FIRE PROTECTION
What is fire protection for safes?
Fire protection for safes refers to the measures and features designed to safeguard the contents of a safe from damage caused by fire. Fire safes are constructed and tested to withstand exposure to high temperatures during a fire for a specified duration, thus preserving the documents, valuables, or data stored inside.
Key aspects of fire protection for safes include:
- Fire Resistance: Fire-resistant safes are built with materials that can withstand high temperatures without compromising their structural integrity. They are tested to ensure that the internal temperature remains below a certain threshold for a specified period, typically ranging from 30 minutes to several hours.
- Insulation: Safes are often insulated with fire-resistant materials such as gypsum or ceramic to prevent heat transfer to the contents inside. This insulation helps maintain a lower internal temperature even when exposed to extreme heat.
- Sealants: Fire-resistant safes may feature special seals or gaskets around the door to prevent smoke and water from entering during a fire, further protecting the contents from damage.
- Testing Standards: Safes undergo standardized fire tests conducted by certified testing laboratories to assess their fire resistance capabilities. These tests simulate real-life fire scenarios and evaluate factors such as temperature resistance, insulation, and durability.
Overall, fire protection for safes provides peace of mind by ensuring that important documents, valuable assets, and sensitive data remain intact and protected in the event of a fire.
What matters in terms of fire and fire protection for safes and armoured cabinets?
Fire-resistant safes differ based on the following values:
- For what duration (e.g., 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or 120 minutes) can the fire-resistant safe withstand the fire?
- What can the safe protect from the fire?
- Here, safes are distinguished between those that protect documents or data carriers from fire.
- What temperature increase can the safe withstand?
Safes are subjected to rigorous testing to determine their fire protection suitability. The official materials testing institute for construction (MPA) in Braunschweig conducts specialized tests on safes, including fire tests combined with fall tests in designated fire test rooms. Renowned test institutes such as VdS and ECB-S certify their products, including safes and weapon cabinets, using the EN 1047-1 fire protection test from the MPA in Braunschweig.
The "Braunschweig Test" comprises two parts and utilizes two identical safes:
Part 1: Fire Resistance Test - This test ensures that the cabinet's internal temperature remains within permissible limits during a fire.
Part 2: Fire Burst and Fall Test - The safe is heated to 1090°C and then subjected to a fall from a height of 9.15 meters onto a gravel bed. Subsequently, it is reheated to 840°C for 30 minutes before cooling down.
Fire Protection according to EN 1047-1:
| Degree | Hours of Protection | Max. Temperature Increase |
|---|---|---|
S60 P | 1 | 150°C |
S120 P | 2 (for paper) | 150°C |
S60 DIS | 1 (for CDs) | 30°C |
S120 DIS | 2 (for CDs) | 30°C |
In addition to these fire protection classes, there are other standards and guidelines for fire safes, including the UL Fire Test (Underwriters Laboratories), NT Fire 017 (Swedish fire test), etc. Each standard specifies its testing procedures and criteria for evaluating the fire resistance of safes and other fire protection products.
In addition to fire protection, safes can offer various other features and benefits to enhance security and functionality. Some useful information about safes includes:
- Burglary Protection: Safes can be designed to withstand unauthorized access attempts, offering protection against theft and burglary. Features such as reinforced steel construction, anti-drill plates, and high-security locks contribute to enhancing the security of the safe.
- Water Resistance: Some safes are equipped with water-resistant seals and materials to protect the contents from water damage in the event of flooding or water ingress.
- Size and Capacity: Safes come in a range of sizes and configurations to accommodate different storage needs. It's essential to choose a safe with adequate capacity to store your valuables comfortably.
- Installation Options: Safes can be installed in various locations, including wall-mounted, floor-mounted, or freestanding. Consider the installation requirements and location to ensure proper placement and anchoring for maximum security.
- Certifications and Ratings: Look for safes that are certified by reputable testing organizations, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), VdS, or ECB-S. These certifications indicate that the safe has undergone rigorous testing and meets industry standards for security and fire protection.
- Locking Mechanisms: Safes can feature different types of locking mechanisms, including key locks, combination locks, electronic locks, or biometric locks. Choose a locking mechanism that suits your preferences and security needs.
- Warranty and Support: Check the warranty coverage and after-sales support offered by the safe manufacturer or vendor. A reliable warranty ensures peace of mind and support in case of any issues with the safe.
- Legal Compliance: Consider any legal requirements or regulations regarding safe storage of specific items, such as firearms, important documents, or valuables. Ensure that the safe you choose complies with relevant laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.
By considering these factors and features, you can select a safe that meets your security needs and provides reliable protection for your valuable belongings.