So you've got some things that are valuable and the junk drawer just is getting deeper and deeper. I can speak from experience in saying that those junk drawers ARE in fact bottomless and things get lost. Now you're seeing advertisements everywhere because you uttered the word "safe" in your house, your friend has one and is recommending you get one also....
Now what?
If I had to put a priority on the first thing to look for in a safe. It would be size. Chances are you have some valuables you're looking to secure. But those valuable don't stop coming to you as the years go on. You will have more!! So the last thing you would want is to buy a safe and then resort back to the dreaded junk drawer because you have ran out of room!
Secondly, Budget.
Cost #1 = Safe
Cost #2 = Delivery
Safes can vary from 15lbs to 6,000+ with that being said, it is important to budget for delivery costs. The heavier the safe, the more movers are going to be needed to get this into position for you. Here at Calgary Lock & Safe, anything under 450lbs we can have delivered for a flat rate of $250 (anywhere in the house!) anything over 450lbs up to around 750lbs is typically $600+ through contracted delivery companies.
Other things to be considered when you are purchasing a safe:
What are you going to use the safe to protect: records, computer media, valuables, cash?
What hazards are you trying to protect against: fire, burglary or both?
What is the expected total value of the items you want to protect? Include in this figure any future needs.
Does your insurance company have a minimum level of security or safe rating requirement for insured valuables?
Where will the safe be located? What is the maximum weight that the floor will safely support in that location?
Once you have majority of the above questions answered, its time to start looking at some safes! ... right?
Now you're on Google rifling through hundreds of options! You're seeing letters, classes and numbers... WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN
What is the difference between burglary and fire safes?
A burglary safe has been tested and rated against an opening attack. A fire safe has been tested and rated against a fire. Fire resistant products generally use relatively light weight steel to reduce heat transference, which in turn prevents the products from attaining a security rating.
What is the difference between burglary and fire safes?
A burglary safe has been tested and rated against an opening attack. A fire safe has been tested and rated against a fire. Fire resistant products generally use relatively light weight steel to reduce heat transference, which in turn prevents the products from attaining a security rating.
What are the different categories of the Burglary Safe? Burglar Resistant Safes are available with or without the fire ratings described above. Burglary Resistant Safes are classified in the following categories:
B-Rated: Residential Burglar Resistant Rating with a 1/2″ steel door and a 1/4″ steel body
C-Rate: A little better than the above with a 1″ steel door and a 1/2″ steel body
Class 2 (TL 15): Tool resistant by professionals for minimum 15 minutes. Only the door is attacked. The body must be 1″ of steel or greater and the safe must weigh at least 750lbs or have provision for anchoring.
Class 3 (TL 30): Tool resistant by professionals for a minimum 30 minutes. Only the door is attacked. The body must be 1″ of steel or greater and the safe must weigh at least 750lbs or have provision for anchoring.
Class 4 (TL TR 30): Tool/Torch resistant by professionals for 30 minutes.
Class 5 (TL TR 60): Tool/Torch resistant by professionals for minimum 60 minutes. The safe must weigh at least 1000lbs or have provision for anchoring.
X6: The addition of X6 (i.e. TL-60X6) means that the requirements apply to all six sides of the safe and not just to the door. It can only apply to a rating of TL-15 and higher.
TX: The addition of TX means that the safe will resist nitroglycerin and other high explosives for a specific amount of time.
I know.
Sometimes its a lot to dive right into understanding all of these things. That's why we offer a full showroom display here at Calgary Lock & Safe with professionals who are ready to assist with your needs and budget.
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