Security Safes Explained: Cash Ratings, Euro Grades & Choosing the Right Safe
When choosing a security safe for your home or business, many people quickly discover that there is a huge amount of technical jargon involved. Terms such as “cash rating”, “Eurograde”, “fire resistant” and “insurance approved” can often leave customers confused about what they actually need.
At 110 Security Solutions, we supply and professionally install security safes across Peterborough and the surrounding areas. We also provide honest expert advice to help customers choose the correct safe for their valuables, cash, jewellery, documents and business assets.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about security safes, including cash ratings, insurance considerations, safe types and professional installation.
In this article we will cover:
What Is a Cash Rating?
Understanding Eurograde Safes
Different Types of Security Safes
Fire Ratings Explained
Safe Lock Types
Where Should a Safe Be Installed?
Professional Safe Installation
Why Choose 110 Security Solutions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Find Us
What Is a Cash Rating?
One of the most important factors when buying a safe is understanding the cash rating. A cash rating is the amount of money an insurance company may cover if cash is stored inside the safe correctly.
As a general rule, valuables such as jewellery are usually covered at ten times the cash rating.
For example:
- A £1,000 cash rated safe may provide insurance cover for:
- £1,000 in cash
- Up to £10,000 in jewellery or valuables
Insurance companies often require safes to meet recognised testing standards, particularly for higher-value storage. This is where Eurograde ratings become important.
Why Cash Ratings Matter
Choosing a safe with too low a rating may leave your valuables uninsured. On the other hand, purchasing an excessively high-grade safe may cost more than necessary.
Our team can help assess:
- The value of the contents you wish to protect
- Your insurance requirements
- The risk level of the property
- The best installation location
Understanding Eurograde Safes
Eurograde safes are independently tested against burglary attacks using specialist tools. These safes are graded from Grade 0 upwards.
Common Eurograde Ratings
- Grade 0: Approximate cash rating of £6,000
- Grade 1: Approximate cash rating of £10,000
- Grade 2: Approximate cash rating of £17,500
- Grade 3: Approximate cash rating of £35,000
- Grade 4: Approximate cash rating of £60,000
These ratings can vary slightly depending on insurers, but they provide a reliable benchmark.
Eurograde safes are commonly used in:
- Jewellery shops
- Offices
- Retail businesses
- Pharmacies
- High-value homes
Different Types of Security Safes
Home Safes
Ideal for storing passports, jewellery, documents and small amounts of cash. These are popular for homeowners wanting additional protection against burglary.
Office and Business Safes
Business safes are designed for higher-value storage and often include insurance-approved ratings and audit features.
Underfloor Safes
Installed beneath concrete floors and concealed under carpets or furniture, underfloor safes provide discreet protection.
Wall Safes
Wall safes are recessed into walls and hidden behind pictures or furniture. They are commonly used in homes and offices.
Fireproof Safes
Designed to protect paper documents, hard drives and digital media from extreme temperatures during a fire.
Fire Ratings Explained
Many people assume all safes are fireproof, but this is not the case.
Fire ratings are usually measured in time periods such as:
- 30 minutes
- 60 minutes
- 90 minutes
- 120 minutes
The higher the fire rating, the longer the safe can protect its contents during a fire.
If you are storing:
- Legal documents
- Passports
- Business records
- Digital media
then a certified fire-resistant safe is strongly recommended.
Safe Lock Types
Key Lock Safes
Simple and reliable, but keys must be stored securely.
Digital Electronic Locks
Popular modern option allowing quick access with a PIN code.
Mechanical Combination Locks
Traditional rotating dial systems known for reliability.
Biometric Safes
Use fingerprint recognition technology for rapid access.
Choosing the correct locking method depends on convenience, security level and how frequently the safe will be accessed.
Where Should a Safe Be Installed?
The location of a safe is extremely important. A poorly installed safe may be vulnerable to attack or removal.
Safes should ideally be:
- Hidden from obvious view
- Bolted securely to suitable surfaces
- Installed away from high-moisture areas
- Positioned for practical access
Professional installation also ensures the safe complies with manufacturer and insurance requirements.
Professional Safe Installation
At 110 Security Solutions, we provide professional safe supply and installation throughout Peterborough and surrounding areas.
We can help with:
- Home safe installation
- Business safe installation
- Floor safes
- Wall safes
- Insurance-approved safes
- Safe relocation
- Expert safe advice
Every property is different, which is why we provide tailored recommendations based on your exact requirements.
You may also be interested in our related services:
Why Choose 110 Security Solutions?
We are trusted local security specialists serving Peterborough with professional and reliable security solutions.
What Makes Us Different?
- Expert advice with no pressure selling
- Professional safe installation
- High-quality trusted safe brands
- Local Peterborough service
- Support for homes and businesses
- Security-focused approach
Whether you need a simple home safe or a high-security Eurograde safe for business use, we can help you choose the right solution.
Find Us
You can find 110 Security Solutions here:
For expert advice on choosing the right safe for your property, contact 110 Security Solutions today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size safe do I need?
This depends on what you intend to store. It is usually best to choose a slightly larger safe than you currently require to allow for future use.
Can a safe be installed upstairs?
Yes, although the floor structure and safe weight must be considered carefully.
Are safes insurance approved?
Many Eurograde safes are insurance recognised, but you should always confirm requirements with your insurer.
Do burglars steal entire safes?
Yes, which is why proper professional installation and anchoring are extremely important.
Can you supply and install safes in Peterborough?
Yes. We offer complete safe supply, delivery and installation services across Peterborough and surrounding areas.
