Protecting What Matters: A Guide to Fire-Resistant Files Fire-resistant files (often called "fireproof files") are specialized storage units designed to protect critical paper documents and digital media from extreme heat and structural collapse during a fire. While standard metal cabinets are non-combustible, they conduct heat quickly, which can lead to paper inside charring or bursting into flames even without direct contact with fire. How Fire-Resistant Files Work These units are built with a "sandwich" design:
Files are typically rated for 1 or 2 hours of protection at external temperatures reaching up to What to Store Inside
When choosing a file, look for certifications from . The rating indicates how long the file can withstand a fire and what it is designed to protect: Class 350: Maintains an internal temperature below fire proof files
. This is the standard for protecting , as paper begins to char at approximately Class 150/125: Maintains internal temperatures below
High-quality models include a steel wire lattice to ensure the cabinet maintains its shape even if it falls through a collapsing floor. Understanding Fire Ratings Protecting What Matters: A Guide to Fire-Resistant Files
Durable outer plates act as the first line of defense against impact and flames.
Layers of gypsum or cementitious materials are cast inside the steel shell. These materials contain moisture that, when heated, is released as steam, keeping the internal temperature significantly cooler than the exterior. The rating indicates how long the file can
. These are required for (like USBs, hard drives, or CDs), which are much more sensitive to heat than paper.