Fire Rated Cabinet Requirements UK: Compliance & Insurance Guide (2026)

Understanding fire rated cabinet requirements UK-wide is essential for organisations responsible for protecting critical documents, hazardous materials and sensitive information. Fire protection is not only a safety consideration. It is often an insurance requirement and a risk management necessity.

This guide explains UK fire resistant storage cabinet standards, insurance expectations, and how to choose compliant fire-rated storage solutions in 2026.

For broader compliance context, see our UK Secure Storage Compliance Guide 2026.

What Is a Fire Rated Cabinet?

What Is a Fire Rated Cabinet?

A fire rated cabinet is a storage unit tested to withstand high temperatures for a specified period. It protects paper documents, digital media or hazardous materials during a fire.

Unlike standard steel cupboards, fire resistant cabinets contain insulating materials designed to maintain internal temperatures below critical thresholds.

UK Fire Resistance Standards Explained

Fire Resistance Standards Used in the UK

Common fire testing standards recognised in the UK include:

• BS EN 14450 – Security safes with fire resistance (limited)
• EN 1047-1 – Fire resistant data safes
• UL 72 – Fire endurance testing (US standard often recognised by insurers)
• NT Fire 017 – Scandinavian fire resistance standard

Each standard specifies temperature exposure time, internal temperature limits and structural integrity requirements.

Fire Protection Time Ratings

Understanding Fire Protection Time Ratings

Fire rated cabinets are typically classified by duration:

• 30 minutes fire protection
• 60 minutes fire protection
• 90 minutes fire protection
• 120 minutes fire protection

The appropriate duration depends on building fire strategy, risk assessment and insurer requirements.

Document vs Data Protection

Document Protection vs Digital Media Protection

Paper ignites at approximately 177°C. Digital media such as USB drives and hard drives fail at much lower temperatures.

• Document safes maintain internal temperatures below 177°C
• Data safes maintain significantly lower internal temperatures

Are Fire Rated Cabinets Legally Required?

Are Fire Rated Cabinets Legally Required in the UK?

UK legislation does not mandate fire cabinets by name. However, employers must protect critical records under:

• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• Data protection legislation
• Industry-specific compliance rules

In practice, fire resistant storage is often required by insurers and internal risk policies.

Insurance Considerations

Insurance & Risk Management Considerations

Insurance providers may require certified fire testing evidence before granting cover for stored documents or valuables.

• Confirm recognised certification
• Verify fire duration rating
• Check burglary resistance if combined security is required

Explore certified Fire Resistant Safes suitable for commercial environments.

Installation Requirements

Installation & Positioning Best Practice

• Install on load-bearing floors
• Keep away from primary ignition sources
• Ensure adequate clearance for door opening
• Follow manufacturer anchoring guidance

Fire Rated Cabinets vs Standard Steel Cabinets

Difference Between Fire Rated & Standard Steel Cabinets

• Fire cabinets contain insulation layers
• Standard cabinets provide no certified fire resistance
• Fire cabinets are heavier and thicker
• Certification labels should be present

For general industrial storage, see our Steel Storage Cabinets.

Choosing the Right Fire Rated Cabinet

How to Choose the Right Fire Rated Cabinet UK

• Identify contents (documents or data)
• Confirm insurer expectations
• Assess floor load capacity
• Consider combined burglary resistance
• Plan for future capacity

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all businesses need a fire rated cabinet?
Not all, but organisations storing critical documents or sensitive data should assess fire risk carefully.

Can a standard steel cupboard provide fire protection?
No. Only certified fire rated cabinets provide tested protection.