Security cabinets

What are the characteristics of a Security cabinet?

More substantial than a traditional cabinet, the versatility of a security cabinet makes it a preferred choice for many businesses looking to secure sensitive documents such as notarized deeds, contracts, chemicals, confidential files, or even digital media. A burglary or industrial espionage could have serious consequences for a company’s future. However, individuals can also benefit from using a security cabinet to store birth certificates, wills, cash, credit cards, gold, jewelry, weapons and firearms, paintings, computers, or cameras.

Available in various capacities, it comes with a single or double door, depending on the chosen model. Furthermore, the highly effective locking system integrated into the security cabinet ensures maximum security to protect your belongings from any intrusion or burglary.

The main advantage of a security cabinet is its high storage capacity. This capacity generally ranges from 100 to 500 liters but can reach up to 2000 liters depending on the models. They are also typically equipped with interior fittings that facilitate the storage of valuables: shelves, gun and rifle storage, files, and fireproof storage box. To make the right choice, consider allowing for an additional 25% of space to avoid limitations if you need to store other items later on.

What are the characteristics of a fire-resistant cabinet?

Unlike a traditional cabinet, a fire-resistant cabinet not only provides security against theft for your data and documents but also offers fire resistance for up to 2 hours.

The refractory materials inside the walls significantly slow down temperature increases inside the cabinet. With a fire-resistant cabinet, the internal temperature cannot exceed 50°C, effectively protecting your digital media and all documents.

The wall of a fire-resistant cabinet typically consists of steel and a thermal insulator (such as aerated concrete) to withstand fire for a duration ranging from 30 minutes to 120 minutes depending on the model.

Available in various sizes, with one or two doors, the fire-resistant cabinet also features sealing joints to maintain the interior temperature of the cabinet.

Unlike a fire-resistant cabinet, a fireproof cabinet is certified to withstand fire. In other words, it is recognized by your insurance in case of a fire, depending on the class to which it belongs. Generally, fireproof cabinets are subjected to less demanding tests than fire-resistant cabinets.

The fire-resistant cabinets from Fichet Bauche are true technological marvels. They are manufactured using specific materials, such as Mirium, patented by Fichet Bauche, which ensures excellent fire resistance. All our fire-resistant cabinets undergo testing and validation by CNPP. They are subjected to fire resistance tests, as well as drop tests simulating the collapse of a building in the event of a fire.

What are the characteristics of a security cabinet?

To ensure the cabinet storage of hazardous products exposed to high risks of fire, novice substance leaks, or explosions, a security cabinet must have a number of features, including:
Automatic closing doors or with key lock.
Thermo-dilating seals.
Ventilation system.

Size, usable volume, and equipment adapted to the types of contents categorize security cabinets into various types according to users’ needs.

Cabinet for Phytosanitary Products

This type of cabinet is specially designed for professionals who need to store chemicals considered hazardous to both humans and the environment. It is suitable for farmers, breeders, gardening professionals, or even individuals. These cabinets are designed to comply with regulations requiring professionals to store phytosanitary products correctly to prevent accidents. If the professional does not have a specific space to store their products, they can opt for a standard security cabinet that will serve its purpose equally well.

Cabinet for Flammable Products

If you have flammable products and liquids, it is advisable to choose a security cabinet that provides fire resistance ranging from 30 to 90 minutes. Among these products are:

Flammable solvents such as ethanol, acetone, diethyl ether, propanol, hexane, cyclohexane…

Chemicals such as iodine, iron, copper sulfate, glycerol…

In addition to cabinets for phytosanitary and flammable products, security cabinets include compartmentalized cabinets, fire-resistant cabinets, and multi-purpose cabinets.

Security cabinets can be offered in high or low versions and generally come in various volumes.

What types of locks are used in security cabinets?

Several locking systems can be equipped with security cabinets.

Key locks are the most practical and least expensive solution. However, they require careful attention not to lose the key and are not suitable when a large number of users need to open the security cabinet.

Mechanical or electronic combination locks involve entering a code or password to unlock the security cabinet. With this type of lock, you do not risk losing your key. It is particularly deterrent to burglars.

What standards govern the manufacturing of a security cabinet?

Anti-Theft Standard

The European standard EN 14450 guarantees protection against theft for security grades S1 or S2.

Certified Locks

All locks on Fichet Bauche security cabinets are certified A2P/EN 1300. Depending on the models, our cabinets can be equipped with a mechanical key lock (A2P level B) or an electronic or mechanical combination lock (A2P level C/E).

Fire Protection Standard

For fire-resistant cabinets, standard EN 1047-1 validates models that have successfully passed fire endurance tests, thermal shock resistance tests, and fall tests. Fichet Bauche fire-resistant cabinets are exposed to flames exceeding 1000 °C, then subjected to various tests:

The fire endurance test verifies that the interior of the cabinet never exceeds 50 °C to ensure the protection of digital media.

The thermal shock resistance and fall test exposes the cabinet in an oven preheated to 1090 °C for 45 minutes. The cabinet is then removed and lifted 9.15m from the ground. It is then dropped from this height, then placed again in an oven at a temperature of 840 °C for 45 minutes. The critical thresholds not to exceed are identical to those of the endurance test.

Dangerous Products Standard

Since April 2004, the storage of hazardous products must comply with the European standard EN 14470-1.

ISO 9001 Certifications

All Fichet-Bauche products are manufactured in certified factories:

ISO 9001:2000 that meets the requirements for quality management;

ISO 9001:14000 that meets the requirements for environmental management.

All the locks on Fichet-Bauche security cabinets are approved and labeled A2P/EN 1300 for optimal security.

Where to Install a Security cabinet?

To facilitate the use of your cabinet, it is advisable to install it in an accessible location. Sufficient floor space should also be provided to accommodate the cabinet, and it’s essential to carefully assess the door’s opening angle before installation. Since a security cabinet is quite heavy, there is no need to seal it; burglars will not have the opportunity to dislodge it. However, it is important to consider the load-bearing capacity of the floor to ensure the equipment’s resistance. For instance, for safes weighing 1 ton, it is necessary to use a distribution plate to ensure that the support will not be damaged by the weight. If you have any doubts, feel free to consult our Fichet Bauche technicians who will know how to best install your security solution.