- Ensure it is made of 100% fireproof materials
- Ensure the cabinet is on the pricer side – usually, more expensive file cabinets are more likely to be fireproof
- Enure they are water-resistant – file cabinets that also have build-in water protection for items are also likely to have a fire resistance of some kind.
Full Answer
Why do you need a fire proof filing cabinet?
- It naturally follows the step of being prepared for a house fire, which was Step 3.
- It’s relatively inexpensive.
- It’s relatively easy (can be done in a day)
- Regardless of where you live, NO ONE is safe from the possibility of a house fire or a flood.
- This is not only going to help you in the event of a fire or a flood. ...
How to clean a filing cabinet?
Topics Covered in this Buying Guide
- Remove All File Cabinet Contents
- Vacuum File Cabinet Drawers
- Dust Hard-to-Reach Corners
- Remove Rust with Steel Wool
- Wipe with a Damp Cloth or Sponge
- Dry Corners to Avoid Document Damage
How much does a fireproof file cabinet weight?
To further boggle the mind, if the filing cabinet is fireproof -- up to 800 pounds empty -- it could weigh about 1,400 pounds full. So, a full filing cabinet weighs a lot, no matter how many drawers it has. Also Know, what are fireproof file cabinets made of?
Are Hon file cabinets fireproof?
Thereof, are Hon filing cabinets fire resistant? No. A standard filing cabinet is not fireproof. The cabinet itself might not burn, but steel is a horrible insulator. If it’s hot on the outside of the cabinet, it will be hot on the inside. How deep is a lateral file cabinet?
How do I know if a filing cabinet is fireproof?
A product tested in their lab is marked with a UL rating, according to their results. For anything that is used to house or protect files, they organize products on this scale: Class 350-rated files and safes protect paper products. Class 150-rated files and media safes protect magnetic tapes and photographic film.
What is a fireproof file cabinet made of?
Fireproof insulation is 100% gypsum reinforced by a 1” x 2” lattice made of 14-gauge galvanized welded steel wire, providing complete peace of mind from fire, impact, or explosion.
Can filing cabinets survive a fire?
If you are looking to protect your assets, a fireproof file can give you the security you need. FireKing fireproof file cabinets provide the very highest level of protection from fires, impact damage, theft and even explosions.
Are metal cabinets fire resistant?
Paper is destroyed at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Most structure fires are many times hotter than that. A metal filing cabinet won't protect the contents inside.
Do file cabinets burn in fire?
Ordinary file cabinets are metal and shouldn't burn. Why would I need a special fire-rated cabinet? Ordinary file cabinets do not provide any protection in the event of a fire. In fact, their conductive material actively draws the heat of the blaze into the cabinet, where it will cause your documents to ignite.
Is a fireproof filing cabinet worth it?
While fireproof cabinets are effective against fires, another good reason to own a fireproof cabinet is that it offers increased protection against theft. You can use it to store important paperwork and expensive items without having to worry about them getting stolen.
Are flammable cabinets fireproof?
All flammable liquid storage cabinets meet NFPA Code 30 and OSHA requirements. See regulation guide here. WARNING: These fireproof cabinets for chemicals can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Should I have a filing cabinet?
As paper documents have become less prevalent in the modern workspace, the documents that remain are typically of high priority and importance. Filing cabinets not only provide storage for these important papers, they protect them as well.
Do fireproof filing cabinets contain asbestos?
FireKing File Cabinets do not contain any asbestos? White asbestos can be an excellent flame retardant, it's never been practical in a fireproof cabinet or safe construction because it retains way too much heat. FireKing products do not and have not ever contained any asbestos.
Are flammable cabinets fireproof?
All flammable liquid storage cabinets meet NFPA Code 30 and OSHA requirements. See regulation guide here. WARNING: These fireproof cabinets for chemicals can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Is there asbestos in old safes?
The short answer is no--fireproof safes generally do not contain asbestos. Modern fireproof safes do not, and never have, contained asbestos. However, it is possible that much older safes (before 1989) had asbestos because it was standard practice to use asbestos for heat insulation.
How much does a fireproof file cabinet weight?
Weight: 907 lbs. Fireproof insulation is 100% gypsum.
What makes a file cabinet fireproof?
File cabinets are fireproof due to the materials they are made from. Aluminum, stainless steel, and cast iron all have very high heat resistance. Meaning they can often prevent cabinets from burning at common fire temperatures.
What are some good fireproof file cabinets?
So a lot of you reading this are likely in the market for fireproof file cabinets.
How to avoid fires near your file cabinets?
So now we know what materials your file cabinet should be made of what are some top tips to avoid fire in the first place.
What is the best temperature to heat a file cabinet?
Most file cabinets made of pure oak, iron, and aluminum also offer a good amount of heat resistance between 572 degrees to 2300 degrees Fahrenheit (300 to 1260 degrees celsius)
What is the best material to keep a file cabinet from catching fire?
Only file cabinets made of stainless steel, cast iron, 316 stainless steel, and aluminum are fire-resistant from external fires between 600 and 1400 degrees celsius for a short time. If a fire occurs inside your cabinet, however, it will retain the fire as these metals are great insulators.
What kind of file cabinets have metal?
Some file cabinets such as wood or plastic file cabinets have metal materials laced in them for some form of fire resistance.
How hot do file cabinets need to be?
So now that we know most file cabinets need to survive around 600 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important that the material our file cabinets are made of are able to withstand this temperature.
How to test fireproof file cabinets?
To test this, a lab will expose a cabinet to heat on all six of its sides for varied lengths of time and different temperatures to see how well it holds up.
Who tests filing cabinets anyway?
A non-profit organization called Underwriters Laboratories (UL) assesses thousands of products every year to ensure that manufacturers keep their products to specific standards. A product tested in their lab is marked with a UL rating, according to their results.
Do you need a fireproof cabinet?
If you work for a company that holds many documents and files, then you may want to consider purchasing a fireproof cabinet. In fact, some insurance agencies may require that your company purchase one for safety or liability purposes, depending on what industry you work in.
What are fireproof cabinets?
Fireproof cabinets are cabinets made of materials which withstand heat and fire, generally steel or stainless steel. They are used to protect the materials inside from the effects of fire, as well as contain any materials which may cause fires. For some applications, fireproof cabinets are required to meet specific lab safety and building codes.
How much do fireproof cabinets cost?
Fireproof cabinets can range in price from $180 to $1600 apiece, on average, depending on the size, construction, and features of the cabinet, such as warning labels or locking capabilities. If you order custom fireproof cabinetry, the cost will also be dependent on your space and design.
Why do labs need fireproof cabinets?
Fireproof cabinets may also be useful when storing valuable property in your lab, as they can protect the items from fire, should a fire break out in your facility. Proprietary formulas, important documents, extremely valuable tools and equipment, and other important items can be stored in fireproof cabinetry for additional security and peace of mind.
What is fireproof storage?
Fireproof cabinets are necessary for storing hazardous materials, corrosives, combustibles, flammables, pesticides, explosives, aerosols or other pressurized containers, and other chemicals or substances which may cause, exacerbate, or become dangerous in a fire. OSHA requires that the quantity of flammable liquid that may be located outside of a storage room/storage cabinet should not exceed 25 gallons of Category 1, 120 gallons of Category 2, and 660 gallons of Category 3 liquids in containers, meaning that if your company uses large quantities of these liquids, safe storage, i.e., fireproof cabinets, is a necessity. See the full OSHA regulation on flammable liquids here.
