What protection does a safe really need?
Compare three different risks and choose protection based on the safe’s contents.
The word “reliable” can mean different things. One safe is tested for burglary resistance, another protects paper in a fire, and a third limits water ingress. Start with the specific risk.
Burglary-resistant safe
Its main purpose is to resist unauthorised opening. Compare the certified grade, lock and anchoring requirements. This is the primary option for cash, jewellery and other valuables at risk of theft.
Fire-resistant safe
Fire resistance is assessed by test duration and the internal temperature. Protection for paper documents does not automatically mean suitability for digital media. Check the certificate and the type of contents.
Water-resistant safe
Water protection is important in the event of flooding, fire-fighting or installation in a damp room. It is not an mandatory feature of a fire-resistant or burglary-resistant model. Review the test method and the manufacturer’s limitations.
Comparison
| Risk | What to check | Suitable contents |
|---|---|---|
| Burglary | EN 14450 or EN 1143-1 grade | Cash, jewellery, valuables |
| Fire | Duration, temperature, type of contents | Paper or specialised media |
| Water | Water test conditions | Documents where there is a risk of flooding |
If you need combined protection
Look for a model whose documentation separately confirms each required type of protection. Compare burglary-resistant, fire-resistant, water-resistant and combined safes.
