Does a Safe Need to Be Fireproof?

Despite the increasing digitalization where more documents exist in digital form, there are still paper documents that should be protected from fire. These include various documents such as passports, Bitcoin wallets, birth certificates, and even cash. Cash should always be stored in a fireproof safe. If you're looking for a fireproof safe, there are several features to consider. Besides the fire resistance class, the security level selection also plays an important role. Fire protection varies in terms of duration, typically ranging from 30 minutes up to 180 minutes during testing, where safes are exposed to temperatures of 900 to 1000 degrees Celsius. The content inside the safe must remain undamaged by the fire according to these tests.

Who Certifies That a Safe Is Fireproof?

All safes undergo fire protection testing by certification bodies worldwide. In Europe, entities like VdS (Association of Security Companies) and ECBS (European Certification Body for Security Systems) perform these evaluations. Certificates and tests issued by these bodies may vary significantly.

The Right Lock for Your Fireproof Safe

When choosing a fireproof safe, you'll also need to decide on the type of lock. Your preference matters here, whether it's a PIN-code operated lock or a traditional key lock. Due to the deformation caused by a fire, the safe must be opened in an emergency, regardless of the type of lock chosen.