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So many people have stories to tell about the damages fire can cause. In case of fire, documents are prone to burning up quickly before the fire service arrives. You may have the time to grab important files before the fire escalates. But sometimes, there is barely any time given to save one’s self. For this reason, a good fireproof box for legal-size documents is essential in your home.
That being said, it is vital to keep the important documents not just safe, both fireproof and waterproof as well as people can lose valuables because of water.
Going the extra mile to protect your paperwork and valuable items is necessary when the need arises. We understand that and have created the list of the top 5 best fireproof and waterproof document safes.
We have compiled a list of the best fireproof box for home and office use. Here is a quick summary of our top picks before the detailed reviews.
Summary Table
| Top Pick SentrySafe SFW205GQC |  |
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| Also Great Hollon Safe PM-1014 TL-15 UL |  |
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| Value For Money SureSeal By FireKing SS106 |  |
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| Good against Theft First Alert 2096DF |  |
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| Portable Peiruil Honeywell Fire Safes 1104 |  |
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Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Fireproof Box for Legal Documents
It is easy to walk into any big chain grocery store to purchase a safe. However, most of them are nothing short of boxes with easy locks. Before you invest in a legal-size fireproof box, there are some things to consider to ensure it will serve your purpose well. Some of these include the following aspects.
The Cost
Fireproof and waterproof document safes come in a diverse range of costs. Some entry-level safes are under one hundred dollars. More so, you can find some of the best safes for legal-size documents for one thousand dollars.
Nonetheless, the more expensive your safe is, means, the better it is. Also, being costly means, it will be both bigger and heavier. At this point, your determining factor should be based on how valuable your documents are and how much you are willing to spend regarding security.
Fire Rating
While you may find fireproof written on your safe, you will have to find out how fireproof it is. Understand that fireproof is not a one-size-fits-all issue.
When it comes down to fireproof, it means your safe is fireproof for a specific time. It also means that it remains fireproof at a particular temperature. Note that the hotter the temperature gets, the longer the time, and the better the safe.
A house burns averagely at a degree of one thousand one hundred Fahrenheit. While some areas of the house can be hotter, other regions can be cold. You will need a fireproof box for legal-size documents that do not get burnt for a minimum of thirty minutes.
Thus, a burning temperature of one thousand one hundred and thirty minutes length of time should be the minimum for your fireproof safe.
Waterproof Features
Do you think having a waterproof safe is strange? It is a fantastic feature to consider when seeking the best fireproof box for legal-size documents. You may find yourself living in a building that makes use of a sprinkler system.
This sprinkler system tends to kick start during a fire outbreak. And when the fire service arrives, they will make use of hoses that are highly powered.
If you purchase a safe that is not waterproof, the fire will not cause any damage. Nevertheless, you can guess what will damage your important documents? Yes, the water.
Weight and Space
You must put the weight and space of your safe into serious consideration. How many valuables and vital documents will you be storing? You will come across fireproof safes, that have lots of space, but still might get stolen easily.
If you want to protect your documents from both theft, water, and fire, you should go for a safe that is heavy.
However, if you are considering fire alone, you can purchase a light fireproof safe for personal use.
Best Fireproof and Waterproof Box for Legal-Size Documents In 2021
Several reasons abound as to why you need a fireproof and waterproof document safe. While people may prefer to have a deposit box at the bank, getting a safe at home has its advantages. Generally, it makes it easier to reach your documents anytime you want.
01.Top Pick
SentrySafe SFW205GQC
Are you on the search for a fireproof and waterproof safe? You should try out the SentrySafe SFW205GQC. This safe comes with a pry-resistant hinge bar and a combination lock. It also comes with a one-inch bolt that aids in the protection against theft.
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Specifications and Key-Features
- Exterior: H-23.8″ x W-18.6″ x D-19.3″
- Interior: H-19.6″ x W-14.8″ x D-11.9″
- Weight: 125 Lbs
- Capacity: 2.05 CFT
- UL fireproof rating: 1 hour at 1700°F.
- ETL waterproof rating: 24 hrs.
- Manual dial or digital keypad lock to choose.
- Warranty: Replacement or full refund.
Description
Hailing from the famous SentrySafe brand, this product remains true to the manufacturer’s reputation. It comes with a tray and a deep organizer for storing the smallest valuables. The design of SFW205CWB is from materials of high quality.
The materials have gone through tests to reveal their fire-resistant temperature. Its resistance is roughly one thousand seven hundred degrees Fahrenheit. It can also last up to one hour during a fire outbreak. Moreover, all your legal-size documents and media files will fit into it.
Interestingly, it makes use of six live-action bolts to prevent fire, water, and theft. There is also an electronic keypad lock.
Note that your SFW205GQC is waterproof for twenty-four hours when submerged in eight inches of water.
Pros
- UL & ETL certified for added security.
- Fireproof, waterproof, and drop tested.
- Highly durable & reliable against theft.
- Sturdy build with six live-locking bolts.
- Lifetime anti-fire replacement warranty.
Cons
- Jamming issues due to prolonged closure.
- Water protection can be reduced if not sealed properly after drilling.
In all, the SentrySafe SFW205GQC is reliable enough. It protects your valuables and documents from fire, water and theft.
02.Also Great
Hollon Safe PM-1014 TL-15 UL
Rated amongst the best fireproof box for legal-size documents, most people refer to this safe box as a fortress. Bear in mind that no matter the exquisite burglar attack, forest fire, or power tool, none can penetrate this safe.
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Specifications and Key-Features
- Exterior: H-16″ x W-19.5″ x D-19″
- Interior: H-10.25″ x W-14″ x D-11″
- Weight: 450 Lbs
- Capacity: .91 cubic feet
- UL fireproof rating: 2 hours at 1750°F.
- Dial combination lock.
- Burglary resistant handle.
- Warranty: Lifetime fire warranty.
Description
Be it fire or burglars, when it comes to the maximum trust level, this is a legal-size fireproof box you can check out.
On a general note, various tests have been carried out on it to ensure its firm resistance to heat. Thus, it is safe to say that this Hollon fireproof box can withstand a fire of about one thousand seven hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit.
Meanwhile, its security has been tried to compromise with a sledgehammer, crowbar, power saws, pickaxes, drills, cool temperature, etc. You may be pleased to know that none of these has been able to penetrate this box, so it maintains the reputation of being a good theft-proof safe as well.
Note that it comes with one of the best electronic locks you will ever find. If you have valuables that you would not want to deposit in a bank, like your documents, jewelry, and rare coins, you can trust this Hollon Safe PM-1014 TL-15 UL to carry out its protective work.
Pros
- Can resist fire for two hours up to 1750° F.
- Highly durable compressed concrete material.
- Contains a burglary-resistant handle.
- Suitable for documents and other valuables.
- Lifetime fire warranty.
Cons
- High price range.
- Not easy to transport due to heavyweight.
Every safe has its pros and cons. Nevertheless, this fireproof safe for legal-size documents is ideal for both your home and office use for years!
03.Budget-friendly
SureSeal By FireKing SS106
This fireproof and waterproof legal-size document safe is ideal for protecting both your digital media and documents from accidental hazards. With its multi-layered safety measurements, this SureSeal box is guaranteed to secure your irreplaceable items. These items range from passport, essential business records, the family will, and so much more.
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Specifications and Key-Features
- Exterior: H-13″ x W-16″ x D-12.5″
- Interior: H-10.1″ x W-12.2″ x D-8.4″
- Weight: 51 lbs.
- Capacity: .6 cubic feet
- UL fireproof rating: 30 minutes at 1550°F
- 48 Hour water protection
- Key locking system
- Warranty: Lifetime after fire warranty
Description
Have versatile items that deserve some added safety precautions? Then take a look at this product right away. Both your legal-size documents and digital media items will gain protection against any fire outbreak or flood with this safe.
That being said, this safe remains intact up to half an hour in a fire. Certainly, its burning temperature is at one thousand five hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit.
It is waterproof for forty-eight hours against pipe and flood water. In fact, it has been tested by being submerged in water. Interestingly, this SureSeal safe emerged with an entirely dry interior! Therefore, we can proudly assert that this is one of the budget-friendly fireproof boxes with excellent water resistance.
The best aspect is that this FireKing safe comes with a free lifetime replacement warranty. Additionally, this safe has a seven years limited warranty against defects. It is structured to meet all of your security needs. With it, your flash drives, CDs, and even portable hard drives are secure against both fire and water outbreaks.
Pros
- Moderate price range.
- Ideal for compact spaces.
- Good for paper and digital media items.
- A lifetime after-fire guarantee.
- 7-year defect warranty.
Cons
- Basic key lock.
- Comes with plastic latches.
- Occasional issues with internal moisture.
However, for the internal moisture issue, you can place packs of silica gel in the safe. The gels are necessary to keep your documents safe from harm. With this part covered, you may be looking at an impressive fireproof box for legal-size documents at a low price range.
04. Good against Theft
First Alert 2096DF
First Alert is a company that has been in existence for over sixty years. It has been able to help customers in protecting the valuables and documents that matter to them. To safeguard your documents from burglars and water, this fireproof safe for legal-size documents is highly recommended.
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Specifications and Key-Features
- Exterior: H-24.1″ x W-16.6″ x D-23.4″
- Interior: H-19.7″ x W-13.5″ x D-13.9″
- Weight: 145 lbs.
- Capacity: 2.1 cubic feet
- UL fireproof rating: 1 hour at 1700°F.
- Great water protection.
- Digital locking with emergency key.
- Warranty: 5 Year limited warranty.
Description
The First Alert 2096DF safe can withstand high temperatures for one hour of roughly one thousand seven hundred degrees Fahrenheit! On top of it, to avoid moisture entering the safe, it comes with a waterproof seal included inside.
Another great aspect of its design is the mere simplicity it offers. For starters, the digital lock is easy to utilize. You can also opt for a key to open the safe, which makes it a perfect fireproof box for legal-size documents if you prefer classic designs over complex ones.
As basic as the design may be, the First Alert 2096DF provides great protection in case of theft with its top-notch hinges. Also, wheels are attached at the bottom to make the safe easily portable.
Pros
- Spacious storage space.
- Goof fire-water resistance.
- Highly secure against theft.
- Lifetime after-fire replacement.
- Easy to transport.
Cons
- Batteries need to be replaced regularly.
- Needs to be aired out occasionally.
In addition to all of these, the First Alert 2096DF is your best bet for vital documents and items. It can protect your valuables against theft, fire, and water. However, bear in mind that, you cannot place explosive and temperature-sensitive items in this safe.
05. Portable
Peiruil Honeywell Fire Safes 1104
Have you been searching for the best fireproof box for compact spaces? Then this fire-resistant safe for legal-size documents may be a great choice for you. The Peiruil Honeywell safe comes with a storage capacity of roughly .38 cubic feet, is easy to transport, and be stored almost anywhere you, please.
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Specifications and Key-Features
- Exterior: H-7.34″ x W-19.9″ x D-17″
- Interior: H-3.8″ x W-14.8″ x D-12″
- Weight: 56 lbs.
- Capacity: .39 cubic feet
- UL fireproof rating: 1 hour at 1700°F.
- ETL waterproof rating: 100 hour.
- Key locking system.
- Warranty: Lifetime after fire warranty.
Description
Since you are looking for a fireproof box for legal-size documents, it will give you peace of mind to note that this safe can withstand a burning temperature of about 1700 degrees Fahrenheit. Even in such a high temperature, the safe will remain secure for a duration of one hour.
Furthermore, it comes with a waterproof seal as well as two leeches by the side. All these help in providing the safe with extra protection against floods, sprinklers, and any other water damage.
This Honeywell safe has a one-hour UL fire protection rating and can keep all of your contents dry. It is capable of holding legal size papers, USB flash drives, DVDs, and so much more.
If you wish, this safe can be kept safely under your bed. Plus, its handle enables the users to transport it easily.
Pros
- Ideal for paper & digital media documents.
- Waterproof and fireproof design.
- Certified by a reputed company.
- After-fire lifetime replacement guarantee.
- Limited 7-year warranty against damage.
Cons
- Less durable locking system.
- Must be opened occasionally to prevent moisture.
Nevertheless, if you are on the search for a fireproof safe with a low budget to keep your documents or media valuables safe, Honeywell safe is a great option for you.
Some FAQs
Is it compulsory that the fireproof safe for legal-size documents must be heavy?
Ans: Over time, it has been verified that the heavier the safe, the better it is to serve your needs. The whole concept behind a safe is that it will be installed permanently in your home.
So, the heavier and sealed your safe is, the more secure your valuables turn out to be.
Are Lockboxes the same as safes?
So many people confuse both of them. However, it will interest you to note that lockboxes do not provide the same security that a safe will provide for you. Lockboxes can be moved around and come with traditional locks.
Is it compulsory to get a safe for legal-size documents that are both fireproof and water-resistant?
You can choose to go with a safe that is only fire-resistant, and you can choose to go with both features.
However, your location comes to play sometimes. If you live in an area that is susceptible to floods, you have no choice but to go with a safe that is waterproof. A fireproof safe is more prominent since you are more likely to encounter a sudden fire outbreak than a flood.
Should the safe be bolted to the floor?
Ans: No. Some safes come equipped with this option, but everything depends on how secure you want your safe to be. Some of the heaviest safe weigh about one hundred pounds; these types cannot be moved easily.
In contrast, some safes weigh roughly forty pounds and can be moved without any stress. Such safes should be bolted to the floor of your home.
You can even purchase safes that come with tiny holes. The tiny holes enable them to be widened with a drill at the bottom. This aids in bolting it tightly to the floor.
Does the size of my safe for legal-size documents matter?
Ans: When it comes down to safes, some are structured to hold papers alone. This means they will be small. But, if you want to store jewelry and digital media, you will need a big safe.
You will come across safes that are tall enough for you to include oddly shaped items within them. The size of your safe will depend on what you have in mind to store in it. Most importantly, when you are looking for a fireproof safe for legal-size documents, first ensure that the box is large enough for your needs.
What kind of documents can I keep in my safe?
Ans: You can have copies of your insurance policies in your safe, even though you can do without putting them in there. The sort of documents expected in your safe is confidential. No prying eyes should find them.
Documents such as your will, proof of benefits and disability information, power of attorney, and the like are to be seen in the confinement of your safe.
What is the best fireproof safe for legal-size documents for home use?
Ans: There are multiple fireproof and waterproof document safes we have reviewed in this article. You should go for the best safe as per your requirement that is capable of ensuring protection no matter what happens to your home.
All of these fireproof and waterproof safes for legal-size documents mentioned on this page have a time limit in which they protect your documents before the fire service arrives. The safes we have recommended above have been tested and can withstand certain degrees of burning temperatures.
The best safe on this list can withstand up to one thousand seven hundred degrees Fahrenheit when a fire outbreak occurs.
Final Thoughts
On a general note, a fireproof and waterproof safe for legal-size documents will give you peace of mind with the knowledge that your vital materials are secure. Purchasing the best fireproof box for your documents will become much easier with this article. We suggest that you pay attention to details as these safes have their different specifications and advantages, and then choose the one that meets your requirements.
