Your Guide to EN14450 S1 Safes: Practical, Certified Protection for Everyday Use

Your Guide to EN14450 S1 Safes: Practical, Certified Protection for Everyday Use

Not every security need calls for a heavy-duty safe or commercial-grade solution. For homeowners, renters, and small businesses looking for a trustworthy but affordable way to protect valuables, EN14450 S1 certified safes provide a smart and secure option. These safes are officially tested and certified to offer resistance to casual theft and are widely accepted by insurers for lower-risk applications.

JUMP STRAIGHT TO THE SAFES CLICK HERE 

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about EN14450 S1 safes—from what the certification involves to typical features, use cases, and installation tips.

What Does EN14450 S1 Certification Mean?

EN14450 is the European benchmark for domestic secure storage. Within this standard, there are two levels: S1 and S2. The S1 classification is the entry-level option, but still provides certified protection against break-ins using basic tools.

A safe with an EN14450 S1 rating has been independently tested and approved to resist casual attacks and delay unauthorised access.

Typical insurance values for S1 safes in the UK:

  • Cash rating: £2,000

  • Valuables rating: £20,000

This makes them suitable for protecting:

  • Passports and ID documents

  • Bank cards and chequebooks

  • Small amounts of cash

  • Jewellery and watches

  • Sensitive documents or USB drives

Who Certifies EN14450 S1 Safes?

Safes with this rating must be tested by an accredited third-party organisation such as:

  • ECB-S (European Certification Body)

  • VdS Schadenverhütung (Germany)

  • SBSC (Sweden)

Certification ensures that the safe meets set criteria for resistance against forced access and that it has been manufactured to consistent quality standards.

Look for the official label or badge inside the safe to confirm its S1 certification.

What Features to Expect in an EN14450 S1 Safe

Although simpler than higher-grade models, S1 certified safes still come with several key security features:

  • Solid steel construction, often with 3-5mm thick walls

  • Secure locking systems, including key-operated or electronic options

  • Bolting points for wall and/or floor anchoring

  • Internal shelving to help organise contents

  • Anti-drill protection on the lock housing (in most models)

  • Compact designs suitable for cupboards or wardrobes

Ideal Users for S1 Rated Safes

EN14450 S1 safes are ideal for people who want reliable, certified security without investing in a heavy or complex installation. They are often chosen by:

  • Private homeowners and tenants looking for basic theft protection

  • Holiday let and Airbnb owners providing a guest safe

  • Students in shared accommodation

  • Small businesses storing low-value assets or confidential documents

  • Medical professionals needing simple drug storage

Lock Types and Access Options

Most EN14450 S1 safes offer a choice of locking mechanisms:

  • Traditional key locks (dependable and budget-friendly)

  • Electronic PIN locks (easy to use and programmable)

  • Combination locks (less common but secure)

Some advanced models may include features like user codes, override keys, and time-delay functions.

EN14450 S1 vs Other Safe Ratings

Certification Standard Classification Cash Rating (£) Valuables Rating (£)
EN14450 S1 Basic 2,000 20,000
EN14450 S2 Medium 4,000 40,000
EN1143-1 Grade 0 Advanced 6,000 60,000
EN1143-1 Grade 1 High 10,000 100,000

S1 safes offer a good level of certified protection without the bulk or cost of a Eurograde safe.

Fire Resistance: What to Know

EN14450 does not cover fire protection, but many S1 safes can be purchased with basic fire-resistance features:

  • Fire-retardant lining for 30 or 60 minutes

  • Sealed compartments to protect documents

Always check the model's fire certification separately, such as EN 15659 for paper or NT Fire 017 for digital media.

Trusted EN14450 S1 Safe Models in the UK

Here are some of the most popular and well-reviewed S1 safes available in the UK:

  • Bloomsbury 20K Slimline Digital Safe

  • Yale Certified Home Safe Medium

  • Phoenix Compact Home Office Safe SS0721E

  • Securikey Mini Vault S1

  • Burton Torino S1 Safe

Each model comes in various sizes and lock options to suit different budgets and needs.

Installation Advice

Although EN14450 S1 safes are lighter and easier to manage than higher grades, proper installation is still essential for security and insurance compliance.

Ensure your safe is:

  • Bolted to a solid surface (floor or wall)

  • Concealed where possible (e.g., in a cupboard)

  • Fitted professionally to maximise protection

At London & Home Counties Safes, we offer free installation for EN14450 S1 safes throughout London and the Home Counties.

Buying Tips

Before making a purchase, consider the following:

  1. What will you store? Match the interior size to your valuables

  2. Where will you put it? Choose a location with access to fixings

  3. How often will it be used? Pick a lock system that suits your routine

  4. Fire protection required? Select a dual-rated model if needed

  5. Is it insurer-approved? Confirm with your provider beforehand

Summary

An EN14450 S1 certified safe offers reliable and independently tested protection for valuables in low to moderate risk settings. These safes are well-suited to everyday domestic use, offering peace of mind without the expense of higher-security models.

At London & Home Counties Safes, we carry a wide range of S1 certified safes, all professionally delivered and installed at no extra cost throughout London and the Home Counties.

Keep your essentials safe with a certified EN14450 S1 model—simple, secure, and insurer-friendly.