Tips for Buying a Fireproof Safe

1. There are two different types. Know the difference.
There are some that are used to protect paper documents and oficial documents, and other that are used for data storage and computer media. The safes used for computer media have a higher UL rating (350) than the paper ones (125)

2. UL – Underwriter’s Laboratories.
This rating basically means that the safe will not go over “x” degrees Fahrenheit. 125 is the temperature that computer media (cd’s, vhs, etc.) will melt.

3. There is a difference between UL Listed and UL Rated and Tested
Some sketchy manufacturers will say that their product is UL Rated and Tested. This basically just means that they submitted the product in for testing. IT DOES NOT mean that it passed the tests. To actually pass the tests, you need to be UL listed.

4. Inspect the location of the safe.
Make sure that the safe won’t be too heavy for the floor. If it’s not built sturdily enough, the fireproof safe can cause the floor to collapse.

5. Determine how many hours of protection is needed.
On average, a typical fire burns at approximately 800 degrees Fahrenheit for only 20 minutes. A one hour safe is enough unless you’re very far away from the local fire department.