Metal File Cabinets: Fireproof or Not?

Metal file cabinets are widely used in offices, homes, and institutions across the globe. While they offer an efficient way to organize your documents, you might wonder if they could also protect your files in the event of a fire. The short answer is:

Metal filing cabinets are not inherently fireproof, but there are specialized models with fire resistance to better protect documents and files during a fire.

If you want to know which metal file cabinets are fireproof, what makes some them fire-resistant, and how to choose the best fireproof file cabinet, this article cover all these questions.

What Metal File Cabinets Are Fireproof?

Contrary to popular belief, NOT ALL metal file cabinets are fireproof. Standard cabinets, even though they are made of steel can’t withstand high levels of heat.  So yeah, years of paperwork, vital contracts, and irreplaceable personal records, can be gone in a matter of minutes. Sounds devastating, right? No one would want to lose all their essential documents to a fire.

But fireproof file cabinet do exist. These cabinets are designed with multiple layers of fire-resistant materials, and they are typically made with a thicker gauge of steel. Unlike ordinary file cabinets they are tested to meet required fire safety standards.

Here’s a good example of such Fireproof metal cabinet:

Phoenix LGL4W25 : Vertical 4-Drawer Legal Fireproof File Cabinet

• It is a Fireproof File Cabinet with a proved 350 1-hour Rating, ideal for documents and papers. These fire files are tested for fire at 1700°F. They are also explosion tested at 2000°F.
• Water Resistant: Besides fire protection this model also comes with water seals to prevent water damage caused by fire hose spray or sprinklers.

So, if you need to protect your documents from fire, you will need to use such specialized fireproof metal file cabinets. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find one that meets your needs.

If you want to save time and see top models, here are our picks for absolute Best Fireproof and Waterproof File Cabinets

What Are Metal File Cabinets?

And for those who are not familiar with the available types of filing cabinets. Here’s a short explanation of what Metal file cabinets specifically are.

These are cabinets made of metal, typically steel. They are used to store documents, business contracts and other personal records. Metal file cabinets come in a variety of types, dimensions, price categories. And they are often used in both office and home settings.

Metal file cabinets are popular for a number of reasons. They are durable, can withstand heavy use and are easy to maintain. They are also secure, with locks to protect the contents from unauthorized access. Unlike wooden cabinets, which are susceptible to termites and decay, metal cabinets are long-lasting and robust.

Metal file cabinets are also relatively inexpensive, making them a good value for the price.

Where Are Metal File Cabinets Used?

Metal file cabinets are most often used in offices, but they can also be used in homes, schools, libraries, and other businesses. Because they are so versatile you can literally stumble upon one anywhere, where some sort of documentation is being held.

• In offices, metal file cabinets are used to store a variety of documents, including customer records, financial records, employee records, legal documents, and medical records. Office supplies like pens, paper, and staples are also stored in cabinets.
• In homes, metal file cabinets can be used to store important documents, such as tax records, property deeds, medical records, insurance papers, birth certificates and personal identification. Metal file cabinets can also be used to store personal records, such as photos, letters, and other memorabilia. In a way they are an alternative to a safe.
• In schools and libraries, metal file cabinets are used to store student records, books, and other materials. Metal file cabinets are also used to store school supplies, such as pens, paper, and pencils.
• Government offices and healthcare facilities also use them when secure and durable storage is necessary.

What Are Metal File Cabinets Typically Made of?

Metal file cabinets are typically made of steel. Steel is a strong and durable material that is resistant to fire and water. The quality of the metal used can significantly impact the cabinet’s durability and fire-resistance. Metal file cabinets are also often coated with a powder coating to protect them from rust and corrosion.

Here are some of the specific materials that are typically used to make metal file cabinets:

• Steel: Steel is the main material used to make metal file cabinets. Steel is a strong and durable metal that is resistant to fire and water.
• Powder coating: Powder coating is a type of paint that is applied to metal file cabinets to protect them from rust and corrosion. Powder coating is also available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you can choose a metal file cabinet that matches your decor.
• Hardware: Metal file cabinets often have metal hardware, such as handles, locks, and drawers. Metal hardware is strong and durable, and it can withstand heavy use.

What Makes Some Metal File Cabinets Fireproof?

Now you might be wondering what is the reason for some of these cabinets to be so fire-resistant. Well, specialized metal file cabinets are fireproof due to a number of features, including:

• Thicker gauge steel: Fireproof metal file cabinets are typically made with a thicker gauge of steel than non-fireproof metal file cabinets. Thicker gauge steel is more resistant to heat and flames.
• Additional layers of fire-resistant Insulation: Fireproof metal file cabinets typically have insulation between the inner and outer walls of the cabinet. It consists of layers of fire-resistant materials like gypsum or ceramic. This insulation helps to keep the contents of the cabinet cool in the event of a fire.
• Seals around the doors and drawers: Fireproof metal file cabinets often have seals around the doors and drawers to prevent smoke and heat from entering.

In addition to these features, fireproof metal file cabinets are often tested and certified by independent organizations to meet certain fire safety standards. This ensures that the cabinets can withstand the heat and flames of a fire.

How Long Will Fireproof Metal Cabinets Last in Fire?

Fireproof metal cabinets are rated to withstand fire for a specific time, like 1 or 2 hours, based on their fire rating. For example 2-hour UL Class 350 cabinet should protect its contents for at least 2 hours. This is generally enough, as the peak heat in fires, such as office fires, lasts about 20 minutes, with temperatures dropping afterward.

When considering the durability of fireproof metal cabinets in a fire, key factors include:

• Material Longevity: Built from layers of fire-resistant materials like gypsum or ceramic, encased in steel. Over time, these materials can degrade due to moisture, temperature changes, and aging.
• Certification and Recertification: Cabinets have a fire rating (e.g., 1 hour), indicating how long they protect contents. Regular checks by professionals ensure they remain effective.
• Expectations vs. Reality: While made for durability, the fire-resistant properties of these cabinets are not everlasting and depend on usage and maintenance conditions.

How to Choose a Fireproof Metal File Cabinet

When choosing a fireproof metal file cabinet consider these characteristics:

• Fire rating: The fire rating of a metal file cabinet indicates how long it can protect your documents from fire. Fire ratings are typically measured in hours.
• Size and Capacity: The size and capacity of a metal file cabinet determines how much documents it can hold. Home owners tend to choose smaller models. On the other hand in the offices you will most likely see big cabinets.
• Price: Fireproof metal file cabinets can be expensive, but it is important to invest in a quality cabinet that will protect your important documents.
• Locking mechanism: A good locking mechanism is important to protect your documents from unauthorized access.
• Mobility: Some metal file cabinets have wheels, making them easy to move around. If you need a mobile metal file cabinet, be sure to choose one with wheels that are large enough and durable enough to support the weight of the cabinet.
• Finish: Metal file cabinets are available in a variety of finishes, including powder coating, paint, and stainless steel. Choose a finish that matches your décor and that will protect the cabinet from rust and corrosion.

Conclusion

Metal file cabinets, while fire-resistant due to their construction, are not inherently fireproof. To truly safeguard important documents from fire, you should look for specialized fireproof cabinets equipped with fire-resistant materials and certifications.

Fireproof metal file cabinets are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find one that meets your needs. When choosing a fireproof metal file cabinet, be sure to consider the fire rating, capacity, price, and other features that are important to you personally.