rating
- Explanation Maximum jewelry replacement value
- TL-15 Tool resistant 15 Min, front door only – $135,000
- TL-30 Tool resistant 30 Min, front side only – $350,000
- TL-15×6 Tool resistant 15 Min, all sides – $350,000
- TL-30×6 Tool resistant 30 Min, all sides – $500,000
- TRTL – 30×6 Tool and torch resistant 30 Min, all sides – $1 million plus
Understanding the ratings
There are two kinds of ratings: Fire Ratings and Burglary Ratings.
Fire Safe Ratings
- Fire safes are made with thick, steel/clay walls.
- Fire ratings are based on how long these walls can maintain the interior temperature below 350°F (since paper chars at Fire safes are ideal for businesses that store important 425°F). documents & paperwork, such as attorneys.
- We carry 1, 2, 3, and 4 hour rated safes.
Burglary Safe Ratings
- Burglary safes are made with two types of walls; steel walls with a thick inner matrix layer of concrete and other heavy materials. Most jewelry stores buy these. The concrete gives at least 1 hr. fire protection.
- Plate steel on all sides – thinner walls with no fire protection.
- Popular with credit union safes.
SAFES: Terminology
The term safe is very general. The generic term safe is described as “a metal container usually having a lock, used for storing valuables.” Safes can be more accurately defined by functional category and rating. Knowing these terms will help you to know what you’re buying.
Functional Categories
Functional categories are a combination of physical description and access capabilities. These terms are general enough that all safe retailers will know what you’re talking about:
- wall safes – safes design specifically for in wall mounting
- floor safes – safes designed to be embedded within a floor
- chests – safes designed to be stand-alone on the floor
- depositories – safes designed with hopper or slot for easy deposit of valuables without access to contents.
- vaults – safes large enough to have walk-in access
Ratings
Since the general definition of a safe could apply to a tackle box or a file cabinet, the insurance industry set certain standards to qualify as a ‘rated” safe. This designation assures the consumer that such a safe can be expected to minimize losses resulting from fire or burglary (depending upon rating) and is therefore considered when establishing insurance rates.
A “burglary rated” safe, properly constructed, will have for a minimum, a inch steel plate body and a minimum inch steel plate door with combination lock. Safes without this rating cannot be expected to offer any real protection from the aggressive burglar.
How are safes Rated?
The rating systems for safes are defined by construction or performance. Generally, a construction rated safe is lower priced since its model has not been subjected to an independent lab for testing. Performance ratings are generally ranked by amount
of time your valuables are safe when under attack by either fire or burglary….
Construction Ratings
- B Steel, doors less than 1 inch thick, walls less than 1/2 inch thick C Steel, doors at least 1 inch thick, walls at least 1/2 inch thick
- E Steel, doors at least 1 1/2 inches thick, walls at least 1inch thick
- ER Safe or chest labeled with: “UL Inspected Tool Resisting Safe TL 15
- Burglary” F Safe or chest labeled with:”UL Inspected
- Tool Resisting Safe TL 30 Burglary”or “UL Inspected Torch Resisting Safe TR 30 Burglary” or “UL Inspected Explosive Resistant Safe with Relocking Device X 60 Burglary”
- G Safe or chest labeled with: “UL Inspected Torch and Explosive Resisting Safe TX 60 Burglary” or “UL Inspected Torch Resisting Safe TR 60 Burglary”
or “UL Inspected Torch and Tool Resisting Safe TRTL 30 Burglary”
Performance Ratings – Burglary Classifications
- TL – 15 Successfully resist entry for a net assault time of 15 minutes when attacked with common hand tools, picking tools, mechanical or portable electric tools, grinders, drills or pressure devices.
- TL – 30 Successfully resist entry for a net assault time of 30 minutes when attacked with common hand tools, picking tools, mechanical or portable electric tools, grinders, drills or pressure devices.
- TRTL – 30 Successfully resist entry for a net assault time of 30 minutes when attacked with common hand tools, picking tools, mechanical or portable electric tools, grinders, drills, pressure devices and oxy-fuel gas cutting or welding torches.
- TRTL – 60 Successfully resist entry for a net assault time of 60 minutes when attacked with common hand tools, picking tools, mechanical or portable electric tools, grinders, drills, pressure devices and oxy-fuel gas cutting or welding torches.
- TXTL – 60 Successfully resist entry for a net assault time of 60 minutes when attacked with common hand tools, picking tools, mechanical or portable electric tools, grinders, drills, pressure devices, explosives and oxy-fuel gas cutting or welding torches.
Performance Ratings – Fire Classifications
- 4 Hour Maintain an interior temperature of less than 150 degrees F and an interior humidity less than 85% when exposed to fire (up to 2000 F) for 4 hours.
- 3 Hour Maintain an interior temperature of less than 150 degrees F and an interior humidity less than 85% when exposed to fire (up to 2000 F) for 3 hours.
- 2 Hour Maintain an interior temperature of less than 150 degrees F and an interior humidity less than 85% when exposed to fire (up to 2000 F) for 2 hours.
- 1 Hour Maintain an interior temperature of less than 150 degrees F and an interior humidity less than 85% when exposed to fire (up to 2000 F) for 1 hour.
- UL Labels – If a safe or chest bears the “Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc.” , then is model has been fully tested by this highly respected independent laboratory. On the UL label will be a complete performance coding. If your safe has an UL label, make sure to have the sales staff explain the complete label codes to you.
- Cladding – Cladding is an outer casing (usually thin steel), filled with a materiel that can be poured (usually a concrete security mixture). Cladding is helpful in adding fire protection and sometimes an additional security layer (primarily for a weight factor) to an existing safe.
- Fire: Underwriter’s Laboratories Fire Resistive Classification