Your Complete Guide to Eurograde 2 Safes: Maximum Security for Serious Protection

Your Complete Guide to Eurograde 2 Safes: Maximum Security for Serious Protection

When it comes to safeguarding high-value assets, whether in a residential or commercial setting, Eurograde 2 safes are a top-tier choice. Offering certified protection against burglary, these safes are trusted by insurance companies and security professionals alike. If you’re looking for an insurance-approved safe with enhanced resistance to physical attacks, a Grade 2 certified model may be exactly what you need.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Eurograde 2 safes, including their certifications, features, best use cases, and how they differ from lower-grade safes. Whether you're a private individual with significant valuables or a business that handles cash and sensitive documents, this article is packed with SEO-friendly insights to help you make a smart, secure choice.

What Is a Eurograde 2 Safe?

A Eurograde 2 safe is a security safe that has been independently tested and certified according to EN 1143-1, the European standard for resistance against burglary. This grade offers a higher level of protection than Grade 0 or Grade 1 safes, with a typical insurance cash rating of £17,500 and a valuables rating of up to £175,000, depending on your insurer's criteria.

These safes are especially suited for:

  • High-net-worth homeowners

  • Retailers and small-to-medium businesses

  • Offices storing sensitive client data or valuable equipment

Common alternative terms include:

  • EN1143-1 Grade 2 safe

  • Insurance-rated safe Grade 2

  • Certified security safe Grade 2

Certification and Testing: How Trust Is Built

Before achieving Grade 2 certification, a safe must pass strict testing procedures carried out by accredited European bodies such as ECB-S (European Certification Body) or VdS. These tests simulate burglary attacks using advanced tools including:

  • Power drills

  • Grinders

  • Sledgehammers

  • Thermal cutting tools

The safe is rated based on the amount of time and effort required to break in, calculated in Resistance Units (RU). A Grade 2 rating represents a significant increase in resistance over Grade 0 and Grade 1, offering enhanced protection for high-value items.

Each certified safe will bear a label or plate inside the door showing its grade level and the certifying authority, which is crucial for insurance verification.

Key Features of Eurograde 2 Safes

  • Advanced locking mechanisms: Including dual locks, time-delay systems, digital or biometric options

  • Heavy-duty construction: Multi-layer steel walls, reinforced doors, and anti-drill plates

  • Fire protection (optional): Many models offer combined fire resistance to protect documents and data

  • Bolt-down capability: Pre-drilled holes for secure anchoring to floors or walls

  • Adjustable interior: Shelves, drawers, or deposit slots depending on the model

These safes are often heavier and more robust than lower-grade units, making professional installation essential.

Why Choose a Grade 2 Certified Safe?

1. Higher Insurance Coverage

Most insurers will approve Grade 2 safes for storing up to £17,500 in cash or £175,000 in valuables. If you keep large amounts of jewellery, gold, or confidential materials, this extra coverage is essential.

2. Serious Theft Resistance

Thanks to rigorous testing, Eurograde 2 safes provide superior defence against advanced break-in methods, offering valuable peace of mind.

3. Suitable for Business Use

Many businesses rely on Grade 2 safes for daily operations involving cash management, legal files, contracts, or sensitive data.

4. Enhanced Build Quality

With thicker steel, more locking bolts, and sophisticated locking systems, these safes are built to withstand not only physical attacks but also long-term wear and tear.

Who Needs a Eurograde 2 Safe?

  • Retailers who store daily cash earnings or high-value merchandise

  • Law firms or accountancy practices storing client files or financial documents

  • Medical clinics with prescriptions or sensitive patient records

  • Collectors and hobbyists with valuable items like luxury watches, artwork, or rare coins

  • Homeowners wanting next-level protection for heirlooms, gold, or estate documents

Locking Options: Flexibility Meets Security

Eurograde 2 safes typically offer the following locking systems:

  • Key locks: Simple and mechanical, but require secure key management

  • Digital locks: PIN-based entry with time-delay or multi-user options

  • Biometric locks: Fingerprint access for high convenience

  • Dual locking: Combination of key + digital or key + mechanical locks for added control

Choose the locking system that fits your lifestyle, staff access needs, or compliance requirements.

Fire Resistance: Dual Security

If you're storing paper records, certificates, contracts, or digital backups, look for Grade 2 safes with integrated fire protection, typically certified under standards like EN 15659 or NT Fire 017. These offer protection from fire for 30 to 120 minutes, depending on the model.

Eurograde Comparison Table

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

As you move up in grade, the safe's ability to resist increasingly sophisticated burglary methods improves significantly. Grade 2 is often the sweet spot for serious users who need more than basic protection.

Installation Matters

Due to their weight and build, Grade 2 safes must be installed professionally to ensure full compliance with insurance requirements and to prevent unauthorised removal. Safes should be bolted into solid concrete floors or load-bearing walls.

At London & Home Counties Safes, we supply and install Grade 2 safes at no additional cost in London and surrounding areas. Our expert installers ensure each unit is fully secure and compliant.

Choosing the Right Grade 2 Safe

  1. Assess your risks: Are you protecting documents, cash, jewellery, or equipment?

  2. Think ahead: Choose a size that allows for future expansion

  3. Lock type matters: Consider access control and user management

  4. Fire protection: Do you need it for paperwork or digital media?

  5. Supplier reliability: Always purchase from a reputable, certified dealer

Final Thoughts

A Eurograde 2 safe represents a serious step up in protection for homes, offices, and retail environments. With its high cash and valuables ratings, robust construction, and strict testing certification, it provides true peace of mind and often meets or exceeds insurance expectations.

At London & Home Counties Safes, we offer a broad selection of Eurograde 2 safes with free professional installation throughout London and the Home Counties. If you’re ready to secure what matters most, contact us for tailored advice and product recommendations.

Because real security begins with real certification.