Understanding Safe Ratings: A Guide to Security Standards and Certifications

When investing in a home or commercial safe, understanding internationally recognised security ratings is essential. These certifications help ensure the safe offers reliable protection against burglary, fire, or both. Global standards provide clear benchmarks that guide consumers in selecting the right safe for their needs, whether for residential or business use.

Below is a comprehensive overview of the most trusted international safe ratings and what they mean for users seeking certified protection.

1. Burglary Resistance Ratings

Historically, safes were built purely for maximum security—large, heavy, and industrial in design. While effective against theft, these traditional models often lacked convenience and visual appeal. Today, manufacturers like Gulfsafes have redefined home safes by blending high-security features with modern aesthetics and functionality. The result: safes that not only resist physical attacks but also integrate seamlessly into contemporary interiors, offering user-friendly interfaces and ergonomic design.

Burglary resistance is assessed by independent laboratories and regulated by certification bodies through simulated break-in tests using tools like drills, hammers, and torches. Key international standards include:

a) European & American Standards

EN 1143-1 (European Burglary Resistance Standard)
This standard applies to safes, strongrooms, and vaults, assigning them Grades 0 to XIII. The higher the grade, the greater the level of protection and associated insurance value. For reference:

  • Grade 0 – Suitable for securing up to €8,000 in cash

  • Grade I – For up to €20,000

  • Grade II to VII – Protection ranges from €50,000 to €500,000

  • Grades VIII to XIII – Typically apply to vaults with ultra-high security requirements

EN 14450 (Secure Cabinet Standard)
Ideal for light residential or office use, with two classifications:

  • S1 – Basic security

  • S2 – Enhanced resistance

UL 687 (Underwriters Laboratories, USA)
A leading American standard that tests resistance using mechanical and electrical tools:

  • TL-15 – Resists tool attacks for 15 minutes

  • TL-30 – 30 minutes of resistance

  • TL-30X6 – 30-minute protection on all six sides

  • TRTL-60X6 – Withstands 60 minutes of attacks using tools and torches

b) Asian Standards

JIS S1037 (Japan Industrial Standard)
Primarily used for fire ratings, JIS also evaluates burglary resistance indirectly. Fire categories include:

  • Category P – Protects paper for 30, 60, or 120 minutes (max temp 177°C)

  • Category F – For data media, keeping internal temps below 52°C and humidity under 80%

GB/T 10409 (China National Standard)
This standard categorizes safes into 12 burglary resistance levels:

  • Class A – Basic protection

  • Class B – Medium resistance

  • Class C – High-level security for commercial applications

c) Australian & New Zealand Standards

AS/NZS 3809
This regional standard applies to safes, vault doors, and ATM units, classifying them by security level:

  • Category A – High-security for banking and financial institutions

  • Category B – Suitable for homes and businesses

  • Category C – Basic home protection

2. Fire Resistance Ratings

Fire-resistant safes are essential for safeguarding documents, electronics, and digital media from heat and smoke damage. Fire tests subject safes to extreme temperatures to measure how long they can maintain safe internal conditions.

a) European & American Fire Standards

EN 1047-1 (European Standard)
Classified based on fire protection time for paper documents:

  • 30P, 60P, 90P, 120P – Denote protection durations in minutes

NT Fire 017 (Nordic Fire Standard)
Covers both paper and data media:

  • 60P, 90P, 120P – Paper protection

  • 60D/DIS, 90D/DIS, 120D/DIS – For data storage (max 50°C and 85% humidity)

UL 72 (Underwriters Laboratories, USA)
Tests against temperatures up to 927°C (1700°F):

  • Class 350 – For paper (internal temp under 177°C)

  • Class 150 – Magnetic media

  • Class 125 – Highest level for digital storage

UL 72 also offers optional drop tests—mandatory in EN 1047-1.

b) Asian Fire Standards

JIS S1037 (Japan Industrial Standard)
Provides fire ratings for both paper and digital media:

  • 30 minutes – Basic fire protection

  • 60 minutes – Intermediate

  • 120 minutes – High fire resistance

Note: A Chinese fire resistance standard is still under development.

c) Australian Standard

AS/NZS 1841
Specifies fire resistance durations:

  • 30 minutes – Entry-level protection

  • 60 minutes – Moderate protection

  • 120 minutes – High-level resistance

3. Choosing the Right Safe

When selecting a safe, consider the following key factors to ensure it meets your personal or business needs:

  • Location-Based Standards: Compliance varies by region—choose safes that meet local regulations and certifications.

  • Security Needs: Determine whether you need burglary protection, fire resistance, or a combination of both.

  • Certified Ratings: Look for certifications such as EN 1143-1, UL 687, EN 1047-1, or UL 72.

  • Lock Type: Options include key locks, electronic keypads, combination locks, and biometric scanners.

  • Storage Capacity: Ensure internal space suits your items—documents, cash, jewellery, digital media, etc.

  • Installation Options: Floor- or wall-mounting enhances security by preventing easy removal.

Certified Safes Provide Real Protection

Investing in a safe that meets internationally recognised security and fire-resistance standards ensures comprehensive protection for your valuables. Whether you’re safeguarding important documents, cash, jewellery, or digital media, choosing a certified safe offers peace of mind and insurance compliance.