Types of Combination Safes

Tool Resistance

• A rating code of TL indicates that the safe is able to withstand an attack using hand tools and drills including, picking tools, grinding points, mechanical or portable electric tools, carbide drills, and pressure-applying devices. The letter code is followed by a number, indicating the number of minutes the safe can withstand this type of attack. TL ratings can be either TL-15 or TL 30, which means the safe can withstand an attack using the tools listed above for 15 and 30 minutes, respectively.

Torch and Tool Resistant (TRTL)

• TRTL indicates resistance to the tools listed above plus torches. TRTL ratings can be either TRTL-30 or TRTL-60, able to withstand these attempted breaches for 30 or 60 minutes respectively.

Tool, Torch, and Explosive Resistant (TXTL)

• TXTL indicates resistance to explosives in addition to tools and torches. The only rating for such a safe is TXTL-60.

Construction Classification

• The construction type of a combination safe is rated with a B, C, or E.

  Safes with a B rating indicate the safe is of steel construction with doors that are one inch thick or less, with walls that are ½-inch thick or less.

  Safes with a C rating indicate a safe's doors are at least one inch thick and its walls are at least ½-inch thick.

  An E rating indicates a safe with a door thickness of at least 1½ inches and wall thickness of at least one inch.

Fire-resistance Classification

• The typical house fire is approximately 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and has an average duration of one hour. Fire-resistance ratings for combination safes indicate the internal temperatures a particular safe can maintain in a fire up to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit and the amount of time (in hours) it can withstand it. For example, a safe with a fire rating of 350-2 means that, in a 1,700 degree Fahrenheit fire, the safe will maintain an internal temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of two hours, so this safe would be adequate protection for documents and papers (which burn at 451 degrees Fahrenheit). Electronic media such as, CDs and tapes, will be destroyed at temperatures above 150 degrees Fahrenheit, so a combination safe storing this type of media will require a minimum rating of 150-2.