We have a number of enquiries from customers that require a safe that meets the AS/NZ3809:1998 standard, and there is some mis-understanding of what this standard is.

This is a Standard for the classification and performance testing of safes to intrusion resistance and removal. Safes that have met this standard have been submitted to an authorised independant testing laboratory (eg.VdS, CNPP) and has passed a physical attack test in a particular grade (from 1-6 for safes) and an anchoring strength test.

You can clearly identify these safes as they will have the Australian standards mark label on the inside of the safe door or an ECB-S, VdS, CNPP or LPCB label to EN1143-1(The European standard EN1143-1 is the benchmark for safe standards and the AS/NZS standard is copied from this )
These labels will have the Grade, year of manufacture, weight etc printed on them. You will also be able to obtain copies of grading certification from your safe supplier.

Safes are graded currently from grade 0 to grade 6 and strongroom doors up to grade 13. (With a few exceptions grade 5 is currently Bank/Jewellers level.

The grading is a way of measuring the resistance a safe has to a physical attack. Each grade has a resistance value that needs to be achieved in a set time dependant on the attack tools used. Both a partial and complete access hole are tested. A partial access hole is approximately the size of a mans fist reaching into a safe to steal the contents. A complete accesss is ultimately opening the safe door.

The list below should give you a good idea of what safe grade is appropriate for the value of contents being stored inside.

Grade 0 – Cash Rating $18,000 standalone

Grade 1– Cash Rating $45,000 standalone

Grade 2– Cash Rating $60,000 standalone

Grade 3– Cash Rating $100,000 standalone

Grade 5– Cash Rating $250,000 standalone

Grade 5KB- Cash Rating $375,000 standalone

Not all safes are created equal and a grade 1 safe is not suitable to store valuables worth over $250,000 even if it has been tested and certified to the Australia/New Zealand standard.