The Lowdown on Fire Ratings

Thieves aren’t the only threat to your valuables and at eSafes we also provide fireproof safes for home and commercial use. Every safe in the range is equipped to protect contents in the event of a fire and each has an official fire rating to certify this. But what do fire ratings actually mean, and who decides them?

Like cash ratings which vary in expense, there are different levels of fire rating, documented by the temperature that they can withstand within the fire, and also the length of time that they will protect their contents.

When choosing a fireproof safe, the first step is to choose a safe for the right purpose. A range of fire safes are available for protecting paper documentation and a range of fireproof data safes are also available which are designed to protect computer media. Specialist data safes are required since these materials are destroyed at a lower temperature and greater resistance is required.

Most fire safes are certified for one or two hours, and one hour fire protection is considered satisfactory for home use, unless of course that home happens to be a mansion, or you live at the office (it can sometimes feel that way). Greater temperature resistance and time resistance is recommended for commercial use.

But who decides what fire rating a safe is awarded, and which classifications should customers trust?

Well, for starters, alarms bells should ring if a retailer provides its own in-house classification and not an industry standard. Many safe retailers do carry out fire testing and this is acceptable, but the most reputable suppliers will offer safes which also carry official ratings from respected authorities.

Independent testing houses ensure that safes offer the level of protection stated. A number of different organisations provide testing, certification and approval for fire safes.

The ECB-S is the certification arm of the European Security Systems Association (ESSA). The ECB-S certificate rating is a guaranteed stamp of approval.

The two most high profile British testing houses are the Association of Insurance Surveyors (AIS) and the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB), though both specialise largely in burglary rather than fire protection.

A sure-fire way to get the right safe for your needs is to talk to the experts. We’re waiting to answer any questions you might have before buying your new safe right here, or give us a call on 0800 783 2328.