Fireproof filing cabinet: fire protection for documents

Why fireproof?

Storing documents such as contracts and files securely and away from the public is common practice in a business environment. This applies to medical practices, lawyers, and banks, as well as numerous other institutions. On the one hand, this prevents unauthorized people from gaining access to these documents. On the other hand, these files can also be protected from environmental influences such as fire in a filing cabinet designed for this purpose. In the latter case, the protection is not only primary but also secondary.

Primary fire protection

The documents are protected from direct exposure to fire and thus prevented from burning.

Secondary fire protection

The documents are stored in a fireproof security cabinet, which heats up only very slowly inside despite high external temperatures. This leaves plenty of time to extinguish the fire and ensure the preservation of the documents.

It is also important to define the required fire protection class. According to EN 1047-1, there are two different fire protection classes for paper: fire protection grade S 60 P for 60 minutes of fire protection and a maximum temperature increase inside the safe of 150°C, and fire protection grade S 120 P for 120 minutes of fire protection and a maximum temperature increase inside of likewise 150°C.

Composition

For a filing cabinet to withstand high temperatures, high resistance is required. This is ensured, on the one hand, by numerous intensive tests by independent testing institutes. On the other hand, we ensure the durability of our safes through their very construction (for example, by using a robust steel cabinet). Only high-quality materials are used in the construction of our safes, not inferior metal or the like.

Equipment

In addition to sheer fire resistance, the equipment is another important aspect of a filing cabinet. The cabinet of your choice must have sufficient space and shelves to store your files.
To ensure that the chosen safe meets your requirements, you should define them first. The following questions can help:

• How many binders/files are to be stored?
• What size are the binders/files (DIN A4, DIN A5, etc.)?
• Are shelves needed, and if so, how many?
• What are the maximum external dimensions the safe should have (stated in cm or mm)?
• What kind of lock is needed (electronic combination lock, key, etc.)?
• Is fire protection certification required (LFS30P, LFS60P)?

Our safe experts are happy to help you find the model that best suits your requirements. Please feel free to contact us!