Protecting your valuables and important documents against fire is a priority in today’s world. Having the right best fireproof safe is of impeccable importance to protect what matters most. However, with the range of items available out in the market place, how does one find a safe that they can trust to provide the protection that it claims. One of the important thing is that the item is certified or tested against an international fire resistance standard. These standards vary from regions, countries or certifying bodies but all set a standard of fire tests and criteria that needs to be passed in order to protect the items within. Here are some of the most common and recognized fire tests
UL-72 Fire Tests
The Underwriters Laboratory of America (UL) publishes a broad range of standards and fire resistance standards is one of them. The fire tests for fireproof safes is referenced to the UL-72 standard and is well regarded in the industry world wide. There are variations of tests depending on the contents and fire endurance protection required. Depending on the rating to be obtained, the fireproof safe is then subject to the respected testing needed.
JIS S-1037 Fire Tests
This is the Japan Industrial Standard (JIS) standard for fireproof safes. It is similar to the European and UL tests The standard varies depending on the content to be protected (Paper or Data) and the length of time in which protection is required (30, 60 or 120 minutes).
EN1047 Fire Tests
This is one of the European standard for fireproof safes and is recognized in the industry and apply to member states in Europe. This standard is similar to the UL-72, it sets different standards and requirements depending on the contents to be protected (Paper, Data, Diskette), although endurance rating only begins at 60 minutes. This standard is also a relatively stringent where certain safes will also need to pass fire and drop test in order to be considered a pass within this standard.
EN15659 Fire Tests
This fireproof safe standard can be considered a complementary standard to the EN1047 and focuses on fireproof protection for documents and fire endurance covers requirements that can be tested against only covers 30 and 60 minutes.
NT Fire 017 Fire Tests
This fire test standard originated from NordTest and is also a particularly well known standard in the industry. The SP testing lab in Sweden is considered to be the most regarded in performing tests to this standard. This standard also differentiates various classes depending on the contents to be protected and the endurance in which the protection is intended to last.
KSG 4500 Fire Tests
This is the Korean Standard for fireproof safes and the categorization and tests that are subjected are similar to the standards mentioned above
Others
There are also other multitude of ratings around the world, although less well known compared to the ones stated above such as the GB/T 16810-2006 in China. Also, please be aware that some standards such as DIN 4102 or BS 5438 are for flammability of materials and by no means similar to fire protection.
Fireproof safes is important in ones protection for its valuables and important documents. Getting one that is tested and certified to international standards can give reassurance that you get the protection that you need. At Guarda Safe, we are a professional supplier of independent tested and certified, quality Fireproof and Waterproof Safe Box and Chest. In our line up, you can find one that can help protect what matters most, whether it is at home, your home office or in the business space and if you got a question, feel free to contact us.
Source: Fireproof Safe UK “Fire Ratings, Tests and Certificates”, accessed 30 May 2022
Post time: May-30-2022
