Certified safes are tested by recognised independent laboratories in accordance with European standards, in particular EN 1143-1, which defines burglary-resistance classes. These classes make it possible to objectively assess the security level of a safe based on defined attack methods, the tools used and the effective time required to force entry. The higher the resistance class, the higher the level of protection and the higher, in accordance with the criteria applied by insurers in Belgium, the insurable value of the contents may be.
Different types of safes are available depending on the required level of protection. Burglary-resistant safes are primarily designed to withstand attempted break-ins, while fire-resistant safes are tested to protect the contents against the effects of heat and fire for a defined period of time. Some certified safes combine both protective properties and provide protection against both burglary and fire.
The choice of a suitable safe depends on the value of the items to be protected, the assessed risk level and the requirements set by insurance companies in Belgium, for both private and professional use. Practical considerations such as available budget, installation conditions, internal volume, maximum permitted dimensions and the weight of the safe in relation to the supporting structure and installation environment also play an important role.