Have you noticed some ratings when buying a safe? Safes have security ratings indicated in numerals to indicate their resistance to attacks. They are evaluated based on their ability to withstand physical attacks like burglary attempts, drilling, cutting, and fire damage. Understanding the security classification of your safe will help you make an informed decision on the best safe to protect your valuables. Here is what different levels of security mean in safes.
Burglary Protections and Ratings
Safe burglary rating indicates the degree to which a safe remains indestructible against force, drilling, and cutting. Most safes have the burglary resistance certification on the inside.
Initially, the ratings were on an alphabetical scale, “B to C.” Modern safe ratings, however, use numerical systems as safe technology advanced and created a need for more precise categorization.
Australian Standards, AS/NZS, and Residential Security Container use Grades 1 to 6, with Grade 1 being the lowest level of security, while Grade 6 represents the highest. The major determinant of how well a safe can withstand burglary is how thick the construction material is. Other factors include the construction method and locking mechanism.
Cash Ratings
It refers to the maximum amount that an insurer will cover your safe’s valuables. Higher-quality safes have higher cash ratings and are appealing to insurers because they pose a minimum risk of theft.
Typically, the grades for safes range from zero to VI, while vaults can go up to XIII. Higher scores mean the safes have a higher resistance level, and the cash rating will be high. The cash rating is determined by the lock quality, mechanism, and protection around the lock. The thickness of the safe wall also comes into play. Despite a good cash rating, it is important to consider additional measures like a monitored alarm.
Fire Resistance
The ability of the safe to endure high temperatures within a specified time determines its fire rating. Independent institutions often carry out tests to determine this rating. The tests include fire endurance, fire impact, and explosion tests. These tests ensure that the safes comply with safe standards, locally and internationally.
Fire ratings levels are;
- 30 minutes
- 60 minutes
- 90 minutes
- 120 minutes
Note: A safe having a fire rating doesn’t mean it is fireproof. The highest fire rating for most safes is two hours.
The valuables and documents you intend to store should guide you on the fire rating level to consider for a safe. Effects of fire on objects vary. A safe for storing paper documents might need a higher fire rating than one storing gold or jewelry. Ask the seller for the fire rating of the safe you intend to buy, or if you already have one, check the certification on the inside of the door.
Australian Standards and Certifications
Safes undergo several tests to provide accurate levels as per the specified standards. The levels of burglary, fire, and cash ratings undergo varying certification tests. There are different grades for burglary protection: EN 11450 for security cabinets and EN 1143-1 for safes.
For fire protection, UL 72 Class 125, ECB•S EN 1047-1, or 017 60/120 DIS are the standards required for data media. For paper documents, the standards include EN 15659, UL72-Class 350, NT Fire 017, or ECB•S EN 1047-1.
Confused by The Different Levels of Security?
If you’re new to safes, walk with an expert to understand the standards and certifications. Safes Australia has experts who will explain the levels and guide you according to your needs. You can inquire more about the levels depending on the level of security you desire. We only let you make a purchase once you understand what you need, and we present several options to you. At Safes Australia, you can rest easy knowing that the safes have met industry standards. Visit Safes Australia today to explore the variety of safes in stock!
