What is a Safes UL?

SAFE RATINGS: TERMS AND MEANINGS

Understanding safe terms is key when you shop. This guide explains common safe ratings.

DATA SAFE RATINGS

1 Hour - U.L. Class 150 Rated Safe: This safe can protect computer data for 1 hour. During testing, the safe's inside stayed under 150 degrees. This includes the oven and cool-down time.

2 Hours - U.L. Class 150 Rated Safe: This safe protects computer data for 2 hours. The safe's inside stayed below 150 degrees during the test. The test includes oven time and cool down.

1 Hour - U.L. Class 125 Rated Safe: This safe protects computer data for 1 hour. The safe's inside stayed under 125 degrees during testing. This includes oven and cool-down periods.

TL-15 Safes

These combination lock safes offer basic protection. They guard against common tools, both mechanical and electrical. These safes resist attacks for 15 minutes. Tools used include hand tools, picks, electric tools, and drills. They also stand up to grinding points, carbide drills, and pressure devices.

TL-30 Safes

These combination safes give better protection. They defend against mechanical and electrical tools. These safes can resist attacks for 30 minutes. Tools used include hand tools, picks, and power saws. They also withstand grinding points, cutting wheels, and pressure devices.

TL-40 Safes

These combination safes provide enhanced protection. They guard against mechanical and electrical tools. These safes can resist attacks for 40 minutes. Common tools include hand tools, picks, and cutting wheels. Grinding points, carbide drills, power saws, and pressure devices are also resisted.

Class 125 Safes

These safes keep an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) with 80% humidity. This class came about when floppy disks were popular. Tests use non-paper items, but paper is fine inside. Newer media, like CDs, can handle 350°F (177°C). This makes the safe more than enough for CDs. However, tests do not check if Blu-ray, DVDs, or CDs get damaged. The only test was on floppy disks, not used much today. These safes are waterproof because of a door gasket. The label will show this. Class ratings pair with hour ratings like ½, 1, 2, 3, or 4.

Class 150

This safe keeps the inside below 150 °F (66 °C) with 85% humidity. It came out when computer tapes became common. UL tested it with paper and other items. It can hold some optical discs like CDs. You can buy cases that meet Class 125. Put them inside a Class 150 safe for better protection. Some are waterproof because of a door seal. The label will say if it is waterproof. These ratings pair with time ratings, like ½, 1, 2, 3, or 4 hours.

Class 350

This safe keeps the inside below 350 °F (177 °C) with 85% humidity. It's the simplest UL test, made for paper storage. Paper burns at 450 °F (232 °C), so this safe works well for paper. Like before, Class 125 cases fit inside for extra safety. These class ratings also use hour ratings: ½, 1, 2, 3, or 4.

Class TRTL-30

This safe uses a combo lock. It guards against tools for 30 minutes. This includes hand tools and electric tools. It resists grinders, drills, and pressure tools. It also stops cutting wheels, saws, and impact tools. Plus, it can handle an oxy fuel torch. The gas limit is 1000 cubic feet total.

Class TRTL-60

This class resists the same attacks as TRTL-30. But it lasts for 60 minutes.

Class TXTL-60

This class meets TRTL-60 standards. It also resists strong explosives. It can handle up to 4 ounces of nitroglycerin in one blast. The whole test uses no more than 8 ounces total.

BURGLARY RATINGS

B-Rated Safes: These safes need only a 1/4 inch body and 1/2 inch door. They undergo no testing; a lock earns them the "B" rating. When buying, check the lock work and relocks. Also, consider other important features.

C-Rated Safes: These safes have a 1/2 inch steel body and a 1 inch door. They also have a hard plate and re-lock. Like B-rated safes, no tests back this rating.

E-Rated Safes: This is an insurance rating, not a test. These safes resemble TL-15 models. However, no independent company tests them. They are often composite or plate safes.

F-Rate Safes (U.L. TL-30): "F" is another insurance rating. The tests mirror TL-15, but with more time. Engineers get 30 minutes and extra tools to open it. They have blueprints and know how the safe works.

"G & A" Rate Safes (U.L. TL-30 X6): "G & A" is also an insurance rating. Testers attack all six sides, including the floor. Again, engineers study blueprints before testing. They understand the safe's design.

RSC (Residential Security Container): This is a U.L. security rating. U.L. is a well-known independent testing lab. The safe resists five minutes of prying, drilling, and tampering. Specific tools are used in these tests.

"ER" Rated Safes (E-Revised) - U.L. TL-15: "ER" is an insurance rating. U.L. TL-15 safes pass set tests (UL© Standard 687). They use the same tools and engineers. These safes use 1 inch steel or something equal. Testing lasts 15 minutes using basic tools. Tools include hand tools, drills, hammers, and pressure devices. "Net working time" means the clock stops when a tool lifts off. Attackers might use over 50 methods, but they try only a few. They know the product very well.

FIRE RATINGS

30-Minute U.L. Class 350 Rated Safe: Underwriters Laboratory tested this safe. For a half-hour, the outside heats to 1550 degrees. Paper will burn at 400 degrees. So, the safe keeps its inside under 350 degrees when heated and cooled. After the time test, U.L. takes the safe out. It drops the safe 30 feet onto concrete, like dropping it from three stories. After cooling, the safe goes into a 2000-degree oven. This "explosive test" checks if the door breaks. Safe contents must stay safe.

1-Hour U.L. Class 350 Rated Safe: This safe heats for one hour to 1550 degrees. After heating, it cools down. It is like the half-hour test. The inside must stay under 350 degrees. After the time test, U.L. takes the safe out and drops it. It drops the safe 30 feet onto concrete, like dropping it from three stories. After cooling, the safe goes into a 2000-degree oven. This "explosive test" checks if the door breaks. Safe contents must stay safe.

2-Hour U.L. Class 350 Rated Safe: The safe heats for two hours to 1550 degrees. Then it cools down. During the whole test, the inside must stay under 350 degrees. After the time test, U.L. takes the safe out and drops it. It drops the safe 30 feet onto concrete, like dropping it from three stories. After cooling, the safe goes into a 2000-degree oven. This "explosive test" checks if the door breaks. Safe contents must stay safe.

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