Understanding Safe Ratings: Choosing the Right Protection for Your Valuables
The grade or classification of a safe reflects the level of security it will give its contents in the event of an attempted burglary or fire. Safes are rated in two ways: construction ratings and test performance ratings. The construction rating is primarily determined by burglar protection and the materials used to build the safe. The test performance rating is determined by the building specifications on which the safe is designed, as well as lab tests performed on safes independently to try break-in to ensure the standards are satisfied.
Lets understand the different types of ratings
1. B – Rated Safes:-
A B-rated safe offers basic protection from unauthorized access. A B-rated safe consists of a body consisting of at least 1/4" thick steel and a door at least 1/2" thick. The B-Rating does not include any special testing, however certain minimum thickness standards are required.
Unlike other grades, such as C-rated or TL-rated, b-rated safes are not subjected to rigorous testing to ensure their security capabilities. However, it is widely acknowledged throughout the industry.
A B-rated safe may lack sophisticated features like fireproofing or resistance to certain safecracking equipment, but it is not always a "weak" safe. Some of the B rated safe that Advance security offers is Cash drop safe, jewellery safe, pharmacy safe and retail safes.
2. C – rated safe
"C" rated safe, a standard for insurance ratings, has a steel body at least 1/2" thick and a door at least 1" thick, providing more security than a "B" rated safe.
Two of the c – rated safe that advance security provides are Theft/Burglary safe and Reastaurant safe.
While C-rated safes are not examined by independent testing facilities such as Underwriters facilities (UL), they are intended to withstand a specific level of attack, such as prying, drilling, punching, chiseling, and tampering, for a set period of time.
UL Rated safes are certified in accordance with Underwriters Laboratories' stringent criteria. Underwriters Laboratories is an international product certification firm that sets the industry standard for safety certifications. They've been testing safes for over 80 years and have built a solid reputation for their rigorous and thorough testing. Underwriters Laboratories-certified safes provide the best quality and level of protection available for purchase.
Some of the UL Rated safe that Advance security provides are Time delay safe, theft/burglary safe, cannabis safe, etc.
Most UL Rated safes contain a number that represents the time it should take to unlock the safe. For example, a TL-30 safe should not be able to be opened in less than 30 minutes with the tools provided. According to standards, any anti-theft system must resist an attack for at least 5 minutes. Our safes have net working times of 15, 30, or 60 minutes.
Safes are graded according to their construction and performance ratings, allowing buyers to select the appropriate level of safety for their possessions. B-rated safes give basic security with minimum steel thickness criteria, whilst C-rated safes provide more protection with a thicker body and door. Underwriters Laboratories puts UL-rated safes through rigorous testing to ensure the highest level of protection against break-in attempts. Understanding these ratings enables people and organizations to choose a safe that fits their specific security requirements while balancing features like as burglary resistance, fireproofing, and industry certification.
When it comes to safeguarding your valuables, you deserve the best. Whether you need basic protection with a B-rated safe or the highest level of security with a UL-rated safe, Advance Security offers a range of options to meet your needs. Don't leave your valuables vulnerable — contact us today to find the perfect safe for your home or business. Our experts are ready to help you select a safe that provides the advanced protection you need.
Get in touch now to ensure your peace of mind with top-tier security solutions!
References:-
· Team, T. K. (2023, October 15). What is a B-rated safe. Kcolefas. https://www.kcolefas.com/en/terms/what-is-a-b-rated-safe
· Dean Safe. (n.d.). Safe burglary and fire ratings explained. https://www.deansafe.com/pages/safe-burglary-and-fire-ratings-explained#:~:text=This%20is%20an%20Underwriters%20Laboratory,a%20composite%20or%20plate%20safe.
