Class 6 vs. Class 5 | Compare and Review of GSA Security Containers

There are two standard classifications of GSA containers known as Class 5 and Class 6. Each of these containers are available in a variety of flavors including safes, file cabinets and general purpose cabinets or storage lockers. While both classifications can be used for the storage of top secret and classified documents or materials, there are several differences that must be taken into consideration before you buy a GSA container.

What can I store in a Class 6 container?

GSA Class 6 containers (often 2 drawer, 4 drawer or 5 drawer filing cabinets) are engineered to store top secret documents and materials deemed classified. This includes paper documents, external hard drives and other related information. You cannot store Federal evidence in a Class 6 safe.

Common GSA Class 6 NSN #’s

7110-00-920-9342 is a Class 6, 2 Drawer file cabinet with X-09 Lock

7110-01-029-5767 is a Class 6, 2 drawer file cabinet with multi lock (X-09 on each drawer)

7110-00-920-9343 is a 4 Drawer, Class 6 filing cabinet with X-09 lock

7110-01-029-9343ML is a 4 Drawer, Class 6 filing cabinet with multi lock (X-09 lock on each drawer)

7110-00-919-9193 is a 5 drawer, Class 6 single lock file cabinet with X-09 lock

What can I store in a Class 5 container?

GSA Approved Class 5 security containers (file cabinets, storage cabinets and lockers) are built to store a variety of materials that includes the top secret and classified information as well as weapons, guns and rifles, ammunition and Federal evidence.

Common GSA Class 5 NSN #’s

7110-00-082-6111 is a 2 Drawer Single Lock Class 5 cabinet

7110-00-082-6112 is a 4 Drawer Single Lock Class 5 cabinet

What is the best container for my needs?

Generally speaking the most common containers are the 2 drawer file cabinet and 4 drawer file cabinets. These security containers are legal width to accommodate a variety of documents and still allow you to store external hard drives.

Evidence Storage
DEA or police evidence storage requires a Class 5 container and a general purpose cabinet or storage locker is a great choice.

Narcotics Lockers
Controlled substances and narcotics require a Class 5 container and the most common choice is a filing cabinet or storage locker with shelves or drawers

Documents
File cabinets that are rated GSA Class 6 or GSA Class 5 are the best choice for general document storage. For the money they offer the most flexibility for your storage requirements.

COMSEC | COMPUSEC | INFOSEC | IPS Containers
For the storage of computer equipment, servers and crypto equipment that is processing classified or top secret information, an IPS container is the best choice for storage. These safes have active airflow cooling that ensures the computer environment remains stable under extreme or rugged conditions.

Compare the security safe ratings for Class 5 and Class 6 containers