Fireproof file cabinets are also known commonly as fire proof files which are also similar to fire safes. They all mean one thing, sometimes are designed to protect your documents and valuable items from fire or intense heat. Given the fact that 8.2 billion dollars are lost yearly on average due to fire hazards, it is important to have one at your office or home.
They are designed to look like your ordinary filing cabinets blending into the overall office furniture but is capable of withstanding high heat and hours in the event of fire. It also serves as a great alternative to your fireproof home safe if you have more than important documents to store away. In fact, fire proof filing cabinets are not limited to storing important files as they can be used to store many other types of items like jewelery, cash, passports, title deeds, insurance policies and even small hand guns. They not only prevent fire damage but also more importantly, burglary as well.
When buying your fireproof file cabinets you need to know certain terminologies which will affect your purchasing decision. Understanding the fact that a burglar has only a short time frame of about 6 minutes to size up his or her environment and break into whatever hint of prized possessions, you might wish to purchase one which blends into the overall background and look as less flaunting as possible, thereby appealing as little attention as possible. Compared to your standard burglary safe, or even a small one stashed away in a cabinet, the fire proof filing cabinet is much more demure looking.
You should ensure that the unit you intend to purchase has achieved a UL rating. UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories, one of the most trusted testing standards within the industry. Should you have any concern with the ratios of your unit, always cross reference directly with the manufacturer for a copy of the certificate of UL rating approval. Take for instance, a 1 hour 350 degree Fahrenheit rating means that your unit is able to withstand any temperature lower than 350 degree F for about an hour.
In addition, apart from fire testing, you should also look out for impact tests as well as explosion testing. The more approvals from all the above tests, the more robust is your fire proof filing cabinet. Of course, life records no free lunch, and the more robust your units, the higher is the cost.
There are many sizes and types you can opt for, partly fire proof lateral and vertical filing cabinets. While the latter is the more popular version, it may not suit your filing purposes. The lateral models serves better when you have documents of various sizes as most come with adjustable bars.
Most fireproof file cabinets come in key lock system but you do have other options with customization. There is one key type which comes automatically in both combination lock and key lock systems, that is, the safe in a file. This is a safe stashed way inside your fire proof filing cabinet. Whichever your choice, it is important to ensure that you purchase from authentic and reputed manufacturers.