When it comes to safeguarding valuables whether for home or business, knowing the burglary or security rating of a safe is essential. These ratings, derived from either construction standards or rigorous testing protocols, help you evaluate how well a safe can withstand forced entry.
1. B-Class (B-Rated) Safes – Good Protection
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Definition: A construction-based rating originally developed by the insurance industry.
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Specs: Steel doors less than 1" thick; body walls less than ½" thick.
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Ideal for: Basic home or business use, where the aim is deterrence rather than resistance to aggressive break-in attempts.
B-Rated Safe: Gardall LC1414
2. C-Class (C-Rated) Safes – Better Protection
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Definition: Also a construction-based rating from insurance standards.
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Specs: At least 1" thick doors and ½" thick body walls.
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Ideal for: Higher-value items requiring a step-up in protection from the B-Class.
3. UL RSC (Residential Security Container)
These are performance-rated, meaning they must pass standardized UL testing.
RSC Level I
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Construction:
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UL-listed Group II combination lock or Type 1 electronic lock.
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Door: at least 3⁄16" open-hearth steel.
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Body: minimum 12-gauge open-hearth steel.
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Test: Must resist a 5-minute attack using prying, drilling, chiseling, punching, and tampering.
RSC Level I Safe: AMSEC BFX 6030
RSC Level II
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Construction: Same as Level I.
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Test: Withstand a 10-minute assault with more intensive tools.
These containers are solid for residential needs, with Level II offering double the resistance time of Level I.
RSC Level II Safe: AMSEC BFII 6030
4. UL Tool-Resistant (TL) Ratings
These are performance-tested safes ideal for commercial and high-value applications.
TL-15
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Specs:
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Body walls: at least 1" open-hearth steel, 50,000 psi tensile strength.
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Safe must weigh ≥ 750 lb or come with anchoring instructions.
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Test: Withstand 15 minutes of attack by tools including hand tools, picking devices, mechanical/electric tools, grinding points, carbide drills, and pressure devices.
TL-15 Rated Safe: Inkas Titan Tl-15
TL-30
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Specs: Same as TL-15.
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Test: Withstand 30 minutes of tool attacks. Also includes more aggressive tools such as cutting wheels and power saws.
TL-30 Rated Safe: Browning TL-30
TL-30×6
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Specs: Same as TL-30.
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Test: 30 minutes of attack on all six sides (door, top, bottom, sides, back). Must resist grinders and peeling attacks.
TL-30x6 Rated Safe: Inkas Saturn TL-30x6
Choosing the Right Safe
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Home or basic business use: A C-Class or RSC Level I offers solid deterrence.
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Valuables needing higher resistance: Opt for RSC Level II if you want more confidence.
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Commercial or high-value storage: Go for TL-15 or TL-30, depending on threat level.
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Maximum security: TL-30×6 is your best bet. It protects every surface under high-intensity tool attacks.
Balancing the value of what you're protecting against your security needs and budget will guide you to the best choice. You’ll also gain insurance considerations, higher-rated safes often allow for higher coverage limits.
