When shopping for a safe, understanding the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) classifications can help you make an informed decision. UL provides independent ratings for fire resistance, theft resistance, and torch and explosives resistance. These ratings create a standardized way to compare safes and ensure they meet specific safety requirements.
Anti-theft classifications indicate the safe’s resistance to break-ins. The letters in the classification refer to the tools used in testing:
The numbers following the letters represent the minimum amount of time (in minutes) the safe can withstand continuous attempts to break in using those tools. For example, a TRTL-30 rating means the safe can resist break-ins involving tools and torches for 30 minutes.
Note: While stronger safes offer better protection, most home users do not need explosives-resistant safes. For fire protection, please refer to the fire-resistant rating guide below.
The TL-15 rated safe has a combination lock and resists break-in for up to 15 minutes using hand tools, picking tools, mechanical or portable electric tools, grinding points, carbide drills, and pressure-applying devices. (TL= Tool Resistant)
The TRTL-30 rated safe has all the same capabilities as the TL-30 with the added protection against oxy-fuel and gas-cutting or welding torches. (TRTL= Torch Resistant and Tool Resistant)
The TXTL-60 rated safe offers all the capabilities of the TRTL-60 with the additional protection against explosives. (TXTL=Torch, Tool, and Explosives Resistant)
The TL-30 rated safe has a combination lock and resists break-in for 30 minutes with all the tools mentioned for the TL-15.
The TRTL-60 rated safe provides all the protection of the TRTL-30 but resists break-in for an additional 30 minutes.
Fire-resistant classifications indicate a safe’s ability to protect its contents from fire. They specify the type of fire and the duration for which contents will remain protected. Additionally, they indicate the maximum internal temperature the safe will reach during a specified fire exposure.
Most fire-resistant safes can withstand temperatures of 1700°F, significantly higher than typical house fires (1200°F). They often maintain an internal temperature of 350°F, protecting valuable documents and other items. Fire resistance is typically specified for 1 or 2 hours, which is longer than the average house fire duration. For example, a class 350°F 2-hour rated safe can maintain an internal temperature below 350°F for two hours of 1700°F fire exposure.
For electronic valuables like CDs, diskettes, and tapes, which are destroyed above 150°F, consider a data safe. Data safes offer greater fire resistance, maintaining an internal temperature of 150°F or less under the same fire conditions.
Construction classifications provide information about the safe’s strength and security. Here’s a basic overview of class B, C, and E safes, which all include combination locks:
Tests for Fire Resistance of Record Protection Equipment
Fire-resistant record protection equipment is rated as follows:
Steel construction with doors one inch thick or less and walls a half inch thick or less.
Steel construction with doors at least one inch thick and walls at least half an inch thick.
Steel construction with doors at least one and a half inches thick and walls at least one inch thick.
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