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Our experts talking Safes, Security and More!

Advice & Tips

Advice & Tips
In this category, you will find interesting articles that further discuss specific regulations, types of safes, type of security as well as installing safes yourself to choose the right safe for your situation. In short, useful and practical tips on safes, fire safes and related products.
Protect Your Jewellery and Valuables Over the Christmas Period 2023
Protect Your Jewellery and Valuables Over the Christmas Period 2023

The Christmas period is naturally a busy time for anyone with work commitments, present purchases and visiting family. So there will be times during this part of the year that you might be away from home or the business for a sustained period of time.

It is always important to remain vigilant when it comes to home security and protecting your cash, valuables and jewellery.


Home Security

When visiting family and friends over the festive period you may be away from home for a few days or even a week, so naturally your home could be targeted by opportunist burglars who are trying houses in the neighbourhood.

See our recommendations to improving your home security:

  • Automatic light timers on the inside/outside of the house – This is a simple and cost affective way of increasing the security on your home. If the lights are turned off all week then it is a clear indicator to any passer by that the home is not occupied. Purchasing a few plug devices for lights will be a cheaper purchase from any DIY store in the UK.
  • Checking of the Door and Windows in your Property – Make sure that every door and window is closed and locked correctly before leaving the property.
  • Close the Side/Back Gates – Closing the side or back gate to your house is another way of increasing the security at your house as it does not allow intruders easy access to the back of your house.
  • Removing Bins/Car on the Drive – Leaving the recycling bins on the driveway for a prolonged time is sometimes an indicator to a potential burglar that there is no one currently home. Make sure these are stored away once they are emptied. If your family is also due to visit friends or family members, we also recommend to try and leave one car on the driveway so it appears that someone is home whilst you are away.
  • Light Sensors and Cameras on the Outside of the House – Installing automatic light sensors and CCTV cameras to the outside your property is another security feature that you can add to your home. With modern technology on phones now allowing you to monitor and record movements on the outside of your home, we would highly recommend to have this fitted.

Gifts from Christmas

With different ways of increasing your home security that have been discussed, we move onto the contents of your home and protecting these valuables from theft.

Naturally the spend on gifts increases dramatically in November and December. The value on certain items will sometimes be a lot higher than other small gifts. Protecting these precious gifts can just be as important as the initial purchase. At SimplySafes we have an excellent range of high security safes that are designed to protect Watches, Jewellery, iPads/Tablets/Laptops.


SimplySafes Recommended Safes to Protect your Valuables over Xmas

At SimplySafes we have put together a list of our recommended security safes that are ideal to protect your gifts and valuables over Christmas.

Burton Eurovault Aver Grade 2 Size 0K Security and Fireproof Safe

The Burton Eurovault Aver Grade 2 is a high security safe ideal for the home or office. It offers 30 minutes fire protection for paper documents and has an excellent insurance rating of £17,500 for cash and £175,000 for valuables.

Pros

  • 30 minutes fire protection for paper
  • Cash Rating £17,500 / valuables rating £175,000
  • High security double bitted key lock – 2 keys supplied
  • Certified by ECB.S class CEN Grade II according to EN-1143-1
  • Insurance Approved

Cons

  • Cannot be anchored to the back wall

Securikey Mini Vault Silver S2-0E High Security Safe

The mini vault silver range is an ideal solution for protecting cash and valuables in the home or workplace. Both the electronic and key options have been tested and are certified to EN14450-S2. All the models include a motion sensor interior light and felt lined walls.

Pros

  • European certified safe, Security Level S2, EN 14450
  • Approved by AiS, Sold Secure and Secure by Design, Police Preferred Specification
  • Cash rating £4,000 / valuables rating £40,000
  • High security electronic digital lock, EN 1300 approved
  • Motion interior light included
  • Suitable for rear or floor fixing – Bolts supplied
  • Felt lined interior

Cons

  • No fire protection

Further Help and Advice

If you would like any further expert advice on selecting a safe, then please contact our helpful and friendly sales team.

Keeping your Tools Secure over Winter
Keeping your Tools Secure over Winter

Tool theft from vans that have been broken into, is still a major issue throughout the UK. If you are an independent tradesperson or work for a company, keeping your tools safe is always a constant worry when parking up your van overnight.


Tool Theft Statistics


A van is broken into and tools are stolen every 23 minutes. That equates to around 62 thefts everyday in the UK just for tools from a van.

Tools that are stored in a van or vehicle overnight will always carry that high value, sometimes tools may also hold a sentimental value to them. When tools and equipment are stolen it can be devastating financially and psychologically. It may lead you to be out of work for a few weeks whilst all the paperwork is completed with the insurance company or finding adequate tool replacements at a significant cost to yourself.

Our Recommended Tool Storage Boxes

See our Top 5 Tool Security Products that we recommend at SimplySafes to keep your tools secure overnight.


1 – Armorgard TrekDror TKD1

The TrekDror from Armorgard has an excellent design and is ideal to keep tools and any valuable equipment secure overnight. The TrekDror also has a list of optional extras that can be purchased.

Pros

  • Drawer slides out to 80% depth
  • 2 x highly secure, keyed alike 5-lever deadlocks
  • Robust corrugated 1.5mm steel casing for durability and strength
  • Unique bearing and roller system which allows smooth sliding action
  • Designed so that it fits between most wheel arches
  • Floor fixable using pre-drilled holes

Cons

  • No fixing kit supplied


2 – Van Vault Slider

The Van Vault Slider - Secured by Design and Sold Secure Tested is a new improved model based on the original best selling Slider. It has been designed so that items can be stacked on top ensuring you do not lose valuable space in your van.

Pros

  • 70mm Anti-pick, anti-drill and anti-rust stainless steel disc padlock
  • Robust corrugated 1.5mm steel casing for durability and strength
  • Secured by Design – Police preferred specification
  • Heavy duty roller bearings combined with full drawer runners
  • Supplied with fitting instructions and bolts - M10 bolts and shear nuts supplied

3 – Van Vault Stacker XL

The Van Vault Stacker XL - Secured by Design and Sold Secure Tested is a space saving secure van storage tool box. Inside you will find a soft foam insert to protect your tools while being stored. The smooth action drawer features heavy duty roller bearings.

Pros

  • 70mm Anti-pick, anti-drill and anti-rust stainless steel disc padlock
  • Fitted with the NEW Vaultlock locking system and supplied with three Van Vault dimple style keys
  • 4 Reinforced fitting points in the base
  • Fully phosphated anti-corrosion protection
  • Heavy duty roller bearings combined with full drawer runners
  • Soft foam insert protects tools from being damaged when stored

4 – Van Vault Mobi

The improved Van Vault Mobi complete with docking station has now been certified by Secured by Design and the whole range conforms to a Police Preferred Specification. It has also been tested by Sold Secure to the Silver standard Security Cabinets for added peace of mind that your tools are secure.

Pros

  • Reinforced lid protects against car jack or crowbar attacks
  • Securely locks to docking station for when tools are not in use
  • Fitted with the NEW Vaultlock locking system and supplied with three Van Vault dimple style keys
  • 70mm Anti-pick, anti-drill and anti-rust stainless steel disc padlock
  • Constructed from 2mm steel
  • 4 Reinforced fitting points

5 - Armorgard OXBOX OX1 Van Tool Storage Box

The OxBox from Armorgard is an easy to use storage box to securely store your tools and equipment. It has been well designed and offers good protection against theft. This model features a centrally located gas strut to make it easy to open and also benefits from a lid stay to keep it open when in use.

Pros

  • Comes with 5 lever deadlock – 2 keys supplied
  • Heavy duty steel plate construction with durable powder coated finish
  • Floor fixable using pre-drilled holes - fixings not supplied
  • Gas struts are designed to to assist with the opening and closing of the box
  • Two metal welded carry handles
  • Features welded serial numbers to assist with getting replacement keys

Cons

  • Castors cannot be added on


  • At SimplySafes we have an excellent range of tool security products that are specifically designed to protect your tools and equipment.

    Contact Us

    If you would like some further advice on selecting the best tool storage unit then please contact our helpful sales team here.

    Wanting to keep your valuables safe at home when heading  abroad?
    Wanting to keep your valuables safe at home when heading abroad?

    Due to the Covid Pandemic, travelling abroad has become a challenge, with numerous requirements to leave and enter a country. This stopped many people travelling due to the high-risk factors.

    The requirements have now been simplified in 2022 and there has been a significant increase in people travelling abroad. It is vital to ensure your valuables are secure whilst leaving your home unattended for a few weeks whilst on holiday

    There has been a number of high-profile jewellery thefts recently, Tamara Ecclestone and Molly Mae Hague were both victims of high value jewellery theft, however, it is not always about the financial value of items stolen but the sentimental value of pieces of jewellery which can not be replaced.

    You may be unaware that the value of your jewellery and especially watches has increased in recent months, but you could suffer a significant financial loss, or even a rejected insurance claim, if these items are stolen. You must check the value of your possessions, ensure you are insured correctly and keep them in a safe when leaving your home unattended.


    Top tips for making the most of a home safe

    Avoid buying a cheap safe

    Cheap safes are often made from low quality materials. SimplySafes offers a full range of top-quality safes, which will last longer, be more durable and in turn reducing potential repairs or a replacement safe.

    Installing your safe properly

    Ensuring your safe has been installed properly is vital, if secured to the floor or wall, will significantly make it a lot more difficult to remove the safe. At SimplySafes we offer a professional full installation service.

    The storage conditions

    Find a suitable place to secure your safe and avoid humid rooms. keeping them in a cool dry area is ideal. It is advisable to install the safe out of sight.

    At SimplySafes we have a fantastic range of safes suited for jewellery, watches, and other valuable items to help protect your precious possessions.


    Jewellery Safes

    At SimplySafes, our range comes in a variety of different sizes to protect your valuables such as watches, electronic gadgets, and jewellery. All our safes are currently available for immediate delivery just in time for your travels.

    Direct personal advice, please contact 0800 026 2677 or email [email protected]

    • Professional full-service installation
    • Delivered well protected
    • Wide choice of certified safes

    Our Recommended Jewellery Safes for your Home

    Phoenix Fortress Pro SS1441E High Security Fireproof SafePhoenix Fortress Pro SS1441E

    • Cash Rating £4,000 / valuables rating £40,000
    • 60 minutes fire protection for paper
    • High security digital electronic lock
    • AiS insurance and Secured by Design – Police Approved
    • 1 pull out shelf included
    • Cannot be anchored to the back wall

    View the Phoenix Fortress Pro SS1441E on our website


    Burton Ignis S2 Size 3E Fireproof Security Home Safe

    • Certified by ECB.S class S2 according to EN 14450Burton Ignis S2 Size 3E
    • 60 minutes fire protection for paper
    • Cash rating £4,000 / valuables rating £40,000
    • Live steel locking bolts
    • Removable tray included
    • Removable shelf included
    • Cannot be anchored to the wall

    View the Burton Ignis S2 Size 3E on our website


    Phoenix Next Luxury Safe LS7003FB - Black

    • Certified by ECB.S class S2 according to EN 14450Phoenix Next Luxury Safe LS7003FB - Black
    • Modern and stylish design
    • Cash rating £3,000 / valuables rating £30,000
    • High security digital electronic with fingerprint recognition
    • 60 minutes fire protection for paper documents
    • Fitted with luxury wooden drawers
    • Available in different finishes
    • Fully lined base to protect valuables
    • Can be bolted down to the base for added security
    • Cannot be anchored to the back wall

    View the Phoenix Next Luxury Safe LS7003FB - Black on our website


    Chubbsafes DuoGuard Grade 1-150K High Security and Fireproof Safe

    • Certified by ECB.S class S2 according to EN 14450Chubbsafes DuoGuard Grade 1-150K
    • Certified Eurograde 1
    • 60 minutes fire protection/li>
    • Fitted with anti-drilling plates
    • 2 removable shelves included
    • Cash Rating - £10,000 / Valuables Rating £100,000
    • Cannot be anchored to the wall

    View the Chubbsafes DuoGuard Grade 1-150K on our website


    Expert Review: Phoenix Dream Home Safe (score 8,0/10)
    Expert Review: Phoenix Dream Home Safe (score 8,0/10)

    Today the Phoenix Dream Home Safe is ready for review with another expert assessment.

    The Dream from Phoenix has just been launched in 2022 with a new and modern design, along with some excellent features and has been manufactured to a very high standard. The Dream offers a digital electronic lock and has an insurance rating of £1,000 for cash and £10,000 for valuables.

    View the Dream range on Simplysafes


    View product video Phoenix Dream Home Safe

    Summer is on its way in the UK - Motorhomes, Caravans and Trailers
    Summer is on its way in the UK - Motorhomes, Caravans and Trailers

    Motorhome in the UKIt’s time to spring clean your caravan or motorhome

    The popularity of caravans and motorhomes continue to increase which is why it is imperative to ensure it is secure when not in use or you are out and about.

    It is also as important to protect any valuables that are left within the vehicle.

    It is predicted that it will be another boom year for staycations so whether you are opening your existing vehicle or planning to buy a new one, it is critical to invest in the right security products to have peace of mind when away from the vehicle.

    Theft is a constant threat and continues be on the increase, especially in the uncertain and challenging times. As fuel prices soar, there has been an increase in the theft of petrol, diesel, and heating oils. It is important to fit deterrents from opportunist thieves or a planned theft.

          


    Best Products and Brands to Buy

    Simplysafes offers a full range of security products to protect your motorhome, caravan and trailers. The range comprises of Hitch locks, Wheel clamps and security posts. We have an excellent selection of products available from Autolok, Bulldog and Sentinel.

    Autolok  Bulldog  Sentinel Security Products


    Our Recommendations

    You may have recently purchased a caravan, motorhome or trailer and are now ready to use it over the next few months. Keeping your property secure from thieves is important for your peace of mind and insurance purposes.

    Hitch Lock

    Our recommended Hitch Lock is the:

    Bulldog AA Alko/Albe Hitch Lock

    Bulldog AA Alko/Albe Hitch LockOne of our most popular hitch locks from Bulldog, the AA has been designed for use with a wide variety caravans and trailers. It has been tested to the Sold Secure Gold Standard and is insurance approved. For the price it provides excellent value for money and ensures that extra level of security when securing your trailer or caravan.

    • Insurance approved
    • 5 Year warranty
    • Supplied with Bulldog Super Lock Bolt including 2 keys
    • Drill and pick resistant lock
    • Can be used on various models
    • Can only be used unhitched


    Wheel Clamp

    Our recommended Wheel Clamp is the:

    Bulldog DC400 Auto Clamp

    Bulldog DC400 Auto ClampThe DC400 wheel clamp from Bulldog has been designed for use with larger sized wheels that are commonly used on vans and motorhomes. The wheel clamp is fully adjustable, lightweight and easy to fit. It comes with a 5 year warranty and ideal to keep your van or motorhome secure all year round.

    • 5 Year warranty
    • Insurance approved
    • Supplied with a Bulldog plunge lock
    • Top arms are fully adjustable for tyre width and diameter
    • Simple to use and easy to fit
    • Not suitable for smaller wheels


    Security Post

    Our recommended security parking post is the:

    Sentinel SS-4 Fold Down Security PostSentinel SS-4 Fold Down Security Post

    The SS-4 security post from Sentinel provides that extra security when your car, motorhome or caravan is stored on the driveway. A high quality padlock is provided with 2 keys included, it automatically acts as a visual deterrent to any potential thief. It has been constructed to an good standard and comes supplied with easy to follow installation instructions.

    • Easy to fold down
    • Supplied with a high quality stainless steel padlock – 2 keys provided
    • Installation instructions included
    • Bright yellow and black vinyl fascia ensures high visibility
    • Fixing bolts not supplied

    Securing your valuables in your motorhomes or caravan?

    Now that your caravan or motorhome might be secured with a hitch lock or wheel clamp. It is important not to disregard the security of your cash or valuables. You may be out on a day trip, walk or night out. But you have also left personal belongings in the caravan.

    Why not have that extra peace of mind whilst out by purchasing a small home safe to secure cash or valuables?

    Please see our top 3 recommendations below -

    Burton Primo Home Safe Size 1

    Burton Primo Home Safe Size 1

    Pros & Cons

    • Digital electronic lock supplied with emergency override key
    • Cash Rating £1,000 / valuables rating £10,000
    • Anti-bump solenoid – Prevents the safe from being bumped open
    • Can be anchored to the base or back wall
    • Not fire resistant

    View the Burton Primo Home Safe Size 1 on our website


    Chubbsafes Air 10E Compact Home Safe

    Pros & ConsChubbsafes Air 10E Compact Home Safe

    • Beautiful design, good quality
    • Cash Rating £1,000 / valuables rating £10,000
    • Robust keyboard
    • Can be anchored to floor and wall, incl. mounting hardware
    • Only 1 user code adjustable

    View the Chubbsafes Air 10E on our website


    Phoenix Vela SS0803E Home Safe

    Pros & ConsPhoenix Vela SS0803E Home Safe

    • Cash Rating £1,000 / valuables rating £10,000
    • Supplied with an easy to use digital electronic lock
    • Concealed internal hinges
    • Carpeted floor
    • Not fire resistant

    View the Phoenix Vela SS0803E Home Safe on our website


    Need advice?

    If you have any questions on our Autolok, Bulldog or Sentinel range, please do not hesitate to contact our team.

    The Fire Hazard of Lithium Ion Batteries
    The Fire Hazard of Lithium Ion Batteries

    Rechargeable batteries can be found everywhere and make our daily lives a lot easier. Unfortunately, the latest lithium ion batteries are not as harmless as they seem.

    What is a lithium battery?

    Example lithium battery

    Example of the construction of a lithium battery on the inside

    A lithium battery is a type of battery that can store much more energy than an ordinary alkaline battery. The lithium battery consists of several cells, each of which consists of a kind of sandwich of materials. The advantage of its extremely high energy density is that a relatively small battery can provide a device with energy for a long time. Compared to alkaline batteries, lithium batteries last on average 7 times (!) longer.

    The difference between lithium and li ion

    There are two types of lithium battery: the non-rechargeable lithium battery and the rechargeable lithium ion battery (also called li ion). Nowadays a lithium ion battery is used in almost every rechargeable device. Smartphones, laptops, electric toothbrushes. All these devices are equipped with the popular rechargeable Li-ion battery. Even electric cars, ships and e-bikes are equipped with lithium ion batteries.

    Extend lithium ion battery life

    The life of a lithium ion battery depends on several factors. The average lifespan is estimated at 3 years. A lithium ion battery continuously loses its capacity, even if it is not used. There are a number of circumstances that continuously decrease the capacity of the battery.

    For example, the higher the temperature of the battery, the faster the capacity is lost. A fully charged battery also ensures that the capacity decreases faster. Since a lithium ion battery is not cheap to buy, you ideally extend the battery life to the maximum. 4 tips to extend the lifespan:

    • Store the battery at a temperature below 25°C
    • Keep the battery charged to a maximum of 80%
    • Do not discharge the battery below 30% during use
    • Only use original chargers (no fast chargers)

    Are lithium ion batteries dangerous?

    Unfortunately, the lithium battery also comes with dangers. It has probably not escaped your notice that there has been a lot of stories about batteries of electric bicycles and smartphones that spontaneously catch fire or even explode. This resulted in electric bicycles catching fire while charging and smartphones exploding in the user's hands.

    3 fires from a bicycle battery

    Entrepreneurs who sell or rent electric bicycles, drones or IT equipment often charge the batteries at night, so that they are not visible and the batteries remain on the charger for a long time after they have been fully charged. This increases the risk of overheating causing the batteries to catch fire and completely burn down the business premises. In the factory of the e-bike manufacturer Stella, fire broke out no less than 3 times (!) in the space of six months. In all three fires, the cause was a lithium battery of an electric bicycle that overheated.

    But even without the electric bicycle battery being connected to the charger, the battery can catch fire and explode. For example, a battery of an electric bicycle in Auke Tweewielers bicycle shop in the Netherlands spontaneously caught fire when no one was present. The bicycle repair shop sustained extensive damage as a result of the fire.

    The danger of a lithium battery is that if one of the cells catches fire, the other cells will also catch fire one by one. In addition, the chemical properties of the cell make it extremely difficult to extinguish.


    Electric cars with lithium ion batteries

    Tesla, BMW, Smart and more car manufacturers produce electric cars that can drive up to 530 km with their large batteries on board without having to recharge in the meantime. The super-powerful lithium-ion batteries are also used here.

    Just as with cars that run on petrol or diesel, things sometimes go wrong with electric cars. Due to traffic accidents or other reasons, the cars can catch fire. Compared to traditional cars, electric cars require a completely different extinguishing method.

    At the end of March 2019, an electric BMW was extinguished by submerging the car for 24 hours in a large container of water. It was the first time that the fire brigade had an electric car fire under control in this way. This again shows that there is not enough information available about the dangers of lithium batteries and that we need to be extra careful with them.

    Fire brigade extinguishes electric BMW - Lithium Fire

    The fire brigade extinguishes an electric car by putting it in a container with water


    Extinguishing a lithium ion battery fire

    Owning equipment with lithium batteries is therefore not without risks. If a device with a lithium ion battery leaks, becomes excessively hot, smells strongly, produces smoke or produces sparks, it is wrong. If you notice any of the above signals, it is important that you disconnect the device from the charger and move it outside. Be careful not to place the device near combustible materials, then call 999.

    Fire extinguisher that is activatedIf a small lithium ion battery such as a smartphone or power bank is on fire, you can try to extinguish it yourself. Make sure that you do not inhale any hazardous substances and think about your own safety. At the time of writing this article, the fire service is still busy researching the best extinguishing method for lithium batteries. Lithium battery extinguishing agents that are most effective now are the following.

    • ABC-powder extinguisher
    • (spray) foam extinguisher
    • Sand
    • Water (only if an extremely large amount is available)

    After extinguishing, consult the fire brigade to make sure that the appliance is completely extinguished and that there is no longer a risk of catching fire again. To extinguish larger battery fires such as the batteries of electric bicycles, electric scooters and electric cars, it is necessary to call in the fire service. The fire brigade then determines a suitable extinguishing method.


    5 tips to prevent lithium ion battery fireTop Tips

    To reduce the risk of one of your devices with a lithium-ion battery catching fire, keep the following in mind.

    1. Replace damaged chargers
    2. Only use chargers, devices and batteries from reputable manufacturers
    3. Immediately remove the batteries from the charger when they are full
    4. Supervise the battery while charging
    5. Do not store batteries in direct sunlight

    Tips for entrepreneurs

    There are also ways for entrepreneurs dealing with lithium batteries to reduce the risk of fire.

    1. Place a smoke detector near the battery charging point.
    2. Keep the number of batteries in stock to a minimum.
    3. Only charge the batteries if you or your staff can see them or if they are charged in a fireproof cabinet with internal power supply.

    Storage of lithium ion batteries in a fire-resistant safety cabinet

    As mentioned earlier, it is recommended to charge lithium ion batteries in a specially developed fire-resistant safety cabinet. Different models are available from different brands. The safety cabinets are optionally equipped with an internal (controlled) power supply and are fire-resistant from the inside and out.

    The controlled power supply minimizes the risk of overheating. If one of the batteries does catch fire, the safety cabinet is fire resistant, so that the fire is kept in the cabinet. By providing the cabinet with an optional internal extinguishing system and smoke detector, you will be alerted in time and the fire inside the cabinet will be fought in good time.

    Please note, safety cabinets are not endlessly fire-resistant. If a fire occurs in such a cabinet, it is important that you take action as quickly as possible by moving the cabinet to a safe place and calling in emergency services to extinguish the fire.

    Please contact us to discuss this further with regards to the storage of lithium ion batteries in our own specially designed safety cabinets that we have developed.

    UK Flooding Set to Rise - 1 in 6 Properties at Risk - Water Resistant Safes
    UK Flooding Set to Rise - 1 in 6 Properties at Risk - Water Resistant Safes

    How at risk is the UK to flooding?

    Currently 1 in 6 properties in the UK are at risk of flooding and this is only set to increase due to climate change. Rising sea levels along with heavier rain fall combined doesn't make the situation any easier.

    With the winter of 2021 now here, naturally the weather conditions will worsen over the next few months across the UK.

    Parts of the UK are already bracing for heavy rainfall and floods such as Cumbria and Scotland.

    The loss of precious and valuable items that are unable to be replaced can be devastating such as photographs, children’s favourite toys and antiques.

    Flash floods, heavy rainfall and flooding can cause devastating damage to your home or business. The stress and anxiety in dealing with these issues after the flooding has occurred can be emotionally difficult for anyone to deal with.

    Flooding can also occur internally in a home or a business with burst pipes or structural issues that may have happened suddenly.

     


    How can floods affect your home or business?

    • Property Damage
    • Emotionally
    • Loss of Life
    • Local Infrastructure

    Health and Safety

    • Electrical and structural damage
    • Sanitary risks
    • Land damage
    • Plus much more

    How does a water resistant safe work?

    Each water resistant or waterproof safe is individually tested up to a certain depth and time length during the testing validation process. The safes are submerged into water tanks with regular monitoring within the testing.

    After the assessment is complete the manufacturer will then state how long the documents/contents stayed dry for during that period and under what height it was submerged.


    ETL Verified Protection

    ETL is an independent company that tests and grades each safe that has been provided by the supplier. After the testing has been completed they will give each product a certification mark such as below.

    “ETL Verified for X hours of protection within water and up to X centimetres/millimetres of water.”

     


    Are there many options available to purchase?

    Water resistant safes are not as common as fireproof safes in the market but there is still a good selection to choose from.

    Sentrysafe has been the main provider of water resistant safes over the past few years but Phoenix have now produced their own version recently.

    With this is in mind, we have done a short review on the water resistant safes that are available from Phoenix and Sentrysafe.


    Products in Review -

     

    Phoenix Titan Aqua

    The Titan Aqua from Phoenix is a well designed fireproof safe that offers 60 minutes fire protection along with water resistance of up to 200mm of water for 24 hours. It has been tested against water and it has a good level of protection for 24 hours to protect your cash or valuables.

    One of the great features of the Aqua is that it also offers a good cash/valuables insurance rating along with 1 hour fire protection for paper and digital media.

    Pros and Cons in Short

    • Cash Rating £2,000 / valuables rating £20,000
    • 1 hour protection for paper and digital media
    • Water resistant up to 200mm of water for 24 hours
    • Supplied with removable shelf
    • Comes with internal light
    • Solid boltwork with 25mm diameter steel live locking bolts
    • Can only be anchored to the base
    • Not ETL verified

    Phoenix Titan Aqua Model Range

    In total there are 3 Phoenix Titan Aqua safes which differ in size. They are all water resistant up to 200mm of water for 24 hours.

    Fashion model Fire Resistant External Dim. (HxWxD Internal Dim. (HxWxD) Weight (kg) Volume (l)
    Phoenix Titan Aqua FS1291E Data Safe 1 hour 355 x 470 x 480 mm 220 x 330 x 325 mm 36 24
    Phoenix Titan Aqua FS1292E Data Safe 1 hour 460 x 470 x 480 mm 330 x 330 x 325 mm 45 35
    Phoenix Titan Aqua FS1293E Data Safe 1 hour 610 x 530 x 480 mm 475 x 385 x 325 mm 62 60

     


    SentrySafe SFW082GTC Data Safe

    The SFW082GTC from Sentrysafe is an excellent all round safe that covers most areas such as fire protection, water resistance and cash/valuables insurance rating. The advantage with the Sentrysafe is that it has been verified by ETL independently for fire and water.

    The 082GTC can stand in up to 5" of water for up to 24 hours, whilst the 250GPC is 9" and the 123FTC is 8" of water.

    Pros and Cons in Short

    • ETL Verified 60 minutes fire protection for digital media and paper
    • Interior light included
    • Water resistant up to 200mm of water for 24 hours
    • Suitable for floor fixing
    • Small internal tray included
    • Cash Rating £1,000 / valuables rating £10,000
    • ETL Verified water resistance - can stand in up to 5" of water for up to 24 hours
    • Batteries not included

    SentrySafe Model Range

    In total there are 3 Sentrysafes which are different in size, they all differ in water resistance as shown below in the table.

    Fashion model Fire Resistant External Dim. (HxWxD Internal Dim. (HxWxD) Weight (kg) Volume (l) Water Resistant (24 Hours)
    SentrySafe SFW082GTC Data Safe 1 hour 415 x 348 x 491 mm 319 x 244 x 292 mm 35.7 22.79 5 inches
    SentrySafe SFW123FTC Data Safe 1 hour 415 x 453 x 491 mm 319 x 349 x 302 mm 38.9 34 8 inches
    SentrySafe SFW205GPC Data Safe 1 hour 605 x 472 x 490 mm 498 x 376 x 302 mm 58 57 9 inches

     


    Need advice?

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    Expert Review: Phoenix Fortress Pro (score 8,9/10)
    Expert Review: Phoenix Fortress Pro (score 8,9/10)

    Today the Phoenix Fortress Pro SS1442E is ready for a review and another expert assessment.

    The Fortress Pro from Phoenix has just been launched with some excellent features and has been manufactured to a very high standard. The pro offers 60 minutes fire protection for paper documents and has an insurance rating of £4,000 for cash and £40,000 for valuables.

    View the SS1442E on our website

    Expert Review - SentrySafe FHW40100 Fireproof Chest (score 7,8/10)
    Expert Review - SentrySafe FHW40100 Fireproof Chest (score 7,8/10)

    Today the Sentrysafe FHW40100 fire resistant box is ready for a review and another expert assessment.

    The great thing about a fire-resistant box is that it is compact but still offers good fire safety. The FHW40100 has 30 minutes fire protection for data media and paper. In addition, it is ETL verified for water submersion for up to 72 hours. This is a replacement for the for Master Lock LFHW40102.

    View the FHW40100 on our website

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