Which Safe Rating
Do You Need?
UL safe ratings can be confusing. This guide breaks down exactly what each rating means, what it protects against, and which industries typically require each level of protection.
How UL Safe Ratings Work
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is the gold standard for safe certification. During testing, trained technicians use real burglary tools — drills, saws, pry bars, and in TRTL ratings, oxy-acetylene torches — to attack the safe for a specified duration. If the safe resists breach for the rated time, it earns the certification.
The rating format tells you three things: what attacks (TL = tools, TRTL = tools + torch), how long (15, 30, or 60 minutes), and how many sides (no suffix = door only, x6 = all six sides).
Testing in Action
Every rating earned through real attacks — drills, saws, and torches
Rating by Rating
Tool Resistant — 15 Minutes
Door only
15 minutes
❌ No
- Small retail
- Professional offices
- Residential upgrade
Tool Resistant — 30 Minutes
Door only
30 minutes
❌ No
- Jewelry retail
- Precious metals
- Light commercial
Tool Resistant — 30 Minutes, All 6 Sides
All 6 sides
30 minutes
❌ No
- Banking
- High-end retail
- Pharmaceutical
Torch & Tool Resistant — 30 Minutes, All 6 Sides
All 6 sides
30 minutes
✅ Yes
- Jewelry wholesale
- Banking vaults
- Controlled substances
Torch & Tool Resistant — 60 Minutes, All 6 Sides
All 6 sides
60 minutes
✅ Yes
- Diamond & gem vaults
- Federal facilities
- Maximum-security storage
Still Not Sure?
Our security consultants can assess your specific requirements — including your insurance carrier's standards, local regulations, and the value of assets you need to protect — and recommend the exact rating you need.