Fireproof Filing Cabinets: Features and Benefits

Aside from the obvious fire protection they provide, a fireproof filing cabinet also offers many more benefits. While these differ from brand to brand, here are some of the more common features you’ll find on many cabinets.

The perfect number of drawers

Fireproof filing cabinets are available in a variety of configurations. Most manufactures offer 2-drawer and 4-drawer models, while 3-drawer is also becoming popular. There are even single drawer models now available. No matter what your storage requirements or how limited your space, you are certain to find a fireproof cabinet that’s absolutely ideal.

Locking options

In addition to the standard key lock, most fireproof filing cabinets can be upgraded to feature either an electronic lock or a fingerprint lock. These locks are very convenient; there’s no more searching for the right key and no chance of a key being lost. They are also much more difficult for would-be thieves to bypass and help you limit who among your staff can access a filing cabinet’s contents.

Fingerprint locks also mean you don’t have to worry about losing a key or PIN number. All you need is your thumb, which hopefully you won’t misplace.

Some fireproof filing cabinets feature individual locks on each drawer for that little bit extra security. Others operate by unlocking all drawers together once the top drawer is unlocked, or allow you to decide which drawer or drawers you wish to unlock.

For increased security, some filing cabinets feature a double bitted high security key lock similar to those found on safes. These locks are far more difficult to pick open compared to typical key locks.

Wide variety of colours

The days of all filing cabinets being the one colour are long behind us. Nowadays, manufacturers are happy to offer stylishly finished cabinets in many different colours. Coffee and cream (brown and beige) remains a popular colour combination. Dark and light grey combinations are also gaining popularity and look particularly smart. The more standard beige and off white tones are sure to fit into any office perfectly, while some manufacturers are now offering cabinets in an eye-catching black.

Anti-tip devices

Filing cabinets can store an impressive amount of weight in their drawers. If you were to open all the drawers at once – or even just two at the same time – the filing cabinet could very easily tip over, as this weight would no longer be supported correctly. Anti tip mechanisms have been designed to combat this. They work by preventing too many drawers from being opened at once, or by preventing too many drawers from being opened beyond a certain point.