Buyers Guide: Choosing a Safe

Overview

Choosing a safe requires a careful consideration of your needs and preferences. There are many factors to consider when buying a safe, such as the size, weight, valuables to be store, fire rating, security rating, locking mechanism, insurance company's requirements, warranty, and price. However, to help you in your decision here are some tips to help you choose your new safe.

Size and Space Available  

The size of the safe depends on what you want to store inside it. You should measure the items that you plan to keep in the safe and add extra space for future additions. You should also consider the available space in your home or office where you would want to place the safe. Make sure the safe can fit through the doorways and stairs of your location.

Weight

The weight of the safe can affect its portability and security. A heavier safe is harder to move or steal, but it may also require additional support or reinforcement to the floor or wall before installation.

A lighter safe is easier to transport and install, but it may also be more vulnerable to burglary or fire. You should balance the weight of the safe with the other features and your personal preferences.

Fire Rating

The fire rating of the safe indicate how long it can withstand high temperatures and protect its contents from damage. Ideally, you should also look for a safe that has a fire rating of at least one hour, which is the average duration of a house fire.

Fire rated safes are designed to protect valuable items from fire damage. They are built to withstand high-temperatures and flames for a certain period, usually ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours and evaluated by independent laboratories and then certificated.

There are several types and sizes of fire rated safes available on the market, and your choice of protection required is likely to be governed by the goods you plan to keep in the safe. If you choose to buy a fire rated safe and are to keep documents, data media or cash in the safe you will need buy a safe meeting the required protection stipulated below. 

Therefore the factors to consider when choosing a fire rated safe include:

• Items to be stored in the safe,

Paper Media Deteriorates at 170 °C,

Digital Media: CD’s, and DVDs at 70 °C and,

Digital Media: Magnetic Strips at 50 °C,  

• the fire rating, the cash rating,
• the safes locking mechanism,
• the interior features,
• and the warranty.

Independent Testing Fire Rating Standards

Security Rating

The security rating of the safe indicates how resistant it is to different types of attacks, such as drilling, prying, cutting, or torching. The security ratings are expressed in letters or numbers, and it varies depending on the type and quality of the steel and locking mechanism. A higher security rating means a better protection for your valuables in case of a burglary.

Safes are devices that protect valuable items from theft or damage. In the UK, safes have different security classifications based on their level of protection and insurance approval. The Association of Insurance Surveyors (AiS) are the UK's top authority on insurance ratings for safes. The AiS logo indicates that the safe has been evaluated and approved by them. Safes can be categorised into a cash rating and a valuables rating that indicate the money value or value of goods that can be kept in the safe. See Table Below.

Another rating system known as the euro classifications, which are standards set by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Euro classifications for safes start at eurograde 0 - EN1143-1 (£6000 cash £60,000 valuables) to eurograde 7 (£250,000 Cash - £2,500,000 Valuables). Eurograde 8 to 13 cover are Vaults. The higher the classification, the more resistant the safe is to burglary attempts. Euro classifications also indicate the amount of insurance cover to cover the contents of the safe.

Locking Mechanism

There are several types of safe locking mechanisms available, such as key locks, combination locks, electronic locks, biometric locks, or dual locks. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as convenience, reliability, battery life, backup options, and user management. You should choose a locking mechanism that meets your needs and preferences.

Contents Insurer’s Request

Your contents insurer may specify the security rating of the safe you require and insist that a qualified safe engineer installs the safe. Failure to do so may invalidate an insurance claim. If you are unsure of your insurance company’s stance, we would advise you check with your insurer. If your insurer requires a professional safe installation Safe Place Solutions will be happy to organise this for you. Before ordering, please contact support@safeplacesolutions.co.uk and we will be happy to help.

Your insurer may also insist on an additional intruder alarm system if not already fitted.

Installation

If your insurer does not specify professional installation, safes of a certain weight and size can unless otherwise stated be fitted by a competent DIYer. Depending on the weight of the safe, installation may require two people and apparatus to help reposition the safe.

Warranty

The warranty of the safe covers any defects or damages that may occur during the normal use of the product. The warranty expressed either in years or lifetime varies depending on the manufacturer and model of the safe. A longer warranty means a better service and support for your product. You should look for a safe that has a warranty of at least five years or lifetime.

Price

The price of the safe reflects its quality and features. A higher price means a better performance and durability for your product. However, you should also consider your budget and compare different options before making a purchase. You should look for a safe that offers the best value for your money.

By following these tips, you can purchase a safe from Safe Place Solutions that meets your expectations and provides you with peace of mind.