You may or may not need a fireproof file cabinet. The question is whether you know if you need one or not. Buying a fireproof filing unit is an important decision, so take the time to think about your needs.

Like typical file drives, a fireproof drive stores files in the same way. Depending on your requirements, you can get a cabinet with many or few drawers that can accommodate letter or legal size documents. The only real difference between typical models and flame retardants is that the latter provides the best type of additional security for documents. So how important are your documents to you? A durable fireproof file cabinet may be necessary if you know you have some papers that are simply irreplaceable or more valuable than money itself.

Once you have determined your need for one, the next step is to choose the right unit. The prices of fireproof units are a clue to their quality and performance. Prices typically range from a few hundred dollars to more than a thousand or two thousand dollars. Although all fireproof filing cabinets can resist fire, they differ in the degree of resistance. The more expensive ones can have UL ratings of up to 2 hours. High-priced units can also withstand extreme impacts and explosions.

A fireproof file cabinet can really offer the best protection for your most valuable documents. However, you must first decide how much you are willing to spend on fire protection. Regardless of the model you choose, flame retardant units are expensive.