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Learning Center Common Questions Fireproof File Help Fire Ratings Explained

Understanding Fire Ratings

The first number, i.e., 350 or 125, represents the maximum internal temperature of the safe. Paper burns at 350 degrees, so the maximum temperature inside of a record safe is 350 degrees. Media is damaged at 125 degrees, so the maximum temperature inside of a media safe is 125 degrees.

The second number is the most misunderstood. It is not "how long your safe will survive in a fire." The second number, i.e. between 1 and 3, represents how long the safe was TESTED. A 350 2-hour safe and a 125 2-hour safe were TESTED for 2 hours. The test on these safes is 2 to 3 times hotter than an average fire.

The average fire burns at 800 degrees, burns everything up around the safe in 20 minutes, and then moves on. These safes are tested at a constant 1700-2000 degrees, which is dramatically worse than an average fire.

Is 2-Hour twice as good as 1-Hour No 1-hour rated safe that we carry has ever failed to protect its contents in a fire. Let me repeat: No 1-hour rated safe has EVER failed in a fire. So why does 2-hour even exist? Unfortunately it started as a marketing ploy, and now you will find more 2-hour safes than 1-hour because of the misunderstanding.

What does all this mean? It means that a 350 1-hour rating does not protect your records for a mere one hour in a fire. "A fire lasts longer than that," everyone says, and they are right. Based on the information above you can see that a 350-1 hour safe will last much, much longer than one hour in a fire.

Rating

Description

350 - ½ hr

Requires safe to be heated to 1700ºF for ½ hour.  During this time, the internal temperature of the safe cannot exceed 350ºF (the temperature at which paper will burn).

350 - 1 hr

Requires safe to be heated to 1700ºF for 1 hour.  During this time, the internal temperature of the safe cannot exceed 350ºF (the temperature at which paper will burn).

350 - 1½ hr

Requires safe to be heated to 1700ºF for 1½ hours.  During this time, the internal temperature of the safe cannot exceed 350ºF (the temperature at which paper will burn).

350 - 2 hr

Requires safe to be heated to 1700ºF for 2 hours.  During this time, the internal temperature of the safe cannot exceed 350ºF (the temperature at which paper will burn).

350 - 3 hr

Requires safe to be heated to over 2000ºF for 3 hour.  During this time, the internal temperature of the safe cannot exceed 350ºF (the temperature at which paper will burn).

125 - 1 hr

Designed for media safes, this test requires the safe to be heated to 1700ºF for 1 hour.  During this time, the internal temperature of the safe cannot exceed 125ºF or 80% humidity (the conditions at which media and data can be damaged or lost).

125 - 2 hr

Designed for media safes, this test requires the safe to be heated to 1850ºF for 2 hours.  During this time, the internal temperature of the safe cannot exceed 125ºF or 80% humidity (the conditions at which media and data can be damaged or lost).

125 - 3 hr

Designed for media safes, this test requires the safe to be heated to 1925ºF for 3 hours.  During this time, the internal temperature of the safe cannot exceed 125ºF or 80% humidity (the conditions at which media and data can be damaged or lost).

NT Fire 017-120 Diskette

Designed for media safes, this test requires the safe to be heated to 1859ºF for 2 hours.  During this time, the internal temperature of the safe cannot exceed 125ºF or 80% humidity (the conditions at which media and data can be damaged or lost).

VDMA 24992

This is a test on the lock.  At this standard, any keys made from a mold of the lock or from duplicate keys cannot be used to open the safe.  The original key must be used to make copies.

RSC Security

For the very best in burglary protection.  To adhere to this standard, a safe must survive a rigorous tool attack.

TL-30

This is a test on the attack-resistance of a safe. The safe must be attacked with a diamond saw for 30 minutes with no success. A torch must also be used in conjunction.

Euro Grade 0

RSC Security equivalent.  For the very best in burglary protection.  To adhere to this standard, a safe must survive a rigorous tool attack.

Euro Grade 2

TL-30 equivalent. This is a test on the attack-resistance of a safe. The safe must be attacked with a diamond saw for 30 minutes with no success. A torch must also be used in conjunction.