How are Chubbsafes data media cabinets tested?

The data media cabinets are subjected to a two stage test where they carry the ECB.S and UL -72 certification.

STAGE 1:

The cabinet is placed into the furnace and is heated to over 1000C. This is kept in the furnace for a period of 1 or 2 hours depending on the time requested, for example if it is a 2 hour label then the cabinet will be in the furnace for 2 hours.

It is then left to a cooling period to ensure latent heat still present in the cabinet does not increase the internal temperature greater than its limit (52C for data media and 177 for cabinets).

STAGE 2:

The furnace is preheated to over 1000C and then the cabinet is inserted to test its resistance to 'shock'.

The cabinet is then withdrawn and dropped from a height of 9.1metres, average 3 storey building. This is to simulate a collapsing building due to intense heat of the fire. It ensures the cabinet will remain intact after such a drop.

It is then returned to the furnace for another endurance period against intense heat. Finally left to cool naturally. Some competitors allow their cabinets to be water cooled at this stage but we feel this does not check for any further rise in temperature which may occur if the cabinet is left in smouldering rubble.