How to Tell a Safe is High Quality

high-security-safeWhen it comes to securing your valuables, the first things that come to mind for many people are high security safes. After all, nothing says “protected” like a giant hunk of fire- and burglar-proof metal. But just how safe is your safe? Thankfully, there’s a standardized system in place to help safe owners figure out exactly what their big steel box is designed to protect against.

That metal label with the codes and classifications on your safe is very important. Whether you’re thinking about used safes or brand-new vaults, the United Laboratories Test Performance Ratings is a longstanding and fundamental system that can help you make the right choice.

  • B classification: Common and standard, with a steel body less than a 1/2″ in thickness
  • C classification: Better than B with a thicker body and door
  • UL RSC: Anti-burglar, combination-lock safe with better steel, rated for up to 5 minutes of hard tampering on the door
  • UL TL-15: At least an inch thick and rated for 15 minutes
  • UL TL-30: A big boy weighing in at over 750 lbs, rated for 30 minutes
  • UL TL-30×6: Just as big as the TL-30, but rated against side-wall penetration as well

Obviously, TL 30 safes are ideal for superior protection, but they require some room planning due to their enormous weight. But if there’s gold inside (figuratively or literally), it can be worth the hassle to keep things … safe.