Test Specifications

Fire Test Standards

Each Phoenix fire-resistant model is independently tested to European or American standards for fire protection and carries certification labels from the testing agency that identify the product’s fire protection level.

Products for Storage of Paper Records: Products that provide fire protection for paper records are listed on this website with the designation of “Class 350.” Tests for products designed to protect paper records range from 60 to 120 minutes in temperatures ranging from 1700°F to 1859°F. By comparison, a typical fire lasts 20 minutes and reaches 800°F. During the fire test, the internal temperature of the product is monitored to ensure that it does not rise above a level that would endanger the paper documents stored within the product. The designation tag also indicates the length of the fire test as “1 HR, 1 ½ HR, or 2 HR” and is located next to each model number.

Products for Storage of All Computer Media: Products that provide fire protection for computer media are listed on this website with the designation of “Class 125.” Tests for products designed to protect computer media range from 60 to 120 minutes in furnace-burn time, at temperatures ranging from 1700°F to 1859°F. By comparison, a typical fire lasts 20 minutes and reaches 800°F. During the fire test, the internal temperature of the product is monitored to ensure that it does not rise above a level that would endanger the computer media stored within the product. The designation tag also indicates the length of the fire test as “1 HR, 1 ½ HR, or 2 HR” and is located next to each model number.

MTC Grade B Rating

Certain types of computer media (CDs, DVDs, USBs and memory sticks) are less sensitive to heat and humidity than tapes, cartridges or hard drives. These less-sensitive items can be safely stored and protected inside some products designed to protect paper records. Products that carry the MTC Grade B rating have been tested and certified to provide adequate protection for these items. Products that are rated “Class 125” are designed to store and protect all types of computer media and should be used whenever the more sensitive items need protection.