Choosing the right safe means understanding its level of protection. Security ratings are crucial because they tell you how well a safe can guard your valuables against theft, fire, and other risks. Let’s review how to assess safe security ratings and what they mean.
What are the different safe ratings?
Safe ratings are determined by organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the European Certification Board of Security (ECB-S), among others. These ratings focus on factors such as burglary resistance, fire protection, and sometimes even water resistance. Here’s a look at the most common safe ratings:
UL Burglary Ratings
UL is one of the most recognized organizations for testing safes. Their burglary ratings include the following:
- TL-15: The safe can resist attacks with common hand tools for up to 15 minutes.
- TL-30: The safe can resist more sophisticated tools for up to 30 minutes.
- TRTL-30X6: This high-level rating means the safe can withstand attacks from both tools and torches on all six sides for 30 minutes.
Fire Protection Ratings
Safes are also rated for their ability to withstand fire. UL’s fire ratings indicate how long a safe can protect its contents in extreme heat:
- UL 1-Hour: The safe can maintain an internal temperature below 350°F for one hour in a fire of up to 1,700°F.
- UL 2-Hour: Offers the same level of internal temperature protection for up to two hours.
Fire ratings are especially important if you’re storing documents or items that could be damaged by heat.
ECB-S Ratings
In Europe, the ECB-S (European Certification Board of Security) issues ratings under the EN 1143 standard for burglary resistance. These ratings are similar to UL’s but are based on different testing criteria. The ratings range from Grade 0 (entry-level security) to Grade 13 (high-security safes used in banks).
Burglary Resistance: What to Look For
If you’re mainly concerned about protecting your valuables from theft, focus on the burglary resistance rating of a safe. The higher the rating, the more secure the safe will be against attempts to break in using tools, drills, or torches.
For personal use, a TL-15 or TL-30 rating is often sufficient. However, if you are protecting high-value items like jewelry or firearms, a TRTL-30X6 safe provides maximum security, as it can withstand more aggressive methods of attack.
Understanding Fire Ratings
A safe’s fire rating tells you how long it can keep your belongings safe in the event of a fire. The UL fire ratings provide a clear indication of how well the safe can protect items like documents, cash, and electronics. If your primary concern is fire damage, make sure your safe has at least a 1-hour UL fire rating.
Additionally, if you live in an area prone to wildfires, consider investing in a safe with a 2-hour fire rating to ensure prolonged protection.
How to Choose Based on Your Needs
The right safe for you will depend on what you’re looking to protect. If you’re more concerned about theft, focus on burglary resistance ratings. For fire-sensitive items, prioritize the fire rating. In some cases, you may need a safe that offers both, such as a TL-rated safe with a UL fire rating.
Before making a purchase, consider what you’re protecting, the environment you’re in, and how much you’re willing to spend. Higher security and longer fire protection often come with a higher price tag, but when it comes to securing your most valuable possessions, it’s worth the investment.
Understanding safe ratings is essential when assessing the level of security a safe provides. Whether you need protection from burglary, fire, or both, reviewing these ratings will help you choose a safe that offers the right level of defense for your needs. At North American Safes, we offer a wide range of safes with varying levels of security to ensure your valuables are protected
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