Standard Test Methods, and Why They are Important

To obtain certification for fire resistance, safes are tested in a furnace, utilizing standard test methods to simulate a typical home fire and to ensure that all safes are tested the same way every time. Standard test methods include:

Control of furnace temperature to a defined "temperature curve"

Positioning of the safe within the furnace

Placement of heat-sensing devices inside the safe

Requirements regarding the size of safes tested

Control of Furnace Temperature

As a leading independent fire testing laboratory, Omega has developed rigorous test standards for fire certification. Standard test methods used by Omega require that the air temperature within the testing furnace ramp up to a specified temperature within a specified amount of time, and then maintain that temperature for a specified period of time. Figure 1 illustrates a standard furnace temperature curve used by Omega. During a test, the temperature of the air inside the furnace is tracked against this curve to ensure that the furnace simulates the conditions of a typical home fire. If the testing furnace does not heat the air to the standard temperature curve, the furnace is not adequate to certify safes for fire resistance. For example, it would be easy to achieve a safe fire rating of 1200°F for 60 minutes, if the furnace air temperature does not even reach 1200°F until 40 minutes into the test. Consumers should beware of safes that are tested in an inadequate furnace, one that does not perform to the standard temperature curve used by Omega.

Omega fire tests simulate actual home fire intensity, reaching 1200¾F in 10 minutes

Heat-Treat fire tests, common in the industry, can take 38 minutes to reach 1200¾F, extending the fire rating time claim, but providing an unrealistic expectation of fire resistance.

Positioning of the Safe within the Furnace

Standard test methods used by Omega and other independent testing organizations require that safes be positioned properly in the testing furnace, specifically in the upright position, as the consumer would normally use the safe. The coolest area of the safe during a test or in a home fire will always be at the bottom, nearest the floor. Consumers should beware of safes that are tested laying on their back or side versus upright.

Placement of Heat-Sensing Devices

Standard test methods used by Omega and other independent testing organizations require that heat-sensing devices be placed at very specific locations within the safe. The coolest area of the safe during the test is at the bottom of the safe, nearest the floor. Standard test methods require that heat-sensing devices be placed in various areas of the safe, including the hottest area-the top section. The safe fails the test when any heat-sensing device inside the safe measures a temperature of 350°F or higher during the required time of the test. Consumers should beware of safes that are tested with heat-sensing devices that are not placed properly within the safe, including no heat-sensing devices placed in the top of the safe, the hottest section of the safe.

Size of Safes Tested

Small-sized safes generally perform better than large safes in fire resistance tests, due to their compact volume and the fact that they are sometimes closer to the floor, the coolest area during a test. Standard test methods used by Omega and other independent testing organizations require that large safes in the product line be tested versus small safes. In testing gun safes, Omega requires that a mid-sized model (23 to 25 cubic foot) or larger be tested to certify the model series. Consumers should beware of safes certified through tests of small-sized models.

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