Are all safes fireproof?

When it comes to fire, not all safes are created equal.

Due to the insulating nature of the walls, most ‘regular’ safes will offer a certain degree of protection. But this is only likely to be for a short time and at relatively low temperatures.

To give your valuables the best chance of surviving the smoke and heat, you’ll need ramp up the insulation and invest in a fire safe, instead. And as a leading UK retailer, here we explain why and explore the different types of fireproof safe available in our store.

What makes a fireproof safe, fireproof?

Fireproof safes are specifically designed and manufactured to protect against fire damage.

Unlike a ‘regular’ burglar safe, they tend to be constructed with an insulative walled body, which is made from a special fire-protective material (such as fire-resistant composite).

If subject to intense heat, this fire-protective material releases a steam.

Some of this steam is directed towards the interior of the safe, where it’s used to regulate the temperature (keeping it below the point at which items combust) and to create a pressure seal against the fire’s heat. The rest is pushed towards vents in the safe’s body – further helping to regulate humidity and pressure inside the safe’s interior compartment.

Fire safety boxes are also typically fitted with airtight, water-resistant door seals. And as such, can help to protect against various fire-induced water hazards (e.g. fire hoses, sprinkler systems etc.).

Classifying a safe as ‘fireproof’

To be classed as ‘fireproof’, a safe has to undergo three rigorous tests:

• The fire endurance test – this exposes the safe to furnace temperatures over a certain period of time, whilst measuring the internal temperature.  

• The explosion hazard test – which simulates the safe being suddenly exposed to super-high temperatures (around 2000˚F) that could potentially cause an explosion or rupture.

• The fire drop test – which measures the strength of the safe and its ability to withstand the effect of falling through a burning, collapsing building (unit thrown from approximately 30ft).

Collectively, these tests are designed to ensure a fire safe can withstand the extreme conditions produced by a fire. And they’re used to determine the level of fire resistance provided by each model, both in terms of the items it can successfully protect and for how long.

Two types of fire safety box available at eSafes

Our online collection of fire safes can be split into two broad categories.

1. Fire safes for paper

These are suitable for storing important papers and documents, such as birth certificates, passports, property deeds, bank information, wills, contracts, confidential business documents and more.

Paper is a highly flammable material that combusts at temperatures above 175-177˚C.

As such, fire safes that are designed to protect paper will ensure – in the event of a fire – the internal temperature remains below this level, shielding the contents against any smoke or heat damage.

2. Fire safes for data

These are designed for the storage of digital media, magnetic media and other forms of electronic data. For example, they offer a safe space to store computer hard disk drives and USB sticks.

Such items require much greater fire protection than paper.

Not only do they melt and corrupt at lower temperatures (120˚C for digital media, 52˚C for magnetic media), the humidity generated by a fire can also cause electromagnetic interference. And such, fire safes for ‘data’ are much more insulative and will keep the internal temperature much lower.

Whichever type you choose – whether it be a fireproof safe for paper or a fireproof safe for data – each model in our range falls into one of four ‘fire rating’ categories. This indicates how long (in minutes) that specific safe can protect its contents against smoke and heat.

Invest in the safety of a fireproof safety box

Ultimately, the short answer is – not all safes are fireproof.

If you wish to install a safe in your home or office, and are concerned about the risk of fire, the best (most sensible) option is to invest in a specialist fire safe. And here at eSafes, we have a wide selection to choose from – including both models that will protect paper and data, for a period of up to two hours or more.

All of our fire safes are available for express delivery, competitively priced and worth every penny for the level of fire protection (and peace of mind) they can offer.

So why not browse the range today?

If you have any questions or are unsure of the best fire safe for your needs, you’re welcome to get in touch at any time. We have unrivalled knowledge in this area and we’re always happy to help. Either give us a call on 0800 783 2328 or send an email to info@esafes.co.uk and a member of the team will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.