Buying Guides
Understanding
cash and fire ratings
Fire Protection
What does a fire rating actually mean?
A fire rating indicates how long a safe or cabinet will protect its contents from extreme heat. Ratings are based on independent testing and are measured in minutes — typically 30, 60 or 120 minutes. During testing, safes are placed in furnaces exceeding 1,000°C and must keep internal temperatures below critical thresholds for the rated duration.
It’s important to note — no safe is fireproof. All fire ratings indicate a time-limited level of protection, not permanent immunity.
protection
What are you protecting
Paper Documents
Paper begins to deteriorate above 177°C. Look for safes certified to UL72 Class 350, EN 1047-1 or NT Fire 017 with a 30 or 60 minute paper rating.
Digital Media
Data media is far more heat-sensitive — damage occurs above 52°C. Require certification to ECB•S EN 1047-1, UL72 Class 125 or NT Fire 017 DIS for proper protection.
Cash & Valuables
For cash and valuables, look for dual-certified products offering both fire and burglary protection. Cash ratings range from $5,000 to $500,000 depending on construction and security grade.
Burglury Protection
How cash ratings work.
A cash rating is determined by independent testing of a safe’s resistance to burglary. Ratings range from $5,000 to $500,000 in an unsupported situation — where no monitored alarm is present. If a monitored alarm system is in place, your insurer may double the cash rating.
Insurance companies typically base cash ratings on wall and door thickness, construction materials, locking mechanisms and resistance to power tools.
Testing Standards
Recognised testing standards.
All products we supply meet recognised Australian and international testing standards. Common certification bodies include UL (Underwriters Laboratories), ECB•S, and NT Fire — each independently testing products to verify their rated performance. A certification plate affixed inside the door is your assurance the product has been verified.
ECB-S
UL
NT Fire
CONTACT SSC
Not sure which rating you need?
Our team can help you identify the right level of protection for your specific requirements.