ISM is the world’s leader in high security safes. Built in Israel, their line of TXTL, TRTL, and TL safes are considered the gold standard for protecting valuables from professional thieves and extreme fires.
ISM Safe Ratings
ISM’s core product line ranges from TL-30 to TRTL-60x6. All of the safes within this range have been tested by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) — an unbiased and independent third-party testing agency.
The UL began testing safes for burglary resistance in 1923. Today, it has five commercial burglary ratings — four of which ISM builds:
TL stands for tool latency. TR stands for torch resistance. A TL-15 and TL-30 safe are rated to withstand a tool attack on the door of the safe for 15 minutes and 30 minutes respectively.
TL-30x6 takes this burglary rating up a notch, by withstanding a tool attack on all six sides of the safe for 30 minutes. In keeping with this progression, a TRTL-30x6 can withstand both a tool and a torch attack on all six sides. The TRTL-60x6, not surprisingly, can withstand this attack for 60 minutes.
NOTE: Prior to testing, UL receives the full blueprints of the safe and completely deconstructs the safe to identify any weak points. Additionally, the time allotment is only for the time an UL professional is actively working on the safe. If they stop for any reason (to use the bathroom, drink water, swap out a tool, etc.) the timer is paused. Testing for a 60 minute rating can often take hours, if not a full day or more.
What is the Most Secure ISM Safe?
You might think that the TRTL-60x6 is the most secure ISM safe. Most any other retail website will tell you as much. But, the most secure ISM safe is the Super Diamond - TXTL-60x6.
This safe does not have a UL listing. Why? ISM hasn’t disclosed their exact reasoning for not putting the TXTL-60x6 through the UL’s testing program. Based on our most educated guess, it’s due to:
- Security Matters More Than Ratings — High networth individuals and governments are looking for the best security available. They don’t need to rely on a security rating dictated by an insurance company. Their primary concern is keeping valuables safe.
- Supply — These safes are no small beast. They range from 5,345 pounds to 8,690 pounds depending on the model. The safe’s single-piece body construction features Alchronite cast 3.4 inch thick all the way up to 7.1 inch thick at the boltwork protective area. Building one of these is no small undertaking.
- Cost — There are numerous costs associated with UL testing. Not only is there the cost of the test itself, but there’s also the cost of supplying safes for the test. Numerous safes need to be given to Underwriters Laboratory for the testing to be conducted.
Key Benefits of an ISM Safe
1. World’s Highest Rated Security Safe
ISM builds the world’ highest rated security safes. No other manufacturer provides this level of protection. This is thanks to their robust construction methods, which include features such as:
- Cast concrete
- Multiple layers of steel plates
- Special tar insulation
- Glass relockers
- UL approved locks
- An anti-penetration alloy grid
2. Insurance Benefits
Insurance for high value items, such as large diamond collections at a jewelry store, often require a UL rated commercial safe of a pre-specified level. In our experience, most insurance companies now require a TL-30 safe.
That being said, we are one of the largest US retailer of ISM safes. We’ve sold numerous TRTL-30x6 and TRTL-60x6 safes to businesses and individuals throughout North America.
Why would someone spend so much on a safe? Because they’re following the advice we’ve given for years: Purchase a safe commiserate to the value you’re storing. If you’re protecting irreplaceable valuables, large amounts of cash or precious metals, you want the best protection money can buy.
Having a high-quality safe can also lead to lower insurance premiums, potentially offsetting some of the initial costs.
3. Enhanced Fire Protection
While burglary has increasingly become a growing concern for business owners, fire also presents a major risk. Flames can consume a building in a matter of minutes, destroying cash, precious metals, firearms, hard drives, and more.
Thanks to the impressive construction methods of all ISM safes, they not only offer a strong defense against attempted break-ins, they also defend against high temps and smoke — with a two hour fire rating.
Where to Find an ISM Safe for Sale
There are only a handful of ISM certified dealers in North America — and even fewer who stock ISM products. If you’re in the market for an ISM safe that’s not in-stock, you’ll likely wait a minimum of six weeks for your safe to be shipped from Israel and even longer for it to be delivered and installed.
Northwest Safe has the largest selection of in-stock and ready to deliver ISM safes for sale. We can typically deliver or ship your safe within a week. Not located in our region? With over 35 years of experience, we’ve developed a network of professional safe installers who will get your safe placed, leveled and set up exactly where you want it.