How thick should a safe be?

How Thick Should A Safe Be?

When thinking about safeguarding important documents and other valuables, investing in a safe is invariably one of the first things that comes to mind. However, choosing the right safe is an incredibly weighty decision, with many different factors to consider. One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a safe is its thickness. In this article, we will examine how thick a safe should be depending on its purpose and level of protection required.

1. What is the Purpose of the Safe?

The first factor to consider when deciding on the thickness of the safe is its purpose. What do you intend to keep in the safe? The type of items that the safe will be holding will heavily impact the appropriate thickness. If you are planning on storing money, documents, and/or jewelry, for example, you will need a safe with a higher level of security than one holding less valuable items.

2. Security Levels

The security level of a safe is crucial in determining what thickness it should be. Most safes will carry a security rating system that will enable you to gauge whether the safe is suitable for your specific needs. There are different levels of security that the safe can offer. Some of the most common include:

- RSC (Residential Security Container): This is the lowest level of security, recommended for keeping pistols, cash, and low-budget valuables. Generally, RSC safes have walls that are 12 gauge or equivalent.

- B-Rate: These safes are for storing cash, coins, and other valuable objects. They are rated for burglary attacks, but their specifications will vary greatly depending on the manufacturer. Generally, a B-rate safe’s walls will have a thickness of 1/2- to 1-inch and a door plate that is around 5/8-inch thick.

- C-Rate: These safes are recommended for high-value items where a lot of security is needed. They can withstand longer burglary attacks compared to RSC and B-rated options. A C-Rate safe’s walls are around 1-inch to 1.5-inches thick, depending on the manufacturer.

- TL-Rated: These safes are designed to provide protection against attacks from chisels, hammers, and other hand tools. TL-rated safes come with a minimum 1-inch steel door and 1/2-inch walls.

- TRTL-Rate (Tool Resistant, Torch Resistant, and Lathe Resistant): These safes are among the strongest options available and provide protection against advanced attacks that use advanced tools. They have walls that are approximately 2-inch thick or more and a door plate that is between 2.5-inch to 4.5-inch thick.

3. The Physical Size of the Safe

Another crucial factor to consider is the physical size of the safe. For larger safes, the appropriate thickness required will be greater since it will be more susceptible to attacks. Smaller safes can often have thinner walls since they are more difficult to break into. However, you should look at the same factors as for larger safes to determine the appropriate thickness.

4. Fire Rating

Most safes have a fire rating that should be considered when deciding on the optimal thickness. The thickness required will be determined by how resistant you want your items to be in case of a fire. Fire ratings typically range from 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the safe’s construction and how well its insulation can resist heat.

5. Placement of the Safe

Finally, the location of the safe is an essential factor that you should consider when deciding on the optimal thickness. If your safe will be located in a basement or in another area that is prone to flooding, you will need a safe with a thickness that can withstand the fire. If you are getting a wall safe, it will likely require less thickness than a standalone safe since it will have the support of the wall and other structures surrounding it.

Conclusion

When deciding on the thickness of your safe, you should consider a range of factors, including the security level of the safe, the physical size of the safe, the fire rating, and the location of the safe. While thinner safes tend to be cheaper, a thicker, more secure safe is a better investment if protecting important items is of the utmost importance. Ultimately, the thickness required for your safe will depend on your specific needs and circumstances, and it is always best to consult with a professional before making a final decision.