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Safes are evaluated based upon how well they protect their contents against burglary and fire, and their construction and performance ratings will give an accurate indication of the safe’s reliability when subjected to heat or a break-in.

Let’s break the ratings down further:

Burglary rating

This is determined by the quality of the safe’s construction and its performance when resisting burglary attempts. 

Construction rating

Classifying safe construction properties is done with the use of two main systems: burglary safe construction rating and test performance rating. Let’s look at them both in more detail:

Burglary safe construction rating – made by insurance companies, safes are graded based on the strength of the various building materials, and the most common quality ratings are B and C class.

• B class – this safe has a steel body less than ½ inch thick, a steel door less than 1 inch thick, and a lock device.
• C class – this safe has a steel body at least a ½ inch thick, a steel door at least 1 inch thick that locks, and have a hard plate and a relocking device.

Test performance rating

Developed by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), safes with a UL label have been tested to verify their classification, and there are 4 main ratings: UL RSC (residential security container), UL TL-15, UL TL-30 and UL TL-30X6.

• UL RSC

These safes have a 12-gauge steel body and door of 3/16 inch steel. It comes with a standard combination or electronic lock and must be able to withstand 5 minutes of testing (including prying, drilling and pounding) by an engineer.

• UL TL-15

These safes are made of 1 inch solid steel, and weigh at least 750lbs, or be anchored, with a maximum security combination or electronic lock. They are then assessed with the UL Standard 687 testing process, as with the above mentioned safes, but for 15 minutes.

• UL TL-30

With the same construction, weight and installation requirements as TL-15 models, these safes must have a burglary proof combination or electronic lock. Testing processes are similar, except cutting wheels and power saws can also be used, and for up to 30 minutes.

• UL TL-30X6

With the same construction, weight and installation requirements as TL-15 and TL-30 models, these safes must also have a burglary proof combination or electronic lock, and must be tested using the same process as with a TL-30 class, but on all 6 sides.

Fire ratings

Safes tested for their resistance to fire are put through a series of tests to verify their performance, and evaluation is also carried out by the UL.

• ½ hour – UL class 350

Safes must resist exterior heat of 1550 degrees Fahrenheit with an interior temperature below 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, the safe is dropped from a height of 30 ft and allowed to cool. Finally, an explosion test is carried out to check whether the door blows off.

• 1 hour – UL class 350

These safes, as well as passing the above mentioned tests, must resist high temperatures for 60 minutes during the first phase, before being subjected to cool down, drop and explosion tests.

• 2 hour – UL class 350

Safes must be able to resist the same UL 350 testing process, but must be able to withstand high temperatures for a full two hours.

To find the safe that best meets your needs and suits your budget, consult with a security expert, such as a local, licensed locksmith or a safe specialist.