Fireproof Document Safe

[Eireann]

Hi
I'm looking at getting a fireproof safe for important documents & back-up drives, no valuables or cash. I have read a few other threads, but they discuss other issues. I am considering the technical aspects and real world experience of, for example; fire risks. I'm not interested in an Argos type thing or alternatives like safety deposit boxes, etc. On the otherhand I'm relatively cost conscious.

The type of issues I'm talking about are:

1. 1/2 or 1 hour fire rating, in a serious house fire in the suburbs, does a 1/2 rating safe typically provide protection, especially to data?
2. Does anybody know how good the water protection is, especially after say 10 years and then a fire?
3. I am looking at a small mobile safe (not bolted down) has any one experience with moving, etc. On the otherhand lighter data safes, what happens in a burglary in reality?
4. Are digital locks reliable, any real world impressions of using these?
5. If the safe was damaged in a fire, how would the digital lock or dial on a combination safe be replaced to open the safe 25 years later and companies have disappeared?
6. Realworld experience of using these type of safes?
7. Any other issues in the same vein to the above?

Thanks

 

[ClubMan]

Are digital locks reliable, any real world impressions of using these?

Not even most physical locks are reliable/secure:

LockPickingLawyer

This channel aims to educate consumers about weaknesses and defects in security devices so they can make better security decisions. It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: do not use any of the information presented in my videos for illegal purposes. My mailing information is...

youtube.com

 

[Towger]

I have seen a melted computer tape which was in a fireproof safe. I think fire proof and small and mobile are mutually exclusive. Anything with a digital lock is not going to 'easy' open after a fire. Off site backup is what should be used.

 

[Eireann]

I have seen a melted computer tape which was in a fireproof safe. I think fire proof and small and mobile are mutually exclusive. Anything with a digital lock is not going to 'easy' open after a fire. Off site backup is what should be used.

Thanks
I agree on off-site back-up.
When you say not 'easy' to open, do you know what the solution is, just cut it open?

 

[ClubMan]

important documents & back-up drives

A cautionary tale...

The Music Industry’s ’90s Hard Drives Are Dying

The hard disk drives that the music industry relied on to archive a generation of albums are increasingly unreadable.

www.wired.com

 

[Towger]

When you say not 'easy' to open, do you know what the solution is, just cut it open?

Yes.

 

[ClubMan]

1. 1/2 or 1 hour fire rating, in a serious house fire in the suburbs, does a 1/2 rating safe typically provide protection, especially to data?
2. Does anybody know how good the water protection is, especially after say 10 years and then a fire?

Maybe get a fireproof one and put it inside a larger waterproof one. Or vice versa. Can't be too careful, especially if you don't have insurance.

 

[AndroidMan]

Remember it does not need to be in the house.
A hole full of concrete and a safe built in in a dry/ secluded area will also do the trick.
Just have the necessary people know the location of it and the keys!

 

[Deauville]

MASTER LOCK LCFW30100 Waterproof Fire Tested 1 Hour Safe

Waterproof safe by Master Lock with ETL verified 1 hour advanced fire protection. This safe has a full-time spring latch seals the unit even when it is unlocked and will protect valuables such digital media, important documents & jewellery against both fire and water damage. Features ETL...

fogartylocksmiths.ie

This is what I bought and use.
Very heavy to carry.
I use it for important documents that wouldn’t be valuable to a burglar.
I lock it but leave the key in the lock.
Stored low on ground floor on a shelf, not surrounded by too many combustibles (cooler in a fire).
Very impressed with quality.

 

[Eireann]

MASTER LOCK LCFW30100 Waterproof Fire Tested 1 Hour Safe

Waterproof safe by Master Lock with ETL verified 1 hour advanced fire protection. This safe has a full-time spring latch seals the unit even when it is unlocked and will protect valuables such digital media, important documents & jewellery against both fire and water damage. Features ETL...

fogartylocksmiths.ie

This is what I bought and use.
Very heavy to carry.
I use it for important documents that wouldn’t be valuable to a burglar.
I lock it but leave the key in the lock.
Stored low on ground floor on a shelf, not surrounded by too many combustibles (cooler in a fire).
Very impressed with quality.

Thanks for that.