UL Safe Ratings Explained: RSC vs TL‑15 vs TL‑30x6 (and What It Means for Cash Ratings & Insurance)
Posted by Jim Noort on 9th Feb 2026
In this guide
Quick clarity first, then filters + real product examples.
What UL burglary ratings actually measure
UL ratings are about forced-entry resistance under controlled testing — not marketing buzzwords.
It’s a tool-attack test
UL burglary ratings are based on how long trained technicians can resist entry using defined tools and methods. Higher ratings = tougher construction, better barrier materials, stronger door assemblies, and more serious anti-attack design.
“Minutes” are net working time
The clock counts only while tools are actively attacking the safe. In real life, burglars waste time, change tools, reposition, hide noise, and often bail early — so UL minutes are a serious baseline.
Ratings ≠ insurance approval (by default)
UL burglary ratings help you compare security levels, but insurers typically assess the whole risk picture: the safe, anchoring, building security, alarms/monitoring, and how much cash is held (and for how long).
Installation matters more than people think
A safe that can be removed can be opened later. For burglary resistance, anchoring and placement are part of the outcome — not a “nice-to-have”.
Practical takeaway: If you’re protecting modest valuables at home, an RSC-level safe can be fine. If you’re protecting serious business cash, jewellery, firearms, or high-value stock, you want to step into TL territory and support it with monitoring and sensors.RSC vs TL‑15 vs TL‑30x6: quick comparison
Here’s the simplest way to understand the ladder. (We’ll match the rating to your risk and insurer expectations if you tell us what you’re storing.)
Best for
Example links Don’t get caught by this trap: “Heavy” doesn’t automatically mean “high rated”. If you’re buying for insurance/compliance, ask for the rating/certification and match it to your insurer’s requirements.Cash ratings & insurance: how it really works
A cash rating is best treated as a starting point — not a guarantee.
Insurers look at the whole scenario
Same safe, different building, different suburb, different operating hours, different risk — different outcome. Insurers typically consider how cash is handled, how long it’s stored, and what security supports the safe.
“Unsupported situation” matters
Many manufacturers list a rating assuming the safe is the only protection. Add meaningful site security and the practical/insurable figure can rise — because the burglar has less time and more risk.
Anchoring is non-negotiable at higher values
A high-grade safe that isn’t anchored can still be removed, attacked elsewhere, or leveraged/tilted for easier entry. If you want higher insurance confidence, install properly.
How to lift insurable limits (the supportive security stack)
You don’t just buy a safe — you build a security ecosystem around it. Here’s what typically moves the needle.
Reality check: Insurable limits vary by insurer and policy. The point is that extra security can materially improve acceptance — but you should always confirm with your insurer.
Supportive measure
Want us to help you “stack” the right security?
Tell us (1) cash/value held, (2) business type, (3) premises layout, and (4) whether you have CCTV/alarm monitoring. We’ll recommend a rating tier and the supporting measures most likely to improve insurer acceptance.
Get Advice + Install Options Browse safes by cash rating (fast links)
Use these filters to quickly narrow down options across all brands. (Remember: insurer acceptance varies — ask us if you want to maximise approval.)
Prefer browsing by brand?
Examples from our range (click to compare)
A few “known quantity” examples that customers commonly compare when stepping up security.
Step-up “real safe” tier
Popular for home + small business where you want credible burglary resistance without going full high-security commercial.
Dominator DS Series Commercial cash & valuables
A serious move up for higher value storage. Add monitoring + sensors to improve insurer confidence.
Dominator FA65
High-security endgame
For higher-threat environments and high-value holdings where you want the “x6” style protection tier.
Dominator FX140FAQ
Can supportive security increase the insurable cash rating?
Often yes — especially monitored alarms, CCTV, and seismic/movement detection — but it depends on the insurer and your policy wording. If you want to maximise acceptance, we’ll help you specify the safe + the supporting measures as a package.
Is TL always “better” than RSC?
It’s “better” if your risk profile demands it. For many homes, an RSC-level safe is sufficient. For meaningful cash/jewellery/business assets, TL-rated safes are the smarter choice.
What should I tell my insurer?
Share the safe make/model, burglary rating (if certified), anchoring method, location on site, and what supportive security is installed (monitored alarm, CCTV, sensors). The more complete the picture, the fewer surprises later.
Want a recommendation in plain English?
Tell us what you’re protecting, your target cash/value range, and what security you already have (or plan to add). We’ll recommend the right UL tier and the smartest upgrades for insurer acceptance — and we can deliver and install across SE QLD & Northern NSW.
Note: Cash ratings are guides and insurer acceptance varies by policy and risk scenario. Always confirm requirements with your insurer.