Fireproof Filing Cabinets

Filing That Won't Fail You in a Fire

A fireproof filing cabinet does what an ordinary filing cabinet cannot: it protects your documents from fire as well as keeping them organised and accessible. For offices that handle client files, contracts, financial records, personnel documents or compliance paperwork, a filing cabinet that can withstand a fire is an important part of business continuity.

Capacity and Drawer Configuration

Fireproof filing cabinets come in two-drawer and four-drawer configurations. A two-drawer model suits smaller offices or departments with focused filing needs. A four-drawer model is better suited to high-volume filing environments where large amounts of paperwork need to be organised and protected.

Consider the lateral or vertical format too. Lateral cabinets are wider and hold hanging files side-by-side. Vertical cabinets are deeper and hold files front-to-back. The right choice depends on your office layout and the volume you need to store. For a smaller footprint, our fireproof filing cabinets range includes single-drawer options.

What Gets Protected and What Doesn't

Most fireproof filing cabinets are rated to protect paper documents. If you also store USB drives, CDs or backup tapes in your filing, check whether the cabinet carries a data or media protection rating. Electronic media requires a lower internal temperature threshold than paper, and not all fireproof cabinets meet that standard. For dedicated media protection, look at our data safes.

The safe ratings guide explains what different fire rating classifications mean for document and media protection.

Choosing for Your Office Environment

Check the fire rating duration and the weight of the cabinet before purchasing. Fireproof filing cabinets are considerably heavier than standard cabinets, and upper floor installations may need a structural assessment. Lock options are typically key-based, and most models include an anti-tip mechanism to prevent the cabinet from falling forward when drawers are opened.

Can I store hanging files in a fireproof filing cabinet?

Yes. Most models are designed to hold standard hanging files and folders. Check the internal rail configuration to confirm it matches the file format you're using.

Are fireproof filing cabinets also theft-resistant?

They provide basic security through their locking mechanism, but they're primarily designed to protect against fire. For high-value or sensitive documents requiring strong theft resistance, a secure safe with a burglary rating is a better option.

How do I know which fire rating I need?

For most office environments, a 60-minute fire rating is sufficient. If you're in a larger building where fire response times may be longer, a 90 or 120-minute rating provides additional protection. Check with your insurance provider as some policies specify minimum requirements.

How much do fireproof filing cabinets weigh?

Considerably more than standard filing cabinets. The exact weight depends on the number of drawers and the specific model. Always check the weight specifications and confirm your installation location can support the load.