There are a variety of burglary-rated safes on the market, but UL TL-rated safes are some of the highest security models available. These safes are specifically designed to withstand rigorous testing by the industry-leading testing organization called Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Knowing that your safe is a model that can handle intense pry and drill attacks gives you the ultimate peace of mind that your valuables are protected behind a formidable barrier from unauthorized individuals. But you might be wondering, what exactly goes into these that make them so significant? Let’s dive in and explore what each TL-rated safe goes through to get their rating and which model would fit your security needs best.
TL-Rated Safes FAQs
What does “TL” stand for?
“TL” stands for “Tool Latency”, indicating that UL has put the safe to the test against heavy-duty tools that burglars often use to pry or drill inside the safe.
What’s the difference between TL-15, TL-30, and TL-30×6?
Here’s a quick breakdown on what each testing process looks like for these UL-rated safes:
- TL-15: 15 minutes of focused attack on the safe door
- TL-30: 30 minutes of focused attack on the safe door
- TL-30×6: 30 minutes of attack on all six sides of the safe
What tools are used to test TL-rated safes?
It depends on which rating, but mechanical and electrical hand tools are commonly used during these tests that involve prying, drilling, etc. Keep reading to see the full comprehensive list of tools that are allowed during UL’s testing processes.
Are TL-rated safes fireproof?
While no safe on the market is 100% fireproof, many American Security TL-rated safes come with fire resistance ratings. Make sure to check each model as their fire ratings can differ.
Do TL-rated safes require professional installation?
Depending on the size and weight of the safe, you might need assistance from a professional to safely install the model where you want it. Make sure to consult our team or the safe dealer you’re purchasing from to see what’s recommended for the model you’re considering. Safes under 750 pounds must be appropriately anchored.
TL-15 Safes Overview
TL-15 safes are perfect for those looking for a strong barrier against sophisticated burglary attempts. The UL rating “TL-15” means that it’s tool-resistant (TL) for at least 15 minutes of attack using a specific set of tools, making it an excellent choice for high-value security applications.
Materials Used for Testing
To earn the TL-15 rating, a safe must resist entry against an array of mechanical and electrical hand tools commonly used by professional criminals. These tools include:
- Chisels
- Punches
- Screw Drivers
- Hammers (that do not exceed 8 pounds)
- Pry Bars (that do not exceed 5 feet in length)
- Picking Tools
- Portable Mechanical and Electric Tools (including 1/2″ drills)
- Grinding Points
- High-Speed and Carbide Drills (that do not exceed 1/2 inch diameter)
- Pressure-Applying Devices or Mechanisms
The testing materials mimic what real-world burglars might use in an aggressive attempt to penetrate a safe’s door or body. The two testers must either open the safe door or create at least a 6-square-inch opening. This includes making a round hole measuring just larger than 2-¾” in diameter; a hole most would struggle to fit their hand through. If they’re unsuccessful during the 15-minute net working time period, the safe passes the test.
UL’s Testing Process
Underwriters Laboratories conducts rigorous testing under controlled conditions. To achieve the TL-15 rating, the safe’s door must successfully resist entry attempts for a net working time of 15 minutes by two skilled attackers, meaning the clock runs only while tools are actively engaged in the attack. This is not a casual break-in test; UL-certified technicians use their extensive knowledge of the safe, including the manufacturer’s drawings and engineering specifications, and push it to its limits. This includes full access to the safe before testing, as well as all production documentation, which is provided by the manufacturer.
UL focuses primarily on the door of the safe for TL-15 testing. However, American Security TL-15 models go beyond the minimum requirements, often including composite materials, hard plates, and high-strength alloys in both the door and body for comprehensive protection. The body is tested against a standard of 1” thick steel.
Who Should Use a TL-15 Safe?
A TL-15 safe is ideal for a variety of individuals, including businesses handling high-value items, pharmacies and other medical facilities, and even homeowners who have a significant amount of assets like large cash reserves, sensitive documents, or rare collectibles that might need a little more protection than what an average safe can offer. Insurance providers may require the use of a TL-listed safe for certain levels of coverage.
TL-30 Safes Overview
UL’s testing process for TL-30 safes is nearly identical to the TL-15 test except that the two testers have 30 minutes of net working time to access the interior of the safe. All of the tools listed in the TL-15 section above are all fair game in addition to:
- Abrasive Cutting Wheels
- Power Saws (including hole saws and circular saws)
Who Should Use a TL-30 Safe?
A TL-30 safe is most commonly used in business use cases, but could also be used in the home. Besides the TL-30×6, which we’ll dig into next, the TL-30 is one of the highest security safes on the market, allowing you to secure your business assets or home valuables with the utmost peace of mind.
TL-30×6 Safes Overview
The TL-30×6 testing process and parameters are exactly the same as the TL-30, except that the two testers can attack all sides of the safe, not just the door. All the tools mentioned for the TL-30 testing process are allowed as well.
Who Should Use a TL-30×6 Safe?
A TL-30×6 safe is among the best UL-rated burglary safes on the market, meaning it’s ideal for business applications or homeowners who are looking to go all out on their security. It’s definitely worth the investment, knowing that the safe is formidable on all sides of the body, not just the door.
How to Choose Between TL-Rated Safes
Selecting the right TL-rated safe comes down to more than just the label on the door. It’s about matching the safe’s protection level to what you’re securing, your risk exposure, and your peace of mind. Here are a few things to consider.
1. What Are You Storing?
Start by identifying the type and value of the items you’ll be placing inside the safe. Are you storing cash, jewelry, precious metals, or sensitive documents? The more valuable or targeted your items are, the higher the protection level you’ll need. Especially if you plan on using your safe for business purposes, a high security safe like a TL-rated model could be a great option.
- TL-15 safes are a great fit for moderate-to-high value assets.
- TL-30 and TL-30×6 safes are better suited for extremely high-value items or businesses that face more sophisticated threats.
2. Insurance Requirements & Cost Savings
Many business insurance policies, particularly for industries like jewelry, banking, and pharmaceuticals, require a minimum TL-rated safe to qualify for coverage. In fact, jewelry stores are often required to have a TL-15 or TL-30 safe at minimum. Even if not required, investing in a UL-rated safe can lower your premiums, as insurers recognize the added protection as a positive.
Before purchasing, check with your insurance provider to determine whether a specific rating is required or if upgrading could lead to significant savings.
3. What Level of Protection Gives You Peace of Mind?
Ask yourself: If someone broke in, what level of resistance would make you feel confident that your assets are safe? Also, evaluate your budget and how much you’re willing to invest in your next security solution. Oftentimes, the higher the rating, the higher the price tag, but it might be worth it in the long run if the model offers the security you’re looking for.
4. Fire Protection Considerations
Many TL-rated safes also come with fire-resistance ratings, which estimate how long the interior can withstand extreme heat. It’s important to keep a close eye on the separate fire ratings that come with TL-rated safes, as this signifies how long they can last when exposed to high temperatures.
Make sure to check both the burglary and fire rating, especially if you live in a wildfire-prone area. Fires are unpredictable, but you can at least stay proactive and give your valuables a better chance at surviving when disaster strikes.
American Security TL-Rated Safes
American Security offers a variety of TL-15, TL-30, and TL-30×6 safes, so we thought we would share some to help you explore what options are available.
AMSEC TL-15 Safes
CEV Safe Series
Our CEV safe series is a great option for homeowners who are searching for a high-security solution for their various valuables like jewelry, documents, money, etc. Sizes vary, but you can find some compact options for areas like a closet that doesn’t offer a significant amount of space. Here’s an example of one of the CEV models:
CEV1814
- Independent fire rating of 120 minutes at 1850°F
- 25″H x 21″W x 21.5”D
- 854 lbs.
AMSEC TL-30 Safes
ACF Safe Series
The ACF safe series is built with the quality and durability needed for business applications. Coming in a variety of sizes, the ACF safes are built with high-quality steel and concrete fire-resistant fill, offering impressive security and fire protection for your business assets. Check out one of the models and explore our full product line to find the right size for you. We can also offer customized sizes and options to fit your specific needs:
ACF3020
- Independent fire rating of 120 minutes at 1800°F
- 5.5” thick steel door
- 36.75″H x 26.5″W x 29″D
- 1,369 lbs
AMSEC TL-30×6 Safes
CFX Safe Series
As we’ve covered, TL-30×6 safes are the highest UL-rated security safes you can buy, and the CFX series features some great options. These are great for businesses, especially if you’re looking for high security that could potentially lower your insurance premiums. Always check with your insurance provider to see what type of rating would benefit the cost and protection for your assets.
CFX252016
- Independent fire rating of 120 minutes at 1850°F
- High-strength concrete fill
- 31”H x 26”W x 25.25 D
- 1,433 lbs
Recap on TL-Rated Safes
TL-rated safes are among the most secure options available, making them a smart investment for protecting your most valuable assets, whether at home or in a commercial setting.
In this guide, we covered the key differences between TL-15, TL-30, and TL-30×6 safes to help you better understand which level of protection aligns with your needs. While we highlighted just a few of our models, we encourage you to explore our full product lineup to find the best fit for your security goals.
If you’d like expert guidance, reach out to the team at American Security or connect with a trusted local safe dealer so that you can make a confident, informed choice.