Safety cabinets for flammable liquids – EN 14470-1

The cabinets are tested in a furnace heated according to the EN 1363-1 standard fire curve, simulating a realistic fire scenario:

• 5 minutes: approx. 576 °C
• 30 minutes: approx. 842 °C
• 60 minutes: approx. 945 °C
• 90 minutes: approx. 1000 °C

Classification depends on the time the cabinet limits the internal temperature rise to ≤ 180 K (≈ 200 °C maximum).

• Type 15
• Type 30
• Type 60
• Type 90

These classes indicate how long the cabinet protects its contents before the critical temperature limit is reached

• Doors: fully self-closing within 20 s; hold-open devices released at approx. 50 °C; fitted with intumescent seals expanding under heat.
• Ventilation: inlet and exhaust vents automatically close at approx. 70 °C. Without connection to ventilation or filtration, vapours may accumulate, and the area may be classified as an ATEX hazardous zone.
• Spill containment: sump with ≥ 10 % of total storage volume or ≥ 110 % of the largest container, remaining functional after fire exposure.
• Load capacity: shelves and pull-out trays must support the rated load throughout the fire resistance period.
• Uniform walls: side and rear panels of equivalent thickness and construction to ensure consistent protection.

The standard does not make grounding mandatory, but most cabinets are fitted with an earthing connection. Grounding is strongly recommended when flammable liquids are regularly opened, poured, or transferred, and is mandatory in ATEX zones.

All our cabinets are equipped with an earthing connection and must be properly grounded.

• Covers: safety cabinets ≤ 2 m³; classifications Type 15/30/60/90; testing according to EN 1363-1.
• Does not cover: walk-in storage rooms or masonry constructions; storage of other hazardous substances (e.g. acids, bases).

The Dutch guideline PGS 15 (Publication Series on Hazardous Substances 15) is sometimes referred to for safety cabinets storing flammable liquids. However, this guideline is only applicable in the Netherlands and not valid in Belgium. In Belgium, only the European standard EN 14470-1 applies.