Sunday, December 11, 2011

Confused About Fire Ratings in Home and Gun Safes? - What You Should Know

!±8± Confused About Fire Ratings in Home and Gun Safes? - What You Should Know

Ever wonder how a home or gun safe gets its fire rating? In your search for a safe, you probably have seen a variety of ratings and wondered what they meant. Let's solve that mystery right now.

Most home and guns safes on the market today are layered with a fireboard very similar to dry wall. This fireboard can be 1/4 to 5/8 inch thick. It has a measure of moisture in it that, when heated in a fire, will release this moisture. This process keeps the interior of the safe cooler for a longer period of time. The more layers of fireboard, the longer it will stay cooler.

Other safes have what is called a "composite" material sandwiched between two layers of steel. This composite material is likable to a type of concrete, but is usually a bit lighter in weight (for obvious reasons!). This material acts an an insulator, keeping heat from penetrating into the interior of the safe in case of a fire.

There a few manufacturers using a product called K-wool in a blanket form as another type of insulator installed in safes. While there are manufacturers claiming a 2,300 degree for 1 hour fire rating, no manufacturer has achieved a third-party rating at any level. K-wool blankets are used to insulate pipes because it can be easily formed around a curved surface. Pipes don't normally need to be insulated up to the temperature of a home or gun safe, so buyer beware.

Some manufacturers have their safes tested and certified independently by a certified burn facility. In an optimal fire test, a safe is placed in a furnace with thermal couplings placed strategically inside the safe and connected to an external computer. The temperature of the furnace is ramped up to a minimum of 1,200 degrees F in nor more than 10 minutes, and then maintained for the duration of the test. During the test, the computer monitors the increase of temperature inside the safe. When the internal temperature of the safe begins to go beyond 350 degrees F, the test is considered to be over.

Other manufacturers label their safes "factory certified". A factory certified test is performed solely by the factory with no independent witness present. The rating could be a "guesstimate" based solely on the fire rating of the fireboard used without ever actually being exposed to a fire test, or it could even be based on throwing a safe into a dumpster and setting the trash on fire. There have been instances where the safe was tested in a furnace, but all the couplings were stuck inside a phone book and placed on the floor of the safe. We know that heat rises, so you can imagine how inaccurate the test results are. Sometimes the furnace ramp-up time may take 40 minutes to reach 1,200 degrees, is then only maintained for another 20 minutes, and the safe comes out with a one hour fire rating. Very deceptive. That's not to say that all "factory certified" fire ratings are inaccurate, but again, be aware. Do your homework. Ask questions. It's that important!

Now what does all this mean? As an example, a safe rated for 60 minutes at 1,200 degrees means that if you were to have a 1,200 degree fire for 60 minutes, the inside of the safe stays below 350 degrees for at least a 60 minute period during a normal house fire. If the rating is 90 minutes at 1,680 degrees, then the interior of the safe should remain lower than 350 degrees for at least 90 minutes during a 1,680 degree fire. Thirty minutes at 1,200 degrees means exactly that.

Certain contents of safes are more susceptible to heat than others. Paper begins to discolor at just above 350 degrees F, scorch at approximately 410 degrees, and ignite at 451 degrees (remember Ray Bradbury's book?). Guns will withstand this heat longer, but plastics and other pliable materials have different melting points depending on their thickness. Coin collectors who have their coins wrapped in plastic should be especially cautious with fire ratings. Obviously, the higher the fire rating, the better. There are safes on the market for extended periods of time as well as higher temperatures.

According to several firemen I have questioned over the years, a normal house fire ranges from 800 to 1,200 degrees F and will usually, but not always, be extinguished within 20 minutes. This is not the case of a fire storm, which can rage through an entire neighborhood leveling it within minutes at temperatures higher than 2000 degrees F.

Many factors enter into the equation of fire temperatures. The amount of fuel in your home affects both the temperature and the length of the fire. The more fuel, the longer and hotter the fire. If your home is constructed of wood versus block, you are going to have a hotter fire. On the other hand, brick absorbs heat at an alarming rate (think brick ovens!).

When storing documents and cash, it is obviously a wise idea to get the best fire rating you can afford. The expense of a good fire-rated safe is sometimes an obstacle to overcome. Ask yourself, "What is it worth to protect the value of what I want to put into the safe?" Sometimes the cost of one item you want to protect costs much more than the safe itself.

When considering the purchase of a home or gun safe, there are important questions to ask regarding the fire protection:

What is being used as the fire protection? Fireboard or composite material? How many layers, or how thick is the firewall? Are all the susceptible spots protected with this fire protection? Door jambs, internal hinges? Walls, ceiling and floors? How was this safe tested and rated? What is the warranty, if there is one, on the safe in case of fire?

When storing especially fragile items inside a safe, you may want to consider purchasing a smaller "fire box" also. Items can be placed in the fire box, and then the fire box placed inside the safe. This will protect the contents for an extended length of time at a higher temperature.

Protecting your valuables from theft is only part of the equation. Fire is always an eminent threat as well. And one other thought - check with your home owner's insurance company. Sometimes discounts are available on homeowner's insurance when you have a fire-rated safe. Keep your tax records or business papers in a fire-rated safe? Check with your CPA about a possible write-off. These are just two hidden benefits of owning a good fire-rated home or gun safe.

At the risk of being redundant, do your homework! Call a safe consultant at a local safe store and ask all the questions you need to become informed. If they don't know the answer, call someone else. It's that important and it's well worth the time and effort you put into becoming an educated safe buyer. The peace of mind you will have knowing that your stuff is secure and fire protected will reward you time and again.


Confused About Fire Ratings in Home and Gun Safes? - What You Should Know

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Thursday, December 8, 2011

Shadow Box with Hidden Compartment

!±8± Shadow Box with Hidden Compartment

Brand : | Rate : | Price :
Post Date : Dec 08, 2011 05:45:38 | N/A

Completely Concealed Sliding Compartment! Great for hiding guns, cash, valuables or amusing your guests!Comes with Pegboard backing for hanging your valuables. Will easily fit a large frame auto.

  • 18x24 Shadow Box with Hidden Compartment
  • White
  • Mounting Hardware Included
  • Inside Compartment is 14.25x15.5x2 Inches

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Saturday, December 3, 2011

Viking Security Safe VS-52BM Large Biometric Fingerprint Wall Safe

!±8±Viking Security Safe VS-52BM Large Biometric Fingerprint Wall Safe

Brand : Viking
Rate :
Price :
Post Date : Dec 03, 2011 03:35:28
Usually ships in 1-2 business days



Please read information below.*The VS-52BM Wall Safe is the perfect hidden safe for any home or business. It easily retrofits in any standard wall. This safe is easily veiled behind mirrors, pictures or furniture. The inset door and reader allow it to sit flush against the wall, providing complete concealment. The VS-52BM retrofits easily between standard 16-Inch studs. This secure model is perfect for do-it-yourself installation. This safe has removable and adjustable shelves to facilitate document storage.The safe is made with heavy gauge steel on all sides. This includes the door. Other biometric safes are made with "locker level" material that can easily be preyed open. Viking safes are engineered to stave off both prying and professional picking. The heavy metal on all sides makes unauthorized entry futile. The fingerprint programming takes seconds to complete and is so easy a child can do it. The Viking VS-52BM safe is also the best looking in the market. It is powder coated with a beautiful black finish that matches the biometric reader. Two very high security override keys are included with the safe. (Not needed to open safe) Your average locksmith is not going to be able to replicate these keys so no need to worry about an unauthorized person making copies. The safe has a motorized opening so once the fingerprint is registered the safe opens allowing for quick access in case of an emergency. Mounting bolts are included. *Not recommended for people who meet the following conditions: elderly individuals, have scared fingers, have wet or excessively moist hands, hands are water soaked, have excessive grease, lotion or dust on fingers. However, because we use the best type of fingerprint reader available (optical sensor with a very high DPI), most people will be extremely happy with the performance of this safe.

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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Homak® In - the - Wall Gun Safe

!±8±Homak® In - the - Wall Gun Safe

Brand : HOMAK
Rate :
Price : $119.97
Post Date : Nov 30, 2011 06:52:37
N/A



The ultimate hideout for handguns, rifles, shotguns and more! Homak In - the - Wall Gun Safe, SAVE BIG! You can't steal what you don't know about! From the security experts at Homak, this Gun Safe installs directly into any wall, fitting snugly between the studs. The end result is nearly flush with the surrounding wall area. Hide the Safe behind a bookcase, artwork, posters, in a closet, just about anywhere in your home. And if they do find the Safe, they still have to rip it out of the wall! Get yours here for LESS! Cover your bases: Heavy-gauge steel construction; 4-point locking system with premium-grade security locks (includes 2 keys); Space inside for 3 rifles / shotguns; 2 cubic foot internal capacity.; Measures 17" x 3 3/4" x 57" h. Weighs 50 lbs. Don't wait for the unexpected! Be prepared, order today! Homak In-the-Wall Gun Safe

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Saturday, November 26, 2011

Need Somewhere To Store Your Book Collection? Book Cases Come In Many Shapes And Sizes

!±8± Need Somewhere To Store Your Book Collection? Book Cases Come In Many Shapes And Sizes

Ever since books started being printed the problem of their storage has been a matter of concern for book lovers, especially those who want to keep them safe, accessible and in proper condition for posterity. Book lovers and collectors are constantly in a dilemma whether to keep books in boxes or a bookcase.

One needs to keep books in boxes as long as there is no permanency of residence. Unless one has an owned house or a semblance of permanency, it is impractical to buy or build a bookcase. As long as one is living in rented quarters, movement from one accommodation to another will be frequent due to one reason or the other and it is better to store books in boxes. Even if they get dilapidated with too much of shifting and moving, it is better to change the boxes rather than go in for a bookcase.

For those lucky to be in a position to buy their own homes the dilemma of book storage resurfaces in the shape of a choice between different types of bookcases. There are interminable options open on how to store those beauties that one has collected over a lifetime: shelve them in a bookcase that is an inbuilt structure of a wall or get a prefabricated bookcase: whether to go in for garage sale shopping for wood or metal.

Circumstances permitting one can even let one's books be revered while resting in a brand new bookcase.

The dilemma does not end there. Selection of the type of bookcase to build or buy is another brain-teaser. Incessant options exist in the shape of contemporary, modern, French, Mediterranean, baroque, Gothic, traditional, mission, eclectic and shabby chic depending upon the interior decorating styles.

Mission style bookcases are purposeful and came into existence long after the first bookcases were configured. At best they are utilitarian.

Specially crafted pieces meant specifically for storing books came on the scene only in the 17th century when English readers started collecting books and felt the need for storing books. According to the Antique Collector's Dictionary by the latter part of the 17th century, bookcases were a common feature in libraries, schools and in homes of book lovers and scholars. Slowly the bookcase building techniques were picked up by others in the reading and researching world.

Different styles and types of bookcases surfaced on the scene till the 19th century. Prominent among them worth mentioning here are known as Georgian breakfront (also known wing) bookcases; upper stage glazed bookcases; and the Regency period dwarf (tiered) bookcases.

Mission style bookcases made their appearance on the scene in the end of the 19th century. As part of the matter-of-fact Mission style furniture set, these bookcases entered homes with the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement that was taking shape then. The story of bookcases cannot be complete with an honorable mention of the role of great creative minds as William Morris, Gustav Stickley and Frank Lloyd Wright in the phylogeny of Mission style.

All said and done simple and sturdy may be the smartest choice for bookcases regardless of the situation one is in: permanent residence or rented accommodation.


Need Somewhere To Store Your Book Collection? Book Cases Come In Many Shapes And Sizes

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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Stack-On PWS-1522 Wall Safe with Electronic Lock

!±8± Stack-On PWS-1522 Wall Safe with Electronic Lock

Brand : StackOn | Rate : | Price : $88.00
Post Date : Nov 22, 2011 19:43:05 | Usually ships in 24 hours


  • Solid steel, pry resistant steel door with an extra thick steel locking plate
  • Includes a key rack and key tags for securing duplicate or important keys
  • Document folder provides an easy way to store receipts, passports, etc
  • Includes 2-removable shelves for added storage

More Specification..!!

Stack-On PWS-1522 Wall Safe with Electronic Lock

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Sunday, November 20, 2011

Full French Comedy Movie: Tournée ( On Tour ) [ HD + 5 CC Languages]

On Tour (French: Tournée) is a 2010 French comedy film directed by Mathieu Amalric. It stars Amalric himself as a producer who brings an American Neo-Burlesque troupe to France, played by genuine performers Mimi Le Meaux, Kitten on the Keys, Dirty Martini, Julie Atlas Muz, Evie Lovelle and Roky Roulette. In a road movie narrative, the plot follows the troupe as they tour French port cities with their show, which was performed for actual audiences during the production. The inspiration for the film was a book by Colette about her experience from music halls in the early 20th century, and a part of Amalric's aim was to translate the sentiment of the book to a modern setting. The film premiered at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival where it won the FIPRESCI Award, the festival's main prize from film critics. Amalric also received the Best Director Award. ====================================================== Plot: ------ Formerly successful television producer Joachim Zand returns from America to his native France, where he previously has left everything behind, including friends, enemies and his own children. In his company is a burlesque striptease troupe whom he has promised a grand performance in Paris. Together they tour the French port cities, staying at cheap hotels and making success along the way. Old conflicts are however reignated upon the return to the French capital. Joachim is betrayed by people from his past, making him lose the venue where they were to perform ...

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Saturday, November 12, 2011

Choosing a Gun Cabinet for Sale

!±8± Choosing a Gun Cabinet for Sale

You can find gun cabinets for sale in virtually every size, shape and material imaginable. There are also good deals out there if you know where to look. Cabinets will range in price depending upon many different factors including: size, materials, security, and others.

Gun cabinets can come in many different materials such as metal, but mostly they are made of different wood types including oak, cherry, and maple. They are often sized for 6-20 long guns. All cabinets should have a strong safety lock to prevent children or other untrained adults from getting access to your gun collection.

These cabinets can come in a variety of colors from natural, golden oak, dark walnut, nutmeg and just about any other color of stain you can imagine. They will able to match the decor of your home. Keep in mind that you may have to order a custom cabinet or unfinished one (and stain it yourself) to match it perfectly. Make sure to check with the retailer carefully if you trying to match something.

Most gun owners will store both new and antique guns in their gun cabinets as well as both long guns and pistols. The cabinet allows you to show off your collection safely and securely even when you are not in the room.

Most states require that guns are secured when not in use. For this, all cabinets that you consider should have security locks. While this may not keep out a determined thief, it will deter a child or casual thief. There are many different locking mechanisms to choose from. One is right for you.

A gun cabinet can be a great addition to any room. When you are in the market for one, remember that they can be ordered in many different materials and colors to match the decor of your room. They can be a nice way to store and show off your gun collection in a safe way.


Choosing a Gun Cabinet for Sale

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