Yes, there are classifications and ratings of vault chambers, particularly in terms of their resistance to fire and burglary. These classifications and ratings help users understand the level of protection a vault can offer and make informed decisions based on their specific security needs. Two common classifications for vaults are:
Fire Ratings
- Fire ratings for vault chambers indicate the duration for which the vault can withstand exposure to fire while maintaining its internal temperature below a certain threshold. The most common fire ratings are:
- Class 350: The internal temperature of the vault remains below 350°F (177°C) during a fire for the specified duration, usually 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, or 4 hours.
- Class 125: The internal temperature of the vault remains below 125°F (52°C) during a fire for the specified duration, commonly 1 hour or 2 hours.
Burglary Ratings
- Burglary ratings indicate the resistance of the vault to break-ins and unauthorized access attempts. Vaults are tested against various tools and techniques used by burglars, and their ability to withstand these attacks determines their burglary rating. Some common burglary ratings include:
- Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Ratings: UL provides a range of burglary ratings, such as TL-15 (resists attack for 15 minutes), TL-30 (resists attack for 30 minutes), TL-30×6 (resists attack on all six sides for 30 minutes), TRTL-30×6 (resists attack on all six sides for 30 minutes with torch and tool resistance), and more.
- European Norm (EN) Ratings: EN also provides a series of burglary ratings, such as EN 1143-1 Grade 0, Grade I, Grade II, etc., which indicate the level of protection against burglary attempts.
It’s important to note that fire and burglary ratings can be combined, and vaults are often designed to offer both fire and burglary protection. When choosing a vault, it’s essential to consider the specific requirements of the items to be stored and select a vault with an appropriate combination of fire and burglary ratings to provide the necessary level of security.
Additionally, vaults meeting these ratings may be independently tested and certified by organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or European Certification Body (ECB). Always look for certified products to ensure the vault meets the stated ratings and provides reliable protection.