The Safe Shop

How do I choose the correct safe?

When deciding on the correct safe to purchase several factors must be considered, the most important of which is what type of items you expect to store in your safe.

If you require a safe to protect cash, jewellery and other valuable items you ideally require a Security or Cash Safe. This type of safe offers a level of protection against theft and is usually gauged by the manufacturer cash rating. The cash rating of a safe is determined by the build quality of the safe and the higher this rating the more secure the safe.

If you require a safe to protect paper documents against fire damage you ideally require a Fire Safe. This type of safe offers a level of protection against fire where the internal temperature of the safe must not exceed 177°C, the approximate combustible temperature of paper.

If you require a safe to protect computer media such as disks and cassettes against fire damage you ideally require a Data Safe. This type of safe offers a yet higher level of protection against fire where the internal temperature of the safe must not exceed 52°C, the approximate combustible temperature of plastic.

It is also worth considering where the safe will be located as we stock safes, which can be fitted into the floor or wall of a building and free standing safes which in certain instances can be bolted to the floor or wall for additional protection.

What is Cash Rating and how is it determined on a Cash or Burglary Safe?

The Cash Rating of a safe relates to the amount of cash for which an insurance company will offer overnight insurance cover. As with all insurance companies this value can vary slightly depending on location and may be higher or lower than the manufacturer recommended Cash Rating quoted. Please check with your insurer for exact ratings.

Cash Ratings are determined by door and wall thickness, lock types used and the general build quality of a safe. The higher the Cash Rating the more secure the safe is.

How is the fire rating determined on a Fire or Data Safe?

The following is an explanation of internationally accepted fire resistant safe testing procedures for 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes. During all tests the internal temperature will remain below 177°C when exposed to furnace temperatures during a one hour test period of 925°C, a two hour test period of 1010°C and a three hour test period of 1105°C.

1. Fire Endurance Test
   This test measures the temperature rise over a given time span. Thermocouples are fixed on all six internal surfaces of the safe to record the temperature rise inside the safe, the unit is locked and placed inside a specially constructed test furnace where the temperature is raised in accordance with the standard temperature curve BS 476 to the to the required test temperature and for the appropriate time period. Once cooled, the unit is opened and examined for usability. The unit locking mechanisms and parts fastenings are examined for security and the interior examined for visible evidence of undue heat transmission.
2. Explosion Hazard Test
   This test is designed to simulate the safe being suddenly exposed to superheated temperatures which could cause the fire resisting compounds used in the safe to expand rapidly and explode. The safe is locked and placed into a furnace preheated to 1095°C. This temperature is maintained for 30 minutes (2 hour test is 45 minutes) and if no explosion results, the unit is allowed to cool without opening the furnace doors.
3. Fire Drop Test
   This test measures the strength of the safe and its ability to withstand the effect of falling through a burning and collapsing building. The safe is locked and placed into a furnace preheated to 925°C. This temperature is maintained for 30 minutes before the safe is removed hoisted to a height of 10 metres and dropped onto a bed of rubble. The safe is then placed back in the furnace upside down for a further 30 minutes.

Does my safe require installing?

Many of the products sold on this website will require installation either on a DIY basis or by a professional installation engineer. Further information regarding installation is displayed on each product listing. All our prices EXCLUDE installation and where required full installation instructions are included with your safe.

We offer an optional installation service whereby we arrange work to be performed by an appropriately qualified installer. For safes that require this type of installation you are given the option to select this service at point of sale. Alternatively you can arrange your own installation.

Can safes be bolted down to the floor?

Yes, all freestanding security safes come with pre-drilled bolt down holes and bolting hardware indicated on each product listing. The majority of fire safes cannot be bolted to the floor, as holes through the bottom or wall would breach the fire resisting barrier. Some Phoenix fire safes have specially designed and patented base fixing trays to overcome this problem.

Can I change the combination on any safe myself?

Safes with a traditional dial combination are available in either changeable or with preset number combination. Preset numbers are not changeable except by qualified Master Locksmiths. All electronic combination locks are changeable by following the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

What happens if I lose or forget my combination?

You may contact us to retrieve the combination for preset dial combinations. You need to have the serial number of the safe and proof that you are the original owner of that safe.

What if the batteries run down on a safe with an electronic lock?

All Electronic locks are designed to save your combination through an internal memory even if the batteries run down. Batteries are very easy to replace by following the manufacturer instructions.

How can I tell the difference between a right-handed and left-handed door?

When you stand outside facing the door and the hinges are on the right, the door is right-handed if they are on the left the door is left-handed.