Everything You Need to Know About Eurograde 0 Certified Safes

Everything You Need to Know About Eurograde 0 Certified Safes

If you’re looking to protect cash, jewellery, documents, or small valuables at home or in a business setting, a Eurograde 0 safe offers an ideal starting point for certified security. These safes meet strict European testing standards and provide reliable protection, often meeting the basic insurance requirements for homes and small businesses.

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In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about EN 1143-1 Eurograde 0 safes — including what they are, how they’re tested, why they’re insurance-approved, and who should consider installing one. Whether you're upgrading your home security or need an entry-level commercial safe, this article will help you make an informed decision.


What is a Eurograde 0 Safe?

A Eurograde 0 safe, certified to the EN 1143-1 European Standard, is a secure storage unit designed to resist burglary attacks. It is independently tested by recognised bodies such as ECB-S or VdS, ensuring that it meets stringent requirements.

The Grade 0 rating indicates that the safe offers resistance equivalent to a cash rating of £6,000 or a valuables rating of £60,000—making it suitable for both private and commercial use.

These safes are often referred to as:

  • EN1143-1 Grade 0 safes

  • Insurance-approved Grade 0 safes

  • Certified home safes

  • Entry-level Eurograde safes


Key Features of Eurograde 0 Safes

Safes in this category typically include:

  • Thick, reinforced steel bodies and doors

  • Sophisticated locking systems (key locks, digital keypads, or biometric options)

  • Anti-drill and anti-cutting plate protection

  • Pre-drilled bolt-down holes

  • Optional fire protection

They strike a balance between affordability and certified burglary resistance — perfect for domestic use or light commercial storage.


How Are Eurograde 0 Safes Tested?

To earn their certification, Grade 0 safes must undergo rigorous physical attack tests conducted in an accredited laboratory. These tests simulate real-world burglary attempts using tools such as:

  • Crowbars

  • Power drills

  • Grinders

  • Cutting torches

During the test, the time it takes to breach the safe is recorded and converted into a Resistance Unit (RU) score. Grade 0 safes must meet or exceed a specific RU threshold to pass. The safes are then marked with a certification plate, often found on the door’s interior, verifying the grade and issuing body (ECB-S, VdS, etc.).


Benefits of Choosing a Eurograde 0 Safe

1. Insurance Approval

Most insurers recognise Eurograde 0 safes for storing up to £6,000 in cash or £60,000 in valuables. This can be crucial for ensuring coverage in the event of theft. Be sure to check with your provider, as terms may vary.

2. Affordable Certified Protection

Eurograde 0 safes are often more affordable than higher-grade models, making them an ideal first-time safe for homeowners or small offices.

3. Compact & Versatile

They come in a wide range of sizes and can be installed in bedrooms, cupboards, under stairs, or office spaces — making them highly adaptable.

4. European Standard Compliance

Certified to EN1143-1, Eurograde 0 safes meet recognised international standards and give confidence to insurers and buyers alike.


Who Should Use a Eurograde 0 Safe?

  • Homeowners who want to store cash, passports, or watches

  • Renters seeking a compact, certified safe

  • Landlords who offer furnished properties with safes

  • Small businesses handling petty cash, receipts, or sensitive records

  • Collectors of smaller valuables like coins or designer accessories

If your storage needs are moderate and your valuables don’t exceed insurance thresholds, a Grade 0 certified safe offers excellent value and peace of mind.


Installation: Why It Matters

To ensure your safe performs correctly—and to meet insurance conditions—it must be properly installed. That means:

  • Anchoring it securely to concrete floors or brick walls

  • Professional installation to prevent removal or tampering

  • Hidden placement to reduce visibility to burglars

At London & Home Counties Safes, we supply and install Eurograde 0 safes at no extra cost in London and the surrounding Home Counties. Our expert installers ensure full compliance with insurance and manufacturer guidelines.


Lock Options: Which Is Best?

Grade 0 safes come with a range of locking options. Here's what to consider:

  • Key Lock: Traditional and reliable. Simple to use but requires secure key storage.

  • Electronic Lock: Offers PIN access, time delays, and quick user management.

  • Biometric Lock: Uses fingerprint recognition — fast, modern, and key-free.

  • Dual Locking: Adds a second layer of security, often combining key and electronic access.

Choose based on how often you’ll access the safe and who needs access.


Fire Resistance in Grade 0 Safes

While not standard, some Eurograde 0 models offer fire resistance certified to EN 15659, protecting contents from heat and smoke damage for up to 60 minutes. These are ideal if you're storing:

  • Paper documents

  • USB drives or backup disks

  • Legal files or wills

When both theft protection and fire resistance are important, look for models offering dual certification.


 

Eurograde 0 vs Other Grades: How Does It Compare?

Grade Cash Rating (£) Valuables Rating (£)
0 £6,000 £60,000
1 £10,000 £100,000
2 £17,500 £175,000
3 £35,000 £350,000

Grade 0 offers a certified, insurable security solution without the higher cost or weight of higher-grade models. It's ideal for those who want certified protection without over-investing.


How to Choose the Right Eurograde 0 Safe

  1. Know your insurance limits – Only store within the certified rating

  2. Measure the space – Ensure it fits your chosen room or cabinet

  3. Plan for growth – Don’t choose a model that’s too small

  4. Prioritise locking options – Convenience vs control

  5. Choose a certified supplier – Avoid untested, budget safes

  6. Consider professional installation – Especially if insurance is involved


Final Thoughts

A Eurograde 0 safe is an excellent option for homeowners, renters, and small business owners who need certified, reliable security without the bulk or cost of higher-grade models. With its EN1143-1 certification and insurance-approved cash and valuables ratings, it offers dependable protection at a competitive price.

At London & Home Counties Safes, we stock a carefully curated selection of Eurograde 0 certified safes and provide free installation across London and the Home Counties. Whether you’re buying your first safe or replacing an older model, we’ll help you choose the right safe to meet your security and insurance needs.

Protect what matters — with peace of mind built in.