Fire-Proof Safes

The following is an explanation from the underwriter’s laboratories’ fire resistant container testing procedures on the class 350°F, one and two-hour fire labels…

The safe will maintain an interior temperature less than 350°F when exposed to fire for a period of one hour at 1700°F or for a period of two hours at 1850°F. Safe must successfully undergo all other requirements for the fire endurance test, explosion hazard test and the fire impact test.

FIRE ENDURANCE TEST

The safe is locked and placed into a furnace preheated to 2,000°f. This temperature is maintained for 30 minutes (2 hour test is 45 minutes). If no explosion results, the unit is allowed to cool without opening the furnace doors.

Once cooled, the unit is opened and examined for usability. The units locking mechanisms and parts fastenings are examined for security and the interior examined for visible evidence of undue heat transmission.

EXPLOSION HAZARD TEST

The safe is locked and placed into a furnace preheated to 2,000°f. This temperature is maintained for 30 minutes (2 hour test is 45 minutes). If no explosion results, the unit is allowed to cool without opening the furnace doors.

Once cooled, the unit is opened and examined for usability. The units locking mechanisms and parts fastenings are examined for security and the interior examined for visible evidence of undue heat transmission.

FIRE IMPACT TEST (MANUFACTURER’S OPTION)

After the explosion hazard test, the safe is removed from the furnace and within two minutes is dropped 30′ onto a riprap of brick on a heavy concrete base. After impact, the unit is examined for deformation, rupture of parts, damaged insulation and any other openings into the interior of the unit.

Once cooled the unit is inverted and reheated to 1,550°f for a period of 30 min. (2 hour test 45 min. At 1,638°f).

Once cooled, the unit is opened and examined for usability. The units locking mechanisms and parts fastenings are examined for security and the interior examined for visible evidence of undue heat transmission.