Fireproof wall safes combine concealment with real fire protection, making them one of the most practical ways to secure documents, cash, and small valuables. Unlike standard wall safes, these units use insulated steel panels to help shield contents during a fire while still mounting cleanly between 16" on-center wall studs.
Most fireproof wall safes require 12–15 inches of depth behind the wall. One-hour fire ratings are the most common and indicate that the safe has insulating material inside the body and door to slow heat transfer long enough to protect paper documents in a typical residential fire.
If you’re planning to install a fireproof wall safe yourself or hire a contractor, there are a few things to check first:
If you’re not sure whether your wall cavity can support one of these safes, our team can help you measure and choose the right model.
Three of the most trusted brands we carry are AMSEC, Gardall, or Protex. These manufacturers produce high-quality fireproof wall safes with proven performance in homes and businesses.
There are a few other brands on the market, but the majority of dependable, fire-rated wall safes come from these two manufacturers. If you’re unsure which model fits your needs, it’s worth speaking with a Safe Expert before you buy.
Hidden wall safes are popular because they combine security with discretion. When installed properly, they are difficult to spot without knowing exactly where to look.
Fireproof wall safes are rated by how long they can keep the internal temperature below the point at which paper begins to char. Common ratings include 30 minutes and 60 minutes,
Independent labs such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and other testing agencies expose safes to a controlled fire and measure:
The higher the fire rating, the more protection your contents will have during a typical residential or light commercial fire.
Choosing the right depth, fire rating, and installation location can be tricky, especially if it’s your first wall safe. Our Safe Experts can help you:
Ways to reach us:
A fireproof wall safe is a recessed safe installed between wall studs that also provides a tested level of fire resistance. It uses insulated steel panels and a fire-rated door to help protect contents during a fire, while staying hidden behind drywall, artwork, or shelving.
No. Many standard wall safes are not fire-rated and provide only basic theft protection. If you need document or media protection in a fire, look specifically for models that list a 30 or 60-minute fire rating in the specifications.
In most cases, yes. Installing between 16" on-center studs keeps the safe structurally supported and helps it sit flush with the wall. This also makes it easier to conceal behind artwork or a mirror and offers better protection in the event of a fire.
The best location is usually an interior wall in a cool, dry area that isn’t immediately obvious to visitors. Bedrooms, home offices, and closets are common choices. Avoid areas with high moisture or extreme temperature swings whenever possible.
AMSEC and Gardall are two of the most trusted manufacturers of fireproof wall safes. They offer UL-tested or factory-tested fire ratings, solid construction, and dependable locks that are commonly used in both homes and businesses.
For most homes, a 1-hour fire rating is a good starting point for protecting cash and important documents. If you live in a rural area with longer fire response times or are storing higher-value items, you may want to consider a longer rating or pairing your safe with additional fire protection measures. Our team can help you match your situation to the right rating.
