Pros and Cons of Fireproof Filing Cabinets

4 drawer Chubbsafes Profile NT

4 drawer Chubbsafes Profile NT

Some might wonder if there is really that much difference between fireproof filing cabinets and standard versions. There are many similarities between the two, and several pros and cons you might want to consider.

Fire resistance

Fire resistance is, of course, a fireproof filing cabinet’s #1 advantage. There were approximately 20,000 fires at non-residential buildings between April 2011 and March 2012. Just think of all the vital documents and papers your business could lose if even a single filing cabinet was lost or damaged in a small fire. Invoices, tax returns, personnel files, important memos; the list goes on. Having the right protection for these documents means your business is able to continue trading even if the worst happens.

Increased security

Owing to their heavy duty construction, a fireproof filing cabinet will typically offer a greater level of security than a standard filing cabinet. Since the fire resistant layer is made of  a substance such as concrete, it is much harder to puncture the steel body of a fireproof filing cabinet in comparison to a standard one. Many manufacturers also offer an impressive array of locking options, including standard key locks, high security key locks and electronic locks.

Weight

Something you will notice straight-away is that fireproof filing cabinets tend to weigh more than standard filing cabinets. This is due to the fireproof layer sandwiched into the walls. While this can make a fireproof cabinet a little more awkward to move around the office, it also makes it less prone to potentially tipping over. It also means the cabinet is that little bit more secure – a thief unable to get past the lock might be less inclined to try carrying the cabinet from the office to wherever he keeps his power tools.

Style and design

Sentry 6000 2 Drawer Fireproof Filing Cabinet

Sentry 6000 2 Drawer Fireproof Filing Cabinet

Many people believe that fire resistance comes at the expense of good design and nice colours. While it is true that standard filing cabinets come in a vast array of colours, the same can also be said of fire resistant versions. Popular colours for both include coffee and cream combinations, light and dark grey combinations and plain black. Stylishly designed handles with complementary colours are also a fairly standard feature of both standard and fireproof cabinets.

Where standard filing cabinets arguably win out in terms of style is in the variety of materials they can be constructed from, including wood and plastic. However, such materials provide zero fire protection and might even lend fuel to the flames.

Price

Generally speaking, fireproof filing cabinets are more expensive than the traditional variety. But what price can you put on peace of mind? Manufacturers are constantly striving to make better value fireproof cabinets, bringing the price closer and closer to that of a standard cabinet but without sacrificing fire protection, durability or build quality. The few hundred pounds you might save by opting for a standard cabinet could result in you losing vital documents, without which your business might not be able to continue trading.

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