Advice on safes please

PunkRoquefort

I am considering getting a safe and have asked my long term electrician to install it if I get one, as I'd want him to check the drilling and bolts will not damage any hidden wires or pipes.

I am looking at AIS/insurance company approved safes, plus like the idea of one that is fire and flood resistant also.

Recently, I read and can see this being correct, that as soon as a safe is bolted it loses is protection against floods. I do not live in a house which is in a flood area, but a burst pipe can cause major flooding, can't it.

I understand using an industrial glue to permanently fix the safe to the concrete floor is an option, as is storing things in flood proof pouches or smaller flood proof safes, inside the safe.

Can a waterproof glue/resin remove things where the safe is bolted?

Am I correct in saying fire and flood proof safes are less secure than ones simply aimed at deterring theft? Also, is it correct that flood proof safes can get mouldy inside and need airing periodically.

Advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Bigphil1474

Couldn't you just buy a fire proof safe and put it upstairs?

vacheron

We have a fire safe upstairs. Also, if you are drilling into a wall with pipes or wires, this is most likely not a strong external wall or solid floor. I would be bolting the safe to an external wall upstairs in a location where there is no risk of any pipework (and the height above ground giving minimal risk of flood damage) anyway. 

PunkRoquefort

Thank you.

I only suggested upstairs as I have a house with an under-the-stairs cupboard. I really have nowhere upstairs to hide it out of sight, apart from a built in wardrobe, but aren't they the first places a burglar looks?

I am looking at a heavy-ish weighted safe though.

Eldi_Dos

PunkRoquefort said:

I am looking at AIS/insurance company approved safes, plus like the idea of one that is fire and flood resistant also.

Recently, I read and can see this being correct, that as soon as a safe is bolted it loses is protection against floods. I do not live in a house which is in a flood area, but a burst pipe can cause major flooding, can't it.



Advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

If you mean drilling holes in safe to fit bolts I could understand that voiding the warranty,plus being difficult to do.

If you are wanting to attach it to a concrete base there most likely will be models with external flanges or brackets that can be bolted or concreted into place.

Failing that some brackets/ metalwork that is bolted into concrete and holds the safe in place should not be to difficult for a competent person to do.

UnsureAboutthis

Look for "approved safes"

There are comparison sites; Google it.

Then shortlist a couple of safes and check other sites re reviews/prices etc.

Best to have one with bolt holes to the floor and back, and insurance approved/etc.

Buy from a longstanding website and ensure no hidden charges.


A link below to some of the best safes, IMO. Take a look and then compare the standards with the safes you may want to buy. Even then, shop around as prices/reviews can vary.

https://www.safe.co.uk/Categories/home-and-office-safes/brand-chubb-safes/cash-4000/sfsafe-fireproof/1.html

PunkRoquefort

The only concrete flooring I have is under the kitchen cabinets, a small-ish under- the-stairs storage space, which I gave to kneel to get in plus the garage floor. 

If I put it upstairs in my second bedroom's walk-in wardrobe, it has one external wall, but the back wall has the bathroom behind it.

I have a heated towel rail on that bathroom wall.

Yes, I have already looked at the above website.

Would bolting a fire/flood security safe to the solid wall in my walk-in wardrobe, which has a wooden floor still be a good option and make removing it difficult for an unwelcome visitor?

Eldi_Dos

PunkRoquefort said:

The only concrete flooring I have is under the kitchen cabinets, a small-ish under- the-stairs storage space, which I gave to kneel to get in plus the garage floor.

Would bolting a fire/flood security safe to the solid wall in my walk-in wardrobe, which has a wooden floor still be a good option and make removing it difficult for an unwelcome visitor?

If it is a outside wall bolting a large chunk of metal to it could lead to mould problems.

tacpot12

Waterproof pouches are the way to go to ensure items stored in a safe aren't damaged by firefighters putting out a fire. 

PunkRoquefort

Ok. So it sounds like bolting it to the concrete floor in my small under-the-stairs storage space is the way to go, then for extra security, waterproof pouches from Master Lock or similar.

Thank you.

PunkRoquefort

Last night, the creamy coloured Chubb fire rated safes were the ones I was considering. I was looking at the safe.co.uk website. Phoenix and Master Lock are other brands I considered.