Safe & Vault Glossary
Understand the terminology used in the safe and vault industry.
This glossary is being expanded. More terms will be added soon.
- RSC (Residential Security Container)
- A UL classification for safes that meet minimum residential security standards. RSC safes must resist attack for 5 minutes using common hand tools.
- TL-15
- A UL burglary rating indicating the safe door resisted attack by a skilled burglar using common hand and electric tools for 15 minutes.
- TL-30
- A UL burglary rating indicating the safe door resisted attack by a skilled burglar using common hand and electric tools for 30 minutes.
- Fire Rating
- A measure of how long a safe can protect its contents from fire. Expressed in minutes (e.g., 60 minutes at 1700°F). Tested by independent labs like UL or ETL.
- UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
- An independent safety certification organization that tests and rates safes for burglary and fire resistance.
- B-Rate
- An industry (non-UL) classification for safes with a steel body of at least 1/4 inch and a door of at least 1/2 inch. No UL testing required.