FireKing FB5428-1 Fire and Burglary Safe Review

FireKing is traditionally known for their fire rated file cabinets. This used to be a massive industry but since the invention of computers, almost no one really uses paper anymore and everything is backed up to the cloud. FireKing decided to expand their product offerings and enter into the safe business. In this review, I will explain why the FireKing FB5428-1 Fire and Burglary Safe is a decent option but not the best in the category.

Lock – FireKing FB5428-1 Fire and Burglary Safe

UL Approved High Security Mechanical Lock

First and always most important for any safe is its lock. The FireKing FB5428-1 Fire and Burglary Safe comes standard with a UL Approved High Security Mechanical Lock. This is the S&G mechanical lock which is my top recommendation and the best in the industry. This high quality lock is designed to last forever and uses the traditional 3 number combination.

UL Approved High Security Electronic Lock

There is also a second lock option that is the S&G 6120 UL approved high security electronic lock. This is an excellent quality lock made by the oldest lock company in the United States. They have a premier reputation and make the highest quality locks. UL Approved type 1 is the highest security rating available and I would recommend going with this lock option.

Internal Re-Locker and Hard Plate

Regardless of the lock you chose, it is thoroughly protected by both an internal spring loaded re-locker and an internal hardened steel hard plate. If a burglar decides to drill through the front steel plate and concrete composite, they would then hit the hard plate which absolutely destroys drill bits. Then, if they get through that and attempt to punch out the lock, the internal re-locker breaks causing the spring loaded pin to drop down and stop the bolt-work from opening. It’s two more layers of defense and security for your protection.

Security – FireKing FB5428-1 Fire and Burglary Safe

The FireKing FB5428-1 Fire and Burglary Safe is UL approved as a Residential Security Container. This means it can withstand adequate burglary attacks for a period of up to 5 minutes with several different tools.

However, this safe is so much stronger than just your average RSC rated home safe. FireKing builds this home safe with concrete composite material in-between two layers of steel. The door and body feature a steel plate followed by the concrete composite mixture and then an additional inner steel liner. Also included are three-way solid steel active locking bolts that are pry resistant. Finally a bolt detent is included that automatically fires the bolts once the door is closed.

Fire Rating – FireKing FB5428-1 Fire and Burglary Safe

The FireKing FB home safes are fire rated for 1 hour at 1700 degrees. This is significantly hotter than nearly every competitor. This fire rating is the UL fire rating which is an independent laboratory who verifies the claims of safe companies. This is the hardest fire test to pass and includes a 30 foot drop test after the safe burns in the furnace. FireKing is one of only three companies to build a safe that passes this test. All the other companies only perform factory tests where we have to trust them and take their word for it.

An intumescent door seal is included that expands up to 7 times its size during a fire to seal out smoke and heat from entering the safe.

Style and Function

The FireKing FB series are finished in a textured tuape color. Hardware includes a brushed nickel L shaped handle. Inside you’ll find one adjustable or removable shelf. This interior is all metal with no carpeting. Overall, I am not impressed with the styling and think the safe looks horrible. However, it is very strong and durable, which is really what a safe should be.

Warranty

The FireKing FB series comes with a lifetime warranty on fires where they will replace the safe at no cost to you if it ever experiences a fire. In addition, they include a 1 year parts and labor warranty. I don’t have much experience with FireKing as a company so I can not speak to whether or not they are easy to deal with or are honorable with their warranty. They are owned by MasterLock who is a very large company and have been in business for a long time.

The Bottom Line

Would I buy the FireKing FB5428-1 Fire and Burglary Safe to store my valuables? Yes, I absolutely would. With a solid steel construction, concrete composite material, UL RSC burglary Rating, 1 hour high temperature UL verified fire rating and UL approved high security lock, this is a good option for security and fire protection.

With that said, it’s not my top pick in the category. The American Security BF Home Safes feature a thicker 1/2″ steel plate door, thicker steel plates in the body, a much more attractive finish with multiple color options and is made by a reputable and long standing American company. I would recommend buying an American Security BF home safe instead of this.