Proving Fireproof Gun Safes: What to Look for Before Purchase

With the fast-paced hustle of day-to-day life, many households are ill-prepared for emergencies, often overlooking the potential for fire-related disasters. Fireproof gun safes offer an indispensable layer of security, safeguarding not only firearms but also important documents such as birth certificates, property deeds, insurance policies, not to mention irreplaceable items such as family heirlooms and photographs. Owning a fireproof gun safe is not just a prudent investment but a critical responsibility, helping homeowners ensure that their valuables remain secure and functional, away from the destructive reach of high temperatures.

Take this checklist with you while browsing the fire protection info below:

  • Fire rating: Choose a rating that reflects typical fire exposure in residential settings.
  • Fire testing procedures: Has your optimal safe been endurance, hazard, and impact tested? What are the differences?
  • Installation location: Position the safe in a location that maximizes fire protection and accessibility.
  • Are you shopping for residential or commercial purposes?

How to tell when a gun safe is stringently tested for fire protection

Understanding fire ratings

The efficacy of fireproof safes is primarily measured by their fire ratings. Fire ratings are a measurement of how a fire protected system can resist the spread of fire, maintain its structural integrity, and keep its contents cool. Fire ratings are typically expressed in a time duration and temperature degree.

For example, a rating of “UL 1-hour fire safe” indicates that the safe can endure a standard fire with temperatures around 1700°F for one hour without the internal temperature exceeding 350°F, a threshold beyond which paper begins to char. There are, of course, many levels to fire ratings, as well as a distinct tiers of testing quality correlating to the responsible entity. Here’s how American Security breaks down the various types of fire ratings:

UL (Best)

The recognized leader in fire safety and certification, UL Solutions is a full-service 3rd party provider of fire safety testing and certification for many industries around the world. A UL fire rating indicates that the fire protected system has been tested and certified by UL to meet specific fire resistance standards.

ETL (Better)

Intertek Laboratories provides clients across the world with quality control, research, fire testing, measurement, and certification activities for industry, commerce, markets, institutions, regulation, and governments. An ETL fire rating indicates that the fire protected system has been tested and certified by Intertek to meet specific fire resistance standards.

Independent tested (Good)

An independent test rating indicates a manufacturer sent their products to a different company to complete the fire rating tests. These tests tend to be unbiased and more dependable than factory-tested (see below). Independent companies can complete their tests following UL and ETL procedures.

Factory tested (Ok)

A factor test rating indicates a manufacturer created their own fire test on their products within their facilities. These tests are not globally recognized and can be biased. The companies are not required to follow any standardized procedure.

Not tested (Bad)

If there is no posted fire rating, a manufacturer did not complete a fire rating test. Manufacturers without fire ratings test will typically fall short of their claimed fire protection. These claims should not be recognized.

“After the fire, the only things we had left were the firearms and other valuables we’d left in our AMSEC safe. American Security makes an incredible product, and they treated us so incredibly well during all of that.”

Michael Katz, American Security Customer

 

Fire testing types and procedures

Fire testing of safes involves placing the safe in a furnace where temperatures quickly escalate to fire-like conditions. The safe must not only maintain its internal temperature but also ensure that the integrity of its structure isn’t compromised throughout the test duration. Advanced features, like expanding door seals, activate under heat to prevent smoke and fire ingress, further protecting the internal environment.

Fireproof safes undergo stringent testing to ensure they meet safety standards capable of protecting contents during fire scenarios. Here’s a detailed look at three specific types of fire tests typically conducted to evaluate the integrity and effectiveness of fireproof safes:

Fire endurance test

Purpose: The fire endurance test assesses the safe’s ability to protect its contents against high temperatures over a specified period. This test simulates the conditions of a house or building fire to check how well the safe maintains an internal temperature that keeps the contents undamaged, particularly critical for sensitive materials like paper and electronic media.

Procedure: During this test, the safe is exposed to temperatures around 1700°F (approximately 927°C), which is typical of a severe fire. The temperature curve for this test is strictly defined by standards such as UL or ETL. The safe’s internal temperature is monitored to ensure it does not exceed a set threshold—usually 350°F for paper and 125°F for digital media—over the course of the test, which could last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours based on the safe’s rating.

Evaluation: After the test, the safe is cooled naturally without opening. Once cooled, the safe is opened to examine the state of the contents. The safe passes if the internal conditions have been maintained within safe limits and the contents are intact and unharmed.

Explosion hazard test

Purpose: This test evaluates the safe’s ability to withstand sudden and extreme heat exposures that could cause an explosion, particularly in scenarios where the safe is subjected to rapid temperature rise, such as in a flash fire.

Procedure: The explosion hazard test involves placing the safe in a preheated furnace where temperatures rapidly reach around 2000°F (about 1093°C). The safe must withstand these conditions for approximately 30 minutes without exploding or showing signs of structural failure.

Evaluation: The integrity of the safe’s structure is checked after the test to ensure there are no breaches or deformations. If the safe remains intact with no signs of explosion or failure, it passes the test.

Fire impact test (Manufacturer’s option)

Purpose: While not always mandatory, the fire impact test is crucial for assessing the safe’s resilience to physical shocks during a fire, such as might occur if the safe falls through burning floors or if debris falls onto it during a structural collapse.

Procedure: In this test, the safe is heated to a specific temperature (usually for about 30 minutes) and then dropped from a certain height (typically a few stories) to simulate a fall during a fire. Following the impact, the safe is reheated to check if it can still protect its contents despite the physical damage.

Evaluation: The safe is evaluated based on whether it opens, remains intact, or if the locks and fireproofing seal still function after the reheat phase. The contents are inspected for damage to determine if the safe has maintained its protective capabilities throughout the ordeal.

BFII Gun Safe

THE WORLD’S MOST UNIQUE GUN SAFE

  • UL certified RSC burglary protection
  • 1/2″ solid steel plate door
  • ETL certified 120 minute fire protection
  • Lifetime warranty against theft and fire
  • Proudly made in the USA
  • Two-tone combinations available with textured body, using any standard textured color, and either high gloss or textured door. Please refer to Standard Colors list.
  • Quotes available for other custom options such as two-tone high gloss, discontinued colors, or color match to your specifications, subject to manufacturing limitations.

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Fireproof gun safes for residential

Firearm safety

For gun owners, the primary concern is often the secure storage of firearms to prevent access by unauthorized users, especially children. Fireproof gun safes provide a secure environment that mitigates risks of accidents while protecting the contents from fire-related damage.

Protection of valuables and irreplaceable items

Beyond firearms, these safes are ideal for safeguarding jewelry, family heirlooms, precious photographs, and other personal items that would be difficult or impossible to replace. Their fire-resistant capabilities ensure that valuables can survive in the unfortunate event of a house fire.

Emergency preparedness

Fireproof gun safes are part of a comprehensive approach to emergency preparedness. They offer peace of mind, knowing that in case of a fire, critical items such as passports, birth certificates, and emergency cash are protected and accessible.

Customizable options

Many models come with customizable shelving and door organizers, allowing for the safe storage of both guns and other items in an organized—and personalized—manner.

Our goal? Build as close to indestructible as possible

Fireproof gun safes are a cornerstone of responsible firearm ownership and general security strategy for homeowners. By understanding fire ratings and choosing the right safe, individuals can ensure their most precious items are shielded from fire’s destructive power, offering peace of mind in the face of uncertainty. Remember, while no safe is completely invulnerable, a well-chosen fireproof safe provides significant protection, making it a wise and necessary investment for anyone looking to secure valuable or sensitive items.

What Makes a CashWizard? 

Designing a smart safe with components that support flexibility

Managing cash efficiently and securely is paramount for every business type, from manufacturing to retail. That’s why our American Security CashWizard Smart Safes are designed to help businesses handle their daily cash transactions. With built-in components such as bill readers and tube vending, this smart safe technology not only boosts operational efficiency but also fortifies the security processes critical to safeguarding financial assets. Here’s a closer look at how these components work together to streamline cash management while prioritizing security at every step.

The SafeWizard smart lock

The SafeWizard lock is part of American Security’s lineup of intelligent safe solutions, designed specifically for businesses looking for advanced security and audit trail capabilities. The SafeWizard is essentially a kind of smart lock, able to be added to any CashWizard smart safe.

Key features of the SafeWizard smart lock include advanced electronic controls, audit trails, customizable settings, and business integration features for remote management.

The SafeWizard smart lock, through its advanced technological features, is tailored for businesses requiring not only a secure storage solution but also a system that provides comprehensive management and oversight of access to the safe. This makes it particularly suitable for sectors like retail, pharmaceuticals, and any other industry where security and accountability are paramount.

Built-in components for streamlining cash management

Bill Reader: Advanced cash validation

The bill reader is a critical component of the CashWizard safe, responsible for accepting and validating cash deposits. Helping to effectively streamline cash management, the bill reader can quickly and accurately count bills while verifying their authenticity. This reduces the risk of counterfeit money entering the cash cycle and ensures that the business’s cash deposits are precise.

Note storage cassettes

Note storage cassettes can be thought of as containers where notes (i.e., bills) are stacked as they’re deposited into the safe. Housed inside the safe itself, they store the cash securely after it has been validated. These cassettes are configurable based on the volume of cash handling required. Options include varying sizes, such as 1200 or 2200 note capacities, providing flexibility for different business needs.

Connectivity and backend features

The connectivity and backend features of the CashWizard Smart Safe are central to its operational efficiency and advanced security capabilities. By incorporating both Ethernet and cellular connectivity options, the safe ensures robust, continuous communication with the backend cloud infrastructure. This dual connectivity approach allows for greater flexibility and reliability in various business settings, whether there’s stable internet access or a need for mobile-based communications.

This connectivity facilitates enhanced data synchronization, ensuring that transaction records, audit trails, and cash inventory statuses are constantly updated and accessible from remote locations. The cloud-based backend serves as a centralized platform where data from multiple safes across different sites can be aggregated and reviewed. This is especially beneficial for businesses with multiple locations, providing a unified view of cash management operations.

Security features

Includes anti-spread dead latch locking systems and pry-resistant steel doors. These features enhance the physical security of the safe, making it resistant to unauthorized access and tampering.

Change management technology

The ChangeExchange feature within the CashWizard Smart Safe system is a transformative tool that significantly streamlines the change management process. This integrated technology allows employees to place change orders directly through the safe’s interface, specifying the exact denominations required. Once a request is made, the system automatically verifies the availability of funds and processes the order, ensuring that the change is prepared and delivered by armored services at the scheduled time. This method not only simplifies the logistics of obtaining change but also ensures that each transaction is recorded and accounted for, enhancing the traceability and security of cash flows. By automating change management, businesses can maintain better control over their cash reserves, reducing the likelihood of cash shortages or excesses that can impact daily operations.

SureAccess eliminates that age-old hassle: Keys

SureAccess® is a patent-pending technology app designed to improve the management of safe keys and interactions with armored couriers. Here are its key features and benefits:

  1. Eliminate key management hassles: SureAccess removes the administrative burden of managing physical keys, which can be time-consuming and error-prone.
  2. Reduce operational impact: By eliminating the need for physical keys, SureAccess reduces the operational impact of missed pick-ups or change order deliveries.
  3. Enhanced security and insights: The app provides notifications when a courier attempts entry, ensuring better security and oversight of safe access.
  4. Efficient courier management: SureAccess helps in managing couriers effectively by providing insights and notifications related to courier activities.

These features collectively improve the efficiency, security, and management of safe interactions, making it a valuable tool for businesses that rely on armored couriers for cash handling and transportation​​​​.

Optional manager’s locker

This is an additional secure storage component within the safe, useful for storing important items separately from the cash deposits.

American Security Gun Safes: Unmatched Protection for Your Firearms

Secure your firearms with trusted American craftsmanship

American Security (AMSEC) offers a premier line of gun safes, combining the latest technology with robust construction to ensure the highest level of security for your firearms. With over 75 years of experience in the industry, AMSEC is the largest U.S.-based manufacturer of custom, burglary, and fire-resistant safes, meeting a wide variety of insurance classifications. Our gun safes are designed for homeowners, collectors, and professionals who demand the best in theft protection and fire resistance.

Why choose AMSEC gun safes?

1. Advanced security features

American Security provides the highest level of protection for your firearms and valuables. Our gun safes are meticulously engineered with a focus on durability, security, and fire resistance to meet the needs of both casual gun owners and serious collectors.

  • Robust construction: Our gun safes are built in accordance with scientifically-proven methods of bolstering performance. We offer our gun safes in a wide variety of construction classifications ranging from the minimum B-Class to our industry leading TL-30×6 rated RF gun safes.
  • High security locks: Featuring high-grade locks tested and verified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent third party safety certification and validation company, to resist expert manipulation and forced entry.
  • Pry-resistant: Features such as anti-pry tabs and high-strength locking bolts keep your valuables secure from unauthorized access.
  • Fire protection: Certified fire protection ensures your assets are safe in extreme conditions, preserving your peace of mind.

2. Customizable interior

Every gun owner has unique needs when it comes to storing firearms and other valuables. That’s why we offer customizable safes designed to cater to the specific requirements of your collection and lifestyle. Whether you’re a casual shooter or a dedicated collector, our safes provide the flexibility and capacity to securely store a variety of items.

  • Customize your safe with adjustable shelves, gun racks, and door organizers to fit your unique collection and accessibility needs.
  • Our safes can accommodate between 10 to 73 rifles or shotguns, with additional space for ammunition and accessories.
  • Store your long guns, handguns, important documents, cash, tech, and jewelry/heirlooms.

3. Customer-first technology

When designing our safes, we prioritize the integration of easy-to-use, customer-first technology to enhance both the functionality and security of our safes. Recognizing the diverse needs of our users, we offer a range of high-tech features designed to provide quick access, reliability, and improved conditions for stored items.

  • Electronic keypads, and EMP-resistant options provide quick access and reliability.
  • Optional features like LED lighting and dehumidifiers enhance preservation and usability.

4. Technical specifications

Our gun safes are available in various sizes and models, each designed to meet specific needs and preferences. From small handgun safes to large rifle cabinets, all are equipped with advanced security features and fire protection.

  • Dimensions: Available in multiple sizes to fit any space requirement.
  • Weight: Constructed to be immovable once set in place, providing an additional layer of security.
  • Capacity: Options range from single handgun storage to safes capable of storing over 73 rifles.

Explore our full product line and find the perfect safe for your needs

From our smaller AM Series Home Security safe, perfect for storing handguns and jewelry, to our larger TF Gun Safe model (pictured), we know you’ll find the exactly the right safe for your household.

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UL testing and labeling for unmatched security

When it comes to choosing a gun safe, one of the most critical considerations is the security rating provided by independent testing facilities. American Security gun safes are prominently labeled with UL (Underwriters Laboratories) ratings, a testament to their ability to withstand various types of burglary attacks and environmental hazards.

What is UL testing?

UL is a globally recognized safety certification company that sets stringent standards for the security and durability of safes. A UL label on a safe means it has undergone rigorous testing processes to evaluate its resistance to:

  • Forced entry tools such as drills, hammers, and pry bars.
  • Fire exposure, ensuring that the contents inside the safe remain protected at specific temperatures and durations.

Why UL labels matter

  1. Trust and reliability: UL labels provide assurance that a safe will perform as advertised, offering reliable protection in critical situations.
  2. Insurance benefits: Many insurers require UL ratings for safes, especially when insuring high-value items. Having a UL-rated safe can lead to lower insurance premiums.
  3. Compliance: In many cases, UL-rated safes comply with federal or state laws requiring secure firearm storage, potentially mitigating legal risks for gun owners.

What UL labels do our safes offer? 

We are proud to say that American Security is the only gun safe manufacturer to offer UL security protection levels RSC2, TL30, & TL30x6.

What do our customers say about American Security gun safes?

After the fire, the only things we had left were the firearms and other valuables we’d left in our AMSEC safe. American Security makes an incredible product, and they treated us so incredibly well during all of that.” 

Michael, AMSEC Customer

 

Tailored solutions for every gun owner

Home defense: Quick access and discrete integration

For homeowners prioritizing defense, American Security offers compact safes that blend seamlessly into any living space while ensuring quick accessibility in times of need. These safes are designed with discrete integration in mind, allowing them to be strategically placed in accessible locations throughout your home. Whether it’s beside your bed or hidden in a closet, our compact safes provide the reliability and rapid access needed to protect yourself and your family effectively.

Hunting & sport shooting

For the avid hunter and shooting sports enthusiast, American Security’s full-size safes are ideal for keeping hunting gear organized and protected while remaining ready for the season. These safes offer ample space not only for rifles and shotguns but also for ammunition and accessories, ensuring that everything you need is in one secure, organized location. Their robust construction protects against both theft and environmental elements, providing peace of mind that your hunting gear is safe and intact.

Tailored for extensive collections

American Security excels in providing custom-configured safes for collectors who possess extensive and varied firearm collections. These safes are designed to accommodate a wide range of firearm types, from vintage pieces to modern tactical weapons, ensuring both optimal display and superior protection. Adjustable shelving, lighting options, and lined interiors enhance visibility and preservation of your prized collection, making these safes an ideal choice for both security and showcasing.

Our top priority? Helping you protect what matters most

At American Security, we understand that securing your firearms goes beyond protection against theft—it’s about ensuring the safety of your family and maintaining responsible gun ownership. Our commitment to quality and innovation makes AMSEC gun safes an essential part of your home security system.

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