Safes & Vaults 101: What the Ratings Mean

 

How safe is your safe? Does it have an Underwriters Laboratories (UL or ULC) rating? Can you decode it and do you know what the rating means?

Your safe is one of the most important physical security investments you can make for your business. So, what do you need to know in order to make the correct purchasing decision?

  1. The inventory value and volume you need to protect – Have an idea of what your safe will need to hold and also think about future growth. Safes are heavy, big, and bulky…and expensive to move. You are better off getting a larger storage capacity safe with a better quality rating if you think your business will grow in the future.
  2. The Rating – A UL or ULC burglary resistant safe is designed to provide burglary protection for jewelry inventory against an attack using a combination of steel and composite materials. We always encourage obtaining a safe with a burglary rating from Underwriters Laboratories or Underwriters Laboratories Canada, as these containers have been tested in a controlled environment.
  3. Where you will put the container – Safes are heavy! If you are on an upper floor of a building or have a basement below the floor where you are going to be putting your safe, make sure that the building can support the entire weight of the container. Involve a structural engineer if necessary! As always, avoid placing the safe on an exterior or common wall whenever possible.

Confused about all of those letters and numbers that make up the safe ratings? Here’s a guide for decoding the Underwriters Laboratories rating system:

  • TL – Tool Resistant
  • TR – Torch Resistant
  • X6 – Indicates that there is protection on all six sides of the container
  • 15, 30, or 60 – the amount of time the container can withstand an attack

So, a TL-30 safe is tool resistant for 30 minutes, on the door only. A TRTL-30×6 safe is torch resistant, tool resistant, for 30 minutes, on all six sides.

Different Types of Vaults & Their Ratings

When you’re opening a new store or considering a move, one of the most important considerations may be the potential for a vault. Vaults make store set up and take down more efficient and can also decrease the wear and tear on your merchandise.

Because of their weight and the installation required, having a vault requires planning ahead of time. If you are looking to install a vault, involve your agent and insurance company as soon as possible!

 

Types of Safes & Vaults

Vaults can be either poured in place or modular. There can also be a combination of the two. The advantage of a modular vault is that it could be disassembled and taken with you should you ever relocate your business. However, you need to decide which application will work best for you and the budget you are working with.

Know the Ratings

Poured in place and modular vaults are classified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) based on the length of time their doors and walls can defend against a burglarious attack. The four classifications are as follows:

  • Class M – 15 minutes
  • Class 1 – 30 minutes
  • Class 2 – 60 minutes
  • Class 3 – 120 minutes

When you choose a vault, work closely with your insurance agent/broker and underwriter to ensure your selection will meet requirements for protection of your inventory.

Plan for the Future

Remember that you only have one chance to build the right container. Consider how your business might grow and plan accordingly.

Double Your Protection

If you need additional capacity to store inventory, consider placing a safe inside your vault. By working with your underwriter, you may be able to double the capacity of the container inside the vault, because there are two layers of protection around the merchandise that’s inside!

 

Source: Jewelers Mutual