Burglary-resistant safes and vaults are tested by independent, accredited laboratories in accordance with European standards such as EN 1143-1, EN 1143-2 and EN 14450. These laboratories work closely together, sharing experience and addressing new threats. This cooperation improves the overall quality of testing and makes it easier to add new requirements to existing standards. For example, a new class for ATMs (automated teller machines) was developed in a short time to respond to frequent gas explosion attacks.
Preparation
Before testing, the manufacturing plans of the safe are reviewed. Any comments are communicated to the manufacturer, who can revise the design. Once approved, the manufacturer must supply two units for testing.
Test Procedure
The test consists of creating two openings:
- a partial access of approx. 100 x 100 mm,
- a full access, providing complete entry.
Each resistance class corresponds to a specific number of Resistance Units (RU). For example, a Grade 3 safe must withstand 80 RU for partial access and 120 RU for full access.
Each tool has a fixed tool coefficient, which is factored into a formula to calculate how long it may be applied. Only the effective contact time is counted, and testers are free to use as many tools as they deem necessary. Testing always targets the weakest point of the safe, as identified from the manufacturing plans, and also verifies compliance with the approved design.
New Tool List T2 (EN 1143-1:2019)
The tests use a standardised list of burglary tools (Tool List). In the 2019 version of EN 1143-1, an optional extended list was added: the Tool List T2. It comprises more powerful and more refined versions of common burglary tools — more power, more modern accessories and a few new tools — reflecting the equipment available to burglars today.
The T2 test is an addition, just like the EX (explosives) and CD (core drilling) options: a safe can be certified in the same grade with or without T2. A safe tested to this stricter list is recognised by the marking on the certification plate, for example Grade IV T2. At equal grade, a T2-certified safe therefore offers a demonstrable surplus: the same resistance, proven against heavier tools.
Certification and Follow-Up
If the safe passes the test, it may be certified by an accredited body, typically the test laboratory itself or ECB·S. After certification, the manufacturer is subject to several unannounced inspections each year, and must comply with the ISO 9001 quality standard.
This process ensures that a safe certified according to EN 1143-1, EN 1143-2 or EN 14450 not only meets the laboratory criteria, but also continues to meet these requirements in production.
How can you recognize a certified safe?
A certified burglar-resistant safe or strongbox always has an official certification label attached to the inside of the door, as shown in the image below.
This label is issued by a recognized certification body, for example ECB·S (European Certification Body), and contains important information about the safe.
The certification label typically includes:
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the European standard (for example EN 1143-1)
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the resistance grade of the safe (for example Grade III)
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the certificate number
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the serial number of the safe
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the weight
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the year of manufacture
This identification label confirms that the safe has been tested and certified by an independent laboratory according to the applicable European standards.