How thick should the walls of a fire vault generally be to ensure safety?

The correct thickness for the walls of a fire vault typically needs to be substantial enough to withstand extreme heat and prevent the passage of fire, as well as protect contents from thermal damage. A thickness of 10 inches is commonly established in fire protection guidelines to ensure adequate resistance to intense fire conditions, including prolonged exposure to flames, which could last for several hours.

Fire vaults are specially designed to contain flammable materials or important records, so their construction must adhere to strict safety standards, including significant wall thickness. This thickness also contributes to structural integrity, ensuring that even in catastrophic situations, the vault maintains its containment capability.

While thinner walls, such as 4, 6, or even 8 inches, may provide some level of protection, they often do not meet the required performance criteria for longer-duration fires or extreme temperatures. Therefore, a wall thickness of 10 inches is essential to guarantee that a fire vault can effectively perform its function in safeguarding valuable items during a fire event.