Dominator HS vs DS vs FA vs FX: Which Safe Should You Buy?

Here’s the blunt truth: the “best” safe isn’t the biggest or the most expensive — it’s the one that matches your risk, your insurance, and your site realities.

This guide compares the four Dominator series customers ask us about most: HS (home/office), DS (composite burglary + fire), FA (high-security cash/deposit), and FX (ultra-high security).

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Choose in 60 Seconds

If you’re skimming: this is the fastest way to land on the right Dominator series.

HS Series

The smart buy for most homes and light office use. Efficient sizing, tidy interiors, and practical fire protection.

30 min fire (guide) $20k cash (unsupported guide) Multiple sizes

Shop HS range  •  HS-1  •  HS-3  •  HS-5

DS Series

The “step-up” when you want composite burglary resistance plus long fire protection — without jumping into huge high-security cash safes.

105 min fire (CNS) $40k–$50k (unsupported guide) Composite + relocker

Shop DS range  •  DS-0  •  DS-1  •  DS-3

FA Series

Built for higher-risk cash and valuables — think business takings, higher-value stock, and insurer-driven requirements.

$100k (unsupported guide) Audit + time delay lock 105 min fire (CNS)

Shop FA range  •  FA-65D  •  FA-100  •  FA-140

FX Series

Ultra-high security. If you’re planning for grinders, torches, and serious forced-entry attempts — FX is the serious end of the pool.

$250k (unsupported guide) 105 min fire (CNS) UL-TL30x6 (series)

Shop FX range  •  FX-80  •  FX-140

Quick rule: HS = home basics • DS = composite + long fire • FA = higher-risk cash/deposit • FX = ultra-high security (serious tool resistance).

HS vs DS vs FA vs FX Comparison

Cash ratings below are manufacturer guides in an “unsupported situation”. Insurer acceptance varies — and can often be improved with the right supporting security.

Series	Fire (guide)	Build / Security Angle	Cash Rating (guide)	Best For	Good Starting Links
HS	30 min	Home/office safe with practical plate steel build	$20,000	Docs, jewellery, valuables, light office use	HS range • HS-1
DS	105 min	Steel/concrete composite wall + relocker + anti-drill (moderate commercial)	$40,000–$50,000	Higher-value home setups, small business valuables	DS range • DS-1 • DS-D deposit
FA	105 min	High-security cash/deposit with auditable multi-user lock + time delay	$100,000	Business takings, higher-risk stock, insurer-driven requirements	FA range • FA-65D
FX	105 min	Ultra-high security: marketed with UL-TL30x6 + CNS fire certification	$250,000	High threat / high value cash, jewellery & serious storage needs	FX range • FX-80

Note: cash ratings are manufacturer guides only. We recommend confirming your insurer’s requirements (and anchoring requirements) before purchase.

How to Increase “Insurable” Cash Rating

A safe alone is good. A safe + supporting security is what insurers usually want to see — because it reduces the time an offender can work uninterrupted.

Common “support measures” that can meaningfully lift insurer confidence:

• CCTV (ideally with recorder protected / off-site backup)
• Monitored alarm / back-to-base monitoring (shortens the attack window)
• Seismic / vibration / movement sensors (early alert during cutting/drilling/moving)
• Correct anchoring to concrete (prevents removal and tipping attacks)
• Smart placement (not visible from public areas, reduced tool-time and privacy for offenders)

Real talk: if you tell us your target insured amount (and your insurer’s safe/rating requirements), we can recommend the right Dominator series + install method + monitoring stack — without overbuying.

If You Need a Deposit Safe

For businesses taking daily cash, a deposit format reduces staff access and keeps drops separated from float/change.

Browse the Dominator Series

Quick links for customers who want to compare models fast.

HS Range DS Range FA Range FX Range

Browse Safes by Cash Rating Band

Want to compare across brands and price points? These filters help customers self-select quickly.

$5k–$20k $20k–$50k $50k–$100k $100k–$500k

Or compare by brand: Dominator • Secuguard • Sentinel • Spika

Delivery & Installation

Safes don’t magically teleport into place. Access planning (and correct anchoring) is part of the security outcome.

We deliver and install across the Gold Coast and down to Byron Bay and Murwillumbah.

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