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We ’ve identified the top picks to help protect your valuables during a firing .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
A fireproof dependable is essential for protecting of import documents , valuables , and other precious memento you do n’t want to misplace in a ardor . Retired FDNY LieutenantJoe Torrillosays the two magnanimous scourge to a residence are fire and flooding .
" protect valuables from ardour and wetness is something that people do not address until after the fact and unfortunately too tardy to have scavenge what may not be capable to be replaced , " he says .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
When looking for a fireproof safe , Torrillo says to look for one that can " withstand a temperature of 1,550 ° F for a period of time of 30 second at a lower limit . " He also recommends require bank bill of the fireproof rating of fireproof safes .
" Their fireproof military rank infers that the subject protected within will sustain a fire long enough until fire extinguishing procedure have been carry out , " he says .
Anna Redmond , founder of Braav , a security consultancy troupe , also emphasizes the grandness of the fireproof military rating . “ The safe are rate by the amount of clip they can hold the utmost temperature of a ardor without the interior reaching a temperature that would damage the content , " she enjoin .
Credit: Amazon
Fire Protection Rating
The fire aegis military rank entail that the safe has been tested to withstand the listed temperature for the specified amount of metre . Torrillo aver at a lower limit it should be 30 mo at 1,550 ° farad .
However , both Torrillo and Redmond say that 1,700 ° F for an minute is ideal . stock business firm fire can sting up to 1,700 ° F while wildfire can burn up to 2,000 ° farad . How long a attack burns depend on various factors such as materials , air current , botany around the fire , and more .
" appear for rubber that have been severally tested and rat by recognized examination laboratories , such as Underwriters Laboratories ( UL ) , for their fire resistance , " Redmond say . Intertek , which performs the ETL certification , is another fire - resistance testing label to attend for when shopping .
Security
The type of curl is an authoritative consideration for fireproof safes . You want one that maintain valuable safe without being too complex in caseful an international party needs to access documents inside .
" you may get traditional combination , key locks , electronic keypads , and biometric scanner . Each character of lock has welfare and drawbacks , " Redmond says . TheFirst Alert Waterproof and Fire Resistant Safehas a combination lock with a backup key scheme . Meanwhile theHoneywell Portable Waterproof and Fireproof Chestuses only a key .
Weight
The free weight of the good is part of its security . A heavier secure will be more difficult to grab during a robbery than a light one . However , a lighter alternative will be much easier to carry out of your rest home in the event of a fervency . The weight of safes on our list varies from about 20 Lebanese pound up to 217 pound .
If you ’re worried about being able to carry a fireproof safe out of your house during an emergency , consider a fireproof bagfor your documents instead .
What We Researched
After speaking to our experts , we research fireproof safe , keeping in head theirfireproof valuation , weight , dimensions , and security .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
SentrySafe Fireproof and Waterproof Safe Box
The safe ’s sleek excogitation make it easy to lay in anywhere in your star sign .
reckon on the number of items you design to store , the size of it may not be large enough .
The best fireproof safe that does n’t be a corking deal of money is theSentrySafe Fireproof and Waterproof Safe Box . It ’s UL - certified to endure 30 minutes at 1,550 ° F and can be submerged in water for up to 72 hours . Torrillo advocate this trade name in particular as they are a loss leader in the industry and typically more low-priced than other eminent - ending choice .
When youopen the safe , an interior light turn on . This is idealistic for quickly spot what you needin cause of a world power outageor if the good is stored in a dark expanse . The secure stays engage with a key lock .
A second Francis Scott Key is include , so you may partake in it with another member of your household or a bank family member or champion . The lock chamber is also design to stay closed in the case of a flood , so it wo n’t open up accidentally .
The size of the dependable is smaller than other options on our list — it ’s only 0.28 cubic feet . However , that should be enough to hold any effectual papers and digital devices like flash drive or DVDs . There is also a storage area under the lid , which has two straps to hold object in situation . Plus , the sleek design make it easy to place it on top shelves orother reposition areaswithout get hold of up too much room .
Product detail : Fireproof paygrade : UL - Classified for 30 Minutes at 1550 ° F| Dimensions:15.4x6.6x14.3 inches| Weight:20 pounds| security measures : central lock
Best Splurge
SentrySafe Fireproof Safe with Dial Combination
The interior innovation include a place for holding tonality , a top tray , and a drawer , and is large enough to hold a significant phone number of items .
The combination lock does not moderate a backup key . Plus , the hinges are visible .
For those willing to splurge , theSentrySafe Fireproof Waterproof Safeis UL - certified to endure up to 1,700 ° F for one hour , and it has even been tested to hold a 15 - foot fall .
It ’s also ETL verified for urine price up to 24 hours in 8 inches of water , which is not typically found in many fireproof safe . It ’s also made of alloy sword , a durable construction cloth for added protection .
The Department of the Interior of the safe is suitable for those who want to keep their property mastermind . It contains a top ledge , a drawer , and a place for key .
Plus , with its 2 cubic feet of interior space , there is plenty of room for any other necessary objects you need to keep good in a fire . The safe weighs 125 pound , so it will not easily be grabbed in the case of a looting . you’re able to also absquatulate down the safe if you need theadded security .
The lockup mechanism is a combination curl , which is suitable if you choose a unproblematic locking scheme . However , it does not include a backup key if you pass to lose the combination code . However , the code is preset by the company , so you may contact them in typesetter’s case you lose it . The hinge are seeable but are considered pry - tolerant .
intersection Details : Fireproof Rating : UL certified for 60 Minutes at 1,700 ° F |Dimensions:18.6x23.8x19.3 inches |Weight : 125 quid |Security : Combination lock
Best Small
Honeywell Portable Waterproof and Fireproof Chest
It ’s fireproof for one hour at 1,700 ° F .
Even though it has a handle for easy carrying , it press 40 pound so it is respectable .
For a low choice , Redmond recommended this trade name as being another well - regarded and reputable pick . TheHoneywell Portable Waterproof and Fireproof Chesthas an ETL - certified security rating of 60 minutes at 1,700 ° F and can be submerged in water for 100 hours up to 1 meter . This gives fire-eater plenty of time to stop the fire , and you wo n’t have to worry about water damage to the token inwardly .
The dependable measures 0.39 cubic feet , giving you plenty of distance to stack away legal - size document or jewelry . It weigh 40 pounds , which could be a deterrent during a burglary , but it also may make it difficult for you to move around your house .
The lockup mechanism only take a key to open it . This may not be ideal if you are need a more complex system for additional security system . However , that is a better option if you are ever in need a neighbor or friend to spread the secure to get at documents .
" There are definitely situation where people traveling overseas or with a aesculapian emergency , and suddenly need a trusted person to open a safe and found [ more complex lock ] to be a major challenge , " Redmond says .
Product Details : Fireproof Rating : ETL - certify for 60 Minutes at 1700 ° F| Dimensions:19.96x7.32x17.17 inches| Weight:41.9 pounds| Security : Key curl
Best for Documents
SentrySafe Safe Box
It ’s perfect for storing and organizing legal or otherwise important documents with enough way for you to apply Indian file pamphlet .
The hanging filing cabinet organization is deal separately .
If you require to keep documents safe and organized , theSentrySafe Fireproof Safe Boxis the best fireproof secure . It has enough room for you to use letter - size hanging files to organize your text file , making it perfect for those who need to find what they need effortlessly .
There is also a storage area inside the lid for DVDs , passports , and other small object , so you could find the most important items you demand without difficulty . It is also waterproof for up to 72 time of day immersed in piddle .
at bottom , the fireproof dependable can sustain up to 40 hang up file ( purchased separately ) . Its pattern looks standardized to a typical filing scheme that you might placenear your desk , make it a circumspect pick foryour home agency .
However , it weighs almost 40 pounds , so it can not easily be steal , ca-ca it ideal for security department . The locking mechanism is a key fruit , which can be ideal if you want to access items fleetly . It come with an additional Francis Scott Key for safekeeping in typesetter’s case the first one gets lost .
merchandise Details : Fireproof Rating : UL certified for 30 minute at 1,550 ° F| Dimensions:15.5x14.3x13.5 inches| Weight : 38.9 pounds| security system : primal lock
Best Large
SentrySafe Fireproof Waterproof Safe
It occur with a run out outfit to allow extra protection .
The lock ask batteries .
While most of our picks are minuscule enough to grab in an emergency , most wo n’t check larger valuables like electronics or old geezer . With a mental ability of 4.71 three-dimensional animal foot , this additional - largeSentrySafe modeloffers ample storage space .
The safe is ELT Verified fireproof for 30 minutes at 1,400 ° F . While some other safes on our list are lightweight enough to move around your home plate or grab in an hand brake , this heavy - tariff option is n’t meant to be carried — it weighs over 200 pounds . But if you ’re looking for a fireproof dependable that doubles as a security good , this is a capital option as it do with a bolt outfit to secure it to the level .
The safe is secured through a digital combination curl that requires batteries for operation . While the digital lock may be gentle to use equate to a traditional combination curl , you ’ll call for to keep the electric battery wise to ensure memory access . The brand recommend choosing battery with expiration dates of 8 to 10 days in the hereafter .
Product Details : Fireproof valuation : ELT Verified for 30 arcminute at 1,400 ° F |Dimensions:21.7x37.7x19 inches|Weight:217 pounds|Security : Digital combining lock
The Bottom Line
TheFirst Alert Waterproof and Fire Resistant Safeis our top pick for a fireproof safe . It cater equal protection with a UL certification of one 60 minutes at 1,700 ° F , and it put up plenty of room for computer storage . If you ’re unforced to spend more on your fireproof safe , theSentrySafe Fireproof Waterproof Safeis a fantastic option — it has been test to withstand a 15 - foot drop .
Your Questions, Answered
Are fireproof safes also waterproof?
Not all fireproof safes are waterproof . You ’ll desire to count for one that specifically articulate waterproof for protect your valuable .
" Besides fire resistance , a good safe should protect against water harm , ” Redmond says , “ If they are not rainproof , water supply can ooze into safe and damage the content . " If potential , select one with an ETL certification for water damage .
What material is best for a fireproof safe?
" The safe should have full-bodied building , typically made of brand , " Redmond says . to boot , Torrillo says " you ’ll have to don that a reputable party manufactures their safe to the high monetary standard to what they ’re expected to protect . " .
That ’s why it ’s more significant to buy a safe that is either ETL - certified or UL - verify to ensure it ’s been through stringent examination to withstand the temperatures and conditions of a fire .
What maintenance is involved with a fireproof safe?
Each safe will come with specific direction on how to perform regular maintenance to protect the contents inside and the overall wholeness of the good . Redmond recommends testing every six to 12 months .
" examine the lock mechanism and key , if applicable , to ensure they are officiate properly , ” she says , “ Inspect the stamp around the door for any signs of wearable or damage that could compromise its waterproof or fire - immune unity . " She also propose you to screen the batteries if you have purchase one with an electronic ringlet .
Do you need to air out the documents every now and then?
Torrillo recommends you perform special care on the subject inside by airing out the safe for 20 bit every two weeks . It ’s especially important to perform this task if you endure in an area with a good deal of humidness .
" To protect paper items , such as hard cash , document , etc . , against mold and mildew , look at placing these item in heat - seal pouches or plastic goose egg - whorl bag with silica gel desiccant battalion , the type that are delivered with electronic equipment , " he says .
Who We Are
Nicole Pylesis a author with extensive experience research and drop a line about home products for a mixed bag of brand . For this article , she research fireproof safes , keep in creative thinker their fireproof rating , exercising weight , dimensions , and security . She also interview retire FDNY lieutenantJoe TorrilloandAnna Redmond , founder of Braav , a security consultancy company , for their insights .
