What is a Eurograde Safe? Eurograde Ratings Explained
28th Apr 2026
What is a Eurograde Safe? Eurograde Ratings Explained
If you've been shopping for a safe — particularly for business use or high-value home storage — you'll have come across the term "Eurograde." It appears on product listings, insurance documents and security specifications, but it's rarely explained clearly.
This guide demystifies Eurograde ratings, explains what each grade means in practice, and helps you work out which one you actually need.
What Does Eurograde Mean?
Eurograde is the European standard for safe security, defined under the testing standard EN 1143-1. It is the most widely recognised and respected safe security classification in the UK and Europe, and is used by insurers, security consultants and businesses as the benchmark for high-value storage.
A safe that carries a Eurograde certification has been independently tested by an approved testing body — it has physically been attacked with tools in controlled conditions and proven its resistance. Unlike some manufacturer claims, a Eurograde rating cannot be self-certified.
How Are Eurograde Safes Tested?
Testing is carried out by independent approved laboratories. Testers attempt to break into the safe using a range of tools — drills, grinders, cutting equipment and more — for a set period of time. The higher the Eurograde, the more sustained and sophisticated the attack the safe must resist.
The test measures two things:
- Resistance to manipulation — how long it takes to open the lock without the combination or key
- Resistance to forced entry — how long it takes to break through the body of the safe
The result is expressed as a Resistance Unit (RU) score, which determines the grade. The higher the RU score, the higher the grade.
The Eurograde Scale — What Each Grade Means
| Grade | Minimum Cash Rating | Typical Valuables Cover | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 0 | £6,000 | Up to £60,000 | Home use, small businesses |
| Grade 1 | £10,000 | Up to £100,000 | Small to medium businesses |
| Grade 2 | £17,500 | Up to £175,000 | Retail, hospitality, professional firms |
| Grade 3 | £35,000 | Up to £350,000 | Commercial premises, jewellers |
| Grade 4 | £60,000 | Up to £600,000 | High-value commercial storage |
| Grade 5 | £100,000 | Up to £1,000,000 | Banks, financial institutions |
| Grade 6 | £150,000 | Up to £1,500,000 | Maximum security applications |
The cash rating is the amount of cash an insurer will typically cover when stored in the safe. The valuables cover is generally 10x the cash rating, though this varies by insurer — always confirm the exact ratio with your insurance provider.
Is a Eurograde Safe the Same as a Standard Safe?
No — and this distinction matters. Many safes sold in the UK are not Eurograde certified. They may be described as "security safes" or given a star rating by the manufacturer, but without independent EN 1143-1 certification they do not carry a recognised cash or valuables rating.
A non-certified safe may still deter an opportunist burglar, but most insurers will not cover significant amounts of cash or high-value items stored in an uncertified safe. If insurance compliance is important to you — and for most business buyers it is — a Eurograde safe is essential.
What Eurograde Do I Need?
The right grade depends on three things: what you're storing, how much it's worth, and what your insurer requires.
For home use: Most homeowners storing cash, jewellery and documents will find a Grade 0 or Grade 1 safe more than sufficient. These offer cover of £60,000–£100,000 in valuables, which exceeds the contents value of the vast majority of UK homes.
For small businesses: A business storing end-of-day cash takings should work backwards from its maximum cash holding. If your maximum overnight cash holding is £3,000, a Grade 0 (£6,000 cash rating) provides adequate headroom. If you regularly hold £8,000 overnight, you need at least a Grade 1.
For retail and hospitality: Businesses with higher cash turnovers — busy restaurants, retail shops, hotels — should consider Grade 2 or Grade 3, particularly if their insurance policy specifies a minimum grade.
For high-value storage: Jewellers, antique dealers and any business holding extremely high-value stock should consult their insurer directly. Grade 3 and above will typically be required, and some specialist insurers will specify additional requirements around installation and alarm systems.
Does My Insurer Specify a Eurograde?
Many commercial insurers specify a minimum Eurograde in their policy wording — particularly for business contents policies covering cash or stock. If your policy specifies a minimum grade and you store valuables in a lower-grade safe, your claim may be reduced or rejected.
It is always worth checking your policy documents carefully before purchasing. If you're unsure, call your insurer and ask specifically: "What is the minimum Eurograde safe required to cover [amount] of cash overnight?"
Does a Eurograde Safe Also Need to Be Fixed?
Yes — in almost all cases. A Eurograde safe must be anchored to a solid floor or wall to maintain its certification for insurance purposes. An unfixed safe, regardless of its grade, can potentially be removed from a property. Most insurers require proof of installation as well as the safe specification when processing a claim.
At Ace Safes, all our Eurograde safes can be professionally installed anywhere in the UK, with fixings appropriate to your floor or wall type.
New vs Reconditioned Eurograde Safes
Eurograde safes represent some of the best value in our reconditioned safe range. Because Eurograde safes are built to a far higher specification than standard safes, they retain their structural integrity and security properties long after they leave their original owner.
A reconditioned Grade 2 or Grade 3 safe from a bank or financial institution — fully inspected, repainted and re-keyed — will typically outperform a new entry-level Eurograde safe at the same price point. If budget is a consideration, it's well worth looking at reconditioned Eurograde stock before buying new.
Browse Our Eurograde Safe Range
Ace Safes stocks a comprehensive range of new and reconditioned Eurograde safes from trusted manufacturers including Chubb, Burton, Dudley and SMP. Our team can advise on the right grade for your specific insurance requirements and arrange professional installation anywhere in the UK.
Browse our cash safe range or call us on 0800 373943 (Mon–Fri, 08:30–17:00) for expert advice.