In
order to decide which safe is right for your needs, first determine
the type of protection your valuables require. Here are brief
descriptions of the safes that are available to you, and what
each is designed for.
Underwriters'
Laboratories (UL) Listed High Security Safes
- A UL listed high security safe is your assurance when cash
and other valuables require the best protection available. When
a safe is UL listed for high security, that means it has undergone
stringent burglary testing procedures by UL in order to earn
its UL performance ratings. Some UL listed high security safes
also carry a UL fire-protection rating. The UL listing is the
only testing process fully recognized by insurance companies
worldwide.
Gun
Safes
- Misty Morn gun safes will secure up to 53 guns -- depending
on the size you choose. But these safes are also used to protect
many other types of valuables. They provide a convenient, central
location for documents, jewelry, cash, family heirlooms, and
other important items. A number of interior designs are available
to customize your storage needs. Look for the UL security and
fire ratings and the Omega Point labels that meet your requirements.
Burglary
Resistant Composite Safes
- These safes are designed to resist sophisticated attempts
to reach your valuables. They can be used at home or in the
office to secure papers and documents, jewelry, cash, and other
valuables. For those whose primary concern is theft protection,
a burglary resistant safe should carry a minimal UL burglary
rating of RSC (residential security container) or higher. These
safes are constructed with varying degrees of fire protection.
C-rated Composite Safe
- This safe is specifically designed for those who are primarily
concerned about theft protection -- but still want to protect
against fire. The C-rated composite safe is constructed with
2 1/2" walls and a 4 1/2" door thickness consisting of high
density concrete material (9200 psi) on all six sides. Pound
for pound and dollar for dollar, this safe protects from physical
attack better than many safes of the same size because of the
high density material from which it is constructed. The C-rated
composite safe offers 1/2 hour UL fire label protection. These
units are equivalent to an all-steel safe with 1/2" solid steel
walls and 1" solid steel doors.
E-rated Composite Safes
- These safes are geared for the commercial market because they
offer greater theft protection than C-rated safes by virtue
of their 3 1/2" walls and 5 1/2" doors, all constructed with
high-density concrete material. (FIRE PROTECTION?) These units
are equivalent to an all-steel safe with 1" walls and 1 1/2"
thick doors and qualify for E-rated burglary insurance coverage
(contact your insurance company for exact requirements).
Fire
Resistant Safes
- When protection against fire is a real concern, a safe with
a UL fire rating will provide confidence against this threat.
To get the fire protection you need, look for a UL class 350
fire label that designates half-hour, one-hour, or two-hour
fire protection. UL listed fire resistant safes are offered
here in a range of sizes and UL security ratings.
Data
Safes
- Because CDs, computer disks, microfiche and other types of
electronically-stored information are more sensitive than paper
to heat, moisture, and magnetic fields, a data safe plays a
critical role in protecting irreplaceable records. This specialized
safe protects against magnetic fields, fire, burglary, tampering,
and dust. Data safes should carry a one- or two-hour UL fire
and impact rating.
In-Floor
Safes
- These safes are easily concealed and tough to penetrate. They
provide economic protection and come in various sizes. Your
local cement contractor can install an in-floor safe in your
home or office.
Depository
Safes
- When a business needs to stash away cash or valuables during
working hours, a depository safe provides convenience and short-term
security on the premises. Depository safes come in a range of
designs that allow options on lock compartments, drop slots,
locking systems, and fire / security ratings.
Fire
Resistant File Cabinets
- Tax records, customer lists, deeds, and accounting documents
are the kind of files that need protection in a fire resistant
cabinet. Look for a file cabinet that has passed your requirements
for UL fire, explosion and impact ratings. Then choose a cabinet
that meets your security, storage and space requirements. The
newest styles complement contemporary or traditional decor.
Vault
Doors
- A vault door should provide fire insulation while protecting
against attack by tool or torch. The soundness of the door's
construction, locking system, hinges, and bolt-work will determine
its effectiveness. An inside escape mechanism and ease of passage
through the door are also important features. Look for UL certifications
and burglary insurance ratings.
UL
Ratings*
- For a complete explanation of Underwriters' Laboratories security
and fire classifications, click on "Underwriters' Laboratories."
