Keeping the valuable processions in a regular locked cabinet may prevent them from theft, but definitely not from fire. However, fireproof safes have proved to protect the valuables from fire disasters and theft.
These are available in different sizes and shapes. While small, compact safes are ideal for house usage; large fireproof safes are used by the businesses. All of them are made of thick steel and they are made fire resistant by lining the interior with insulating material. Depending on the insulation layer, ability of the safe to resist temperature varies.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an independent, third-party; product testing and certification organization that provides accepted standards for grading the fireproof safes depending on their resistance to fire. A low UL grade safe is more resistant to high temperature. Fireproof safes that are used to protect the paper documents should have UL grade 350 as paper burns at 400 degree Fahrenheit. These fireproof file cabinets are available in different shapes such as vertical fireproof file cabinet, lateral fireproof cabinet and side tab or end tab file cabinets. Depending on the size of the paper documents and the preferred organization of files, consumers can select suitable safe.
Fireproof safe that can protect paper document cannot protect electronic media files like DVDs, CDs and floppies. These fragile media files are more susceptible to heat. Fireproof media safe require UL grade 125 to protect electronic media files. Fireproof media safe also protects their contents from dust, magnetic field and humidity. Due to the high protection they offer, the price of the fireproof media safe is slightly higher than the regular fireproof safes.
Today’s safes have a rigid and sleek body that makes the installation vary easy. They can be installed under floor or in the wall; either way they are concealed. Under floor safes are very secure and their installation needs to be checked by an engineer to assess the strength of the floor that supports the safe. However, security of wall safe depends on the wall it is fitted in.
Fireproof safe are available in wide range of prices. Their price depends on the resistance they offer to fire, the locking system and the size. While a low end they cost about $50, a high end fireproof safe can cost $7000. A high end one is usually made water resistant as well. Protection of valuable assets from natural calamities and manmade disasters is possible with a good fireproof safe.