Fireproof Document Safe

E

Eireann

Registered User
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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
 
Eireann said:
Are digital locks reliable, any real world impressions of using these?
Click to expand...
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...
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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.
 
Towger said:
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.
Click to expand...
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?
 
Eireann said:
  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?
Click to expand...
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.
 
Reactions: jpd
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!
 

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.
 
I notice that Aldi are selling small fire resistant (30 minutes), waterproof safe boxes suitable for A4 documents.
Next Thursday 20th. Feb.
€40.
Don’t know what quality will be like but their posted dimensions have to be wrong.
 
Deauville said:
I notice that Aldi are selling small fire resistant (30 minutes), waterproof safe boxes suitable for A4 documents.
Next Thursday 20th. Feb.
Click to expand...

Fire Resistant Case

This Fire Resistant Case Advanced provides 30 minutes fire endurance.<CRLF><ul><CRLF> <li>Waterproof: IPX6</li><CRLF> <li>Key lock: Case has a key lock for added security and to prevent the lid from opening in the event of fire</li><CRLF> <li>Includes 2 keys</li><CRLF> <li>Spacious interior...
www.aldi.ie
 
There is a conflict between the thread title and the first line of the first of post. A fireproof document safe suggests a safe with a 30, 60 or whatever duration rating for paper. Such a safe will not be warranted to protect computer media (disk drives, USB drives, floppy discs, magnetic tape etc) which can sustain damage at a far lower temperature than paper. Make sure you know what you will be putting in the safe before you purchase.

You also need to decide whether you are primarily protecting against (1) fire and ingress of water or (2) theft or (3) both. Depending on your requirements there are different solutions and very different price points.
 
Suitable safes will have separate ratings for paper and media, example.
 
The cheap portable ones can be a problem if they only close using the lock.

Some designs, like I'm guessing the Aldi one, means you need to lock it to close it, and then to take the key out of the lock to carry it, otherwise your fingers get stuck between the key and handle. (The more expensive MasterLock version linked above has the handle and lock offset from each other)

Separating the key from the box tends to mean the key will be lost, especially if you put documents in and only need to open the safe years later - house deeds or whatever.

If the safe is kept at home - the key provides little security - and may make your outcome worse. In a normal break-in there's almost zero chance a thief will rob documents - they might rob a locked mobile safe though if they can't open it on the spot.
 
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