Are Metal File Cabinets Fireproof?

Metal file cabinets are a common sight in many offices and organizations. Their sturdy build and ability to protect important documents and records have made them a staple of clerical spaces for decades. However, one question that often comes up regarding metal file cabinets is whether they are fireproof. Let’s take a detailed look at whether metal file cabinets can withstand exposure to fire.

An Overview of Metal File Cabinets

Metal file cabinets are primarily made using sheet steel that is usually between 22 and 28 gauge in thickness. The most commonly used steel for file cabinets is cold-rolled steel or galvanized steel because of its strength and durability. The cabinets consist of a body, drawers, and a locking mechanism.

The body of a metal file cabinet is essentially a sheet steel shell that encloses the drawers. It provides structure and rigidity to the cabinet. The drawers are also constructed using sheet steel and will typically have a telescoping slide mechanism to allow smooth opening and closing. Finally, a locking mechanism – usually a combination or key lock – is installed on the drawers to restrict access.

While designs can vary, metal file cabinets are known for their heavy-duty build and resilience. Let’s see if this sturdy construction also lends fireproof properties.

Are Metal File Cabinets Inherently Fireproof?

The short answer is no – standard metal file cabinets are not inherently fireproof. The sheet steel used in their construction may be able to withstand the physical aspects of a fire such as the collapse of a building. However, the thin metal shell is not sufficient to protect the contents inside from extreme heat and flames over a sustained period.

Unprotected metal cabinets provide very limited fire resistance. Exposed to high temperatures, the metal sides and drawers will conduct the heat and begin to transfer it to the interior contents. This can quickly lead to any paper records or files inside the cabinet igniting in flames.

So metal file cabinets on their own do not have fire-retardant properties and will not sufficiently protect vital records in the event of a fire. However, it is possible to improve their fire rating and make them fire resistant.

How To Make Metal File Cabinets Fireproof

While plain metal file cabinets have very minimal fire resistance, there are ways to modify them and boost their protection of internal documents. Some effective methods include:

Use Fire-Rated File Cabinets

Purchasing a file cabinet that is already UL (Underwriters Laboratories) rated for fire protection is the simplest way to ensure fire safety. Reputable manufacturers test their fireproof cabinets to verify a 1 or 2 hour fire resistance.

These cabinets are constructed using specialized materials and designs. This includes reinforcing the body with double walled steel or adding insulation between the walls. Intumescent strips around the drawers expand when heated to seal gaps. Fire-rated locks prevent access to contents during a fire.

Fireproof file cabinets are more expensive than regular metal cabinets but provide the best guarantee of protecting your important records. Look for UL 72 class 125 or 350 ratings when choosing a fire-resistant cabinet.

Install Fire-Rated Insulation

Upgrading a standard metal file cabinet by installing fire-rated insulation inside the walls and drawers is an effective DIY solution. Fireproof insulation like fiberglass or calcium silicate prevents the transmission of heat into the interior of the cabinet.

Remove the drawers and use high temperature caulk to seal any gaps or openings. Cut sheets or blocks of fire-rated insulation to line all the inside walls and drawer bottoms. Reassemble the drawers and cabinet once insulated. This will significantly boost fire endurance.

Use Fire Resistant File Folders

Another simple way to improve fire protection is to store paper records inside fire resistant folders or envelopes. These are designed with materials that provide short-term defense against heat and flames.

Fire resistant folders made using materials like DuPont Tyvek are affordable and easy to use inside standard file cabinets. They won’t make the cabinet fireproof but act as an internal shield to paper documents, slowing ignition.

External Protection

If modifying the cabinet is not possible, external measures can also help prevent fire damage. Installing protective sprinklers above cabinets will suppress flames. Using fire-retardant coatings or wraps on the exteriors can shield from heat.

Having robust fire detection and suppressant systems in the entire space is ideal. It will detect and extinguish any fires quickly before cabinets are engulfed.

Ratings for Fireproof File Cabinets

To ensure fire resistance, purpose-built fireproof file cabinets will be tested and rated based on established standards. Two important ratings to look for are:

UL 72 Test Standards

UL (Underwriters Laboratories) 72 is the main US standard for evaluating fire resistant record containers like file cabinets. UL 72 testing exposes specimens to extreme temperatures that replicate a burning building. Cabinets are evaluated based on how long they can withstand this fire exposure before internal temperatures rise above 350°F.

There are Class 125, Class 150, and Class 350 ratings under UL 72. The number defines the duration that a cabinet must endure the standard fire test while maintaining internal temperatures below threshold. For instance, Class 125 means withstanding fire exposure for 1 hour 25 minutes.

NT Fire 017 Specifications

NT Fire 017 is a European standard that is also widely used globally. It assesses fire resistance based on time periods of 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes. A fire rating of NT 017 – 60 would equate to UL 72 Class 150 (1 hour 30 minutes).

Cabinets that meet NT Fire 017 criteria provide assurance of fire protection in different countries that follow European standards. Certified models will carry the NT Fire 017 rating.

When shopping for fire rated cabinets, look for independent lab certification to either UL 72 or NT Fire 017 specifications. This validates that the product has passed rigorous fire testing.

Features of Fireproof Metal File Cabinets

Purpose-built fireproof file cabinets incorporate specialized design elements to achieve their protective fire ratings. Some key features include:

• Reinforced exteriors – The outer cabinet body is double walled or fortified using strong, fire-resistant materials. This prevents flames from penetrating the shell.
• Insulated walls – Layers of fireproof insulation like mineral wool line the interior to block heat transfer. Thermal ceramic fiber is commonly used.
• Fireproof drawers – Drawers have insulated double walls and are equipped with telescoping suspension systems. Expanding fire seals close off gaps when heated.
• Fire resistant finishes – All finishes are designed for high temperature performance. Drawer fronts are metal instead of laminate.
• Firestopping at openings – Intumescent materials rapidly expand to seal any vents or openings when triggered by fire.
• Fire rated locks – Locks certified to UL 768 standard will keep cabinets securely closed during fire exposure.
• External paint or wraps – Additional silicate paint or wraps applied externally reflect heat away.

These inbuilt protections enable fire rated metal file cabinets to protect contents from smoke, fire, and water. They offer safe storage for irreplaceable documents.

How Long Can File Cabinets Withstand Fire?

The fire resistance of a file cabinet depends on its construction and any fireproofing enhancements. Here are the typical fire ratings that different cabinet types can achieve:

• Regular metal cabinet – Less than 1 hour. Provides almost no fire resistance and will not prevent record destruction.
• Insulated metal cabinet – Up to 1 hour. Retrofitting with fireproof insulation improves protection but still less than full fire ratings.
• UL 72 Class 125 cabinet – 1 hour 25 minutes. Meets the Class 125 rating to withstand over 90 minutes of fire exposure.
• UL 72 Class 150 cabinet – 1 hour 30 minutes. Exceeds 90 minutes and meets 1.5 hour fire test standards.
• UL 72 Class 350 cabinet – 3 hours 30 minutes. Highest commercial cabinet rating with over 3 hours of proven fire endurance.
• Additional external protection – Can add 30 minutes to 1 hour to rated times. Sprinklers, wraps, and coatings improve exterior shielding.

Aim for at least a UL 72 Class 125 or NT Fire 017-60 rating when choosing fireproof file cabinets to ensure over 1 hour of protection in a serious fire.

Are Fireproof File Cabinets Really Effective?

Fireproof file cabinets that meet testing standards like UL 72 and NT Fire 017 provide reliable, proven fire protection. However, it is important to use them properly to benefit from their full fire resistance:

• Avoid overstuffing – Cabinets filled beyond capacity can compromise fire performance. Shutting overloaded drawers applies force against seal strips.
• Do routine maintenance – Ensure drawer slides, gaskets, and locks operate smoothly. Replace aging fire seals to maintain the barrier.
• Have a fire response plan – Train staff to immediately close cabinet drawers if fire is detected to preserve protection.
• Bolt cabinets to the ground – This prevents tipping over in a fire. Falling cabinets can split open, exposing contents.
• Buy from certified brands – Reputable manufacturers like FireKing adhere to strict quality controls and testing.

With proper use and maintenance, fire rated metal file cabinets are extremely effective at shielding documents from fire damage. They supply vital time to retrieve records even in extreme building fires.

Are All Metal Desks and Furniture Fireproof?

File cabinets specifically designed and tested for fire resistance provide the greatest level of protection for your documents. Other ordinary metal furniture pieces like desks, tables, or bookshelves do not offer the same degree of fireproofing.

Standard office metal furniture uses very thin steel sheet construction. While metal itself won’t burn, these desks and shelves can quickly transfer heat from a surrounding fire to any items placed on them. Once paper records or books ignite, the fire will rapidly spread.

Metal office furniture on its own does not have adequate fire resistance to protect contents in a serious building fire. However, some tips to improve their protection include:

• Use metal desks and shelves constructed with thicker steel gauges for greater heat resistance.
• Apply specialized fire retardant paints/oils to surfaces. This creates a protective coating.
• Store paper records and files inside fireproof bankers boxes or safes placed on the furniture.
• Position furniture far away from potential ignition sources.
• Locate sprinklers above or next to furniture.

With some enhancements, metal desks and bookcases can be made safer. But for maximum fire protection of irreplaceable documents, dedicated fireproof file cabinets are highly recommended. They provide the most complete shielding thanks to their rigorously tested designs.

Key Takeaways on Metal File Cabinet Fire Safety

• Standard metal file cabinets provide very minimal inherent fire resistance and cannot reliably protect contents.
• Purpose-built fire rated file cabinets are recommended to safely withstand over 90 minutes of extreme fire exposure.
• Reinforced, insulated construction along with fire seals and locks enable fireproof cabinets to shield internal documents.
• Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 72 and NT Fire 017 are the major international standards used to test and rate file cabinet fire performance.
• External measures like sprinklers and fireproof coatings can boost protection of standard cabinets when needed.
• While metal desks and bookcases have some fire resistance, dedicated fireproof file cabinets are vastly superior for safeguarding your most critical records.

Frequently Asked Questions About Metal File Cabinet Fire Protection

Are cheap thin metal file cabinets fireproof?

No, cheap light-duty metal file cabinets provide almost no fire resistance. They are made using thin sheet steel that quickly conducts heat from a fire into the interior. Vital paper records will rapidly burn inside them. Sturdy fire rated cabinets are necessary for adequate fire protection.

Will a file cabinet protect paper in a fire?

A standard basic metal cabinet will not properly protect paper records in a serious fire. But high quality fireproof cabinets rated UL 72 Class 125 or higher will maintain safe internal temperatures for over 1 hour, protecting paper documents inside.

Do fire rated file cabinets need to be anchored?

Yes, it is highly recommended to securely anchor fireproof cabinets to the floor or wall. This prevents tipping over in a fire which could split open the cabinet and expose contents. Proper anchoring is essential.

Can you make a file cabinet fireproof?

It is possible to upgrade a regular metal file cabinet’s fire protection. Adding internal fire insulation panels, sealing all gaps, installing fire-rated drawer slides, and applying fire-retardant paints or wraps will significantly boost fire resistance. Though manufactured fireproof models are ideal.

Should I get solid or laminate wood cabinets?

For fireproofing, solid wood is better since it burns slower than laminates or veneers which can peel off easily. Wood can char on the outside to provide some shielding before fully catching fire. But metal fire rated cabinets are still far superior to any wood cabinet in a major fire.

How long do fireproof cabinets last?

High quality fireproof metal file cabinets that meet UL 72 or NT Fire 017 standards will reliably maintain their stated fire ratings for decades when properly used and maintained. Fire seals, hinges, and locks should be periodically inspected and replaced as needed after 10-20 years of use.

Can paper survive a house fire?

In most uncontrolled house fires that burn for long durations before being extinguished, paper documents will not survive. Temperatures usually exceed 1100°F which will burn paper. Storing records in UL rated fireproof cabinets provides the best chance of protecting important documents in a home.

Conclusion

Regular metal file cabinets offer minimal fire resistance and do not provide adequate protection in a serious fire. Investing in purpose-built fireproof cabinets that meet UL 72 or NT Fire 017 specifications is highly recommended to shield your irreplaceable documents from destruction. Fire rated models with reinforced, insulated bodies, fire seals, and sturdy exteriors have been rigorously tested to preserve contents for 1 hour or longer. With proper installation, use and maintenance, fireproof metal file cabinets provide robust and reliable shields to safeguard your vital records from fire damage.