For various reasons, many have decided to store their money in a fireproof document safe. However, we never know when and where a fire will break out. That is why the frequently asked question is; will paper money burn in a fireproof document safe?
In reality, no one is safe from the scorching heat of a fire. Everything is bound to melt in time. That includes the advertised fireproof safe. But with the right kind of safe, it is possible to save your hard-earned money in storage. So the answer typically depends on the safe you are using.
Is paper money fireproof in general?
Paper money is made from a blend of cotton and linen fibers, which are treated with chemicals to make them more durable and resistant to wear and tear. As a result, paper money is generally more resistant to burning than pure cellulose paper.
According to the United States Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the paper used for the American currency is treated with chemical additives that make it resistant to fire and pests. As a result, it takes a relatively high temperature to ignite paper money.
The actual temperature at which paper money will burn depends on several things, including the humidity and airflow in the environment, the size bills size and thickness, and the heat source’s intensity general, paper money will ignite at temperatures above 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). However, it is important to note that paper money is still flammable and can be damaged by fire, even if it does not ignite.
Will paper money burn in a fireproof document safe?
The answer is both yes and no. It is situational based on how close the safe is to where the fire started. Also, if the safe is in the heat for many hours. Or more than the amount of time it can withstand a fire.
All document safes will take the flames for a few minutes to several hours. That said, if you invest in a safe, it would be wise to go for an item with a more than 1-hour fireproof rating. This information is always available in the product description.
You may want to check this guide that will answer the question: Are fireproof safes fireproof?
Take a look at these products as an example:
Honeywell Safes 1104: Best portable fireproof document safe
As per the description, the safe comes in various sizes. The safe has a fireproof range of 30 minutes up to a 1-hour fireproof rating, depending on the capacity.
The best feature is that the brand made this safe very portable. That way, even if the fire has started, firefighters can still save the safe by grabbing it. (1)
SentrySafe SFW123EU: Best 1-hour fireproof document safe
Another product to look at is the 1-hour fireproof document safe by the SentrySafe brand. This option is a must-have to keep your paper money from burglars. The safe is secure through a digital keypad lock type. (2)
In case of fire, the safe is made of metal that can fully stand on scorching heat up to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour. If you want to know how hot that is, 10x hotter than boiled water (heated at 100 degrees Celsius).
The only downside is that the safe is not portable compared to the previous product. That means the only way your paper money can survive is to kill the fire fast.
If you want to check more fireproof safe documents, check them here.
How long does a fireproof safe last?
The durability of the safe will rely on the fireproof rating. On average, a document safe can protect your paper money from 1 hour of fire. However, please be sure that the fireproof rating is UL classified. That means the products were tested to prove that the description is accurate.
The good news is that according to a statistic, the average house fire lasts for 20 minutes.
Wrapping Up
Getting a fireproof document safe to keep your paper money could be the best choice aside from a bank deposit. It is convenient, accessible, and secure from thieves and online scams.
In the event of a fire, the safe will be able to keep your cash safe for some time. Just be sure to be vigilant in storing the safe in the house. And quick to respond to emergencies. Invest in the right product to get the best security that you need.
Do you have experience in keeping your paper money in a safe? Please leave them in the comment below.
References
(1) fire – https://www.sc.edu/ehs/training/Fire/01_triangle.htm
(2) digital keypad lock – https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/77730-digital-keypad-system
