road sign warning of flooding

Waterproof Safes: Do They Actually Exist?

By now you’ve most likely come across some safes on the market that have claimed to be “waterproof” or “water-resistant”. If you’ve looked further during your search, you most likely haven’t found industry-standard certifications or ratings that support “waterproof” claims. We’re here to confirm that there aren’t any certification or testing processes that can 100% assure you that a safe is waterproof.

However, there are some other industry-standard certifications you should pay attention to that can help your search for a quality safe. We’re going to debunk the waterproof claims in the safe industry while also providing some details on what you should focus on when you’re trying to choose between different models.

The Myth of Waterproof Safes

The Merriam-Webster definition of “waterproof” is “impervious to water”. This source also goes on to say “covered or treated with a material (such as a solution of rubber) to prevent permeation by water”.

Most, if not all, safes on the market today are likely to let water into the interior if submerged for an extended period. This is not to say that they aren’t high-quality safes. In fact, American Security safes are not “waterproof” but many have been able to protect valuables and keep them intact during natural disasters such as hurricanes. But there aren’t any testing processes that can standardize waterproof claims so that customers can measure the protection level they’re investing in.

The word “waterproof” is often misused in the safe industry as false advertising. Some good alternatives to look out for are burglary and fire ratings for safes. These claims are often backed by industry-leading testing organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories and/or Intertek (ETL). These testing processes create a standardized approach, providing consistent and reliable claims that customers can trust. Each safe undergoes the same rigorous evaluations, so when it carries a UL or ETL certification, you can be confident in the quality and performance it delivers.

Some brands that market their safes as “waterproof” often use their own internal testing methods to back up these claims. Since this isn’t an industry-standard practice, it makes it difficult for shoppers to compare products across different brands. For instance, a brand might submerge a safe in a small pool for a specific period and label it “waterproof” if no water damage is detected. However, these tests fail to reflect the real-world conditions a safe would encounter during events like hurricanes or severe flooding.

The Reality: Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Safes

Now comes the intricacies of “waterproof” vs. “water-resistant” safes–there’s a stark difference some may not realize. If you refer to Merriam-Webster’s definition earlier, you might already be able to detect what sets these claims apart from one another.

Waterproof is a sure statement that no moisture can permeate the inside of the container whereas water-resistant claims state that the safe can be submerged for a certain level of time before water inevitably reaches the interior. Some models can be ETL-certified for water resistance, but this is only for a specified amount of time. There is no rating or certification at this time that can guarantee a safe is completely waterproof.

Certification Standards: Why Waterproof Safes Aren’t Certified

Waterproof certifications don’t exist simply because there hasn’t been a standardized testing process that can offer consistency and reliability for customers. It’s difficult to come up with a scenario that can mimic unpredictable conditions that could occur during a hurricane, for instance.

Instead, we recommend dedicating your research to what safes have the right burglary and fire rating you’re looking for. This will help narrow down your options for the models that are constructed with the best quality materials and technology that can secure your belongings.

Safe Ratings & Features to Look Out For

Let’s take a look at the legitimate safe ratings you should keep an eye out for and why these are significant to your investment.

Fire Ratings

Fire ratings provided by UL or ETL are trusted certifications that indicate how long a safe can endure extreme heat without compromising its contents. Typical ratings can show whether a safe can resist high temperatures for 30, 60, or even up to 120 minutes, offering valuable insight into its level of protection.

UL one hour fire rating certification

Burglary Ratings

Burglary ratings are based on the amount of time it takes for testing facilities to breach a safe under controlled conditions. These tests typically range from 15 minutes to an hour, providing a benchmark for assessing a safe’s resistance to break-in attempts. This information helps you gauge the level of protection you need to safeguard your valuables effectively.

UL Listed Residential Security Container

Steel Thickness

Rather than focusing on “waterproof” options, consider the steel thickness—or gauge—of a safe. A thicker steel construction can serve as a durable barrier, offering some protection in flooding situations. While it won’t make the safe waterproof, it can provide your valuables with better resilience against harsh conditions.

American Security Steel Gauge Guide

Steel gauge can be a bit confusing, as lower numbers actually indicate thicker steel. For example, 10-gauge steel is much thicker and more durable than 16-gauge. This distinction is important when evaluating safes because thicker steel provides greater resistance to physical attacks and environmental damage. Understanding this gauge system can help you make a more informed decision when selecting a safe that offers the level of protection you’re looking for.

Door Seals

Even though a safe can’t be labeled as 100% waterproof, the quality of the door’s seal is indicative of how it could hold up while being submerged in water. High-quality door seals, often referred to as gasket seals, are designed to create a tight barrier between the door and the safe’s body. This barrier can help limit the amount of water that enters the safe if it’s exposed to flooding or submerged for a short period.

Some safes are equipped with intumescent seals, which expand when exposed to heat or moisture, providing an additional layer of protection in extreme conditions. While these features won’t make a safe waterproof, they can minimize damage and help safeguard valuables during unexpected water-related incidents. When choosing a safe, evaluating the design and material of the door seal is a key factor in determining its overall resilience.

Door & Wall Construction

The construction of a safe’s door and walls plays a crucial role in determining its ability to withstand water exposure. Aspects such as the gap around the door is a key factor. A smaller, tighter gap can significantly reduce the likelihood of water seeping into the safe during flooding or submersion. On the other hand, larger gaps or poorly designed door alignments increase the risk of water infiltration.

In addition to the door gap, the quality of the welds used in the safe’s construction is equally important. Strong, precise welds create a durable and seamless structure, reinforcing the safe’s resistance to environmental stressors like water pressure. Poorly executed welds, on the other hand, can weaken the safe’s integrity, allowing water to find entry points.

When evaluating a safe for potential water resistance, pay close attention to how the door fits against the frame, the thickness of the walls, and the craftsmanship of the welds. Together, these factors can provide a level of durability that helps protect your valuables during unexpected flooding conditions, even if the safe itself isn’t fully waterproof.

Myth-Busting Waterproof Safes

While it’s true that completely “waterproof” safes don’t exist, we’ve highlighted other key standards to help you evaluate your options and make a worthwhile investment. Keep in mind that even if a safe is marketed as “waterproof,” there are no established guidelines or certifications to validate this claim.

When searching for the right safe, prioritize verified claims and industry-standard certifications attached to the models you’re considering. Don’t hesitate to ask your safe dealer questions to address any concerns and ensure the ratings and certifications align with your needs for reliable protection.

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