Vaults and Safes

Fireproof Safes feature review is in response to the regular phone calls we get.  They all seem to start with “What kinda safe do I need?”  Well thats what I’m here for. 

I. Fireproof Home Safes.  Typically last about a half hour to one hour in fireproofing. But check the tested time duration.  Some are rated for 1 hour at 1250 degrees and some rated at 1700 degrees for one hour.  Both will promise that the internal tempature will not rise above 350 degrees (above that paper catches fire)  for that time period.  However, the one tested at 1700 degrees will be substantially better.  Though the average fire burns around 950 degrees so both safes should be up to the occasion. 

II. Fireproof Burglary Safes.  Are typically around 2 hours burn time and have much thicker bolts than the fireproof home safes mentioned above.  You will want to pay attention to the tested degrees on the safe and the duration.  Measure the bolt size and are the bolts also on the hinge side? What about the top and bottom section of the door?  Import considerations.  I know that Protex Safe makes a 30 minute fireproof safe with some really good bolts in their higher end models.  However, I like a longer burn time then 30 minutes. 

III. Fireproof Data and Media Safes.  These fireproof safes are rated at the same external temps as above BUT guarentee the inside  will stay at 125 degrees!  Above that and media and data start to fade away and we don’t want that.  This sounds really good until you look at the price.  Which is normally much more expensive because of the material and you will not get much room inside that fireproof safe due to all the extra insulation.

IV. Fireproof High Security Safes.  These start at 1 hour, 1 1/2 hour, 2 hour, and 3 hour fireproof.  Fireking has a 3 hour data safe that is also a high security RSC Rated safe that is top of the line in quality and price.  However, there are many that fit the more resonable price range such as Dyna Vault and Hayman Safe has several types from UL Listed RSC Safe, TL15, TL30 rated safes.  Typically you don’t need too much fireproof on a TL rated safe because the contents are coins and jewelry.  You will find these in coin shops, jewelry stores, or just ordinary paranoid peoples homes like mine! Hahahaha.