How to Buy a Fireproof File Cabinet
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Buying a fire file cabinet is a serious investment, you’re now part of an educated group of people who understand the value of protecting vital records from disaster and how important paper records are to your business. In this brief article we’ll cover the most important steps you should take to make the best purchase to meet your unique storage requirements. Buying the best fireproof cabinet is a series of questions that you should ask yourself today. Let’s get started…
What am I storing?If you are only storing paper documents, then you need to determine what the best fire rating is for your business location. If you are storing documents and computer media (USB thumb drives, flash cards or external hard drives) then you’ll need a dual label fireproof file that can accommodate both paper and electronic records. UL 350, 1 Hour fire ratings are designed to protect paper records (a UL 350, 2 hour rating is better for remote locations or rural areas) Some brand names such as FireKing file cabinets have a UL 350 rating for paper AND an ETL Rating to protect electronic media in the same cabinet. Educate yourself and compare the fire ratings before you buy, there are pros and cons to each! How much storage space do I need?This question is two-fold and relates to both the physical space required for a vertical file cabinet vs. a lateral file cabinet; this question also means you need to determine the overall volume of documents you will be storing and protecting. The rule of thumb is that you buy a file cabinet that you can ‘grow into’ over time. If you have enough documents to fill two drawer today, chances are you should buy a three drawer or four drawer to accommodate for document growth.
 Which lock is best for me?There are many reasons to choose a standard key lock or an electronic lock. From convenience and access control to personal preference and budget, the lock you choose should be the best for your office. Key Locks | The standard for fireproof files is a key lock, it’s important to note that some cabinets include a Medeco high security key lock whereas others simply have a plunger lock. A Medeco lock is tamper resistant and provides more security and peace of mind. Electronic locks | For businesses with high employee turnover, electronic locks are great for security. You can quickly and easily change the combination whenever you desire. Just remember that there will typically be an up-charge for an electronic lock. Audit Control | If your organization has access control and audit requirements, your fireproof file cabinet might have the option to be outfitted with this type of lock. Again, there are typically up-charges for locks of this caliber, but the possibilities are endless. What type of delivery do I need?From a standard loading dock to full inside delivery and setup, there are a variety of options available to you. The majority of small businesses choose an inside delivery for convenience (it’s difficult to move 600 lb. file cabinets!) Below is a breakdown of how to determine which is best for you… Dock to Dock Delivery | If you have a loading dock and the ability to unload the fireproof filing cabinet from the truck, then this may be the best delivery option for you. This type of delivery is commonly included for FREE and a great choice if you have a forklift and maintenance staff to move heavy filing cabinets. Lift Gate Service | A lift gate delivery means that the driver of the truck will lower the filing cabinet to the ground for you. Your company is then responsible for moving the cabinet and the final set up in the desired location. Inside Delivery & Set Up (AKA White Glove Delivery) | The majority of our customers choose an inside delivery for several reasons, including but not limited to; 1) The weight of a fireproof cabinet requires special equipment to move and install. 2) Most inside deliveries require two (and occasionally three) people. 3) Stairs mean extra heavy lifting and pose dangers that require specialized equipment. 4) Paying for an inside delivery means that you can focus on your job and not have to worry about how you are going to get that heavy fire file into your doorway, up 3 stairs, around the corner and set up inside. By asking yourself these four (4) questions, we’ve covered the basics to help you begin the process of buying a fireproof file cabinet. From here, there are several brand names to consider including FireKing, SentrySafe and others – each of which have their own standard and/or optional features. Remember, if you have questions, ask our expert team today! Call Toll Free 1-866-867-0306 or click the live chat button. We are here to help and advise you to get the best product that meets your needs and requirements. |
