What Is a B-Rated Safe
A B-rated safe provides basic protection against unauthorized access. It is commonly used for residential purposes or in small businesses where high security needs are not required. The construction of a B-rated safe includes a safe body made of at least 1/4″ thick steel (total), and a door that is at least 1/2″ thick. The B-Rating does not involve any specific testing, but rather these minimum thickness requirements are necessary.
Understanding B-Rated Safes
While there are no formal written standards for B-rated safes, B-rated safes are generally recognized in the industry as having a 3/16″ to 1/4″ thick steel body with a 1/2″ thick steel door. Unlike other ratings like C-rated or TL-rated, b-rated safes do not undergo specific testing to verify their security capabilities. The b-rate rating is a catch-all rating that is not standardized or verified by formal written standards. However, it is generally accepted in the industry.
B-rate safes may not offer the same level of security as higher-rated safes. They are considered to be a basic level of construction and do not have standardized fire or security ratings. Therefore, if you require a higher level of security or specific certifications for fire resistance or burglary resistance, a B-rated safe may not be suitable for your needs.
While a B-rated safe may not offer advanced features such as fireproofing or resistance to specific safecracking tools, it is not necessarily a “weak” safe. There are several anti-burglary measures to consider when choosing a B-rated safe. These include the number of active/inactive bolts in the door, the diameter of the bolts, thickness of the steel, and re-locker mechanisms. These features enhance the security of the safe and provide an extra layer of protection for storing small valuables.