UL Fire Rating (Fire Resistance)

Fire resistance ratings are mainly determined by a product’s ability to endure two factors: time and temperature. During a Fire Endurance test, items like paper are put inside the safe, then heat is applied to the outside to quickly raise the temperature to up to 1850°F to simulate real-world burn conditions. To receive the highest UL rating, the internal temperature cannot exceed 350°F for the duration of the specified test. The time and temperature will vary depending on the certification.

UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories and is an independent, nonprofit testing lab for consumer, commercial, and industrial products. UL is globally recognized and considered the gold standard for testing and certification of product claims, largely because they created the standards. Safes that have been certified by UL are of the highest quality and offer the highest level of fire protection available, meaning your safe can withstand high temperatures for an extended period of time.

ETL Verified (Water Resistance)

When people think of waterproof safes, the first thing that often comes to mind is flooding. But it’s important to remember that if your house experiences a fire, there could be significant water from sprinkler systems or fire hoses that could damage your valuables if your safe is not rated for water protection.

ETL Verified is a product verification mark (issued by Intertek) that is used to ensure manufacturers meet their own internal test requirements. Organizations seek an ETL verification for specific claims, like water testing, where there isn’t an existing standardized test. ETL verified waterproof products are vigorously tested to remain dry even through extreme exposure to water for up to 72 hours. So, even if you’re away from your home during times of peril, you can be confident your valuables are safe.

UL Explosion Hazard Testing

While fire damage is the primary concern in a house or business fire, there are other residual effects that can be just as damaging to your safe. If a safe is stored on a second floor, there’s a chance that it could fall through the floor if the structure becomes unstable from fire damage, so it needs to be able to withstand that impact. Likewise, explosions are another source of potential damage for a safe. That’s why fire rated safes also undergo impact and explosion tests as part of UL testing. Be sure to look for these certifications on your safe.

UL Impact Resistance Testing

UL impact resistance testing: During an impact test, a safe is heated to the same time and temperatures used in the Fire Endurance test, then dropped from a height of 15 feet*. To receive a UL certification, the safe must remain intact without opening or sustaining significant damage.

*Applies to SentrySafe 2-hour fire safes only