Are Metal Filing Cabinets Fire Resistant?

Metal filing cabinets are a staple in many offices and organizations where physical documents need to be stored and organized. An important consideration when purchasing metal filing cabinets is their fire resistance. This helps ensure the safety of the contents in the event of a fire. Here is an in-depth look at the fire resistance of metal filing cabinets.

What Makes a Filing Cabinet Fire Resistant?

Fire resistant filing cabinets are constructed using specialized materials and manufacturing techniques to slow the spread of fire. Here are some of the key features:

• Steel Construction – They are made from high quality steel with a thicker gauge metal than standard cabinets. This provides increased structural integrity and fire resistance.
• Fire Resistant Drawers – The drawers have fire resistant seals and are fully extendible to protect contents. Some models also have fire resistant pendaflex letter/legal filing systems.
• Fire Barriers – Special fire resistant barriers are installed between each drawer and at the top and bottom of the cabinet. This prevents fire spreading from one drawer to the next.
• Fire Resistant Coating – They are finished with a powder-coated paint that is chemical and fire resistant. This helps the metal withstand fire exposure for longer.
• Insulation – Materials like vermiculite or gypsum are used to insulate the walls and doors. This slows heat transfer and contains fire inside the cabinet.
• Self-Closing Doors – Doors are equipped with self-closing mechanisms. If a fire occurs, the doors automatically close to isolate the contents and restrict oxygen to the fire.
• Fire Ratings – They are rigorously tested to receive 1 or 2-hour fire resistance ratings. This indicates the time they can withstand fire before the interior exceeds 350°F.

Fire Resistance Ratings

Metal filing cabinets are rated by the amount of time they can withstand a fire without allowing the interior temperature to exceed 350°F. This is sufficient to protect paper records from igniting. Common fire resistance ratings include:

• Class A – 1 hour fire rating when tested per NFPA Class A guidelines. Can withstand a fully engaged fire for at least 60 minutes.
• Class B – 2 hour fire rating when tested per NFPA Class B guidelines. Can withstand a fully engaged fire for at least 120 minutes.
• Class C – No fire rating. Standard class for basic models without fire resistant features.

The hour ratings are usually confirmed by independent testing labs like Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Always check for UL listings when purchasing fire resistant cabinets.

Benefits of Fire Resistant Metal Cabinets

Investing in fire resistant metal filing cabinets has many important benefits:

• Protect vital paper records, documents, files from fire damage.
• Provide up to 2 hours of fire containment in fully involved office fires.
• Limit spread of fire between cabinets to give more escape time.
• Allow sufficient fire resistance to coordinate with building systems like sprinklers and alarms.
• Meet code and insurance requirements for storage of critical paper files.
• Qualify for discounts on fire insurance premiums in many cases.
• Provide security against unauthorized access in addition to fire protection.

Placement Recommendations

To get full benefit from fire resistant cabinets, they should be properly placed:

• Locate against fire rated/masonry walls when possible. Avoid common walls with areas of higher fire risk.
• Position near building exits for quicker emergency retrieval and evacuation of contents.
• Leave adequate space between cabinets and other combustibles. Recommended 30 inches clearance space.
• Ensure sprinkler coverage but avoid direct spray on the cabinets.
• Bolt multiple cabinets together for better integrity if arrangements exceed 7 feet in length.

Fire Resistant Cabinet Options

Fire resistant filing cabinets are available in different grades, sizes, and designs including:

• Lateral File Cabinets – 2, 3, 4, and 5-drawer lateral fireproof filing cabinets. Can hold letter/legal hanging files or storage of supplies.
• Vertical File Cabinets – 4, 5, and 2-drawer vertical models. Equipped with drawers for storage of letter/legal files.
• Rollout Shelves – Lateral cabinets with shelves that fully extend and rollout for easy access.
• End Tab/Top Tab – Models with built-in end tab or top tab file folder systems for organization.
• Combo Cabinets – Combined cabinet and safe with fire resistant storage on bottom and cupboard or drawers on top.
• Locking Cabinets – Fireproof cabinets equipped with locks to provide added security.
• Insulated Drawers – Models with insulated drawers to protect digital media like CDs, DVDs, and USB drives.
• Custom Cabinets – Custom built cabinets for specialized storage needs and unique spaces.

Maintaining Fire Resistant Cabinets

Fire resistant metal filing cabinets are built to last for years of service. But its best to follow proper maintenance:

• Test drawers and doors periodically to ensure proper self-closing mechanisms are working.
• Replace damaged or missing drawer suspensions, slides, and latches.
• Check door hinges for damage and lubricate routinely.
• Inspect for dents, damage, or deterioration and repair promptly.
• Clean cabinet exteriors/interiors periodically to prevent buildup of dust and debris.
• Only use manufacturer approved parts for replacements and repairs.

Are Metal Filing Cabinets Fire Resistant?

In summary, metal filing cabinets designed specifically to be fire resistant can protect contents from fire damage for 1-2 hours. They use sturdy steel construction, fire barriers, and insulated compartments to achieve fire resistance ratings when tested. These specialized cabinets are the best option for fire safe storage of paper records and documents. But its still vital to follow proper use and maintenance guidelines to get their full protective benefits in a fire situation. Investing in fire rated metal filing cabinets is wise for any office or facility with important information that needs protection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Resistant Metal Filing Cabinets

Q: How long can a fire resistant filing cabinet withstand a fire?

A: Fire resistant cabinets are rated to withstand fires for 1 or 2 hours without allowing interior temperatures to exceed 350°F. Models with 1-hour ratings maintain fire resistance for at least 60 minutes. Models with 2-hour ratings maintain fire resistance for at least 120 minutes when tested under standardized conditions.

Q: Should I get 1 or 2 hour fire rated cabinets?

A: 1 hour fire rated cabinets provide good protection for many general office settings. 2 hour models provide extra protection for facilities storing information vital records or in higher fire risk buildings. Coordinate with local fire codes and building features to determine if 1 or 2 hour models are recommended.

Q: Do I need a special cabinet for computer media?

A: Standard fire resistant file cabinets will provide protection for paper records. But for added protection of CDs, DVDs, or USB media, look for models specially designed with insulated media drawers to protect digital files as well.

Q: What temperature do the contents reach during fire tests?

A: Fire resistant cabinets are tested to keep internal temperatures under 350°F during the fire resistance time period. This ensures paper contents do not actually ignite while inside the protected cabinet.

Q: Where should I place fire resistant filing cabinets?

A: Install fire resistant cabinets against fire rated walls when possible. Position near building exits for quick emergency access. Leave 30 inches of clearance space around cabinets. Ensure overhead sprinklers provide coverage without direct spray.

Q: Do fire resistant cabinets require special maintenance?

A: Test self-closing drawer and door mechanisms periodically. Lubricate hinges and inspect for damage. Only use manufacturer approved parts. Follow a cleaning routine to remove dust buildup. Proper maintenance is key to maintaining fire protection capabilities over time.

Conclusion

Metal filing cabinets specifically designed and tested for fire resistance provide vital protection for irreplaceable paper documents and records in the event of an office fire. They use sturdy steel construction plus fire barriers and insulation to achieve 1 or 2 hour fire resistance ratings. Properly investing in fire resistant cabinets, placing them appropriately, and following good maintenance practices allows offices and organizations to safeguard their important information assets. Fire rated metal filing cabinets give facilities the peace of mind that comes from responsible fire safe document storage.