Underwriters Laboratories® (UL®)
UL is internationally recognized for conducting the most comprehensive tests in the world. For maximum records protection, a fire- and/or impact-rated safe by ul has been renowned as the best since 1923. Contractors, building and fire inspectors, and other code authorities all seek out the UL mark as confirmation of the highest level of security. In addition to being tested to withstand falls and fire, UL-rated safes can also survive a wide variety of attacks with both hand and power tools.
Fire Ratings
Fire ratings for protecting paper are evaluated by conditioning safes to withstand varying furnace heat for specific amounts of time. For example, the ul class 350 1-hour fire rating means that the internal temperature of the safe will not exceed 350°F for at least 1 hour when exposed to external temperatures over 1700°F. A safe may have a 1-, 2-, or 3-hour time classification.
Media Ratings
The UL class 125 rating for media protection means the safe must maintain an interior temperature less than 125°F and an interior relative humidity less than 80%. this classification will ensure protection for any electronic media such as digital discs, computer storage discs, and even microfiche. A safe may have a 1-, 2-, or 3-hour time classification.
Impact Ratings
These tests call for the safe to be heated to 1550°F for 30 minutes then dropped onto concrete rubble from a height of 30 feet within 2 minutes of leaving the furnace. Then it is inverted and reheated for another 30 minutes. An explosion test may also be administered to certain models, which leaves the safe in a 2000°F furnace for 30 minutes. It is then inspected for heat or moisture damage.
RSC Burglary Rating
A Residential Security Container (RSC) is tested to withstand five full minutes of rigorous prying, drilling, punching, chiseling, and tampering attacks by UL technicians. RSCs come in a B Rating (doors less than 1" thick and a body construction less than ½" thick) and a C Rating (doors at least 1" thick and a body construction at least ½" thick.) Both versions are constructed of steel. |
