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Record Protection

When fire-resistive enclosures are evaluated, the enclosure is subject to various test conditions that will ultimately expose all six sides to fire.

To safeguard valuable financial, medical and personal data from fire and burglary, businesses need to select record protection equipment that protects the specific storage media they use-whether paper, EDP magnetic tapes and photographic records or flexible computer disks. For 80 years, Underwriters Laboratories® has developed test methodologies that evaluate and rate the performance of a range of self-contained, movable devices, including file cabinets, single- and double-door safes, and single-lid containers. Ratings reflect the type of media these devices are intended to protect, the length of time they can withstand exposure to heat, and an optional test to evaluate protection against impact.

UL tests subject all six sides of these devices to various test conditions. Using a furnace chamber, fire engineers expose the device to the temperature conditions specified in the test standard for the applicable class rating: Class 350 for paper products, Class 150 for magnetic tapes and Class 125 for flexible disks. Classified products appear in a searchable, up-to-date UL Product Directory, referenced by more than 2,500 Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) and code officials annually.

Test Standards

UL tests and certifies to the current editions of the following Standards:

  • UL 72 - Test for Fire Resistance of Record Protection Equipment
  • UL 687 - Test for Burglary-Resistant Safes

The value of UL

In 1918, UL wrote the original test standards for record protection equipment that are recognized and referenced today by manufacturers, businesses, consumers and inspectors around the world. UL maintains an online certification database (www.ul.com/database), searchable by Category Control Number (CCN) as well as by such other parameters as company name, location and file number. The database provides complete, up-to-date information on the specific performance features of certified devices.

Flexible services

Global manufacturers can work directly with UL during product development to collect preliminary test data for devices with new configurations and/or fire-resistant materials. This collaboration saves valuable financial resources and accelerates time to market. UL also provides reliable, on-site Follow-Up Services to determine each product's continued compliance with certification requirements. Periodic, unannounced inspections at the manufacturer's facility give all involved parties confidence that ongoing production consistently meets applicable standards. UL Follow-Up Services are a critical element of maintaining the integrity of the UL Mark.

To start the submittal process or access more information:

  • Contact UL Customer Service at 1-877-854-3577.
  • Learn how to submit a product for testing.
  • Begin the product submission process.

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